New Years Eve is tonight, hopefully that’s not coming as a surprise!

Despite the holidays, there’s still a lot going on around the lakes, with some fun movies, meals, and music.

Let’s jump right into it 📢

🎉 New Year’s Poll 🎉

The Bulletin

Want to spread the word about your business, project, volunteer opportunity, or give a shout-out to 8,500+ friends in the Finger Lakes? Get in touch.

Grounded Cafe - If you’re cruising through Geneva and need a solid coffee stop, Grounded delivers. Flavorful roasts, fun drink options, quick-moving lines even on busy mornings, and an easygoing atmosphere that invites you to hang out a bit.

Finger Lakes Insider - I love sharing the weekly Finger Lakes Effect with you, but I know planning can be helpful more than a few days out. That’s why I’m putting the finishing touches on the Finger Lakes Insider. It is a monthly "fun" map designed to save you time and help you unlock the best without the stress of research. With everything lined up for the next month, you'll be good to go. Oh, there will be some fun bonuses too.

Finger Lakes Public House - If you’re craving a solid burger and a relaxed night out, Finger Lakes Public House in Canandaigua delivers. Quality ingredients, fresh-cut fries, hand-battered everything, and the local Clarky’s Twisted Sauce paired with craft beers and cocktails.

📅 EVENTS

Top Weekend Picks

1. Wild Walk: First Day Hike @ Wild Walk (Thursday)

2. Learn to Curl with the Finger Lakes Curling Club @ The Rink (Finger Lakes Curling Club) (Saturday)

Wednesday

• Noon Year’s Eve @ Penn Yan Public Library (Penn Yan) – Confetti, bubbles, music, apple-juice toast, midday countdown, playful New Year vibes for all ages.

• NYE Bash! @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – Daytime NYE brewery hang, craft beers, food specials, relaxed vibes, start the celebration early.

• Sunset Boulevard (1950) @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – Classic film noir screening, old Hollywood glamour, moody storytelling, elegant early-evening NYE.

• The Good, The Bad, and the Deadly: NYE Murder Mystery @ del Lago Resort & Casino (Waterloo) – Interactive murder mystery, immersive storytelling, clues and suspects, dramatic NYE fun with friends.

• NYE Party @ Deep Dive Ithaca (Ithaca) – Live bands, packed dance floor, gritty local energy, all-night NYE party.

• The Poseidon Adventure (1972) @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – Classic disaster film screening, suspenseful storytelling, vintage Hollywood drama, late-evening NYE.

• New Year’s Gala 2026 @ Argos Inn (Ithaca) – Multi-room NYE gala, live bands and DJ, fire pits, cocktails, s’mores, stylish Ithaca celebration.

• Art In Windows Tour Downtown Syracuse @ Midoma Gallery (Syracuse) – Self-guided downtown art walk, window installations, NY creatives, free and open all day.

• New Year’s Eve at Glenora Wine Cellars (Dundee) – Ring in NYE wine-country style, lake views, tastings, relaxed vineyard vibes, perfect daytime celebration.

• New Year’s Eve at Geneva On The Lake (Canandaigua) – Lakeside NYE celebration, live band energy, elegant Finger Lakes setting, festive vibes.

Thursday

• New Year’s Antique & Collectibles Auction @ Hayes Auction Barn (Penn Yan) – Start the year bidding on vintage engines, signs, toys, and rare farm and oil collectibles in a classic auction setting.

• Boundary Breaks Annual Wine & Cookie Pairing @ Boundary Breaks Vineyards (Lodi) – Sip Seneca Lake wines paired with festive cookies in a cozy vineyard tasting tradition to welcome the New Year.

• New Year’s Gong Bath Experience with Caryn Sheckler @ First Presbyterian Church (Trumansburg) – Start the New Year grounded and restored with an immersive gong bath designed for deep relaxation and renewal.

• WWE Live Holiday Tour @ The Oncenter (Syracuse) – Explosive live wrestling, superstar entrances, crowd-roaring matches, high-impact action, nonstop thrills to start the year strong.

• Wild Walk: First Day Hike @ Wild Walk (Canandaigua) – Start the year outside, winter trail adventure, reflective pauses, fresh air, movement, nature-led reset to begin anew.

• Hare of the Dog New Year’s Day Brunch @ Lucky Hare Brewing Bar and Grill (Watkins Glen) – All-day New Year’s brunch with brunch cocktails, comfort food, and easygoing lakeside vibes.

Friday

• Cornell Men’s Ice Hockey vs University of Nebraska Omaha @ Lynah Rink (Ithaca) – Fast-paced college hockey, roaring crowd energy, hard-hitting action, classic Lynah Rink winter showdown.

• CHER! An Unauthorized Evening of Cher (and a Little Sonny Too) @ Canandaigua (Canandaigua) – Sequins, powerhouse vocals, iconic hits, retro glam energy, and a larger-than-life tribute night to start the year dazzling.

• Ithaca Gallery Night @ Downtown Ithaca Galleries & Venues (Ithaca) – A lively First Friday art walk with open galleries, creative energy, and community vibes throughout downtown.

Saturday

• Time Travel: Snowflakes @ Cortland Free Library (Cortland) – Snowflake stories, hands-on crafts, winter creativity, learning through play, and sweet family-friendly fun at the library.

• Family Field Days: Let’s Go Snowshoeing @ Baltimore Woods Nature Center (Marcellus) – Family snowshoe adventure, winter trail fun, outdoor games, forest exploration, and hot chocolate to warm the day.

• Mary Poppins @ Auburn Public Theater (Auburn) – Magical nanny, music and adventure, classic family storytelling, whimsical charm, and a cozy afternoon at the theater.

• Learn to Curl with the Finger Lakes Curling Club @ The Rink (Finger Lakes Curling Club) (Ithaca) – Try curling for the first time, guided instruction, hands-on ice time, fun winter workout, and a social sports intro.

• Let’s Dance! Celebrate American–Ukrainian Friendship @ Cortland Country Music Park (Cortland) – Community dancing, shared dishes, cultural connection, joyful music, family-friendly vibes, and a welcoming night for all

• Comedy Night at Brass Rail @ Brass Rail Bar & Grill (Binghamton) – Stand-up laughs, sharp punchlines, laid-back bar vibes, affordable comedy night, and a crowd-ready Saturday showdown.

• New Year Wellness Retreat @ The Lake House on Canandaigua (Canandaigua) – A serene lakeside reset focused on intention, balance, and starting the new year feeling grounded and renewed.

Sunday

• New Year’s Hangover Brunch with Danny Jolles @ Crooked Mouth Brewing (Endicott) – Laugh off the New Year with stand-up comedy, brunch vibes, and an easygoing afternoon energy.

• Boundary Breaks Annual Wine & Cookie Pairing @ Boundary Breaks Vineyards (Lodi) – Sweet and cozy wine tasting with cookie pairings, winter vineyard vibes, and relaxed sipping all afternoon.

• Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets – Season Finale Watch Party @ Laurentide Beer Company (Penn Yan) – Game-day energy, craft beer, and big-screen football for a high-stakes season finale watch party.

• Resin Trinket Trays @ White Rabbit Roasting Co (Weedsport) – A cozy, creative afternoon crafting custom resin trays, sipping coffee, and learning something new.

Recurring Events

• Limited Duration - click here 

• Trivia - click here

• Kid Friendly - click here

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See You Out There

Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect!

Adam Moody

Finger Lakes Effect