Cones, flaggers, and detours everywhere out there right now. Road construction is in full swing. Build in the extra few minutes and stay safe.
Dinner Club update: the next one is basically full by the time you're reading this. The good news is I've already booked the June and July dates, so if the locations work for you, you can grab a spot for one of those. Details here.
Updates on the FLX Trail game and the book club below.
Let's go!
👋 FLX TRAIL & PRIZES STILL UP FOR GRABS 👋
The Highest Score Possible Has NOT Been Hit
Your chance to hit the high score in the FLX Trail is still open until midnight ET today.
And yes, you can play and submit your score more than once!
1st place: $20 gift card (Wegmans, Flake Pastry, or Lucky Hare)
2nd place: $10 gift card (Wegmans or Lucky Hare)
3rd place: Finger Lakes Effect Postcard 4-pack
4th - 10th place: A mystery in the mail!
🦉 HOOT HOOT🦉
We’ve all seen the ‘flat’ looking face of an owl, right? Some are round, some heart-shape, some oval.
What I didn’t know was that these ‘facial disks’ help funnel sound to the owl’s ears, and the owl can actually move them. Pretty cool!
What surprised me even more: behind that facial disk is where the ear sits, and you can see the back of the eyeball from there.
I first heard about this on a podcast while driving to a trailhead last week, and after looking around I found a video on an ornithologist showing this on video.
Heads up: the owl had been struck by a vehicle and recovered by a licensed professional, which is why they were able to show this. There’s no blood or anything gruesome, and if I hadn’t been told, I would’ve assumed it was sedated. Still, if this might bother you, feel free to skip.
You can watch the video here.
I’ve been lucky enough to come across a lot of barred owls while trail running around Ithaca and the surrounding forests. Here’s a short video from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology with some great barred owl calls:
📘 BOOK CLUB NEXT STEP📘
Apologies if you got a stray email about the book club yesterday, I definitely made a bit of a setup mistake!
If you said ‘YES’ to the book club (or you’re interested as of right now), here’s what we’re going to try - use the poll below to join:
Are you ready to join the Finger Lakes Effect Book Club?
You’ll get updates every 2-ish weeks while we’re reading. Each one might be a question, a quick check-in, or something more.
If you haven’t already grabbed your copy of the “111 Places In The Finger Lakes That You Must Not Miss”, you still have time. You can buy it online or find it in stores around the region.
🔆 FINGER LAKES EFFECT BOOSTER 🔆
Becoming a one-time (or recurring) contributor means helping to keep the Finger Lakes Effect going so we can have more fun, build more connections, and not have each edition filled with ads.
I appreciate the support from this great group!
Thank you
The Bulletin
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Got a community event or shout-out? Submit that here.
The FLX Trail Game - Last day to try for the high score and prizes. Contest ends at midnight, but you can play for fun after that 😃
Crow City Books - A new bookstore in Auburn opened over the Memorial Day weekend! Swing by, check them out, and grab a good book.
Dinner Club - It’s too late to register for tomorrow’s dinner, but the next two dinner club meetups are on the books! Click the link and register for the one closest to you.
🔔 UPDATES 🔔
Sunrise | 5:34 AM |
Sunset | 8:32 PM |
Moonrise | 5:19 PM |
Moonset | 3:37 AM |
Air Quality | 19 GOOD |
Property: I just really like blue
📢 AROUND THE LAKES 📢
Events
Looking for more things to do outside of the weekend? Check out the Finger Lakes Event Guide for ideas. Head over here and try it out: https://fingerlakeseventguide.com
Community Update
The American Red Cross is running blood drives throughout the Finger Lakes and Central New York this summer, and they're sweetening the deal for donors. If you donate between May 18th and May 31st, you'll get an oversized Red Cross beach towel and be entered to win prizes. Find a drive near you. (don’t worry, you can still get a cookie)
📅 EVENTS 📅
Top Picks
49th Annual Ithaca Festival @ Downtown Ithaca (Thursday - Ithaca)
Homebrewed Comedy at McGraw Box Brewing Co. (Friday - McGraw)
Community Music Jam @ The Bucket Bar & Grill (Sunday - Odessa)
Wednesday, May 27
RAFFLE for An Evening with Wilco @ Fred & Harriett Taylor Memorial Library (Hammondsport) – A community fundraising raffle supporting the local library with a chance to win Wilco concert tickets.
Watercolor Landscape: Sunny Point at Dusk with Nancy Lane @ Arts Center of Yates County (Penn Yan) – A hands-on watercolor workshop exploring Finger Lakes landscapes, painting techniques, and creative artistic expression with guided instruction.
Ventosa’s Live Music Wednesdays @ Ventosa Vineyards (Geneva) – A relaxing vineyard music series pairing live performances, scenic wine country views, and laid-back Finger Lakes atmosphere.
The Smith Opera House History Tours @ The Smith Opera House (Geneva) – A fascinating guided tour exploring the rich history and architecture of Geneva’s beloved historic opera house.
Thursday, May 28
49th Annual Ithaca Festival @ Downtown Ithaca (Ithaca) – A lively four-day community festival filled with music, art, parades, local food, and creative downtown celebrations.
Note to Dinner Club participants - you might want to park away from the parade route and arrive in town a little early.
Howard Kraskow / The Prettymakers @ Danby Food and Drink (Ithaca) – A relaxed outdoor folk concert featuring local Americana-inspired musicians, community vibes, and family-friendly lawnside performances.
Sip & Paint with Hannah @ The Oasis at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards (Hector) – A relaxing evening of guided painting, wine country charm, and creative fun overlooking the Finger Lakes.
Robert Beck & Clara Davis LIVE @ Atwater Wine (Burdett) – An intimate evening of folk, blues, and Americana paired with Finger Lakes wine, cider, and small bites.
Friday, May 29
Erin Woodfest (Erin) - Chainsaws, carvings, ax throwing, competition, artists, and more. No parking or entrance fees. Friday - Sunday.
Six Eighty Cellars Immersive Walk-around Wine Pairing (Ovid) - Join for a Walk-around Wine Pairing at Six Eighty Cellars from 7:00–9:00 PM. Seasonal plates and thoughtfully paired wines.
Friday Night Farm Jams Presents: THE PELETONES @ Finger Lakes Cider House (Interlaken) – A lively farmside concert featuring great live music, cold cider, barbecue, and family-friendly Finger Lakes community vibes.
Timeless Treasures Sale @ CCHS at Grace Street (Cortland) – Browse antiques, vintage finds, artwork, and unique collectibles while supporting local historical education through May 30.
Vintage T-Shirt Sale at Ithaca Festival @ Community Arts Partnership (Ithaca) – Shop nostalgic local tees, festival memorabilia, and vintage finds celebrating Tompkins County history and community spirit.
Sunset Music Series Presents Jon Lamanna @ Wagner Vineyards (Lodi) – Enjoy live music, vineyard sunsets, and relaxed lakeside dining during this scenic Finger Lakes concert evening.
Blind Tasting In The Vineyard @ Either Oar (Hector) – Test your palate with a guided blind wine tasting surrounded by scenic Finger Lakes vineyard views.
CC-13 Rocks Alive After Five @ Wisner Park (Elmira) – An energetic outdoor concert blending original rock music, improvisation, and crowd-favorite classics in downtown Elmira.
Chris & Korie @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – Enjoy an easygoing live music evening with local performances, craft beer, and scenic Finger Lakes brewery views.
Pinot Noir Decoded: The Science Behind the Heartbreak Grape @ Wine Spectator Theater @ New York Kitchen (Canandaigua) – Explore the complexity of Pinot Noir through guided tastings, food pairings, and fascinating wine science discussions.
Homebrewed Comedy at McGraw Box Brewing Co. (McGraw) – Enjoy an evening of craft beer and stand-up comedy during this lively small-town brewery comedy showcase.
High Caliber LIVE @ Grist Iron Brewing Company (Burdett) – A lively brewery concert featuring rock favorites, craft beer, and lakeside Finger Lakes weekend vibes.
ROSE & the BROS live at Stone Bend Farm (Newfield) – A festive night of lively zydeco rhythms, dancing, and countryside charm at a scenic Finger Lakes farm.
Saturday, May 30
Ithaca Roller Derby Home Bout @ Cass Park Rink (Ithaca) – An action-packed roller derby showdown featuring junior and adult teams battling it out during Ithaca Fest weekend.
Burning Springs Open Gardens Weekend (Canandaigua) - See the 1669 "burning spring" the Senecas showed to French explorers, hike up to a waterfall, and watch plein air painters at work on this rare weekend the private Bristol Hills property opens to visitors.
Sweet Succulence Terrariums @ Hosmer Winery (Ovid) – A relaxing creative workshop combining painted teapot terrariums, succulents, and Finger Lakes winery atmosphere with hands-on artistry.
Farmers Market @ Modeste Bedient Memorial Library (Branchport) – Browse fresh seasonal produce, homemade baked goods, and flowers at this welcoming small-town community market.
Little Sparks: Flowers and Grass @ Family Play and Resource Center (Montour Falls) – Kids can plant playful grass heads, create flower art, and explore the spring garden together.
Elmira Infinite Canvas - Mural Fest 2026 @ Community Arts of Elmira (Elmira) – Celebrate community creativity through collaborative mural painting, public art, and interactive artistic expression downtown.
Feedback @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – Spend an easygoing afternoon enjoying live music, local brews, and vineyard views in the Finger Lakes.
Randy Knapp @ Seneca Stag Brewing (Penn Yan) – Kick back with live acoustic tunes, local brews, and a relaxed evening in Finger Lakes wine country.
An Evening with CAKE @ Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards (LaFayette) – Catch the alt-rock icons live among the orchards for a summer night of sharp lyrics and unforgettable hooks. (Waitlist tickets available as of writing)
Dine at the 9s: Za'atarday Night Special @ Northville Arts Center (King Ferry) – Savor a rich multi-course Turkish dining experience filled with fragrant spices, handmade dishes, and warm hospitality.
Dirt Turtles LIVE @ Steuben Brewing Company (Hammondsport) – A spirited evening of honky-tonk, rockabilly, and blues with Finger Lakes craft beer and rustic local charm.
The Cadillac Cats LIVE @ Two Goats Brewing (Hector) – A high-energy blues performance packed with soulful guitar riffs, funky grooves, and lively brewery atmosphere.
Sunday, May 31
Vinyasa in the Vineyard @ Hosmer Winery (Ovid) – A refreshing vineyard yoga experience combining guided vinyasa flow, scenic views, and relaxing Finger Lakes winery vibes.
Ithaca Book and Zine Fair @ Buffalo Street Books (Ithaca) – A vibrant celebration of indie publishing, zines, art, and local writers featuring dozens of creative exhibitors.
SUNDAY BLUES SERIES: Bob Holz Blues Project @ ONCO Fermentations (Tully) – A lively afternoon blues performance pairing soulful rhythms with craft brews in a relaxed brewery atmosphere.
Community Music Jam @ The Bucket Bar & Grill (Odessa) – An upbeat community gathering featuring live music, local food, family activities, and small-town summer fun.
The Mystic Twangers LIVE @ Grist Iron Brewing Company (Burdett) – An afternoon of live music and craft brews overlooking the scenic Finger Lakes countryside.
Recurring Events
Limited Duration - click here
Trivia - click here
Kid Friendly - click here
See you out there!
Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect.
Adam Moody
