Good morning, Finger Lakes Effect..ers? Effect-ees? (We need a name…got an idea, let me know!)

We’ve got amazing pottery, trails, music, and plenty more lined up this week.

Also, quick heads-up—the Perseids meteor shower peaks this week. For the best viewing, head outside after midnight and look roughly northeast. Bonus points if you can get to a dark-sky spot away from lights.

While you’re out there, take a moment to appreciate all the incredible outdoor activities we have right here in the Finger Lakes—kayaking, boating, trails for hiking and running, rail trails, ATV routes, horse paths, and so much more.

No matter how you like to get outside—on foot, by boat, or under the stars—it all connects us to the land and the people who keep it open and available.

We’re also giving the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC) some extra love in this week’s newsletter—once via my 100-mile adventure (details and link below), and again with their free book giveaway as part of the FLTC membership drive. Check them out and see how you can be part of keeping our trails and outdoor spaces thriving.

📖 Free Book Giveaway 📖

The Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC) is offering a unique incentive for new and renewing members during the month of August. Thanks to a generous donation from long-time trail supporter, artist, and author Eva Capobianco, members who join, renew, or reactivate their membership this month will be entered into a drawing to receive a signed, personally inscribed copy of Capobianco’s acclaimed book series A Few Miles at a Time.

The series documents Capobianco’s end-to-end hike of the Finger Lakes Trail through photography, sculpture, and personal stories. Winners may choose between Part I: Western New York or Part II: Central New York. One winner will be selected from each membership category—new and renewing/reactivating—with the drawing to be held September 2.

🥾 TRAIL OF THE WEEK: Bristol Hills

The Bulletin

Want to spread the word about your business, a project, a volunteer opportunity, or give a shout-out to over 5,291 friends in the Finger Lakes? Get in touch.

Finger Lakes 100 - I could use your support to help fund the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, the non-profit that maintains the Finger Lakes Trail and does so much more. 50% of all funds raised will go directly to the FLTC with the other half being used for logistics, gear, etc.

Gary Bercow Ceramics - Incredible custom ceramics from mugs to bowls with lids, and so much more. Functional art that grabs the eye. Etsy shop also available here.

📅 EVENTS

Top Weekend Picks

1. Movies Under the Stars: Dogman @ Clark Street Park

2. Homebrewed Comedy Night: A Fundraiser for CareFirstNY @ Iron Flamingo Brewery

3. Elmira Jazz Festival @ Thorne Street Park

Wednesday

• Live Music Sunset Cruise @ Ithaca Boat Tours (Ithaca) – Sail into summer with a magical sunset cruise set to live music and golden-hour views over the water.

• The Jess Novak Band @ Geneva Lakefront Summer Concert Series (Geneva) – Experience electric fiddle, powerhouse vocals, and soulful rock in a lively lakeside summer concert.

• Music Night – Ende Brothers @ Outlet 111 (Penn Yan) – Sip cocktails by the water, relax, and enjoy the Ende Brothers’ smooth live sound on a summer evening.

• Grapes, Griddles, & Fiddles @ Fox Run Vineyards (Penn Yan) – Savor wine, hot-off-the-griddle eats, and lively fiddle tunes with stunning lake views at Fox Run Vineyards.

• Free Concert: Amber Martin & The Fruit Stand @ Mill Park (Newfield) – Unwind under the summer sky, soaking in live music, fresh air, and a laid-back evening vibe.

Thursday

• The Party Brush’s Paint Night @ The Whimsy Mercantile (Lansing) – Sip, snack, and unleash your creativity while painting cozy Autumn wooden signs with step-by-step guidance.

• BETTY’S GHOST @ Finger Lakes Cider House (Interlaken) – Dance to classic rock, pop, and modern hits in a high-energy show that will keep you moving all night long.

• The Onlies @ South Hill Cider – Community Concert Series (Ithaca) – An evening of soulful strings, warm summer air, and cider under the glow of a community gathering.

• EPIC Concert Series: Bonfire – A Tribute to AC/DC @ Emerson Park (Owasco) – High-voltage rock, lake views, and local flavors for an unforgettable summer night.

• The Irish Lassies LIVE @ Laurentide Beer Company (Penn Yan) – Lively Celtic tunes, rich harmonies, and a pint in hand for a spirited summer night.

• Speed Dating @ Lost Dog Café & Lounge (Binghamton) – Fast chats, fresh faces, and the chance to spark something new in one lively evening.

• Homebrewed Comedy Night: A Fundraiser for CareFirstNY @ Iron Flamingo Brewery (Corning) – Stand-up laughs, craft brews, and good vibes—all to support hospice and community care.

• Music in the Park: Ageless Jazz Band @ Myers Park (Lansing) – Smooth jazz, lake breezes, and a laid-back summer night by the water.

• SVHC Story Slam @ Ake Gallery (Cortland) – True stories, shared laughter, and community connection in support of local health programs.

• Watchhouse @ Center for the Arts of Homer (Homer) – Soulful harmonies and poetic folk in an intimate, unforgettable concert setting.

• The Stifftones @ Two Goats Brewing (Hector) – A road-trip-fueled blend of rock, soul, and storytelling with lakeside brewery views.

Friday

• James Potorti Interpretive Gorge Walks @ Robert H. Treman State Park (Newfield) – Journey through a stunning gorge, uncovering the ancient geological story etched into its cliffs, and streams.

• Community Square Dance w/ FLX Squares @ Stone Bend Farm (Newfield) – Beginner-friendly square dancing with live music and country charm.

• Sidewalk Showcase @ Downtown Ithaca Commons (Ithaca) – An evening of dance and street performances in the heart of downtown Ithaca.

• Messtival (Messy Art Day) @ Penn Yan Public Library (Penn Yan) – Messy art, tasty bites, hands-on activities, and surprises for all ages in a playful community celebration.

• Live Music w/ Annie Ol’ Thyme @ Lucky Hare Brewing Owego (Owego) – High-energy tunes, cold craft beer, and a lively debut night to keep you dancing.

• Movies Under the Stars: Dogman @ Clark Street Park (Painted Post) – Outdoor summer movie night with blankets, snacks, and family fun under the stars.

• Wagner Sunset Music Series – Hot Dogs & Gin @ Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery (Lodi) – Live music, wine, and sunset views over Seneca Lake for a perfect summer night.

• Edge of Darkness @ Corning Community College – Digital Dome Theater (Corning) – A breathtaking dome theater journey to comets, Ceres, and Pluto for space lovers of all ages.

• Clark Jackson Band @ Grist Iron Brewing Company (Burdett) – Craft beer, lake views, and a lively mix of rock, country, and blues.

• Betty’s Ghost @ Finger Lakes Cider House (Interlaken) – Farm-to-glass cider, local eats, and high-energy rock, pop, and dance hits.

Saturday

• The Bookish Club @ The Whimsy Mercantile (Lansing) – Swap books, share favorites, and discover new reads in a cozy, welcoming gathering for book lovers.

• Foraging Walk @ CCE-Tompkins Education Center (Ithaca) – Discover edible plants and mushrooms, enjoy a guided nature walk with hands-on foraging tips.

• Teresa Bakota Yatsko: Reimagination @ The Gallery at South Hill (Ithaca) – Whimsical book sculptures and collages, blending nature’s textures with celestial, magical worlds.

• Psychic Show with Rev. Josey @ Hopshire Farm & Brewery (Freeville) – An evening of psychic readings, mystical insight, and craft brews in a relaxed brewery setting.

• The Greatest Showman (2017) – Free Screening @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – Free musical movie night in a historic theater with catchy songs and dazzling spectacle.

• Three Dog Night & Little River Band @ Summer Stage at Tag’s (Big Flats) – An epic summer night of classic rock hits and legendary bands, live under the stars.

• Elmira Jazz Festival @ Thorne Street Park (Horseheads) – A summer afternoon of top jazz talent, local favorites, and community spirit in the park.

• Odessa Community Pot-Luck Picnic @ Village of Odessa Community Room (Odessa) – Live music, lawn games, and shared dishes in a relaxed small-town summer picnic.

• Gabe Stillman Band @ Lucky Hare Brewing Bar & Grill – Marina (Watkins Glen) – Bluesy soul, craft beer, and lakeside views for a perfect summer evening.

• Miller and the Other Sinners @ Grist Iron Brewing Company (Burdett) – High-energy roots, soul, and blues with craft beer, great food, and a stunning Seneca Lake sunset.

Sunday

• The Evergreen Social x South Hill Cider: Vintage Clothing and Goods Market (Ithaca) – Sip cider, shop vintage treasures, and groove to live DJ beats at a stylish summer market.

• Molly Tuttle @ Concerts at Point of the Bluff (Hammondsport) – Grammy-winning bluegrass, masterful storytelling, and vineyard views on Keuka Lake.

• River Lynch @ Laurentide Beer Company (Penn Yan) – Roots rock, blues, and cold brews in a relaxed Keuka Lake brewery setting.

• The Ripcords @ Steuben Brewing Company (Hammondsport) – Country music, craft beer, and stunning Keuka Lake views for a laid-back Sunday.

Recurring Events

• Limited Duration - click here 

• Trivia - click here

• Kid Friendly - click here

Got an event we should feature in the Finger Lakes Effect? Click the button below and add your event details!

See You Out There

Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect!

Adam Moody

Finger Lakes Effect

P.S. The Finger Lakes Effect is always evolving—if you have an idea for the style, look, or topics, hit reply and let me know.