The days are long and only getting longer, for a few more days.
The summer solstice officially lands this Sunday, the year's longest day. It’s also Fathers Day, so there’s a lot to celebrate.
There's plenty more to get to: wine voting is in Round 2, so make your picks count. Dinner club signups for Geneva and Watkins Glen are open and filling up.
Let's make the most of all this daylight!
🍷 ANOTHER ROUND? 🍷
We had a ton of wineries around Seneca Lake submitted and now it’s time to narrow it down to the top 10.
There’s so many ways to choose favorites; styles of wine, ambiance, interactions, food, and more.
If it feels like too much, just think of it this way - if you had friends visiting for one weekend, where would you send them? They can’t go everywhere, but you probably have 2 or 3 that come to mind right away.
Those are your top votes and in this round you can vote for up to 3!
🎸 MUSIC FESTIVAL RIGHT HERE ON SENECA LAKE 🥁
I found out about a new festival happening in our backyard on July 25, The Fireside Festival, and the more I learned, the more I liked.
Here's what I like about it. It's new, it's run by people who clearly care, and it's priced for actual humans. General admission is $35 a head. The vibe, as it was described to me, is a backyard BBQ field party turned all the way up: live music all day, a wine garden with four of our local wineries pouring, food trucks, fireworks after dark, and a bonfire to close the night. Bring the family, your bestie, or swing by solo.
It’s not just a festival from out of nowhere, there’s a real story behind it. Alex Hoag built The Fireside Festival in honor of his late father, Dean. Alex and his team put together a short video about it that's worth checking out for the history:
It’s all taking place on Saturday, July 25, out at Rock Stream Retreat on Seneca Lake. If you’re in, grab your tickets here.
The code FLX5 takes $5 off each ticket, thanks to the Fireside Festival for setting that up for Finger Lakes Effect readers.
🍴 DINNER BELLS ARE RINGING 🍴
Dinner Club is back and taking place next week on June 28th in Geneva! Last week to get signed up before the event. Join us here.
Can’t make that Dinner Club? Join us in July in Watkins Glen.
🔆 FINGER LAKES EFFECT CONTRIBUTIONS🔆
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Thank you!
The Bulletin
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Vital Garnish - Vital Garnish in Canandaigua is an alcohol-free cocktail bar and veggie-forward kitchen pairing craft mocktails with scratch-made plates and a weekly lineup of parties and open mics.
Fulkerson Winery - Fulkerson Winery in Dundee blends many generations of Seneca Lake farming with standout tastings (wine & juice) and a working farm open to visitors.
Dinner Club - Come join us for a tasty meal shared with 5 others from the area. Meet some new friends, enjoy a meal out, and hang around for the after-dinner secret meetup. Details here!
🔔 UPDATES 🔔
Sunrise: 5:28 AM
Moonrise: 8:04 AM
Air Quality: 24 Good
Sunset: 8:46 PM
Moonset: 11:26 PM
Pets: Need a running buddy?
📅 EVENTS 📅
Top Picks
International Mud Day - get outside and get dirty! (Monday - Worldwide)
2026 NYSA Tree Climbing Championship @ Stewart Park (Ithaca - Saturday)
Nature Sketching: Insects and Spiders @ Baltimore Woods Nature Center (Marcellus - Thursday)
Wednesday, June 17
Yoga @ Homer Fire Station (Homer) – Enjoy a relaxing community yoga session focused on movement, mindfulness, and overall wellness.
Lunchtime Yoga @ Finger Lakes Fitness Center (Ithaca) – Take a midday reset with accessible yoga classes designed to support movement, mindfulness, and wellbeing.
Motors & Music at The Glen @ Watkins Glen International (Watkins Glen) – Enjoy an evening of classic cars, live music, and fan-favorite vehicle voting at the iconic racetrack. Runs through August 19.
Thursday, June 18
Fun Home @ Hangar Theatre (Ithaca) – A powerful Tony Award-winning musical exploring family, identity, memory, and self-discovery across generations.
Art in the Gardens Tour @ Cornell Botanic Gardens (Ithaca) – A guided garden tour highlighting sculptures, design, and the creative connections between art and nature.
Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts Grand Reopening @ Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts (Trumansburg) – Celebrate the reopening of a beloved arts landmark with live music, tours, and community festivities.
Nature Sketching: Insects and Spiders @ Baltimore Woods Nature Center (Marcellus) – Discover the fascinating world of insects and spiders through guided nature sketching and close-up observation.
Horses, Burros & Barnyard Animals: in Watercolor and Ink (Clifton Springs) – Learn to capture the charm of farm animals through watercolor and ink in a creative hands-on workshop.
First Tastes: Belly Up, by Greg Moller @ Center for the Arts of Homer (Homer) – Enjoy a unique evening blending new play readings, culinary tastings, and conversations with local artists.
Off The Dock Chamber Festival @ St. James Episcopal Church & First Presbyterian Church (Skaneateles) – Experience innovative chamber music performances blending classical traditions, contemporary works, and multimedia artistry.
Friday, June 19
Friday Night Farm Jams Presents: MADDADDY @ Finger Lakes Cider House (Interlaken) – A lively father-daughter performance paired with farm-fresh barbecue, sparkling cider, and community fun.
Sunset Music Series Presents FAR Trio @ Wagner Vineyards (Lodi) – Enjoy live music, vineyard sunsets, and lakeside dining during this relaxed summer concert evening.
Ben & Sarah @ ONCO Fermentations (Tully) – Enjoy an intimate evening of live music and craft beverages in a relaxed brewery setting.
The Shark Is Broken (Live Theatre) @ Center for the Arts of Homer (Homer) – A witty backstage comedy exploring the chaotic making of the iconic film Jaws.
Transmitterrr with Guests - Live at the Annex Theater @ The Bundy Museum of History & Art (Binghamton) – An energetic live music showcase featuring local artists in an intimate theater setting.
Live from Linden @ Linden Street (Geneva) – A vibrant outdoor street festival featuring live music, local vendors, and summer community spirit.
Saturday, June 20
2026 NYSA Tree Climbing Championship @ Stewart Park (Ithaca) – Watch skilled arborists compete in exciting tree climbing challenges showcasing technique, speed, and precision.
Compost Workshop @ Masonic Lodge Pavilion (Newfield) – Learn practical composting techniques and tips for creating healthier gardens, plants, and sustainable habits.
International Mud Day @ Ithaca Children's Garden (Ithaca) – A delightfully messy family celebration filled with mud play, creativity, exploration, and outdoor fun.
Summer Solstice @ Hosmer Winery (Ovid) – Celebrate the longest day of the year with live rock music, local food, and vineyard fun.
Summer Solstice Market 2026 @ Jordan Elbridge Community Center (Jordan) – A vibrant community market showcasing handmade arts, local vendors, and creative activities for all ages.
Get Rooted: Summer Solstice Yoga & Sound Journey at Dorchester Park @ Dorchester Park (Whitney Point) – Welcome the summer solstice with lakeside yoga, soothing sounds, and mindful relaxation.
Spring Chicken BBQ @ Lansing Community Center Parking Lot (Lansing) – Enjoy a classic chicken barbecue fundraiser supporting the expansion of Lansing’s community performance hall.
Bluebirds and Breweries @ Fleur de Lis Brew Works (Seneca Falls) – Enjoy summer birdwatching, local craft beverages, and a live raptor presentation in the Finger Lakes.
Three Bears Fairytale Painting Workshop @ Three Bears Ovid (Ovid) – Create whimsical fairytale-inspired watercolor art while learning painting techniques in a welcoming workshop.
Milestone Band @ Seneca Stag Brewing (Penn Yan) – Enjoy an evening of live music, local brews, and relaxed lakeside vibes with Milestone Band.
Strawberry Moon Paddle @ Saunders Finger Lakes Museum (Branchport) – Paddle beneath the strawberry moon on Keuka Lake, then gather around a bonfire with snacks.
Tom Gath @ ONCO Fermentations (Tully) – Enjoy an evening of live music and craft brews with local performer Tom Gath.
The Disco Biscuits @ Lincoln Hill Farms (Canandaigua) – Experience an electrifying outdoor concert with jamtronica pioneers blending improvisation, rock, and electronic grooves.
Dirty Circus @ Liquid State Brewing Company (Ithaca) – A bold and entertaining circus-inspired performance blending acrobatics, spectacle, and unforgettable live energy.
Music in the Hollow @ The Ellis Hollow Community Center (Ithaca) – Enjoy free outdoor concerts featuring local bands, picnic-friendly vibes, and summer community gatherings.
The JPP LIVE @ Steuben Brewing Company (Hammondsport) – Enjoy an energetic mix of reggae, rock, blues, and jam-band grooves alongside local craft brews.
Tap Root Fields Strawberry Family Fun Run/Walk (Skaneateles) - check out a new trail system. This self-timed event is open to all ages and abilities; walk, jog, or run at your own pace while enjoying the beauty of the farm.
Sunday, June 21
Artist Alley Open Studios @ The Gallery at South Hill (Ithaca) – Explore local artists’ studios and enjoy live demonstrations in printmaking and photography.
Fathers Day Seafood Boil with Bradshaw Blues Band (Tully) – Treat Dad to a hearty seafood boil paired with live blues music and brewery atmosphere.
Fathers Day Celebration @ Lincoln Hill Farms (Canandaigua) – A family-friendly Father’s Day celebration featuring live music, lawn games, contests, and farm fun.
Fathers Day Low Tea @ Northville Arts Center (King Ferry) – Enjoy a casual Father’s Day buffet featuring sliders, sides, desserts, and family-friendly dining.
Beatles Tribute Fathers Day Brunch With The Variables (Watkins Glen) - Enjoy a laid back and tasty brunch at Lucky Hare’s Marina location with live music.
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
