As new and returning students alike flock their way to the Finger Lakes for the upcoming academic year, many may find themselves wondering what there is to do in our neck of Central New York. The Ithaca Times has compiled a guide for the best local events taking place while students are here.
Welcome Student Weekend - Sept. 14
Welcome Student Weekend is the perfect opportunity to explore the Ithaca Commons for the first time and experience what the city’s downtown area has to offer. Open to students from Cornell University, Ithaca College and Tompkins Cortland Community College, the event is free for whoever wishes to attend.
Events include the annual downtown “scavenger hunt” and tours of the downtown neighborhood. Hosted by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA), this event will take place Sept. 14.
Porchfest - Sept. 22
A musical way to welcome the autumn season is the infamous Porchfest, a free music festival held right in the streets of the city. While similar events occur around the country, the first took place in Ithaca. Each year, people offer their porches, yards and driveways for various musicians and bands to perform to anyone who wishes to stop by.
This year’s Porchfest will take place from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 22. A schedule for the event can be found on the organizers’ website when it becomes available: https://www.porchfest.org.
Apple Harvest Festival - Sept. 27-29
This year will mark the 42nd year of the annual Apple Harvest Festival, the time of year where the Ithaca community gathers to celebrate the iconic fruit and the beginning of fall. The festival hosts a variety of farm stands featuring fresh produce - most notably, apples- as well as apple-based and seasonal baked goods, food trucks and a craft fair featuring the work of regional artisans. Over 70,000 visitors came to partake in the festival last year.
All laid out among the backdrop of live music, attending this event is a must for anyone in the area. The Apple Harvest Festival is hosted by the DIA.
Ice and Lights Fest - December 2024
For two weekends in early December, Ithaca becomes home to the Ice and Lights Festival, bringing a wide variety of events once again to the Commons, including the Chowder Cook-Off, Ice Bar, Silent Disco, BEYOND Light Art and the arrival of Santa in Downtown.
Throughout the event, visitors also have the chance to shop, dine, and walk around to take in the abundance of holiday lights and ice sculptures. Be sure to keep up with the Downtown Ithaca Alliance for information on this year’s festival.
Rutabaga Curl - December 2024
For just over twenty years the annual Rutabaga Curl has been a joke turned tradition. Every year, the people of Ithaca come together to compete in the made-up sport of Rutabaga Curling: whoever can roll the vegetable closest to a marked spot on the ground is declared the winner.
The event has grown to include an MC, cheerleaders, media, and its own mythology (starring the Rutabaga God and Goddess). Registration is traditionally $5 for contestants to compete with a standard rutabaga and children eight and under with a turnip.
Chili Cook Off - March 2025
Winter is still in full swing in upstate New York during March, prompting many to turn toward the warm, hardy meal that is chili. Every year, downtown Ithaca organizes a Chili Cook-Off. This past March, over 30 vendors competed for the best meat-based chili and best veggie-based chili.
The date of 2025’s Chili Cook-Off has yet to be announced, so keep your eyes peeled if you want to partake in the vote.
Dragon Day - March 28
For over 100 years first-year Cornell architecture students have constructed a dragon to battle a rivaling phoenix created by first-year engineering students. The tradition is known as “Dragon Day,” and while no one knows exactly how it came to be, it has become a much beloved Cornell tradition.
Dragon Day has been celebrated the day before students leave for Spring Break since 2013, so be sure to check it out.
Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival - April 2025
Film lovers with an interest in environmental issues, this one's for you. Each year is centered around a new theme, with the most recent being “Turbulence.” Previously showcased films addressed subjects such as fracking and regrowing coral reefs.
The FLEFF is commonly hosted on Ithaca College’s campus and Cinemapolis during the month of April.
Ithacon - April 2025
Since 1976, Ithacon has been the event for those who want to celebrate their love of comic books. The convention is currently organized and run by students at Ithaca College enrolled in the class MGMT 29800 ITHACON: Promoting and Managing Conventions.
Ithacon prides itself on focusing solely on comic books and maintaining a classic 1970’s convention vibe. It hosts a wide array of guests and profits go back into future holdings of the convention.
Mac ‘n Cheese Bowl - May 2025
Mac ‘n cheese lovers everywhere were made for this fundraising event. Mac ‘n Cheese Bowl is hosted by Foodnet Meals on Wheels to raise money to contribute toward their current services.
Vendors from all around Ithaca come together to make their own mac ‘n cheese and ticket holders have the opportunity to sample and vote on their favorite. The bowl is traditionally held at the Ithaca Farmers Market.
Spring Writes Literary Festival - May 2025
This festival brings together over 100 local writers and artists in downtown Ithaca to showcase their work to the public eye. The festival also hosts workshops, readings, and panel discussions, and provides virtual options for people unable to attend in-person.
The festival is typically held from the beginning of May to the middle of the month. Attending the event is free, so even if you can’t stay for long it is still definitely a worthwhile addition to your schedule.
Slope Day - May 2025
Held on the last day of the academic calendar, Slope Day is Cornell University’s end of the year celebration. The event features food, giveaways, and live entertainment. Past performers have included Snoop Dog, Magic!, and Gym Class Heroes.
Slope Day is open to only Cornell students, alumni, staff, and faculty. Non-Cornell affiliated guests are not invited. Attendees are required to purchase a wristband to enter.
Ithaca Festival - May/June 2025
One of the best and most well-known ways to support the artists of the Finger Lakes region is by visiting the Ithaca Festival. Complete with a parade, craft fair, and over 70 live performances, there is something for everyone to get involved with. Like all worthwhile events, this festival even sells its own commemorative merchandise.
Typically hosted near the end of the academic year, the Ithaca Festival is a great way to celebrate the vibrant Ithaca community before taking off for a well-deserved, relaxing summer.
Gallery Night Ithaca - First Friday of Every Month
Gallery Night Ithaca is the event for those looking to support local, regional and international visual artists. The experience is found at various locations around downtown, providing a flexible walking tour experience for those looking for a casual way to spend the evening.
Up to 20 venues are available for browsers and collectors alike to enjoy on the first Friday of every month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. To preview the exhibitions for the upcoming month and where to find them, those interested can visit ithacagallerynight.com.
Grace "Gray" Reed is a student journalist from the The Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University working as an intern for The Ithaca Times.
