Annual events in the Finger Lakes.
July 16–19, 2026
One of the premier roots music festivals in the country. 75+ acts across 5 stages spanning folk, world music, Cajun, bluegrass, and more. Dance workshops, healing arts, camping. Founded as an AIDS benefit by Donna the Buffalo.
Visit websiteSeptember 26–27, 2026
Celebrating the grape harvest in the Grape Pie Capital of the World. Features the World's Greatest Grape Pie Contest, wine tasting, grape-themed foods, arts and crafts. About 80,000 visitors.
Visit websiteAugust 26 – September 7, 2026
America's oldest state fair and one of the largest. Agricultural exhibits, the famous butter sculpture, free concerts at Chevy Court, midway rides, and diverse food vendors. Nearly 1 million visitors annually.
Visit websiteMay 8–17, 2026
North America's largest free festival of its kind, celebrating 500+ lilac varieties in Highland Park. Features live music, art vendors, 5K/10K races, and guided tours of the Olmsted-designed park. Over 500,000 visitors annually.
Visit websiteTypically memorial Day weekend
A celebration of glass and fire arts in America's Crystal City. Live glassblowing demos, art vendors along Market Street, Rock the Park concerts, wine tastings, and Saturday night fireworks.
Visit websiteNovember 27 – December 24, 2026
Immersive street theater transforms the village into Victorian England. 50+ costumed performers including Charles Dickens, Queen Victoria, and Scrooge interact with visitors. Carol sing-alongs, wagon rides, roasted chestnuts.
Visit websiteTypically mid-July
The largest showcase of New York State wines at Watkins Glen International. Features 85+ wineries, live music, culinary classes, craft vendors, and pace car rides. Voted Best Wine Festival by USA Today readers.
Visit websiteDecember 11–13, 2026
Celebrates the 1946 film in the town believed to have inspired Bedford Falls. Character actors, film screenings, parade, 5K run, and appearances by surviving cast members. 2026 marks the 80th anniversary.
Visit websiteSeptember 25–27, 2026
Downtown celebration on the Ithaca Commons featuring local apples, cider, baked goods, 100+ craft vendors, farm stands, and live music. Over 30,000 attendees.
Visit websiteTypically late September
The original porchfest that spawned 230+ similar events. Musicians perform simultaneously on 100+ porches in Fall Creek and Northside neighborhoods. Free, walkable, family-friendly.
Visit websiteOctober 10–11, 2026
Massive fall festival drawing 30,000+ visitors. Features 400+ craft vendors, apple pancake breakfasts, carnival rides, local nonprofit food booths, and the nearby Cardiff Giant marker.
Visit websiteJuly 4 – August 16, 2026
Renaissance fair recreating the village of Warwick, England in 1585. Full-contact jousting, 100+ performers across 12 stages, artisan vendors, and interactive entertainment. 2026 marks the 50th anniversary.
Visit websiteTypically last weekend in July
Two-day celebration of Haudenosaunee and Indigenous cultures at Ganondagan State Historic Site. Traditional dance, music, storytelling, craft demonstrations, Native Arts Market, and guided tours.
Visit websiteAugust 1–2, 2026
Two-day lakefront celebration of the stinking rose. Features 50+ farms and vendors, cooking demonstrations, live music, local wines, and all manner of garlicky creations.
Visit websiteTypically third Sunday July & August
40+ years of world-class jazz on the outdoor Vineyard Stage overlooking Seneca Lake. Past artists include Dave Brubeck, Chuck Mangione, Chris Botti, and Spyro Gyra.
Visit websiteJune 13–14, 2026
A juried fine art and craft show along the scenic Keuka Lake Outlet Trail. Features 100+ artists, live music, local wine and food vendors. Free admission.
Visit websiteAugust 5–8, 2026
Phelps celebrates its sauerkraut heritage with a parade, the Krauter 5K/20K (oldest race in the Finger Lakes), carnival rides, the Kraut Krawl craft beverage stroll, and Mustang Rally.
Visit websiteAugust 9, 2026
One of the nation's largest team relay triathlons circling Owasco Lake from Emerson Park. Teams of 2-4 complete run, bike, and paddle segments, followed by a community celebration.
Visit websiteTypically third week in August
One of the oldest continuously running fairs in New York (174 years). Classic agricultural competition, carnival rides, grandstand entertainment, demolition derbies, livestock shows.
Visit websiteJune 20, 2026
Lakeside celebration at Seneca Harbor Park anchored by the whimsical Cardboard Boat Regatta. Teams race homemade cardboard vessels while spectators cheer from shore. Food vendors, live music, free children's activities.
Visit websiteTypically friday after Labor Day
Celebrates the village's road racing heritage and the original 1948–52 street races. Vintage cars drive laps of the historic 6.6-mile course, car shows, and SVRA Tribute Laps through downtown.
Visit websiteTypically first Sunday in August
The oldest bluegrass festival in New York and the Northeast. Free, family-friendly lakeside gathering at Dwyer Memorial Park featuring 15+ bluegrass and old-time bands.
Visit websiteTypically weekend nearest July 19–20
Honors the 1848 Women's Rights Convention. Features speakers, living history portrayals, a marketplace on Fall Street, and events at Women's Rights National Historical Park.
Visit websiteJuly 7–11, 2026
Youth-focused fair with 4-H shows, livestock exhibits, barnyard olympics, pedal tractor pulls, veggie car races, and midway rides. Free admission.
Visit websiteTypically mid-November–January
The Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural Museum transforms into a winter wonderland with 180+ decorated Christmas trees, toy trains, dollhouses, miniature circus, and hands-on farm activities. Free admission.
Visit websiteTypically multiple concerts June–July
Musicians from the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra perform classical works in vineyard settings at Hunt Country Vineyards and other venues. Wine and picnic items available. Free admission.
Visit websiteTypically second weekend in July
Two-day celebration transforming downtown Geneseo with live music on multiple stages, craft vendors, food, children's activities, and the beloved Teddy Bear Parade on Saturday morning.
Visit websiteJuly 18, 2026
One-day arts and crafts festival on Homer's historic village green. Features 125+ artisan vendors, live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, a quilt show, and small-town charm.
Visit websiteTypically fourth week of July
Five-day fair with 4-H youth activities, livestock shows, carnival rides, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, petting zoo, and model train displays.
Visit websiteTypically second full weekend in August
Four-day gathering of antique steam engines, tractors, and farm machinery. Nightly tractor pulls, sawmill demos, daily parades, one of the largest flea markets in the state.
Visit websiteTypically third full week of July
Week of agriculture, livestock competitions, demolition derby, rodeo, and harness racing at Swift Street fairgrounds.
Visit websiteTypically last weekend in July
More than 80 antique and classic boats displayed in the water and on land at Clift Park. Boat parades, guided village tours, and People's Choice awards.
Visit websiteTypically first full week of July
Five-day fair featuring tractor pulls, demolition derbies, figure 8 races, and live music. One of the few owner-operated fairs in New York, run without government funding.
Visit website