The Greater Ithaca Art Trail, organized by the Community Arts Partnership, is a collection of 55 artists across Tompkins County, featuring various art forms from sculpture to ceramics. It runs through the Spring offering monthly Second Saturdays, special event weekends, and visits by appointment. For more information, visit ArtTrail.com.
The Spring Writes Literary Festival, organized by the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County, is set to feature over 100 local and regional writers participating in more than 40 literary-themed events. This vibrant celebration of literature includes 23 live panels, readings, workshops, performances, and happenings across downtown Ithaca from May 2-5, with additional Zoom events from May 11-18. Writing workshops, both live and via Zoom, will continue through August. This festival highlights the rich literary talent of the region and offers free admission to the public, although registration will be required for some events. For more details, visit the Spring Writes website.
Ithaca Festival 2024
The Ithaca Festival is a long-standing tradition that celebrates the artist in everyone, running from May 30-June 2. This community festival features a parade on May 30 and a theme of "Let The Sunshine In!" for its 2024 edition. The festival includes a Spring Craft Fair from May 31-June 2, showcasing nearly one hundred local and regional vendors offering everything from jewelry and pottery to small-batch craft foods and beverages. Also, more than 70 performances will take place on various stages throughout Ithaca, highlighting local groups and touring artists. The Ithaca Festival is free and supported by sales of festival buttons and merchandise. More information can be found on the Ithaca Festival website.
Ithaca Laughs 2024
The Ithaca Laughs 2024 festival is set to elevate laughter from May 30-June 1, featuring stand-up talents in iconic venues across Ithaca, NY. Aimed at both comedy enthusiasts and performers, it offers emerging and established comics a platform to showcase their humor in 8-minute sets. This event promises non-stop laughter and opportunities for comedians to network, and book shows across upstate NY, fostering growth in the comedy scene. For more information, checkComedy On The Commons.
The 6th Annual Ithaca Reggae Fest celebrates community and music at Stewart Park, featuring a free welcome party on June 21 and a ticketed day full of activities on June 22. This event is dedicated to the protection of Cayuga Lake, highlighting Ithaca's reggae community and history. The festival includes performances by international and local reggae artists, yoga, the Lake Discovery Village, and a skateboarding event. Admission is free for people younger than 16. For more information, visit the Ithaca Reggae Fest website.
Ithacon 47
Ithacon 47 takes place April 27-28 at Ithaca College’s Campus Center, with a focus on comic books. This fan-run event celebrates comics, creators, and fans, providing a unique Comic-Con experience reminiscent of the 1970s. Admission costs vary, with special rates for Ithaca College students and staff, and free entry for kids under certain conditions. For more details, visitIthacon.
The Historic Theaters Tour, organized by Historic Ithaca, offers a guided walking tour of Ithaca's historic theaters and their original locations on June 8. Participants will explore the city's movie palace heyday, stopping at both existing and former theater sites, and conclude at the Canopy Hotel's Strand Cafe. Registration is required due to limited space, with a cost of $14.64. For more details, visit Historic Ithaca.
Spring Performances in Ithaca
La Cerise Noire at The Cherry Artspace
La Cerise Noire returns to The Cherry Artspace with a vibrant mix of neo-vaudeville acts. This event, hosted by the Mighty Mickie Quinn as Cherry Bombe, showcases a variety of performances including aerial arts, comedy, music, burlesque, drag, and more. Scheduled for May 3-4 at 7:30pm, it's a night of eclectic and enchanting entertainment. For more details, visitThe Cherry Arts.
The Turnaway Play by Lesley Lisa Greene
From May 8-19, "The Turnaway Play" brings to the stage an urgent societal issue, drawing inspiration from Diana Greene Foster's impactful Turnaway Study. This drama weaves real-life stories into a narrative that delves into the lives of women facing the consequences of having or being denied abortions. It aims to transcend political divides, offering a deep, nuanced exploration of a crucial topic. For more details, visitKitchen Theatre.
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is committed to enriching the Ithaca and Finger Lakes regions with professional, engaging classical music performances and community education. As Ithaca's official orchestra since 1976, it has a vibrant history of bringing music to life. Their upcoming concert is "Passing the Baton: The Four Seasons" on May 19. For more details, visit theirwebsite.
Venues & Organizations With Regular Events
These fabulous and quintessential Ithaca venues have shows and events throughout the season - no matter when you come you’re sure to find something you’ll love!
State Theatre: An eclectic range of shows throughout the season
Soil Factory: Where social, arts, and scientific networks interact
