What’s Happening in Ithaca This July?

July in Ithaca offers a full calendar of events, many of them outdoors. It’s a chance to experience the area through local performances, seasonal celebrations, and community spaces.

July 4: Independence Day Party at the Inn at Taughannock Falls

Celebrate the Fourth in a stunning lakeside setting at the Inn at Taughannock Falls. The evening begins at 5:30 PM with a barbecue buffet, live music, and the popular Mazzarita Margarita Station. Cap it off with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 PM, lighting up the sky above Cayuga Lake.

July 10 to 19: Waitress at Hangar Theatre

From July 10 to 19, Hangar Theatre presents Waitress, the hit Broadway musical based on the 2007 film. With original music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, this heartfelt story follows a small-town waitress and pie maker as she searches for a fresh start. Don’t miss this limited-run production at one of Ithaca’s most beloved theaters!

July 11 to 13: The Velveteen Rabbit at Hangar Theatre

Adapted from the popular children's book, this family-friendly performance will take place outdoors, under the KIDDSTUFF Tent.

July 12: Second Saturdays on the Art Trail

The new Greater Ithaca Art Trail season begins in July, and a selection of the artists will be open on the Second Saturdays of each month beginning July 12th. 

July 13: Exploring the Trees of the Arboretum at F.R. Newman Arboretum

Take a tree tour to learn about the diversity of tree species at the F.R. Newman Arboretum at 2:00 PM. Preregistration is required.

July 13: Evergreen Social Summer Series at South Hill Cider

On July 13 from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM at South Hill Cider, enjoy unique vintage finds, live music from DJ. Dou, delicious cider and food at this vintage clothing and goods market with Evergreen Social.

July 17 to 20: Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival

This festival of music and dance brings together over 80 bands across five stages, with music and dance at the heart of it all. Expect food vendors, on-site camping, family-friendly activities, and art throughout the weekend.

July 17 to 27: Ithaca Shakespeare Company at Allan H. Treman State Marine Park

The Ithaca Shakespeare Company will present The Tempest from July 17–20 and again from July 23–27 at Allan H. Treman State Marine Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an outdoor performance of this classic play in a scenic waterfront setting.

July 18: Friday Concerts at Cornell — Jorge T. Cuevas & The Caribe Jazz Allstars

Enjoy an evening of live music on the Ag Quad with a free performance by Jorge T. Cuevas & The Caribe Jazz Allstars. The concert begins at 7:00 PM and features a vibrant mix of Latin jazz originals and timeless jazz standards. Bring a blanket, relax on the lawn, and take in the music in one of Cornell’s most iconic outdoor spaces.

July 19: AL! The Weird Tribute – A Musical Comedy Experience in Ithaca at the NRE Event Space

Head to the NRE Event Space on July 19 for a high-energy musical comedy that celebrates the worlds of Weird Al Yankovic and Harry Potter. AL! The Weird Tribute combines parody, pop culture, and live performance for a night that’s part concert, part comedy show, and entirely unexpected.

July 24 to 27: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience at Hangar Theatre

From July 24 to 27, catch this family-friendly rock musical under the KIDDSTUFF Tent at Hangar Theatre. Based on the book by Mo Willems, the show follows a naked mole rat with a flair for fashion in a funny, feel-good parable about self-expression!

July 25: Friday Concerts at Cornell University's Ag Quad: Gunpoets

Join the crowd on the Ag Quad at 7:00 PM for a free outdoor concert featuring The Gunpoets, known for their uplifting blend of hip hop, live instrumentation, and positive energy. Bring a blanket, grab some friends, and enjoy the good vibes in one of Cornell’s most iconic gathering spots.

July 26 to August 2: Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson at Hangar Theatre

Catch a fresh twist on a classic mystery as Hangar Theatre stages Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B from July 26 to August 2. This fast-paced, contemporary adaptation reimagines Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as sharp, modern women navigating crime!

Sidewalk Showcase in Downtown Ithaca Commons

On the 3rd Friday of each month, enjoy a variety of street performers from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Downtown Ithaca Commons.

Live Music on the Farm at the Finger Lakes Cider House

Enjoy live music on the farm at Finger Lakes Cider House every Friday night through October 10th. Doors open at 5:00 PM.

CFCU Summer Concert Series

Thursdays from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Bernie Milton Pavilion will feature live, outdoor concerts in downtown Ithaca. The concerts will run from now until September 8!

Ithaca Gallery Nights

Ithaca Gallery Night takes place on the first Friday of each month from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., featuring rotating exhibitions across local galleries in Ithaca and Tompkins County. The event showcases work from individual artists, as well as student pieces from Ithaca College and Cornell University. Additionally, you can find a variety of other art-related activities and events throughout July, including workshops, talks, classes, and more.