SPECIAL EVENTS

Gallery Night

Gallery Night takes place on the first Friday of each month at an average of 8-10 locations and features dozens of regional and local artists every month. Galleries, shops, restaurants, and other locations share artwork created by over 100 artists annually. The walking tour continues to attract new visitors and locals to spend time in downtown. In 2022, Maguire Hyundai Subaru Genesis came on board as the title sponsor while the program is continually also supported in part by the Community Arts Partnership.

Ithaca Festival Craft Fair

Downtown Ithaca continued its long-standing partnership with the Ithaca Festival, operating the Spring Festival Craft Fair. In 2022, the event featured both local and traveling artists and crafters over three days. 75 vendors offered handcrafted, unique items, including jewelry, home goods, artwork, clothing, and more to the event’s 40,000+ visitors.

Pride Week

In 2022, Downtown Ithaca collaborated with local organizers to bring together a vibrant and inclusive Pride celebration for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. The festival ran from June 26th to July 3rd and included almost 50 events, workshops, readings, gatherings, activities, and more, all of which were open to all ages. The events and activities listed in the 2022 Pride Guide provided a platform for community members to come together and celebrate their identities in a supportive and welcoming environment. By creating a diverse and inclusive program, Downtown Ithaca brought together community members from across the city to celebrate and embrace the LGBTQIA+ community. We are proud to have been a part of this important celebration and are committed to continuing to support and promote diversity and inclusion in our community.

Black Hands Universal Market

In partnership with Black Hands Universal, Downtown Ithaca Alliance brought a BIPOC-owned and operated marketplace to downtown Ithaca over the summer, providing an exciting and culturally rich experience for the community. The Black Hands Universal Market was held every Saturday from June 25th to August 20th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Bank Alley on the Commons. The market was a platform for emerging entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and offerings, including food and non-food products. By partnering with Black Hands Universal, Downtown Ithaca Alliance was able to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the local business community and create a space that celebrated BIPOC-owned businesses. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Black Hands Universal and are committed to continuing to support diverse businesses and business opportunities in our community. The market was made possible with financial support from Tompkins Community Bank.

Summer Concert Series

Free and fun for the entire family, the 2022 CFCU Summer Concert Series in Downtown Ithaca featured 15 shows on Thursdays at the Bernie Milton Pavilion from June to September. Local and national acts performed music in genres including jazz, blues, reggae, folk, hip hop, country, bluegrass, rock, and more. The concerts drew an estimated 50,000 people throughout the series. The final show of the season featured the popular Ithaca musician Maddy Walsh. CFCU returned as the concert series’ presenting sponsor, with additional support by Seneca Beverage Corporation, the Ithaca Marriott Downtown, Wagner Vineyards, and the Maguire Family of Dealerships.

Apple Harvest Festival

The 40th Annual Apple Harvest Festival, presented by Tompkins Community Bank, returned to Downtown Ithaca from September 30th to October 2nd. Drawing approximately 70,000 people, the annual event included over 100 vendors with three days of celebrating apple growers, cider makers, and of course, cider donuts. Live performances, including music, dance, and educational programming, entertained the crowds during the festival. Visitors enjoyed farm-fresh apples and produce, delectable apple and seasonal baked goods, a variety of food trucks, and a craft fair with artisans from around the region. The festival also featured plenty of great apple and apple-inspired products for sale. It was a successful event that offered a fun and festive atmosphere for all attendees.

Halloween In Downtown

The annual parade led costumed children and their families from the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) to the Commons, where trick-or-treating was available at dozens of participating stores. The event also featured games, photo stations, donuts, and cider in Bank Alley on the Ithaca Commons.

Ice And Lights Festival

The Ice and Lights Festival presented by Maguire was a holiday celebration that took place over two weekends in downtown Ithaca. The festival featured ice sculptures, holiday lights, family-friendly activities, and events, including an Ice Bar, Ice Thrones, and Ice Speed Carving Competition. Other activities included the annual Chowder Cook-Off, Big Block Ice Carving, Silent Discos, Fire Dancers, and the arrival of Santa and Sparky the Unicorn for photo opportunities. The festival provided a festive atmosphere for community members to enjoy shopping, dining, and holiday fun.

CHILI COOK-OFF 2023

The annual Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off celebrated its 25th year on March 4th, 2023. The cold temperatures did not daunt the estimated 20,000 attendees who came to sample chili, as well as beer, wine, and other offerings from over 40 restaurants, farmers, and producers. Attendees were able to sample delicious meat and vegetarian/vegan chili while enjoying chili-inspired snacks and drinks. Competitors battled it out for the titles of Best Meat Chili, Best Vegetarian/Vegan Chili, and the coveted People’s Choice Award for Best Chili. In addition to the chili competition, the event featured a new addition, the “Space Chili Challenge” video game, where the top three high scores won event prizes. The Chili Cook-Off continues to be a popular winter tradition, and this year’s event marked its 25th year, which promises to turn up the heat even more in the future.