Good morning, Ithaca.

The Ithaca Farmers Market will open at Steamboat Landing this Saturday, April 19th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.—despite unfinished parking and roadway improvements that require alternate parking arrangements.

Organizers said vendors will offer fresh produce, eggs, meats, honey, maple syrup, cider, and prepared food—while plans for additional Sunday and weekly markets progress.

A $4.3M gift from Autodesk will boost makerspace updates at Cornell’s College of Architecture, Art and Planning and Cornell Engineering—each set to receive $2M and an extra $150K—and will expand student access to modern design and tech tools.

On April 19, the Earth Day Festival returns to Ithaca Commons with family friendly activities, local food, and hands on workshops organized by Cornell Cooperative Extension and the city.

The event will include exhibits on renewable energy, electric vehicle demos, a mending circle, and a PowerHouse tiny house displaying energy resources.

Jason Londo, a Cornell grape geneticist, is leading a $2.3 million project funded by the National Science Foundation to study how identical grapevines perform in different climates — in New York, Missouri and South Dakota.

Researchers will test how vines react to temperature, humidity and soil to help growers choose rootstocks that best suit each area.

Cornell joined other research universities in a lawsuit against the Department of Energy's plan to cut indirect costs on research grants by setting a flat 15 percent rate.

The university said the change — announced on April 11 — will harm its research work and training programs.

Tompkins County is moving forward with plans for a permanent homeless shelter in Ithaca after buying land on Cherry Street in November.

County Administrator Korsah Akumfi (at the April 15 legislature meeting) said the county is also working to find a new Code Blue shelter after the cold weather shelter closed on Tuesday.

Bookies is a new sports bar and lounge set to open in the coming weeks in the former Range space on the Ithaca Commons with 16 televisions for game watch parties and new tables and couches replacing the old booths.

Owner Ky Spencer and general manager Luis Cuamba plan to offer Monday discounts for service workers and have set hours that include a Wednesday closure.

Ithaca College’s Bombers have four catchers rotating in games — seniors Tyler Pugliese and Logan Scully, junior Ethan Daddabbo, and sophomore Owen Callahan and first-year Justin Navarro — as they try to replace Gil Merod ’23 and build depth for over 50 games; the coach said the team will soon pick a main catcher.

Marty Stuart Live

8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Experience the sounds of Country Music Hall of Famer Marty Stuart as he showcases his latest album.

Mark Normand Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Prices from $68 — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Mark Normand at a premier local venue.

HSC Workshop Series: Collecting Data Effectively

10 AM – 1 PM — Tompkins County Public Library — $70 — Equip yourself with tools for effective data collection and impactful decision-making.

The Dead South Concert

5-7 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices range from $46 to $78 — Experience a night of folk and bluegrass with The Dead South at a historic venue.

17th Annual Spring Writes Literary Festival

May 7-11 & May 15-22 — Community Arts Partnership — Free entry — Celebrate local literary talent with 40 diverse events from readings to workshops.

Australian Pink Floyd Show

8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices range from $64 to $387 — Experience the ultimate tribute to Pink Floyd with an unforgettable live performance.

Little Feat Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre of Ithaca — Last-minute tickets available — Enjoy an evening of classic rock with Little Feat.

Garden Fair and Plant Sale

1-7 p.m. — Ithaca Farmers Market — Free entry — Explore a variety of plants at this annual sale operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins.