Good morning, Ithaca.

The 49th annual Ithaca Festival kicks off tonight at 6 p.m. with a parade on N.

Cayuga Street (road closures are in effect from 5 to 8 p.m.), and live music starts at Bernie Milton Pavilion on The Commons; the celebration continues through Sunday, May 31.

The New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail will launch a 190-mile paddling route along the Chemung and Susquehanna rivers on Saturday, May 30 at 11 a.m. at Kinsella Park in Erwin - local tourism groups aim to boost outdoor recreation and conservation in the Southern Tier.

The Museum of the Earth is set to display a new life-size dinosaur model donated by RIT graduate Andrew Bovenzi in early June + the 19-foot hadrosaur took 10 months to build as his class project, blending art with paleontology.

Cornell researchers refined a CRISPR gene-editing technique for fruit flies by using nickases to create gentle single-strand cuts (reducing cell damage) in living tissues.

Their work published May 27 may help scientists study gene function in development and disease.

Researchers at Cornell and the NYSDEC are using hydrophones in the Hudson River to record the 'thunder' of Atlantic sturgeon.

The novel method may help pinpoint spawning grounds and boost efforts to conserve the endangered fish (critical for the river ecosystem).

On May 27, the Town acquired 137 acres on South Hill now named Sage Preserve, featuring streams, wetlands, forested areas, and trails for passive recreation — the purchase was made possible through local funding from the Park Foundation, a county Natural Infrastructure Grant, and town resources.

Ithaca veteran and physician Dr. Susan Herson was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in Albany on May 26.

State Senator Lea Webb said the ceremony honored her distinguished military service & ongoing commitment to veterans' health.

TCAT moved its high-traffic Route 10 bus stop from Seneca at Commons to the 200 block of Tioga Street + near Town Hall due to falling concrete debris concerns; summer service now runs 45 trips daily instead of 65.

Love Living at Home is partnering with local groups for the free Growing Well Together series from June 2 to July 31 at the Ithaca Community Gardens — featuring yoga, gardening, walking and more for community wellness.

Registration is available to receive event updates.

Tompkins County officials urge residents to avoid discolored water on Cayuga Lake and nearby ponds this summer after harmful algal blooms were reported on the northern shoreline; beaches such as Jennings Pond, Myers Point, Ithaca Yacht Club, Ithaca Zen Center and Comstock Camp will remain closed until tests confirm water safety.

Cornell hockey coach Casey Jones announced Ryan Walsh will serve as captain next season.

Last year, Walsh added 33 points and led the team to its fourth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance in Ithaca.

Stitch Club

1–3 p.m. — Tompkins County Public Library — Free entry — Gather for a creative afternoon of stitching, sharing skills, and working on projects.

Blaque Dynamite Live Performance

7-11:30 p.m. — The Nocturnal Café — $14 adv/$20 dos — Experience Grammy-nominated artist Blaque Dynamite blending jazz, funk, and more in an unforgettable live show.

One Night With You

7-9 p.m. — K-HOUSE Karaoke & Arts Hub — Enjoy dinner with Elvis singing classic tunes.

Ithaca Reggae Fest 2026

Live Music — June 26-28 — Stewart Park — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant rhythms of The Skatalites and other reggae artists at this lively festival.