Good morning, Ithaca.

The nonprofit reading shop is moving to a larger space at Ithaca Mall after a fundraiser extended through the end of June.

The Nook will temporarily close June 11 and reopen July 7, offering more public space and expanded family programming.

The Herbert Gussman Jazz Septet at Cornell earned a DownBeat 2026 Student Music Award on May 29 for outstanding small jazz performance, marking the university's fourth such honor in three consecutive years.

The 49th Annual Ithaca Festival kicked off Thursday with a parade of colorful floats along Cayuga Street, marking the start of a celebration of local arts and culture — the event will continue through the weekend with crafts, live music, workshops and food.

Laurel Gilmer (directing events for the Department of Music at the College of Arts & Sciences) competed on Jeopardy on May 12 against super-champion Tristan Williams, showing her knack for trivia that could spark interest at local trivia nights at Ithaca Bakery this Thursday.

Sponsored by Flashing Feathers Bowhunters, the 21st Annual Kids to Camp Golf Tournament takes place on Saturday, June 20 at Trumansburg Golf Course at 9:00 a.m., offering cash prizes, food and a prize table while supporting outdoor education camps for local youth over 20 years.

Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences seniors celebrated their graduation as they marked unique journeys in subjects (from physics to philosophy), showing resilience and innovative learning.

Their achievement points to a readiness to lead in a rapidly changing world.

A recent Cornell graduate was banned from campus for one year after he restricted a vehicle's movement on April 30 (an incident involving President Kotlikoff backing his car) which the university said created a hazardous condition; the ban was issued following his graduation on May 23.

Data from Tompkins County shows COVID case counts have fallen to a record low of 1 per 100,000 this week — neighboring areas report similar declines as influenza trends also improve.

The Sleep Cycle app indicates normal coughing levels in Ithaca.

On Friday, May 29 at Horseheads High School, Horseheads won its first Section 4 girls lacrosse title in four years as senior CarLynn Sindlinger scored eight goals — Ithaca clinched its fourth straight title with Emma Bates leading the Class A final against Corning.

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.