Good morning, Ithaca.

With the 4th approaching, residents can enjoy many local fireworks events—such as the Independence Day Party at the Inn at Taughannock Falls on July 4th, a Night Sky Eco-Cruise on July 5th, and celebrations in Candor and Watkins Glen—while the long-running Ithaca Community Fireworks show is not planned due to new state rules. Community groups and local businesses are offering several options for celebrating the holiday.

Ithaca was named America’s Best Town to Visit in 2025 by CNN Travel due to its easy access to nature + a vibrant college-town culture that many visitors enjoy.

The honor was decided by comparing hundreds of candidates based on local waterfalls, a top-rated farmers market, wineries, and farms that offer homegrown flavors.

A Cornell leader today responded to a civil rights complaint from the America First Institute alleging that the school made hiring decisions based on DEI guidelines rather than qualifications — Interim VP Monica Yant Kinney explained that the university disputes the outdated claims and uses external audits to guide corrective actions as needed.

Researchers from Cornell University and the NYSDEC launched Snapshot NY, a citizen science program that asks volunteers to use trail cameras to monitor wildlife across New York.

Volunteers can use their own cameras or borrow one and receive small tokens of appreciation—an effort aimed at gathering data on species such as black bears, bobcats, and white-tailed deer.

Waitress: The Musical

July 10–19 — Hangar Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the heartwarming tale of a waitress and talented pie-baker.

Vintage Clothing and Goods Market

12-4 p.m. — South Hill Cider — Free entry — Explore unique vintage finds while enjoying delicious cider and live music from DJ Dou.

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz from local musicians while sipping on delicious cider and food.

TIME RIDERS Live at the Finger Lakes Cider House

6-9 p.m. — Finger Lakes Cider House — $5 cover charge — Enjoy a night of rock music from the up-and-coming band, Time Riders.

Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival - Sunday

7:59-10:59 PM — Trumansburg Fair Associates — Cost varies — Celebrate culture with world-renowned artists in a vibrant four-day music festival.

CFCU Summer Concert Series

5-11 p.m. — Bernie Milton Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy a weekly lineup of local and regional artists at this family-friendly concert series.

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz and delicious cider with local talent at a charming venue.