Finger Lakes Events - Festivities for Every Season!

There is no such thing as out of season in the Finger Lakes. Whether leaves are changing, snow is falling, buds are blooming, or the warm sun is sparkling on the lakes, there are glasses being raised in celebration all over the region--and Finger Lakes festivities for everyone in the family!

2012 Events

February 15-26, 2012
Syracuse Winterfest

Celebrate Winterfest in downtown Syracuse and surrounding areas in Onondaga County with festivities for all ages. Enjoy games, entertainment, culinary delights, and indoor and outdoor events for the whole family!

February 17-19, 2012
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel Ice Bar

Bundle up and invite your friends to ward off the winter chill with warm memories as you sip on local wine, beer, and spirits, served over a bar meticulously carved from seven thousand pounds of ice.  Enjoy music, light horsd’oeuvres, specialty drinks, and more, as you mingle amidst the chill.  Doors open Friday, February 17 at 5PM. Advance tickets are $15 per person, and a portion of the sales with be donated to the American Red Cross. 

February 17-26, 2012
Winter Recess at the Ithaca ScienCenter

Teachers and their immediate families enjoy free admission during Winter Recess. Explore the new exhibition, Ocean Bound!, or attend a full line-up of special activities all week. For more information about Winter Recess: Teachers' Week and how to register for your VIT (Very Important Teacher) pass, visit ithacalovesteachers.com or contact the Tompkins County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 607.272.1313.
 
February 18, 2012, 11:30AM-4PM
The 14th Annual Great Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-off
(Thunder/Snow/Rain Date is February 19)

The 14th Annual Great Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-off will feature chili prepared by approximately 30 restaurants as they compete for the titles of Best Meat/Overall Chili, Best Vegetarian, and People's Choice Chili. In addition to Chili, there are other Chili related food items. The Chili Cook-off will feature a farmers market with vendors and local wineries, breweries, and farmer's sampling their goods. All activities will take place on the Commons and surrounding streets. There will be other events occurring throughout the day of the cook-off including:

Live Bands (2:00 Inside Silky Jones)
Hot Pepper Show Down (2:30pm at the Bernie Milton Pavilion)
Chili 'Stache Competition (3pm at Bernie Milton Pavilion)
Festive Photo Booth (All day)
Street Performers
Chili Idol Karaoke (All day)
DJ

February 25, 2012
Annual nICE festival--New York Wine & Culinary Center, Canandaigua, NY

A Celebration of Ice & Dessert Wines and Food! Visit the New York Wine & Culinary Center on South Main Street in Canandaigua.

March 2-4, 2012, 10AM-5PM each day
Annual Orchid Show--Sonnenberg Gardens, Canandaigua, NY

Flower fans of all ages will delight in these exotic blooms, showcased in Sonnenberg’s historic Lord & Burnham greenhouse complex. Attend an educational seminar on orchid care between 11AM and 1PM on Saturday or 2PM on Sunday. Take advantage of re-potting services offered by Sonnenberg executive director and horticulturalist David Hutchings, or browse beautiful orchid varieties for sale in the Sonnenberg Gift Shop. Wine tasting is available on Saturday 12-4PM and 1-4PM on Sunday. General admission is $5 per person to support the work of this community non-profit.

March 17, 2012
Rochester St. Patrick's Day Parade

The Parade route begins in downtown Rochester starting on East Avenue, going to Main Street and ending at Plymouth Avenue.

Syracuse St. Patricks Day Parade

The Syracuse St. Patrick’s Parade began in 1982, founded by an amazing woman, Nancy Duffy, and a small group of her friends. Thirty years later, the Parade is stronger than ever—a grand tribute to the Irish of Central New York.

March 23-25, 2012
Cruisin' the Tropics on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Pull out your tropical shirts, put on your sunglasses, go sockless in your boat shoes, wear your favorite beach hat, and head to Seneca Lake for a weekend of relaxation in the tropics! Cruise around beautiful Seneca Lake on a self-guided tour, visiting over 30 unique wineries, each with their own tropical theme. Regular tickets purchased in advance are $30 per person. Each ticket holder receives a gift at the starting winery.

March 24-25, 2012
Central NY Maple Festival

A tapping of maple trees, some as old as the area itself, has been a tradition in Cortland County from the days of Indian culture. Through the years, maple syrup production has provided income for area farmers, and has grown with the times and the increasing technology.

March 31, 2012
Viva Italia on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Visit the Keuka Lake Wine Trail for a salute to Italian cuisine with a focus on simple preparation and high quality ingredients. Wineries will prepare a great variety of specialties from different regions of Italy with rich flavors enhanced by superb, food-friendly wines produced from local vineyards. Don’t miss this inspiring and satisfying food and wine event. Weekend tickets are $25 per person. Sunday only tickets are $19 per person. Call Keuka Lake Wine Trail office at 800-440-4898, visit keukawinetrail.com or stop by Wegmans Food Markets for ticket information.