Top 5 Reasons to Visit the 44th Annual Holiday in Homer
Get ready to shop, snack, and stroll your way through one of Central New York’s most beloved summer traditions because the 44th Annual Holiday in Homer is back on Saturday, July 19, 2025!
Held in the heart of the historic Village of Homer, this one-day festival transforms the village green into a charming hub of handmade goods, live entertainment, delicious food, and family fun. Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, this is one Cortland County event you don’t want to miss.
Here are five reasons to spend your Saturday at the 2025 Holiday in Homer:
1 - Shop 100+ Local Artisans & Vendors
With over 100 craft and artisan vendors, the green will be bursting with treasures - think handmade jewelry, macramé from Maslin’s Guarden, locally sourced honey & maple syrup, fiber arts, woodworking, and signed books from local authors. Be sure to snag a molasses cookie (or three) from Cayuga Street Cookies (they’re legendary for a reason).
2 - Fuel Up with Fried Dough, BBQ, and Byrne Dairy Ice Cream
Come hungry and leave happy. Food tents are scattered throughout the event, offering everything from pulled pork sandwiches and sausage & peppers to fried dough, strawberry shortcake, and Byrne Dairy ice cream sundaes. The Homer Congregational Food Tent is known to sell out early - don’t sleep on the BBQ! And if you need a caffeine fix, Coffee Mania will be serving up drinks to keep your shopping energy strong. And don’t forget LuLu’s Famous Kettle Corn, the sweet-and-salty staple that’s basically festival currency.
3 - Live Music & Lots of Laughs
Entertainment starts early and keeps going all day. Tap your toes to the Finger Lakes Saxophone Quartet (10:30 and 11:30 AM) or settle in by the bandstand for Mike Aiken and Pat Nadge from noon to 4 PM. The kids will love “Checkers the Inventor,” appearing at 11 AM and 1 PM, and you won’t want to miss the live WXHC radio broadcast happening right on the green.
4 - Old-Fashioned Fun for the Whole Family
The Children’s Midway is packed with playful experiences like carnival games (with prizes!), the Splat Somethin’ paint room, face painting, Dan the Snake Man, and more. Take a ride on a horse-drawn wagon pulled by award-winning Haflingers from Gate Carriage or try your luck at “Dunk-a-Cop” with the Homer Police Department. Don’t forget, there’s a quilt show too inside the Homer Congregational Church!
5 - Downtown Sidewalk Sales & Specials
Homer’s historic downtown will be buzzing with sidewalk sales and restaurant specials, making this the perfect time to explore your favorite shops or try a new bite to eat. Pro tip: The library book sale is a hidden gem for anyone who loves a good summer read.
Event Details at a Glance:
Where: Village of Homer, NY
When: Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 9 AM - 4PM
Cost: Free admission
Start your day early! Breakfast runs 7:30–10 a.m. at Homer Methodist Church
BBQ sells out fast – get your chicken early from the Homer Fire Department!
Whether you're coming for the crafts, the food, the music, or the small-town charm, Holiday in Homer is the ultimate Cortland County summer celebration.
Make a day of it and don’t forget to bring a tote bag. You’re going to need it.
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