Festivals

If this was a normal year, we would be gearing up for a summer chock full of signature Cortland County events that showcase our love of art, music, culture, food and wine.  However, the increased effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus has meant the cancellation of many of these events. While some of the cultural events, like the annual Blackbird Film Festival, have been rescheduled…

Wondering how to spend a chilly Saturday in the Finger Lakes region? We suggest a road trip to Cortland County for the annual Chill-A-Bration in downtown Cortland! The popular mid-winter attraction is just a quick 40-minute drive from Binghamton and Syracuse, and is the perfect family-friendly day trip. Here's what you need to know… The Basics The festivities begin at 12 p.m. and run until 4…

The Homer Winterfest is a family-friendly weekend chock full of events, kid's activities, entertainment, dining, shopping and more! It's that special time of year again! The annual Winterfest in the Village of Homer is just around the corner. Now in it's 20th year, the activity-packed weekend will feature over 30 different events and activities from Friday through Saturday, January 24-25.  In…

Plans to visit Cortland County this weekend? Maybe you're already here! Below is just a small sampling of what's going on in the area so you don't miss a moment. For more details, and plenty more great events, check out the Experience Cortland events calendar. 8TH ANNUAL LITTLE YORK FIBER ARTS FESTIVAL Saturday, Oct. 12 & Sunday, Oct. 13 | Little York Pavilion  Whether you're a knitter, crafter,…

Every October since 1996, Downtown Cortland has been transformed into a vibrant, outdoor fall festival when The Great Cortland Pumpkinfest arrives in Historic Courthouse Park.  The two-day event has been one of the county's most highly-anticipated fall celebrations, a family-friendly experience that has become a favorite for locals and visitors alike.  The 4th Best Fall Festival in the United…

October is the perfect month to embrace the fall season in Cortland County, where you'll find many fun festivals and events taking place throughout the county. From all things pumpkin spice to Halloween parades, beer tastings to celebrations of the fiber arts, there is no shortage of things to do this autumn.  So throw on your favorite flannel and join the Cortland County community for these…

In three days, Cortland County will be stepping back from the 21st century and immersing itself in the finery of a history that never was. Gears to Corsets, a steampunk-themed festival, will be the area's first, and will provide the creatives and artists an opportunity to showcase their fandom, or give those unfamiliar with the subgenre a new world to delve into.   The family-friendly event will…

The results are in! The Great Cortland Pumpkinfest was named the 4th Best Fall Festival in the entire United States in USA Today’s popular 2019 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. “We are thrilled that USA Today and the traveling public have recognized Cortland County’s Pumpkinfest,” said Meghan Lawton, Executive Director of the Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “To just receive…

If your family enjoys summer music, food, and fun, we have good news!  Cortland County has a pair of events happening this weekend filled with all the above. Make the most of your upcoming weekend, and plan for one (or more!) of these fun activities.   Don't forget to check out our Events Calendar for more local happenings. FEEL THE MAGIC The Village of Homer will transform into a bistro-like…

For four days, the town of Cortland will be filled with Huskies, but not the kind attached to a sled.  Truck buffs, regional history enthusiasts, and festival-goers come in hoards to the 20th Annual Brockway Truck Show, August 8 through 11, for the sights and sounds of the Brockway Motor Truck Co. legacy.  A majority of the show's events will take place at the Central New York Living…

The Readers' Choice contest hosted by USA Today is looking for America's best fall festival, and Cortland's very own has been nominated! USA Today’s popular 2019 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards is currently hosting a contest for Best Fall Festival in the USA and the Great Cortland Pumpkinfest is among the nominees. Now we need your help to make Pumpkinfest number one! Voting is currently…

Who's ready for a jam-packed weekend of family fun in Cortland County?! August is here and whether you love wine, music or art, there is something special to do in our county! Here are the top picks for your weekend in Cortland County: TURN UP THE VOLUME Grab your friends, along with your dancing shoes and head to Seedstock, Cortland’s three-day music festival!  The event started…

Summer isn't over yet, Cortland County! The midway point of summer is here, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops!  From late-night summer concerts to sampling the finest NYS wines, Huskies on parade to browsing hand-crafted goodies, there’s no reason to leave the county if you’re looking for a good time.  Check out these six events that will make your summer super…

Family-fun entertainment is expected to take over Cortland County this weekend! Panicking because you don’t know what to do this weekend? Don’t worry — below, find two annual events that perfectly bookmark the mid point of summer! 38TH HOLIDAY IN HOMER July 20th from 9am - 4pmHomer Village Green Holiday in Homer, one of the oldest arts and crafts festivals in Cortland County, is…

Barns, cows, carnival rides and deep-fried fun are expected at this year's local junior fair! In just a couple days, locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the tastes, smells and thrills that come with the county fair, as the 2019 edition of the Cortland County Jr. Fair begins its five-day run Tuesday, July 9, at the Cortland County Fairgrounds. The fair is bringing back several popular…

Summer is in full swing in Cortland County and there is no shortage of events to attend this July! School is officially out which means summer is upon us - and so if vacation season! Cortland County offers locals and those beyond so many events for families, kids, and outdoor enthusiasts that it can be hard to know where to start. We'll be showcasing county happenings each month to keep you…

The Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau, along with many local Cortland County tourism partners, is pleased to announce a new festival coming this fall: Gears to Corsets, A Steampunk Festival, September 27-29, 2019.   Out with the new, and in with the old as Cortland County welcomes Gears to Corsets, a Steampunk Festival, to this year's festival lineup! The family-friendly affair…

We took an airplane over Cortland County for the Cortland Airfest.   The Cortland County Airfest at Gen. Levi Chase Field draws hundreds of people to see planes up close from small charter planes to a Black Hawk helicopter courtesy of the US Army's 10th Mountain Division in Watertown, NY. You can also take an airplane or helicopter ride. We took to the skies in one of these airplanes for some of…

Seedstock Music Festival is celebrating its tenth year! We were curious about the work that goes into building its custom stage.   Check out the timelapse! Share your Cortland County adventures with us for a chance to be featured! Tag @experiencecortland and tag #experiencecortland.