Welcome to the quickest way to learn the week’s most exciting local events. This weekly event round-up is sponsored by The Ithaca Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Ithaca Ice Festival and Chowder Cook-Off
The festival includes ice sculptures and fire dancers (Thursday evening), the National Ice Carving Competition (Friday & Saturday), the 6th Annual Downtown Ithaca Chowder Cook-off (Saturday only), and wine, beer and hot cocoa served from the one and only Ice Bar (all three days).
Location: Downtown Ithaca
Date: 12/10/2015-12/12/2015
White Rabbit Red Rabbit
Iranian Nassim Soleimanpour dissects the experience of an entire generation born amid the hardship of the Iran-Iraq war: computer-literate, well-informed young people who have never known an Iran other than the Islamic Republic. No director and no set: each performance features a different actor who sees the script for the first time while stepping onstage.
Location: Circus Culture, Press Bay Alley
Date: 12/4/2015-12/12/2105
Cider + Dinner + Music
Come for an enjoyable evening of food, drinks and music. Cider flights, on tap and bottle pours, all evening! Nonalcoholic and low-alcoholic drinks also available for kids and designated drivers! Pat Burke and Lora Pendleton create an old-time blues and country infused variety of music, with a hint of rock ‘n roll.
Location: Finger Lakes Cider House
Date: 12/11/2015
4th Annual Cookie Walk Fundraiser
See you at the Cookie Walk for the best variety of delicious, homemade treats to help the Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins and Cortland build more “home sweet homes” for deserving families who need them.
Location: Center Ithaca
Date: 12/12/2015
ithaKid Film Festival: Shaun the Sheep
From Aardman Animation, the creators of Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, comes Shaun the Sheep Movie, about a smart-alec sheep that gets his flock into all sorts of mischief, this time taking them on a wild adventure into the city.
Location: Cornell Cinema
Date: 12/11/2015-12/13/2015
Tryin’ Joe and the Mad Scientists
Tryin’ Joe and The Mad Scientist are a musical duo producing a mix of electronic sounds and traditional
rock instruments, with a heavy emphasis on improvisation. Students from Cornell University will conduct a sound and light show outside while the band plays in the window of the Schwartz Center.
Location: Schwartz Performing Arts Center
Date: 12/11/2015
The Burns Sisters Home for the Holidays Concert
Folk, pop and rock are given a Celtic slant by Ithaca, New York-based vocalists the Burns Sisters. Accompanied by Bobby Sweet, Kevin Maul and their own mandolin, the two sisters — Annie & Marie — harmonize with heartfelt spirit.
Location: Hangar Theatre
Date: 12/11/2015-12/12/2015
Sciencenter Free Sunday
Admission to the Sciencenter is FREE! The Sciencenter inspires excitement for science through interactive exhibits and programs that engage, educate and empower. December’s Free Sunday is made possible thanks to the generous support of BorgWarner Morse Systems.
Location: Sciencenter
Date: 12/13/2015
Caroling by Candlelight
Presented by the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, this popular concert is a heart-warming family tradition. It is a wonderful event for children of all ages. This year features CCO Brass, Festival Chimes Bell Choir, Ithaca Children’s Choir and special guests. Come celebrate the sounds of the season.
Location: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Date: 12/13/2015
Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.”
Boynton Middle School proudly presents Disney’s “The Lion King Jr,” a lively adaptation of Julie Taymor’s internationally celebrated & critically acclaimed Broadway musical based on Disney’s beloved 1994 animated film. This is a story of love & redemption that captivates its audience through spirited & dynamic singing & dancing, combined with heaps of laughter & vivid dramatics.
Location: Boynton Middle School
Date: 12/17/2015-12/20/2015
The Weekly Gem
The weekly gem will highlight a special Ithaca location that the Ithaca & Tompkins County Visitor’s Center thinks you really need to see!
Purity Ice Cream
Purity Ice Cream was first produced in 1936 when Leo Guentert opened his shop on Ithaca’s First Street. Today they still make ice cream with the original recipes using local, high quality ingredients. Purity is open year round providing other delights besides ice cream. Stop in for scratch-based desserts, experience breakfast on the weekends or enjoy some seasonal eggnog.
