ITHACA, N.Y. — Cayuga Lake will be illuminated by fireworks shows this weekend and early next week, as celebrations are planned across Tompkins County. Don’t miss out on all the live music and local food offerings.
Saturday
Inn at Taughannock — The fireworks return for a second year at the Inn at Taughannock. There will be barbecue, beer and cotton candy. Beginning at 7 p.m., there will be live music from Taughannock State Park with Steve Southworth & The Rockabilly Rays. Fireworks launch at 9:15 p.m.
Entrance and parking are free. Call the Inn to reserve VIP seating at 607-387-7711.
Americana Vineyards — Though technically in Seneca County, Americana Vineyards on East Covert Road in Interlaken always draws a big crowd for its all-day party and huge fireworks display. The winery’s BBQ Bash begins at noon with live music and food. Fireworks start at 10 p.m.
Admission is $5. Kids are free.
Lansing Community Fireworks — The celebration will begin at 6 p.m. on the lake at Myers Park. Busing will be provided from Lansing Schools. There will be music by Tailor Made and food and wine available. Fireworks begin at dark.
Related: Ithaca Fire Department reminds people to leave fireworks to the professionals
Monday
Ithaca Rotary Community Fireworks — Stop by Stewart Park in Ithaca for music and a fireworks show beginning at 6 p.m. The Jeff Love Band will play from 9 to 9:45 p.m. Monday. There will also be local vendors including Sweet Melissa’s, On The Street Pita, Copper Horse Coffee, Silo Food Truck and Rotary Club of Trumansburg’s BBQ Chicken.
The celebration is free and open to the public. During the day and event, parking at Stewart Park will be limited to vehicles with handicap parking permits, vendor passes or event staff. Parking will be available at Ithaca High School with TCAT event shuttles running between the high school and Stewart Park.
More details on bus service from TCAT:
TCAT will operate free, convenient bus service for the Ithaca Rotary Community Fireworks celebration held in Stewart Park on the night of Mon., July 3. (Rain date is Wed., July 5, with the same free TCAT service.)
Buses with destination signs on the front of the buses marked “Fireworks” will begin service, approximately every 10 minutes, starting at 7:30 p.m., from Albany St. @ State St. (Salvation Army), Green Street Station, and Seneca Street Station. Service to Stewart Park will end at 9:30 p.m., just before the fireworks are scheduled to begin.
The “Fireworks” buses will also stop at all intersections along Cayuga Street, only as far as Lincoln Street. There will be no pick‑up/drop‑off service from Lincoln Street to Stewart Park. Those attending the event can also park their vehicles and walk to Stewart Park from Ithaca High School and Boynton Junior High School parking lots.
TCAT will provide return service from the entryway circle in Stewart Park until 11:15 pm.
Those wishing to enjoy the fireworks are urged to take advantage of the well‑lighted and convenient parking in downtown parking garages near TCAT hubs. This fun community event is being presented this year by the Rotary Club of Ithaca. Co-sponsors are the City of Ithaca and Friends of Stewart Park.
Please note: TCAT will not operate service and administrative offices will be closed on Tues., July 4, for the Independence Day holiday. Regular service will resume and administrative offices will be open on Wed., July 5.
Featured image: File photo by Benjamin Jackson.