Arts & Culture

Connect With The Scene

There’s a deeply rooted world of art, live music, museums, and local culture waiting to be discovered among the rolling hills and wineries of the Finger Lakes. As a beacon of cultural diversity and rich history, consider this an invitation to indulge in live performances, delve into the wonders of science museums, journey through history, and bask in the beauty of artistic masterpieces.

Experience the rhythm of live music and entertainment across a spectrum of venues, from cozy intimate spaces like the Hangar Theatre and the Smith Opera House, tucked into our region’s beautiful metropolitans, to sprawling outdoor amphitheaters like the Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center, which capture the beauty of our landscape. Whether you’re drawn to world-class acts or emerging talents, the Finger Lakes cities offer an array of festivals catering to every taste, from craft aficionados to music enthusiasts celebrating diverse cultures.

Finger Lakes’ museums are more than just repositories of artifacts—they’re hubs of excitement and discovery. Explore the cosmos at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, get lost in imaginative play at the Strong National Museum of Play, or journey through 4.5 billion years of history at the Museum of Earth. Delve into the region’s rich film heritage, where iconic films like It’s A Wonderful Life found their inspiration, and learn about how cinematic history was forever changed with the advent of sound at Cayuga Museum of History & Art. Journey through time at the George Eastman Museum, tracing the evolution of photography, or marvel at the engineering marvels of the Erie Canal Museum. Around The Finger Lakes, the buildings themselves are as spectacular as what’s inside—just look at the Everson Museum of Art and 1890 House Museum as prime examples.

Discover the remarkable stories woven into the fabric of the Finger Lakes region. Harriet Tubman once walked these lands, leaving an indelible mark on history. The Harriet Tubman Home invites you to step into her world, where courage and resilience paved the path to freedom for over 300 souls. Or visit the Women’s Rights National Historic Park and the Women’s Rights Hall of Fame, where the voices of trailblazers continue to inspire generations to come.

Soak in the rich tapestry of arts and culture that the Finger Lakes region has to offer—once you’ve experienced its allure, you’ll find yourself yearning for more. Visit our partner sites for more detailed breakdowns of how you can connect with our thriving arts and culture scene.

Read on for a sampling of some of our local favorites, and be sure to explore each county for many more choices!