Happy Friday, Middle of Somewhere! This week has flown by and this dispatch is filled with goodies + things to do, eat, and see.
In this Middle of Somewhere, you'll find:
What to do in the Finger Lakes this fall
On the Calendar
A poll—how far will you drive for an adventure?
A BBQ place you have to try
Thanks for sharing the love of the region with me!
Victoria
What to do in the Finger Lakes this Fall
Fall has always been my favorite season. The air is crispy, decor gets spooky, the orchards are open, and there are a ton of fall festivals and events everywhere you look. You won’t find anything that feels more magical and nostalgic than Fall in the Finger Lakes.
This post is filled with ideas of stuff to do, places to go, and things to look for!
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On the Calendar
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FRIDAY:
8/7 [Auburn] — The historic Willard Memorial Chapel celebrates its restored Tiffany interior lighting and new parking lot with an 11 a.m. ribbon cutting.
8/7 [Syracuse] — Brew at the Zoo marks its 30th anniversary at Syracuse's Rosamond Gifford Zoo for an evening of craft beer, wine, food trucks, and live music with many of the zoo's animals on exhibit after hours. Get your tickets!
8/7 [Auburn] Auburn's citywide celebration (formerly Founders Day) with live music, art-making and vendors, cultural walking tours, kids' activities, and outdoor recreation. Running 8/7-8/9 downtown!
8/7 [Pittsford] — Earthtones perform a free Friday-evening concert at Carpenter Park along the Erie Canal. Learn more!
SATURDAY:
8/8 [Auburn] Auburn's citywide celebration (formerly Founders Day) with live music, art-making and vendors, cultural walking tours, kids' activities, and outdoor recreation. Running 8/7-8/9 downtown!
8/8 [Rochester] — The Rochester International Airshow returns to the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport August 8-9, headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds with the U.S. Army Golden Knights and a Marine Corps F-35B. Learn more.
8/8 [Victor] — Victor Music & Food Festival brings free live music and food vendors to downtown Victor. Learn more.
8/8 [Liverpool] — CNY Scottish Games & Celtic Festival takes over Long Branch Park with pipe bands, Highland dancing, and heavy athletics competitions. Learn more.
SUNDAY:
8/9 [Auburn] — Auburn's citywide celebration (formerly Founders Day) with live music, art-making and vendors, cultural walking tours, kids' activities, and outdoor recreation. Running 8/7-8/9 downtown!
8/9 [Rochester] — The Rochester International Airshow returns to the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport August 8-9, headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds with the U.S. Army Golden Knights and a Marine Corps F-35B. Learn more.
8/9 [Canandaigua] — A triple bill of '90s favorites — Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and Spin Doctors — at CMAC. Tickets are still available!
WEDNESDAY:
8/12 [Auburn] — Cellar & Folly Wiskey partners with Simply Delicious Baked Goods for Cookies & Cocktails. This looks fun! Learn more.
THURSDAY:
8/13 [Rochester] — Blackberry Smoke close out the 2026 Rochester Party in the Park series. Get tickets!
ONGOING EVENTS:
7/25-8/16 [Sterling] — Renaissance Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary season with jousting knights, costumed villagers, and artisan fare every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
7/31-8/9 [Various locations] Aurora Brew Company just announced Lobster and Friends!
8/2-9 [Syracuse] — Spirit of Jubilee Park in Syracuse hosts a free week-long summer concert series August 2-9, featuring live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, and free youth activities.
Last Wednesday of the month [Rochester] — The Rochester Public Market's monthly Food Truck Rodeo returns Wednesday, July 29 from 5 to 9 p.m. with dozens of food trucks and live music. (I used to go growing up and it was always such a good time!)
Weekly on Wednesday [Skaneateles] — The Kester Homestead has food trucks, yard games and more on the homestead!
@middleofsomewhere.life I finally got to check out @Smokin Pete in Geneva NY and it freaking hit 🫶☀️ #genevany #fingerlakes #upstateny #nyfoodie
