Happy Friday, Middle of Somewhere! I’m struggling to believe I’m already writing about August. Where has the time gone?
In this Middle of Somewhere, you'll find:
A guide to the lake I can’t stop going to
Zen Den x Prison City collab
On the Calendar
A new packing guide—for free
Thanks for being here while I build this! It's already becoming a dream come true.
Victoria
A guide to what to bring home for your loved ones (or yourself!)
Want to write a story? Hit reply or email me at [email protected]
On the Calendar
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WEDNESDAY:
8/5 [LaFayette] — Lake Street Dive brings its genre-blending pop, soul, and jazz to the orchard stage at Beak & Skiff. Get your tickets!
8/5 [Auburn] — The Garcia Project performs a full Grateful Dead / Jerry Garcia Band tribute set at Prison City's North Street Urban Farm. This is a rare ticketed event at PC so get your tickets!
THURSDAY:
8/6 [LaFayette] — Country star Cole Swindell headlines Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, bringing his string of chart-topping hits to the orchard's summer stage. Get your tickets.
8/6 [Rochester] — Smash Mouth headlines Rochester's Party in the Park with Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs opening. Tickets are only $7
8/6 [Skaneateles] — The Grammy-winning Imani Winds join steel pan artist Andy Akiho for a chamber concert in the Skaneateles Festival's 2026 season. Get your tickets!
FRIDAY:
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.
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.
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] 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!
