
Must-Experience Summer Events
Think you’ve seen it all? Think again. Summer in Cayuga County is packed with quirky traditions, unforgettable festivals, and one-of-a-kind experiences that surprise even longtime locals.
The best summer stories usually begin with someone saying, “I didn’t know that was here.” Whether you’re watching racing bathtubs in Moravia, wandering through a Renaissance village, dancing to live music, discovering a new favorite brew or finding your new favorite ice cream stop along the Sweet Treat Trail, you’ll discover that the most memorable adventures are often the ones you never expected.
Must do Summer Experiences

One of Cayuga County’s most delightfully quirky summer traditions, Fillmore Days brings the community together with local vendors, great food, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities at beautiful Fillmore Glen State Park.
The weekend’s highlight is the legendary Bathtub Races, inspired by the long-running tale that President Fillmore installed the first bathtub in the White House. While the story was later revealed to be a newspaper hoax, Moravia proudly keeps the tradition alive with colorful, gravity-powered bathtub racers in a competition full of creativity, laughter, and hometown pride.
It’s a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates both local history and a good sense of humor!
Trade your modern-day worries for a journey to the year 1585 at the Sterling Renaissance Festival, where history comes alive in the charming village of Warwick, England—right here in Cayuga County! Stroll through the gates and find yourself surrounded by knights, queens, musicians, artisans, and colorful characters ready to welcome you into a world of merriment and adventure.
Cheer for brave knights during a thrilling jousting tournament, enjoy lively performances, explore handcrafted treasures, and feast on fare fit for royalty, from hearty turkey legs to sweet treats.
Whether you arrive in costume or simply come ready for fun, the Sterling Renaissance Festival offers a magical escape where the past and imagination collide for an unforgettable summer adventure.


Ahoy, mateys! Get ready to trade your land legs for a day of swashbuckling fun at Pirate Fest in Fair Haven, where the shores of Lake Ontario become a pirate’s paradise. Grab your eye patch, your best pirate garb, and prepare for a day filled with family-friendly adventures, including pirate-themed activities, a costume parade, and the legendary Battle on the Bay.
Whether you’re a fearless captain, a curious explorer, or just looking for a unique summer adventure, Pirate Fest invites visitors of all ages to join the crew and experience a little high-seas fun in one of Cayuga County’s most charming lakeside communities.
Arrr you ready for an unforgettable day?
What happens when neighbors open their porches and local musicians take center stage? You get a Porch Fest, a homegrown celebration where front yards become venues and the streets come alive with the sounds of local talent.
Wander through charming neighborhoods, discover musicians performing everything from solo acoustic sets to full-band performances, and enjoy the simple joy of good music, friendly faces, and community connection.
This summer, experience the magic of Porch Fest in Fair Haven on August 9 and Auburn on August 22. Grab your walking shoes, bring a lawn chair, and spend the day exploring these communities one porch at a time. It’s a uniquely local experience that proves some of the best concerts don’t happen in a concert hall, they happen right in your neighbor’s backyard!

Make it a weekend!
Pair your favorite event with…
- 🍦 A stop on the Finger Lakes Sweet Treat Trail
- 🚲 A ride or stroll along the Erie Canal
- 🍷 A visit to a local winery, brewery, or cidery
- 🏛️ A visit to one or our amazing historical sites: Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, Seward House Museum, Howland Stone Store Museum, Cayuga Museums of History and Art.
- 🚤 Time on Owasco, Cayuga Lake or Lake Ontario and Little Sodus Bay. Check out our on the water page for more information.
Mark your calendar and get ready to explore the unexpected in Cayuga County this summer.
These are just a few of the amazing festivals and celebrations, check out the Tour Cayuga Events Page and discover all the amazing happenings in Cayuga County.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the joy, creativity, and community spirit that makes summer here so special.
