Plan Your Trip:
12 Can’t-Miss Summer Events
50 Mile Garage Sale, Bathtub Races and more!
Summer 2025 in Cayuga County is anything but ordinary. Tucked between lakes and rolling hills, our corner of New York offers a playful blend of small-town charm, quirky traditions, and unforgettable experiences. From racing bathtubs in Moravia to stepping back into the 1500s at a Renaissance village, there’s no shortage of unexpected fun. Whether you’re a music lover, a history buff, these amazing and a few unusual events will make your summer in Cayuga County one to remember.
Sterling Renaissance Festival:
July 5 – August 17
Merriment awaits at the Festival at Warwick Welcome… The year is 1585. You have entered the village of Warwick, England, a small country town not far from the bustling city of London. Step through the beautiful gates and you will soon find yourself greeted by the town’s jubilant citizens, who will warmly welcome you as one of their own. The rules of everyday life are suspended for this special day of play and feasting. Be so bold as to join your fellow villagers in traditional 1585 garb and whatever amusements they have created for the day.
NY Lavender Festival at Ol’Factory Lavender Farm
July 5 & 6 and July 12 & 13
Celebrate everything lavender with a peaceful day on the farm! Pick large bundles of the fragrant herb right from the fields, sample some of their wonderful lavender treats including ice cream sundaes with their very own lavender syrup, sip herbal tea, sample lavender wine along with other wine tastings.
Route 90 Garage Sale
July 26-27
The annual 50-mile Route 90 Garage Sale takes on a festival atmosphere each year as friends, families, and the occasional family dog, go searching for surprises. Stretching along the roadside of Route 90, a New York State Scenic Byway, the sale runs from Montezuma in the north, to the Village of Homer at the southern. Along the way you will find everything imaginable from antique andirons to zebra prints and everything in between. Always the last full weekend in July, from 9 am to 5 pm both days, rain, or shine. Plenty of creative (and delicious!) food options are available to help fuel your inner bargain-hunter. Local clubs, fire departments and organizations put on breakfasts, bake sales, and BBQs along the 50-miles.
Join us for our Annual Pioneer Day Celebration. Come see the displays of old tools and crafts form days gone by that are still working today! There will be: 🐴Horse Drawn Wagon Tours 🏠Tour Moravia’s Historic Homes 🥃Switchel Tasting 🧈Butter Making 🧵Quilt Show 🎟️Vendors, Raffles and Food by 10-10 BBQ Fun for the whole family!
Fillmore Days and Bathtub Races:
August 7-9
Fillmore Days are held annually on the second weekend in August. The event is free and includes live music, local craft beer, wine, food, artisan vendors and, of course, the bathtub races. The races are held in honor of Moravia native and former U.S. President Millard Fillmore, and refer to a famous hoax that says he brought the first bathtub into the White House.
Porch Fest: Fair Haven NY
Sunday August 10
On the second Sunday in August, the porches in Fair Haven NY are filled with music! More than 30 area musicians, ranging from full bands to solo artists — musicians will take the “stages” to give performances from noon to 6 p.m. Food, trucks and vendors add to the party atmosphere through the village.
Great Race
August 10
This annual running, bicycling, and paddling race is for the young, old, serious racer and beginners. Participants and spectators are invited to the after-race celebration complete with music, food, and beverages.
Summer Homecoming Weekend
August 8,9,10
Founder’s Weekend is a summer homecoming in History’s Hometown where people celebrate the City of Auburn, NY.
NEW! On August 9th check out the 🐦⬛Festival of Art and Crows at the Willard Memorial Chapel. 🐦⬛ This event is free and open to the public.
Fun for the whole family!
Pirate Fest
August 23
Ahoy, Me Hearties! Join Captain Jack and enjoy the day dressing like a pirate! Talking like a pirate and acting like a pirate!
Auburn Porch Fest
Saturday August 23
Join us for our first ever Porchfest! Saturday, August 23, from 1-5 PM on Grover St. and Tuxill Square, just steps from downtown Auburn, NY.
Check out our Facebook page where you can see spotlights on the amazing local musicians you can look forward to hearing.
Tomato Fest
September 6
The annual CNY TomatoFest will bring a day of live music, food, family activities, vendors, and more to downtown Auburn. The festival which supports local food pantries, takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Finger Lakes Mall.
Join us for good food, live music, craft vendors and more!
Art in the Park
September 20
Join us for good food, live music, craft vendors and more! Join us at Hoopes Park in Auburn NY and explore tables full of amazing hand crafted goods by over the 100+ talented artisans. Live music and food trucks round out the fun. This is a family friendly event, even pets are allowed ( on leash, of course).
So go ahead—mark your calendar, pack your picnic blanket, and get ready to explore the unexpected in Cayuga County this summer. Whether you’re dancing in the streets in Fair Haven at Porch Fest, picking fragrant bundles of lavender, or cheering on Great Race athletes, each event offers a chance to connect, celebrate, and create stories worth sharing.
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.