Events
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
Stewart Park History Walk and Talk
SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2026 9:00 AM
We invite you to a tour of historic Stewart Park hosted by Historic Ithaca, Friends of Stewart Park, and Wharton Studio Museum. The guided walking tour will focus on the park's history and its current revitalization. The tour goes throughout the park, so please be sure to wear proper footwear and bring a water bottle. Meet on the Waterfront Trail in front of the Picnic “Large” Pavilion. Please register below!
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
Join Cayuga Bird Club leaders for guided spring bird walks in Stewart Park, happening the 1st Saturday of the month in April, May and June. Bring your binoculars, dress for the weather, and meet by the osprey nest in the far northeast corner of the park for a fun family-friendly time.
8:00 AM April 4, May 2, and June 6, 20206
Help spread the word. Share the event on Facebook.
*Note - bird walk will happen in pretty much any weather other than hazardous conditions (Icy, Thunderstorms).
Embrace Mental Health Wellness at Stewart Park on Saturday, May 9, from 11am to 2pm
FREE EVENT! Join us for an uplifting day of activities for all ages focused on supporting mental well-being. Enjoy mindful movement, dance, live music, street performances, and free food plus many other opportunities to connect and have fun.
Stewart Park will come alive with community organizations, mental health providers, entertainers and more, creating a vibrant space for learning, laughter, and connection. Discover new ways to care for your mental health, explore local resources, and connect with others in our community.
Let’s make mental health a shared priority because we are truly Better Together
Visit https://www.facebook.com/bettertogetherithaca for updated information.
I Love My Park Day is May 2! Join FSP for a morning of park improvement projects like spreading mulch, painting benches, litter pick up, cleaning up garden beds, cleaning building patios & windows.
Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes or boots, and meet at the garage doors of the DPW/Wharton Studio Building.
Please register with Parks and Trails New York. Registering for the event helps FSP and PTNY with planning and tracking volunteers for grants.
Join Cayuga Bird Club leaders for guided spring bird walks in Stewart Park, happening the 1st Saturday of the month in April, May and June. Bring your binoculars, dress for the weather, and meet by the osprey nest in the far northeast corner of the park for a fun family-friendly time.
8:00 AM April 4, May 2, and June 6, 20206
Help spread the word. Share the event on Facebook.
*Note - bird walk will happen in pretty much any weather other than hazardous conditions (Icy, Thunderstorms).
Friends of Stewart Park invites you to our Movie Night Fundraiser featuring
Directed by Owen Reiser. With Mason Kelly, Quentin Reiser.
In this hilarious family-friendly documentary, two brothers dive into competitive birdwatching by becoming birdwatchers—spending a year living in a used minivan, traveling the country to compete in a “Big Year.”
TICKETS $25, Ages 12 and under $10.
Popcorn and water provided, feel free to bring other snacks or drinks.
Tompkins Center for History and Culture, 110 N. Tioga St.
Come early to visit the History Center exhibit “The Power of Water: A Dam Good Exhibit"
Join Cayuga Bird Club leaders for guided spring bird walks in Stewart Park, happening the 1st Saturday of the month in April, May and June. Bring your binoculars, dress for the weather, and meet by the osprey nest in the far northeast corner of the park for a fun family-friendly time.
8:00 AM April 4, May 2, and June 6, 20206
Help spread the word. Share the event on Facebook.
*Note - bird walk will happen in pretty much any weather other than hazardous conditions (Icy, Thunderstorms).
Join Ithaca Mushroom Walks!
Discover the fascinating world of fungi with our monthly Mushroom Walks at Renwick Wildwood Bird Sanctuary in Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY. Perfect for adults and families with children.
What to Expect:
Interactive Learning: Identify diverse species of fungi and learn about their ecological importance.
Hands-On Activities: Learn to make identifications using micro and macro characteristics and document your findings.
Participatory Science: Help generate a list of fungi and fungal-related organisms found in Stewart Park.
Practice the Art of Noticing: Immerse yourself in nature through slow, mindful exploration.
Details:
When: June 28, July 12, August 23, October 4, 10 am to 11:30 am
Where: Meet at the Kiosk for Renwick Wildwood Bird Sanctuary, Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY
No prior knowledge required—just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure! Let's explore the hidden wonders of fungi together. We recommend bug spray and long pants to protect yourself from ticks. If you have a hand lens, please bring it. We will also have some hand lenses and field guides to borrow.
Walk Leaders
Teresa Iturriaga PhD, is a mycologist, working for more than 25 years in systematics, ecology, and biodiversity of fungi. .
Mary McKellar is an educator, providing instruction in the life sciences for over 25 years, including courses in mycology.
Join Friends of Stewart Park and Wharton Studio Museum at our 10th annual Party for the Park–our signature fundraiser– on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 6:00-8:30 PM!
This milestone celebration marks a decade of P4P and features a fun and festive “DECADEnce” theme. From the Fabulous Fifties to the Awesome Aughts, we invite you to dress in tribute to your favorite era and enjoy an evening of community spirit and lively nostalgia. All proceeds support ongoing efforts to ensure Stewart Park remains a welcoming and vibrant space for everyone.
This year’s party features delicious food by BaLi Cravings, craft cocktails from the Rose Rig, and music from every decade by London McDaniel. A silent auction featuring lovely creations from local artists will replace our traditional raffle.
Please consider buying your tickets early (this helps our caterer make the event extra special), and remember that your generosity makes a difference. We are grateful for your contribution at a level that is meaningful to you.
Guests are encouraged to wear something inspired by the decade of your choice - from silver-screen glam to leisure suits, disco details to millennial maxi dresses, or bell bottoms to saddle shoes…the more decades represented, the merrier! Jyl’s Photo Booth will be there to capture the fun!
Event Sponsors include Anchor Capital, Iron Design, Jyl's Photo Booth, Littman & Babiarz, Bero Architecture, and Chiuten/Trowbridge Landscape Architects, Sciarabba Engineering, and Taitem Engineering
Join Ithaca Mushroom Walks!
Discover the fascinating world of fungi with our monthly Mushroom Walks at Renwick Wildwood Bird Sanctuary in Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY. Perfect for adults and families with children.
What to Expect:
Interactive Learning: Identify diverse species of fungi and learn about their ecological importance.
Hands-On Activities: Learn to make identifications using micro and macro characteristics and document your findings.
Participatory Science: Help generate a list of fungi and fungal-related organisms found in Stewart Park.
Practice the Art of Noticing: Immerse yourself in nature through slow, mindful exploration.
Details:
When: June 28, July 12, August 23, October 4, 10 am to 11:30 am
Where: Meet at the Kiosk for Renwick Wildwood Bird Sanctuary, Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY
No prior knowledge required—just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure! Let's explore the hidden wonders of fungi together. We recommend bug spray and long pants to protect yourself from ticks. If you have a hand lens, please bring it. We will also have some hand lenses and field guides to borrow.
Walk Leaders
Teresa Iturriaga PhD, is a mycologist, working for more than 25 years in systematics, ecology, and biodiversity of fungi.
Mary McKellar is an educator, providing instruction in the life sciences for over 25 years, including courses in mycology.
Stewart Park Carousel is free Saturday August 2 and Sunday August 3, sposnored by Ithaca Waldorf School. Learn more at www.ithacawaldorf.org
Stewart Park Carousel is free Saturday August 2 and Sunday August 3, sposnored by Ithaca Waldorf School. Learn more at www.ithacawaldorf.org
WaterMusic & Dancing on the Trail is an annual celebration of acoustic music and human-powered movement on Ithaca’s waterfront for the enjoyment of paddlers, trail users and music lovers alike. WaterMusic presents a variety of music and dance performances by solo artists, tiny bands and community music groups. This year our featured performers include Jorge Cuevas and the Caribe All-Stars, Joe Crookston, Nikolai Ruskin, the Triphammer Arts Dancers, Grassanova, Steven Stull, Naomi Sommers, Rick Manning & Tom Hodgson, Downstairs Bluegrass Pickers, Deep Dive Old Time Jammers, Skylark Recorder Ensemble, Ithaca Ukes, Canaan Session Fiddlers, The Notorious Stringbusters & more.
Ten years ago, in 2015, we celebrated the completion of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail at a Farmers Market ribbon cutting. This year, the Ithaca Farmers Market is the gateway into WaterMusic where you can enjoy music and dance and walk, bike, or paddle along the Waterfront Trail to enjoy music, dance and food.
The Market will host five performance areas - three inside the open air pavilion and two outside along the Waterfront Trail at the Market Pier and the CWT Trailhead. From the market you can paddle the Inlet or walk and bike to enjoy performance areas at the Crew Cove Overlook, Lookout Point, along the Cass Park Trail across from the Children’s Garden and Union Fields, and at the Cass Park Dragon Boat Docks.
BREAKING NEWS: Luna’s Food Truck with be a the Farmers Market for WaterMusic!
PADDLE RENTAL DISCOUNT: Paddle-N-More is offering 20% off of kayak rentals for WaterMusic. See advert below for details.
Musicians - you are invited to play music along the trail in Cass Park in Performance Area 9. Find a location where you can be heard by trail users and paddlers and please keep your distance from adjacent performers.
CLICK HERE to download a pdf of the Performance Areas Map and Schedule, shown below.
Friends of Stewart Park (FSP) and Wharton Studio Museum (WSM) invite you to an open house and design presentation all about the upcoming Wharton Studio & Café, the next major revitalization project in Stewart Park. Join us right where the project will be in front of the Wharton Studio Building, across the parking lot from the Picnic “Large” Pavilion in Stewart Park!
Meet members of the project team -- the planners, architects, engineers, landscape architects and designers
See renderings and drawings of the project
Chat with FSP and WSM staff all about the project
Get your questions answered
Join Ithaca Mushroom Walks!
Discover the fascinating world of fungi with our monthly Mushroom Walks at Renwick Wildwood Bird Sanctuary in Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY. Perfect for adults and families with children.
What to Expect:
Interactive Learning: Identify diverse species of fungi and learn about their ecological importance.
Hands-On Activities: Learn to make identifications using micro and macro characteristics and document your findings.
Participatory Science: Help generate a list of fungi and fungal-related organisms found in Stewart Park.
Practice the Art of Noticing: Immerse yourself in nature through slow, mindful exploration.
Details:
When: June 28, July 12, August 23, October 4, 10 am to 11:30 am
Where: Meet at the Kiosk for Renwick Wildwood Bird Sanctuary, Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY
No prior knowledge required—just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure! Let's explore the hidden wonders of fungi together. We recommend bug spray and long pants to protect yourself from ticks. If you have a hand lens, please bring it. We will also have some hand lenses and field guides to borrow.
Walk Leaders
Teresa Iturriaga PhD, is a mycologist, working for more than 25 years in systematics, ecology, and biodiversity of fungi.
Mary McKellar is an educator, providing instruction in the life sciences for over 25 years, including courses in mycology.
Cornell Outdoor Education, Paddle-N-More, and Friends of Stewart Park invite you to the Access Outdoors Expo. Learn about adaptive sports programs and resources in our community. Stewart Park near Paddle-N-More.
Join Ithaca Mushroom Walks!
Discover the fascinating world of fungi with our monthly Mushroom Walks at Renwick Wildwood Bird Sanctuary in Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY. Perfect for adults and families with children.
What to Expect:
Interactive Learning: Identify diverse species of fungi and learn about their ecological importance.
Hands-On Activities: Learn to make identifications using micro and macro characteristics and document your findings.
Participatory Science: Help generate a list of fungi and fungal-related organisms found in Stewart Park.
Practice the Art of Noticing: Immerse yourself in nature through slow, mindful exploration.
Details:
When: June 28, July 12, August 23, October 4, 10 am to 11:30 am
Where: Meet at the Kiosk for Renwick Wildwood Bird Sanctuary, Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY
No prior knowledge required—just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure! Let's explore the hidden wonders of fungi together. We recommend bug spray, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants to protect yourself from insects. Please be aware that there is poison ivy in the area as well. If you have a hand lens, please bring it. We will also have some hand lenses and field guides to borrow.
Walk Leaders
Teresa Iturriaga PhD, is a mycologist, working for more than 25 years in systematics, ecology, and biodiversity of fungi.
Mary McKellar is an educator, providing instruction in the life sciences for over 25 years, including courses in mycology.
HISTORY WALK AND TALK
SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2025
We invite you to a tour of historic Stewart Park hosted by Friends of Stewart Park, Wharton Studio Museum & Historic Ithaca. The tour will focus on the park's history and its current revitalization. This tour will be walking throughout the park please be sure to wear proper footwear and bring a water bottle. Meet on the Waterfront Trail in front of the Picnic “Large” Pavilion.
The 7th Annual Ithaca Reggae Fest returns to Stewart Park in Ithaca, NY, expanding to three days from June 20-22, 2025! INFO AT: https://www.ithacareggaefest.com/
Friday Night kicks things off with a FREE Block Party
Saturday features headlining performances from Kabaka Pyramid and Mihali
Sunday welcomes the legendary Steel Pulse celebrating their 50th Anniversary, joined by Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad for the first-ever Sunday lineup!
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of reggae, community, and celebration by the lake!
The 7th Annual Ithaca Reggae Fest returns to Stewart Park in Ithaca, NY, expanding to three days from June 20-22, 2025! INFO AT: https://www.ithacareggaefest.com/
Friday Night kicks things off with a FREE Block Party
Saturday features headlining performances from Kabaka Pyramid and Mihali
Sunday welcomes the legendary Steel Pulse celebrating their 50th Anniversary, joined by Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad for the first-ever Sunday lineup!
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of reggae, community, and celebration by the lake!
The 7th Annual Ithaca Reggae Fest returns to Stewart Park in Ithaca, NY, expanding to three days from June 20-22, 2025! INFO AT: https://www.ithacareggaefest.com/
Friday Night kicks things off with a FREE Block Party
Saturday features headlining performances from Kabaka Pyramid and Mihali
Sunday welcomes the legendary Steel Pulse celebrating their 50th Anniversary, joined by Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad for the first-ever Sunday lineup!
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of reggae, community, and celebration by the lake!
POSTPONED
Stay Tuned - we’ll try again for this event later this summer!
Join us for a special Sunset Tour and Champagne Toast to the Revitalization of Stewart Park
Friday, June 13, 6:00 PM, Stewart Park, Ithaca
Friends of Stewart Park staff will lead a guided walk through the park’s newest improvements, share exciting upcoming projects, and finish with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or non-alcoholic cider in the Tea Pavilion as the sun sets over Cayuga Lake.
It’s our way of saying thank you—and looking ahead together.
RSVP now to save your spot! Meet on the lakeside lawn of the Large Pavilion.
Email: meloney@friendsofstewartpark.org
Phone: 607-319-4766
Memorial Day Weekend is always the official opening of the Carousel for summer, and thanks to the generous sponsorship of Elizabeth Ann Clune Montessori School of Ithaca, the carousel will be FREE all weekend! This is the fourth year in a row EACMSI has sponsored rides Memorial Day Weekend. What a wonderful gift to the community!
Beginning Saturday, May 24, the Carousel will be open 11am-7pm Tuesdays-Sundays, plus holiday Mondays like May 26!
If you, your business or organization are interested in sponsoring the carousel, visit stewartpark.org/carousel-sponsor.
Join FSP Saturday, May 3, from 10AM-noon for I Love My Park Day!
We'll prepare the park for summer by cleaning up garden beds, planting new landscaping, raking the playground, mulching, trimming lakeside vegetation, painting the new Picnic Pavilion Addition and more. Dress for the weather and bring your gloves, rakes, clippers and other gardening tools.
Meet by the Garage Doors of the DPW/ Wharton Building.
Registration with Parks and Trails New York for I Love My Park Day is not required but it greatly appreciated. Registering as a participant helps PTNY with tracking for grants and services.
You can help in the park like Code Red Robotics.
Learn more >>
We built a new Splash Pad!
Learn more >>
You can provide free summer carousel rides! Learn more >>
