High Summer. Though Autumn in the Finger Lakes is hard to beat, the Summer season is really what drives this whole region. As you can imagine, this list of great annual Finger Lakes events will be extensive. Enjoy!
JUNE
JULY
GRAPEHOUNDS – 3rd full week(end) in July
This is an annual gathering of one of the most beautiful and enjoyable breeds of dogs known to man. If you’re thinking, “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a real greyhound before?”, well this is your chance! Owners from across the Northeast will gather for a few days in and around the Watkins Glen area, but you might come across them anywhere in the Finger Lakes over the two weeks before and after the event. Yes, they are almost 100% retired racing dogs, now adopted by loving families that come to the Finger Lakes for their Summer gathering. (They come here for their annual Winter gathering too, usually at the other end of Seneca Lake in the Geneva area). Known for their docile and friendly nature, Greyhounds can gather together because they are soooooo laid-back with one another. They sometimes gather by the dozens in one room and there won’t be a single incident. Try that with pretty much any other breed of dog! You can find these beautiful and loving pets at many of the wineries, breweries, cideries, and eating establishments throughout the weekend – because that’s where their owners will be! They almost always begin their weekend at The Oasis tiki-bar at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards on the Thursday night of the week, and they always finish with a walk of hundreds of them gathered together at Taughannock Falls State Park about 10am on the Sunday. Join them, they’d love to meet you! Their main gathering place Friday and Saturday will be at Catherine Valley Winery, and you can stop by to see them there, too.
AUGUST
NASCAR RACING – Go Bowling at the Glen – Watkins Glen International Raceway
There is no bigger event in the Finger Lakes than this annual NASCAR race. One of the few “road courses” for the NASCAR Cup Series, it’s a favorite of the drivers and dedicated NASCAR fans, as they get a chance to escape the heat of the deep south for the beauty and serenity of the Finger Lakes area. The race date varies slightly for this August mega-event, but it is generally either the 2nd or 3rd weekend of the month, with ritual lead-up proceedings taking place all week. Going to be in the area, you should go!
For more information: Watkins Glen International