May 21, 2026
Experience a Western New York summer escape featuring local history, culture, and small-town charm
May 21 2026, Ontario County, NY — As communities across the country commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and summer travel trends indicate an increase in shorter stays and national travel this 2026, Visit Finger Lakes (www.visitfingerlakes.com) is highlighting a summer lineup of events that showcase Ontario County’s role in American history alongside the arts, music, and culinary experiences that define the Finger Lakes today. According to AAA Holiday Travel Forecast, “45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day,” reflecting a domestic travel forecast slightly higher than 2025 and continued strong travel demand despite higher fuel prices, setting a new Memorial Day weekend record with 39.1 million people traveling by car.
“There has never been a better time to discover the Finger Lakes. This summer, Ontario County is delivering an incredible range of experiences from live music and local art to culinary festivals and historic celebrations honoring America's 250th anniversary,” said Alicia M. Richie, President & CEO of Visit Finger Lakes, “and we are especially proud to showcase the important role Ontario County played in American history honoring our Native American heritage, with local destinations like Ganondagan State Historic Site. We're seeing strong momentum across the region, and it's no surprise: our destination continues to earn national recognition for our wines, our hospitality, and the authentic, small-town experiences that travelers are craving right now.”
As reported by Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, 71% of Americans plan to drive on their next vacation, highlighting a preference for flexible, spontaneous road-trip experiences. Ryan Marx, Director of Sales & Marketing at Hotel Canandaigua, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, shared that the property “Is projected to average 80%–85% occupancy throughout the entire summer season, with multiple sell-out nights occurring weekly.”
Located within driving distance of major metropolitan areas, including New York City and Philadelphia, Ontario County, NY offers a scenic and cost-effective destination, also providing a small-town Americana getaway for travelers attending events during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to Alex Schnoeller, General Manager at The Lake House on Canandaigua, “Summer bookings are approaching historic highs. These increased bookings span across leisure stays, weddings, and celebrations, no doubt propelled by our recent MICHELIN Guide recognition paired with the Finger Lakes being named the country’s best wine region in 2025.”
From history-focused celebrations such as the Freedom Festival at Bristol Hills to culinary favorites like Geneva’s Glorious Garlic Festival, Ontario County offers a wide variety of unique summer experiences.
America 250 Events
- Freedom Festival at Bristol Hills (June 13–14): Enjoy a two-day celebration at the Bristol Hills Historical Society featuring Revolutionary War and pioneer reenactors, period craftspeople, vintage games for children and adults, as well as performances, lectures, and activities honoring life in the Finger Lakes during the nation’s earliest days.
- America 250 Celebration in Victor (July 2): Kick off the holiday weekend at the Town of Victor’s America 250 Celebration at Victor Municipal Park. Enjoy live music, a maker’s market featuring local artisans and small businesses, kids’ activities and inflatables, local food vendors, craft beverages, and fireworks at dusk.
- July 4th Celebration & Fireworks in Canandaigua (July 4): Celebrate Independence Day with traditional activities such as sack races, a pie-eating contest, tug-of-war, and other classic games, along with food trucks serving throughout the day, and fireworks at dusk.
- Changemakers of Ontario County (Open through December 2026): Visit the Ontario County Historical Society and explore the stories of Ontario County trailblazers who helped shape the region through the ideals of liberty, equality, and human rights.
Summer Events & Festivals
See a full lineup of events at www.visitfingerlakes.com/
- Geneva Music Festival (May 19–June 14): Blending world-class music with Finger Lakes charm, this three-week festival in Geneva features piano performances, chamber music, jazz, and more alongside local wineries, artists, and food markets for an authentic regional experience.
- Canandaigua Arts & Music Festival (July 17–19): Stroll along Main Street in Canandaigua and explore more than 150 juried artists, local student exhibits, and live art demonstrations.
- Indigenous Arts & Music Festival (July 25–26): Hosted by Ganondagan State Historic Site, this festival celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy through social dancing, storytelling, artist demonstrations, a Native American Arts Market, family-friendly activities, Indigenous cuisine, and guided tours.
- Phelps Sauerkraut Weekend (July 30–August 2): This longtime community tradition features carnival rides and games, food vendors, live entertainment, a parade, and more. Sauerkraut Weekend also hosts the Krauter 5K/20K race, the oldest road race in the Finger Lakes region.
- Geneva’s Glorious Garlic Festival (August 1–2): Enjoy more than 50 vendors offering garlic-inspired products ranging from ice cream and fudge to breads and meats. The festival also features live music, local beer and wine, and a variety of food demonstrations.
- Pageant of Steam (August 5–8): Presented by the New York Steam Engine Association, this four-day celebration showcases operating farm machinery dating back to the early 1900s. Visitors can enjoy plowing and sawmill demonstrations, daily parades, a flea market and craft show, live music, and more.
About Visit Finger Lakes/Finger Lakes Visitors Connection
Visit Finger Lakes, the public-facing brand of Finger Lakes Visitors Connection (FLVC), is the official tourism promotion agency for Ontario County. Organized in 1984, the mission of our 501(c)(3) is to stimulate economic growth through both leisure and meeting travel and increase the number of overnight stays across the county.
Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, within a 6-hour drive radius of most major East Coast and Midwest cities, Ontario County provides friendly and authentic lakeside experiences, from award-winning wines and farm-to-table cuisine to rich history and outdoor adventures.