Dad Day Weekend 🏌️

Highlights for June 19-21: When does a joke turn into a dad joke? When it becomes apparent. Yuk yuk yuk. Check out the Strawberry Festival in Owego, the Waterfront Festival in Watkins Glen, Juneteenth in Elmira, Make Music Day in Corning, and lots of great Father's Day breakfasts and brunches!

Author

Amelia Cueva
June 19, 2026

TOP 5

THIS WEEKEND

44th Annual Strawberry Festival
Now through Saturday
Various locations in Owego

A beloved community tradition with tons of fun for everyone! Crafts, food, games, live music, a parade, and fireworks on Friday at 9:30pm!

SATURDAY

Make Music Day in Corning
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Various locations on Market Street

Join us for a FREE, community-wide celebration of music on Market Street. Make Music Day brings music out of the concert hall and into the streets. Live performances all day, every style of music!

WHAT'S HAPPENING
"Big Buzz" Kazoo Choir
Community Drum Circle
Band Instrument "Petting Zoo" — try a horn, sax, or anything that makes noise
Community Recital + Open Mic
Kids Karaoke Party
Free Guitar Lessons
Pop-up performances throughout downtown 

PERFORMERS WANTED
Make Music Day only works if YOU bring the music. Solo artists, bands, students, teachers, school groups, choirs, instrumentalists, singer-songwriters, experimental musicians, and first-time performers — every style and every skill level is welcome. No audition. Just music.

33rd Annual Watkins Glen Waterfront Festival & Cardboard Boat Regatta
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Seneca Harbor Park

Come celebrate the lake life with us! We've got a packed lineup of family fun all day!

11am-7pm: Craft and Food Vendors
12:30pm - 1:30pm: Pre Regatta Live Music
12-4pm: FREE Family Entertainment
2pm: Boat Regatta Begins!
Post Regatta Award Ceremony
4-7pm: LIVE Music with The Sweats to end the festivities!

Elmira/Corning Juneteenth
12:00 - 4:00 PM
Ernie Davis Park, Elmia

A community event filled with artists and crafters, celebrating the spirit of Juneteenth! Each year features demonstrations of poetry, dance and other talents from a variety of cultures, many of which include audience participation.

SUNDAY

Quick List of Breakfasts, Brunches, and Special Events for Dads

  • 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Breakfast at the Burdett Vol Fire Dept

  • 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Pancake Breakfast at the East Hill Flying Club in Ithaca

  • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Brunch at Stonecat CafĂ© in Hector

  • 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dads play free at Park Ave Sports Center in Corning

  • 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM: BBQ Dinner at Hector Hideaway

Neon Chapel - A Solo Exhibition by Tori Immerwahr at The ARTS Council; Bill Howell Memorial Trivia Game; "Fast & Furious" Cruise & Movie Night in Elmira Heights; 8th Annual Wagfest in Elmira; a handful of summer solstice parties; farmers markets; and always so much great live music!

Check out all of the events at the link below (and remember to check with the original event hosts for latest updates & cancellations):

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

Watkins Glen Public Library

When Father’s Day Isn’t Easy…

If Mother’s Day can be hard for some folks, then Father’s Day can also be hard.
And so again, I want to acknowledge, honor, and send my wholehearted love to:

  • those who have lost their fathers

  • those who have complicated relationships with their fathers

  • those who became fathers via adoption, fostering, donor conception, etc.

  • those who are single fathers or who don’t have a support system or community

  • those who choose not to be fathers (your choice is valid & beautiful!)

  • those who declare themselves fathers in unconventional senses (fur babies!)

  • those who are fathers with chronic illness, disability, or mental health concerns

  • those who have been disowned or who have needed to cut ties

  • those who did not wholly choose to become fathers but it happened anyway

  • those who are struggling with not feeling like they are a good enough father

I see you, and I honor you. 🧡

Reminders

Always check with the original event host for updates and cancellations.

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Have fun!