Get ready to kick your summer into high gear with the Gaffer District’s sensational Summer in Downtown event series, proudly sponsored by Williams Toyota of Elmira! From the weekly Corning Farmers Market, to high-flying basketballs at the Gus Macker tournament, stories in the square and belting tunes all June long, this year’s lineup promises a vibrant mix of fun, flavor, and fantastic community spirit. Here’s a sneak peek at the action-packed events that will make this summer unforgettable.
Corning Farmers Market: A Cornucopia of Local Delights
Starting June 6, every Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm, Riverfront Centennial Park transforms into a bustling hub of local flavors, artistic crafts, and friendly faces. The Corning Farmers Market is your one-stop shop for everything fresh and fabulous. Picture this: the sweet aroma of homemade doughnuts, the eye-popping colors of freshly-picked flowers, the rich, comforting taste of specialty cheeses, and the top-notch quality of local meats. It’s more than just a market; it’s a community celebration. And with surprise appearances from local restaurateurs and businesses, there’s always something new to discover. Ready to dive into this treasure trove? Check out the full list of vendors here.
June Jam: Karaoke Showdown
Do you have what it takes to be Corning’s next karaoke superstar? June Jam is calling all crooners and shower singers for a high-stakes karaoke competition that promises big prizes and bigger fun. Partnering with WINK 106, The Met, Magic, & Bigfoot Radio, this event takes place every Thursday in June from 7-9 pm across various Northside locations.
Here’s the scoop:
- June 6: Brick (1 West Pulteney St.)
- June 13: Carey’s Brew House (58 Bridge St.)
- June 20: Hilton Garden Inn (23 Riverside Dr.)
- June 27: Brick *Finale (1 West Pulteney St.)
With $1,000 and a solo performance at the new SummerFest up for grabs, plus chances to perform at GlassFest and 2300 Degrees, the stakes are high.
Story Time in the Square: Enchanting Tales for Little Ears
Step into a world of magic and imagination with 'Story Time in the Square,' where Miss Sue from the Southeast Steuben County Library will enchant children and families alike. Taking place every other Tuesday at 10 am in Centerway Square, this delightful event runs from June 11 to August 20. Each session features a unique theme designed to captivate young minds and spark a lifelong love of reading. Whether it’s ‘Baking Up a Story’ or ‘Christmas in July,’ these storytelling sessions are sure to create treasured memories.
Here’s the lineup:
- June 11: Baking Up a Story
- June 25: Welcome Summer
- July 9: Howdy Partner
- July 23: Christmas in July
- August 6: Sizzlin' Storytime
- August 20: Once Upon a Time
For updates on weather cancellations, keep an eye on our social media channels.
Gus Macker Basketball Tournament: Hoops and Hometown Glory
Lace up those sneakers and hit the courts for the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament! This thrilling event is the cornerstone of our Summer in Downtown series, turning Northside into a hotspot of hoops and high-energy competition. Open to players of all ages and skill levels, it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your basketball prowess and soak up the lively downtown atmosphere.
Details are coming soon, but in the meantime, round up your team and register HERE.
Get Ready to Celebrate Summer in Style!
With such an exciting lineup, Summer in Downtown Corning is set to be a season of non-stop fun and community connection. Whether you’re shopping for local goodies, belting out your favorite tunes, diving into a good book, or hitting the courts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to our generous sponsor, Williams Toyota of Elmira, this summer is gearing up to be the best one yet.
So mark your calendars, invite your friends, and join us for a summer to remember in the heart of downtown Corning! See you there!