Upcoming Events
We have new events and opportunities happening all the time here in our hometown, make sure to sign up for our newsletter to always know what's coming up!
Melt Away your Winter Blues and Enjoy A Unique Winter Experience with Food, Festivities & Family Fun!
Visit with Santa in his Santa Village at The Commons Park.
Visit with Santa in his Santa Village at The Commons Park.
Enjoy Hallmark-style horse-drawn wagon rides around Historic Downtown Canandaigua. No charge.
Visit galleries and specialty shops featuring local artists and products. Discover artists' demonstrations, exhibits, and signings, as well as one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts. Enjoy refreshments and strolling musicians while you meander through our festive and quaint historic downtown area. Stay tuned for a listing of participating galleries, artists, and businesses.
Join us at The Central on Main for this special musical celebration of festive holiday favorites beautifully performed by euphonium, tuba, sousaphone and baritone players. FREE for the public to attend.
*Performers, please see the link below to register.
**If inclement weather, the concert will be held inside at Acquilano Wine Cellars, 143 S Main St.
Our local breweries will light up the holidays with a Keg Tree Lighting at each of their locations at varying times!
SHOP, DINE & EXPLORE over 100 Shops, Restaurants & Galleries in Downtown Canandaigua during our Holiday Open House and experience the benefits of shopping locally. You will discover unique gifts, handmade designs from local artisans, exquisite cuisine at our incredible restaurants, and exceptional customer service from friendly merchants. Participating merchants will make the season bright with music, appetizers, and holiday-inspired offerings. Follow along for a list of participating businesses!
The Illuminate Light parade begins at City Hall, bringing Santa, his elves, and loads of holiday cheer. The traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony will immediately follow the parade at the Commons Park. Enjoy caroling, food, and fun as we Light Up Canandaigua!
Illuminate Canandaigua Light Parade with Santa’s arrival at Commons Park and the Tree-lighting Ceremony all beginning at 6:00 PM.
Kick off the holiday season with a dazzling display of holiday lights as Downtown Canandaigua Illuminates the night. Enjoy a spectacular procession of illuminated floats, fire trucks, antique cars, and local organizations. The parade begins at City Hall bringing Santa, his elves, and loads of holiday cheer. The traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony will immediately follow the parade at the Commons Park. Enjoy caroling, food, and fun as we Light Up Canandaigua!
Shop Small is BIG in Canandaigua! When you support your local community, you support your local economy. Shopping with Canandaigua-owned small businesses this holiday season, you'll enjoy friendly service from knowledgeable staff and find quality merchandise and gifts.
Plaid Friday
Kick off to Whoville
Downtown Canandaigua will be transformed into Whoville and Celebrating Whobilation all Season! Downtown Canandaigua is transformed into Whoville, to celebrate Whobilation. Storefronts are decorated with incredible artwork, 1000's of dazzling lights illuminate Downtown Canandaigua, Grinch Village, and Santa’s Village are bustling with excitement and visitors. Come wander South Main Street to experience it all and incredible shopping and dining throughout the entire district.
Plaid Friday
Taking the threads of the community and weaving them together to support independent shops on this Friday after Thanksgiving. As an alternative to Black Friday, Plaid Friday encourages individuals to do their holiday shopping with locally owned and independent businesses. Enjoy personalized service and discover one-of-a-kind gifts.
It’s a Refreshing, Relaxing, and Really Fun Way to Spend an Afternoon Strolling Downtown Canandaigua!
Breweries & Wineries | Mouthwatering Small Bites | Mocktails & Spirits | Passport to be Entered to WIN $500 in Downtown Gift Certificates to Enjoy Some Local Shopping!
Tickets on Sale NOW. There will be a limited supply.
A local favorite playing mix of pop, rock, soul, guaranteed to get you on your feet.
Bid and take home any of the 4-foot hand-painted butterflies from the Butterfly & Bloom Trail.
It’s a Refreshing, Relaxing, and Really Fun Way to Spend an Afternoon Strolling Downtown Canandaigua!
Breweries & Wineries | Mouthwatering Small Bites | Mocktails & Spirits | Passport to be Entered to WIN $500 in Downtown Gift Certificates to Enjoy Some Local Shopping!
Tickets on sale NOW! While supplies last.
Featuring...
Joe Beard (supported by Swam Road Jukes )- Rochester's legendary blues guitarist and vocalist
Soul Hammer - a playful hard edge twist on rock & blues
The Movers - a cohesive force of Blues, driven by soul
Music by Charismatic Entertainment, Games & More!
Bunny Bonanza by REPCO Wildlife Encounters
🎤 Youth Performance Spotlight | 6:00–6:45 PM
Start the night with a powerful set from Girls Rock! Rochester. This nonprofit helps girls and LGBTQ+ youth build confidence through music, performance, and creativity. Come support these inspiring young musicians as they take the stage and rock out!
🎸 Headlining Band: 6 Feet Apart Band | 7:00–9:00 PM
6 Feet Apart Band is a locally popular, 8-piece Funky Soul Dance Cover Party Band formed during the pandemic—and they’ve been igniting dance floors ever since! With over 200 years of combined professional musical experience, this powerhouse group delivers tight grooves, infectious energy, and nonstop fun.
Presented by ROC/FLX Craft Beverage Trail…
Craft Bev Fest - August 28th from 5-8pm …An Exclusive VIP Ticketed Experience from 4-5pm...
Specialized tastings, a collectible glass, a passport to the ROC/FLX Craft Beverage Trail (value $250), Meet the Makers, chances to WIN in drawings and giveaways. Tickets $25 in advance. General admission from 5-8pm. Live Music by the Swooners Quartet from 6-8 pm, with high-energy, top-tier talent, and a performance that will leave you wanting more!
(Rain date September 11th)
A Canandaigua-based trio with lead vocalist from Flint Creek, that ranges from country to classics that will have you out of your seat and dancing to the beat of the fiddle.
Come join in BINGO for FREE at the Central on Main and WIN plants! Bring your friends and family for a great time. Stay for some live music afterward.
A 9-piece "cover" band with a rockin' 3-piece horn section, in the Finger Lakes and western NY.
Rochester-based and Country Recording Artists, the Kyle Alan Anderson Band, will be bringing both originals and covers to keep the evening going.
Come join in BINGO for FREE at the Central on Main and WIN plants! Bring your friends and family for a great time. Stay for some live music afterward.
