The Downtown Ithaca Alliance has officially announced the performer lineup for the 2026 Beginnings Summer Concert Series, returning to the Commons Thursdays from June 11 through September 3 – 5 to 8 p.m.
This year’s series invites the community to make Thursdays their night downtown, turning the Commons into a weekly summer destination for live music, local dining, shopping, and time spent together in the heart of Ithaca.
Unveiled during the kickoff event, the 2026 lineup brings a dynamic mix of live music to Downtown Ithaca, continuing a longstanding tradition that helps activate the Commons and gives residents, students, and visitors a reason to return week after week.
The 2026 lineup spans a wide range of genres, offering something for all audiences while reinforcing the role of live music in supporting Downtown Ithaca’s summer energy.
“The Summer Concert Series continues to be one of the most impactful ways we activate Downtown Ithaca,” said Nan Rohrer, CEO of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance. “This 12-concert series supports local artists, brings consistent foot traffic to our businesses, and creates a shared experience that people look forward to year after year. When we say, ‘make Thursdays your night Downtown,’ we mean coming down early, grabbing dinner, meeting friends, enjoying the music, and making Downtown part of your weekly summer routine.”
“Our partnership with the DIA means a great deal to us, which is why we’re thrilled to renew our support for the next three years,” said Katie Foley. “Together, we’re not only sustaining a beloved event, we’re helping it flourish. From honoring local music and artists, like Molly Lunn featured on this year’s t-shirt, to creating memorable experiences for families and friends, this series truly reflects everything we cherish about this community.”
The concert series is free and open to the public, made possible through the support of Beginnings Credit Union, What’s HOT Magazine, Cayuga Health, Coughlin & Gerhart LLP, Park Grove Realty, HH Ithaca, Trade Design Build, Cayuga Radio Group, Sound on Sound, Bousquet Holstein PLLC, Ithaca Guitar Works, New York State Music, and Revelry Yards who help keep live music on the Commons all summer long.
Each performance takes place at the Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Downtown Ithaca Commons, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience live music alongside local shops, restaurants, and businesses.
View the full concert performance schedule below, with more details available at DowntownIthaca.com.
Concert Series Details:
Bernie Milton Pavilion
Downtown Ithaca Commons
Thursdays, June 11 – September 3
5 to 8 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
