In the Finger Lakes, every time you look out the window, there’s something magical to see. At this time of year, lake visits and strolls along charming main streets in our downtowns bring a special kind of joy from sun-kissed days that warm the soul.
From food to lights and craft beverages, August happenings in Ontario County highlight the best of the end of summer.
Phelps Sauerkraut Weekend
The former sauerkraut capital of the world makes its annual homage to its history with the Phelps Sauerkraut Weekend (81 Main St., Phelps, NY) July 31-August 3, 2025. The annual festival is a carnival with games, rides, food, entertainment, a special parade, and more. And it’s not just a celebration of sauerkraut—Sauerkraut Weekend also hosts the Krauter 5K/20K race, the oldest race in the Finger Lakes.
Geneva’s Glorious Garlic Festival
If you’re like us, and garlic is the one thing you can’t leave off your grocery list, then you can’t miss Geneva’s Glorious Garlic Festival held at the Geneva Lakefront (Lake St., Geneva, NY) on August 2-3, 2025. Enjoy live music, beer, food, and wine while joining more than 50 farms and vendors in this garlic paradise. It’s the perfect chance to celebrate and learn about this delicious ingredient right in the heart of garlic harvest season.
Victor Music & Food Festival at Mead Square
Experience the 4th Annual Victor Music & Food Festival at Mead Square in downtown Victor (Mead Square, 39 West Main St., Victor, NY) on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Pack your car with camp chairs and bring your friends to enjoy this music celebration from 4-10 p.m. Parking is available at Firemen's Field (Maple Street just south of Adams St.), municipal lots, and Main St.
Pageant of Steam
Enjoy Pageant of Steam from August 6-9, 2025, presented by the NY Steam Engine Association (3349 Gehan Rd., Canandaigua, NY). This four-day celebration features a large outdoor display of operating farm machinery dating back to the early 1900s, along with a variety of special displays and activities such as plowing and sawmill demonstrations, daily parades, a flea market and craft show, live music, and more.
Ring of Fire on Canandaigua Lake
On Saturday, August 30, 2025, head to Canandaigua Lake to witness the Ring of Fire celebration that marks the unofficial end of summer. Every Saturday of Labor Day weekend, Canandaigua Lake's perimeter glows at dark as the community lights fires and flares to create a glowing ring around the lake. Having its roots in an ancient Seneca ritual, the Ring of Fire, or “Lake of Fire”, was used by the Native American community to commemorate the close of summer.
Going outside to enjoy the last month of summer? Show us your favorite summer activity by tagging us @VisitFLX during your adventure and using #VisitFLX. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know with all things FLX!
