Labor Day weekend is considered the unofficial end of summer, but it really depends on how you look at it. No matter how much we adore summer, fall breezes and crisp leaves are something to look forward to each year. Before we bid adieu to those lazy days of summer, let’s enjoy one last stretch of sun-soaked afternoons and balmy evenings with Labor Day weekend activities—topped off by the iconic Ring of Fire celebration on Canandaigua Lake.
Ring of Fire on Canandaigua Lake
Experience the magic of this year’s Ring of Fire on Canandaigua Lake (620 S Main St., Canandaigua, NY) on Saturday, August 30, 2025. This cherished tradition, which dates back to 1953, begins with the lighting of a ceremonial fire atop Bare Hill—overlooking the lake—in celebration of peace and a bountiful autumn harvest. As night falls, residents along the shoreline light bonfires and flares, forming a striking red ring around the lake. The spectacle begins at dusk (around 9 p.m.) symbolizing both the unofficial end of summer and the start of the harvest season.
Canandaigua Lady: Ring of Fire Cruise
There’s no better way to bid farewell to summer than aboard the iconic Canandaigua Lady (205 Lakeshore Dr., Canandaigua, NY) during the Ring of Fire Cruise on August 30, 2025. Navigate the calm waters of Canandaigua Lake as the shoreline comes alive with glowing flares and dazzling fireworks. Whether you're sipping wine on the deck or capturing the sparkling reflections on the water, the Canandaigua Lady Ring of Fire Cruise offers a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate Labor Day weekend.
Live Music at Lincoln Hill Farms
Head to Lincoln Hill Farms (3792 NY-247, Canandaigua, NY) for an evening of live music with Dirty Blanket! On August 30, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., enjoy a high-energy performance featuring Chris “Hollywood” English on drums and vocals. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Labor Day weekend in style!
Great Spots by the Lake
If you want to stay closer to the shore, the luxurious Lake House on Canandaigua (770 S Main St., Canandaigua, NY) provides a front-row seat to all the action. Be sure to make reservations early if you want to watch the ring in style, sipping a glass of Finger Lakes wine in one of their Adirondack-style chairs. But if a picnic blanket is more your style, Kershaw Park (155 Lakeshore Dr., Canandaigua, NY) is a great alternative for families with kids and pets who need room to spread out and run free while witnessing the celebration.
Share your favorite Finger Lakes Labor Day weekend experiences with us by tagging us @VisitFLX during your adventure and using #FLXperience. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know with all things FLX!
Make it a Last Summer Getaway
Visiting Ontario County for any of these events is the perfect excuse to book a hotel and turn your trip into a one more summer getaway.
