This May, enjoy the warmth of the Finger Lakes with farmers markets, garden strolls, and history events.
Sonnenberg Gardens Seasonal Opening
Get ready to welcome spring with the seasonal opening of Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park (250 Gibson St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) on Friday, May 1, 2026! This 50-acre, wheelchair-accessible estate features a 40-room Queen Anne mansion built in 1887, one of the few remaining Lord & Burnham greenhouses in the United States, and nine internationally inspired themed gardens—including the Japanese, Italian, Rose, and Moonlight gardens.
Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail: Sip Into Summer
Welcome the warmer months in the Finger Lakes at Sip Into Summer, hosted at Inspire Moore Winery (197 North Main St., Naples, NY) and presented by the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail on Saturday, May 16, from 12–4 p.m. Spend the afternoon enjoying blind tastings, meet-the-winemaker conversations, wood-fired pizza, local vendors, live music, and more.
Meet Your Local Farmer Fair
Experience the Finger Lakes farm-to-table culture at the Meet Your Local Farmer Fair at the New York Kitchen (800 S Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m., celebrating locally grown agricultural products. Featuring live music and live chef demonstrations, this family-friendly event presents local farm and beverage vendors throughout the New York Kitchen building, gardens, and outdoor tent, offering goods such as meats, eggs, flowers, and more.
Annual National Lake Trout Derby
For outdoor and fishing aficionados, check out the 62nd Annual National Lake Trout Derby on Seneca Lake, taking place May 23–24, 2026. Participate for a chance to win a $7,500 grand prize, along with other exciting prizes across various categories.
Burning Springs Open Gardens Weekend
Step back in time and discover the burning spring that the Senecas revered and shared with French explorers in 1669 at the Burning Springs Open Gardens Weekend, presented by the Bristol Hills Historical Society (4348 Case Road, Canandaigua, N.Y.) on Saturday and Sunday, May 30–31, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m. Wander up the gully to a picturesque waterfall, stroll through gardens bursting with spring blooms, and watch talented plein air artists capture the beauty of the estate on canvas. For a deeper glimpse into the site’s rich past, the private property’s owner—who opens the grounds only for this special event—will share a talk at 2 p.m. on both days.
Note: Suggested $5 contribution to the Historical Society is appreciated, and children are warmly welcome.
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