Party for the Park 2026
Save the Date for FSP and WSM’s annual fundraiser: Party for the Park. Saturday, September 26, 2026
Stewart Park History Walk and Talk
Stewart Park History Walk and Talk
SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2026 9:00 AM
We invite you to a tour of historic Stewart Park hosted by Historic Ithaca, Friends of Stewart Park, and Wharton Studio Museum. The guided walking tour will focus on the park's history and its current revitalization. The tour goes throughout the park, so please be sure to wear proper footwear and bring a water bottle. Meet on the Waterfront Trail in front of the Picnic “Large” Pavilion. Please register below!
Free Carousel Day in honor of the Kalininskiy Kids' birthdays!
Happy Birthday to the Kalininskiy Kids
Free Carousel Days every weekend in June Sponsored by Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown, Hampton Inn Ithaca, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Ithaca
THANK YOU TO
The Baywood Hotels:
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
Free Carousel Days every weekend in June Sponsored by Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown, Hampton Inn Ithaca, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Ithaca
THANK YOU TO
The Baywood Hotels:
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
Free Carousel Days every weekend in June Sponsored by Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown, Hampton Inn Ithaca, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Ithaca
THANK YOU TO
The Baywood Hotels:
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
Free Carousel Days every weekend in June Sponsored by Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown, Hampton Inn Ithaca, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Ithaca
THANK YOU TO
The Baywood Hotels:
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
Free Carousel Day Sponsored by the City of Ithaca and WDAC in honor of Juneteenth
THANK YOU TO
The City of Ithaca and Workforce Diversity Advisory Council
Free Carousel Days every weekend in June Sponsored by Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown, Hampton Inn Ithaca, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Ithaca
THANK YOU TO
The Baywood Hotels:
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
Free Carousel Days every weekend in June Sponsored by Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown, Hampton Inn Ithaca, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Ithaca
THANK YOU TO
The Baywood Hotels:
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
Free Carousel Days every weekend in June Sponsored by Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown, Hampton Inn Ithaca, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Ithaca
THANK YOU TO
The Baywood Hotels:
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
Free Carousel Days every weekend in June Sponsored by Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown, Hampton Inn Ithaca, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Ithaca
THANK YOU TO
The Baywood Hotels:
FREE CAROUSEL EVERY WEEKEND IN JUNE
June 6-7, June 13-14, June 20-21, June 27-28
Free Bird Walks with Cayuga Bird Club
Join Cayuga Bird Club leaders for guided spring bird walks in Stewart Park, happening the 1st Saturday of the month in April, May and June. Bring your binoculars, dress for the weather, and meet by the osprey nest in the far northeast corner of the park for a fun family-friendly time.
8:00 AM April 4, May 2, and June 6, 20206
Help spread the word. Share the event on Facebook.
*Note - bird walk will happen in pretty much any weather other than hazardous conditions (Icy, Thunderstorms).
Playdate in the Park with Child Development Council including Free Carousel all day!
THANK YOU TO
More information at https://www.facebook.com/share/1DojgES8w8/
Free Carousel Day Sponsored by Tang Family in Loving Memory of Chung Liang Tang
THANK YOU TO
The Tang Family in Loving Memory of Chung Liang Tang
Better Together Mental Health Wellness Event
Embrace Mental Health Wellness at Stewart Park on Saturday, May 9, from 11am to 2pm
FREE EVENT! Join us for an uplifting day of activities for all ages focused on supporting mental well-being. Enjoy mindful movement, dance, live music, street performances, and free food plus many other opportunities to connect and have fun.
Stewart Park will come alive with community organizations, mental health providers, entertainers and more, creating a vibrant space for learning, laughter, and connection. Discover new ways to care for your mental health, explore local resources, and connect with others in our community.
Let’s make mental health a shared priority because we are truly Better Together
Visit https://www.facebook.com/bettertogetherithaca for updated information.
I Love My Park Day Volunteer Event
I Love My Park Day is May 2! Join FSP for a morning of park improvement projects like spreading mulch, painting benches, litter pick up, cleaning up garden beds, cleaning building patios & windows.
Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes or boots, and meet at the garage doors of the DPW/Wharton Studio Building.
Please register with Parks and Trails New York. Registering for the event helps FSP and PTNY with planning and tracking volunteers for grants.
Free Bird Walks with Cayuga Bird Club
Join Cayuga Bird Club leaders for guided spring bird walks in Stewart Park, happening the 1st Saturday of the month in April, May and June. Bring your binoculars, dress for the weather, and meet by the osprey nest in the far northeast corner of the park for a fun family-friendly time.
8:00 AM April 4, May 2, and June 6, 20206
Help spread the word. Share the event on Facebook.
*Note - bird walk will happen in pretty much any weather other than hazardous conditions (Icy, Thunderstorms).
Movie Night Fundraiser: LISTERS
Friends of Stewart Park invites you to our Movie Night Fundraiser featuring
LISTERS: A Glimpse into Extreme Birdwatching
Directed by Owen Reiser. With Mason Kelly, Quentin Reiser.
In this hilarious family-friendly documentary, two brothers dive into competitive birdwatching by becoming birdwatchers—spending a year living in a used minivan, traveling the country to compete in a “Big Year.”
Movie introduction by Dr. Stephen Kress: author, ornithologist and founder of Project Puffin.
TICKETS $25, Ages 12 and under $10.
Popcorn and water provided, feel free to bring other snacks or drinks.
Tompkins Center for History and Culture, 110 N. Tioga St.
Come early to visit the History Center exhibit “The Power of Water: A Dam Good Exhibit"
Critics say: “5 stars!” “Flawlessly executed, stunning visuals, and funny as heck”
Free Bird Walks with Cayuga Bird Club
Join Cayuga Bird Club leaders for guided spring bird walks in Stewart Park, happening the 1st Saturday of the month in April, May and June. Bring your binoculars, dress for the weather, and meet by the osprey nest in the far northeast corner of the park for a fun family-friendly time.
8:00 AM April 4, May 2, and June 6, 20206
Help spread the word. Share the event on Facebook.
*Note - bird walk will happen in pretty much any weather other than hazardous conditions (Icy, Thunderstorms).
Ithaca Mushroom Walks - monthly in Renwick Wildwood, Stewart Park
Join Ithaca Mushroom Walks!
Discover the fascinating world of fungi with our monthly Mushroom Walks at Renwick Wildwood Bird Sanctuary in Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY. Perfect for adults and families with children.
What to Expect:
Interactive Learning: Identify diverse species of fungi and learn about their ecological importance.
Hands-On Activities: Learn to make identifications using micro and macro characteristics and document your findings.
Participatory Science: Help generate a list of fungi and fungal-related organisms found in Stewart Park.
Practice the Art of Noticing: Immerse yourself in nature through slow, mindful exploration.
Details:
When: June 28, July 12, August 23, October 4, 10 am to 11:30 am
Where: Meet at the Kiosk for Renwick Wildwood Bird Sanctuary, Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY
No prior knowledge required—just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure! Let's explore the hidden wonders of fungi together. We recommend bug spray and long pants to protect yourself from ticks. If you have a hand lens, please bring it. We will also have some hand lenses and field guides to borrow.
Walk Leaders
Teresa Iturriaga PhD, is a mycologist, working for more than 25 years in systematics, ecology, and biodiversity of fungi. .
Mary McKellar is an educator, providing instruction in the life sciences for over 25 years, including courses in mycology.
Tenth Annual Party for the Park
Join Friends of Stewart Park and Wharton Studio Museum at our 10th annual Party for the Park–our signature fundraiser– on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 6:00-8:30 PM!
This milestone celebration marks a decade of P4P and features a fun and festive “DECADEnce” theme. From the Fabulous Fifties to the Awesome Aughts, we invite you to dress in tribute to your favorite era and enjoy an evening of community spirit and lively nostalgia. All proceeds support ongoing efforts to ensure Stewart Park remains a welcoming and vibrant space for everyone.
This year’s party features delicious food by BaLi Cravings, craft cocktails from the Rose Rig, and music from every decade by London McDaniel. A silent auction featuring lovely creations from local artists will replace our traditional raffle.
Please consider buying your tickets early (this helps our caterer make the event extra special), and remember that your generosity makes a difference. We are grateful for your contribution at a level that is meaningful to you.
Guests are encouraged to wear something inspired by the decade of your choice - from silver-screen glam to leisure suits, disco details to millennial maxi dresses, or bell bottoms to saddle shoes…the more decades represented, the merrier! Jyl’s Photo Booth will be there to capture the fun!
Event Sponsors include Anchor Capital, Iron Design, Jyl's Photo Booth, Littman & Babiarz, Bero Architecture, and Chiuten/Trowbridge Landscape Architects, Sciarabba Engineering, and Taitem Engineering
Ithaca Mushroom Walks - monthly in Renwick Wildwood, Stewart Park
Join Ithaca Mushroom Walks!
Discover the fascinating world of fungi with our monthly Mushroom Walks at Renwick Wildwood Bird Sanctuary in Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY. Perfect for adults and families with children.
What to Expect:
Interactive Learning: Identify diverse species of fungi and learn about their ecological importance.
Hands-On Activities: Learn to make identifications using micro and macro characteristics and document your findings.
Participatory Science: Help generate a list of fungi and fungal-related organisms found in Stewart Park.
Practice the Art of Noticing: Immerse yourself in nature through slow, mindful exploration.
Details:
When: June 28, July 12, August 23, October 4, 10 am to 11:30 am
Where: Meet at the Kiosk for Renwick Wildwood Bird Sanctuary, Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY
No prior knowledge required—just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure! Let's explore the hidden wonders of fungi together. We recommend bug spray and long pants to protect yourself from ticks. If you have a hand lens, please bring it. We will also have some hand lenses and field guides to borrow.
Walk Leaders
Teresa Iturriaga PhD, is a mycologist, working for more than 25 years in systematics, ecology, and biodiversity of fungi.
Mary McKellar is an educator, providing instruction in the life sciences for over 25 years, including courses in mycology.
Free Carousel Weekend Sponsored by Ithaca Waldorf School
Stewart Park Carousel is free Saturday August 2 and Sunday August 3, sposnored by Ithaca Waldorf School. Learn more at www.ithacawaldorf.org
