News from the Noteworthy from Oneonta Downtown Renaissance
Events Highlight What’s Special About Oneonta
The Oneonta Downtown Renaissance helps make it easier for community members to realize their visions, like the Oneonta Storefront Project that fills vacant windows with art, Oneonta High School student artwork on rubbish bins, and the interactive face boards created by local artists that were on full display during this past weekend’s City of the Hills Festival. I put my dog through one of the holes in the pizza-themed board in front of Nina’s so she could be a fluffy little pepperoni.
The City of the Hills Festival drew hundreds—maybe thousands—of people of all ages downtown to find unique items like stationary, graphic tees, ceramic mugs and original art among the 50 artisan vendors while listening to top-rated regional bands on the mobile stage parked across from Muller Plaza.
Kids drew chalk flowers on Dietz Street and a drum circle at Elm and Main streets inspired shoulder-shimmying and ribbon dancers. At an art opening at Roots Public Social Club after the festival, a friend joked, “Oh, yeah. There’s never anything to do here.” I commented on a gold costume jewelry necklace a male bartender was wearing. The manager overheard my compliment, shared that she bought it for $1.00 at the Greater Oneonta Historical Society’s table, and then instructed the bartender to give it to me because she knew I’d wear it.
I ran into a photographer who recently moved to Tennessee to work at an arts institute and had come into town to go to a wedding and vend at the festival. She said she thinks she’ll always return to Oneonta. It feels like home, even though she didn’t grow up here. She went to SUNY Oneonta and worked in town for several years after graduating.
Oneonta does that—it calls you back. The warm sense of community, the surprising abundance of things to do in such a small place, and the welcoming gathering spaces like Roots or Latte Lounge or arts and culture events.
One of the Downtown Renaissance’s goals is to promote events like the City of the Hills Festival and other Main Street happenings, raising awareness of the many ways to enjoy Oneonta. Thanks to creative local businesses and engaging events, there’s a constant hum of activity downtown, and the renaissance aims to play a key role in highlighting these special aspects of our community.
Here are some reasons to head downtown this weekend.
Thursday, Sept. 19
- American Idol finalist and Hartwick College alum Drew Angus at Foothills PAC
- Staged reading of new play “Tangled Web” at CANO
Friday, Sept. 20
- Silent Disco Foothills Fringe Festival Kick-Off at Foothills PAC
- Danceland jam band featuring music by the Grateful Dead at the Black Oak Tavern
Saturday, Sept. 21
- Day One of Foothills Fringe Festival at Foothills PAC
- SoSo Human featuring Sal’s New Classic Pizza Owner Bobby Angilletta at the Black Oak Tavern
Sunday, Sept. 22
- Day Two of Foothills Fringe Festival at Foothills PAC
- Red Caboose Centennial Celebration at Neahwa Park
As you plan your weekend, take a moment to appreciate the creativity, culture and connection that make Oneonta special. Whether you’re enjoying live music, exploring local art, or simply strolling through town, the Downtown Renaissance encourages you rediscover the many ways to engage with and support our vibrant community. I hope to see you downtown!
Cassandra Miller is a member of the Oneonta Downtown Renaissance Steering Committee and the editor of the “Townie” Substack newsletter.