Contra dancing Friday nights, all year-round, from 8−11pm A hidden gem that visitors might not know about is the weekly contra dances held in Ithaca since the 1970’s. This is traditional North American folk dancing, done to live music, by the locals for the locals. A modern cross between square dancing and the Virginia Reel, tracing its roots back to colonial times in the Northeast. Ithaca has such a lively contra dancing community that this small town of 30K supports THREE separate contra dancing organizations. There are also outdoor dances held on weeknights in the summer. Beginners are always welcome. Just bring soft soled shoes(the floor is a hardwood gym) and $ 7 in cash. See this website for the schedule and more info: