Experience Cortland to Host First Annual Roots & Rhythm on May 8 at Cortland Country Music Park

Farm-to-fork tastings, local makers, and live music, plus a fundraiser for Seven Valleys Health Coalition

Cortland, NY – Experience Cortland invites locals and visitors to kick off the season with the first annual Roots & Rhythm, a new agritourism tasting event happening Friday, May 8 from 6-9pm at the Cortland Country Music Park. Designed as a stroll-and-sample showcase, Roots & Rhythm brings together a curated lineup of Cortland County farms, makers, and food and beverage producers for an evening of local flavor, live music, and community connection.

Roots & Rhythm is a tasting-style experience celebrating the region’s agricultural roots and culinary craftsmanship, featuring everything from time-honored recipes passed down through generations to fresh spins on classic favorites. Attendees can wander table to table to sample, snack, sip, and discover new favorites, all while meeting the people behind the products.

“Roots & Rhythm is all about celebrating the local food system in a way that feels fun, accessible, and community-forward,” said Michelle Enright, Executive Director of Experience Cortland. “It’s a chance to sample what’s made here, connect with the people behind it, and go home with a new favorite from Cortland County’s farms, makers, and producers.”

The Cortland Country Music Park will keep the energy going with live music by Molly & the Ringwalds, and will extend the evening with a second set on the outdoor stage featuring Dock Holiday, a six-piece cover band bringing a yacht rock experience to Cortland County. The venue will also be serving local bison burgers featuring Skaneateles Buffalo product, along with craft cocktails made with local spirits.

In addition to tastings, participating vendors will have products available for purchase, so guests are encouraged to bring a reusable tote or market basket to stock up on local goods, including herbs, fresh baked bread, craft spirits, locally raised meats, and sweet treats. Participating vendors include Bronhon  Farms, Cherry Knoll Farm, Cobblestone Valley Farm, Coop Scoop Homestead, Dragonfyre Distillery, Ensign Maple, Freetown Food Forest, Frosty Morning Farm, Food & Ferments, Hollenbeck’s Cider Mill, Nex-Gen  Farms, Nipotina Herb Farm, Sinfully Sweet Cafe, Trinity Valley Dairy, and more.

A portion of proceeds from the event will support Seven Valleys Health Coalition, the organization behind Cortland Harvest and ongoing work to strengthen Cortland County’s local food system.

Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased online here, or in person at the Cortland County Visitors Center at 42 Main Street, Cortland, NY 13045 (cash only).