“Wheels on the Ground, Wings in the Sky”
From Penny Carlton, KeukaRoots.com
Looking for one of the most exciting Finger Lakes events this fall? Mark your calendar for Wings & Wheels, the annual Seaplane Homecoming and Car Show hosted by the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, NY. This free, family-friendly festival brings the best of aviation and automotive history together in one unforgettable day by the shores of Keuka Lake.
Watch Seaplanes Take Off and Land on Keuka Lake
There’s nothing quite like seeing a seaplane skim across the sparkling waters of Keuka Lake. At Wings & Wheels, pilots show off their skills with daring spot landings and the always-popular “grapefruit bombing run.” Families gather at Depot Park to cheer, snap photos, and marvel as history comes alive in the sky.
Classic Car Show in the Village Square
Just steps from the lake, the Village Square in Hammondsport transforms into a stunning display of wheels and chrome. From antique roadsters and muscle cars to exotic sports cars, the variety is sure to impress. Car enthusiasts can chat with owners, learn the stories behind each vehicle, and vote for their favorites in the show.
A Family-Friendly Finger Lakes Festival
Wings & Wheels is more than just a showcase of planes and cars—it’s an exhilarating day packed with fun for all ages. Savor mouthwatering treats from local food vendors, watch the kids dive into engaging craft activities, and enjoy extraordinary displays such as a fireboat performance on the lake. This gathering highlights the rich history, vibrant community, and boundless creativity of Hammondsport, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Keuka Lake. All day events in the heart of town and on the shores of Keuka are free.
While you’re in Hammondsport, make sure to take the whole family on an adventure at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. Admission tickets are conveniently priced at $10.00 for adults, while children can enter for free.
Evening at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
As the sun sets, the celebration continues with the Meet the Pilots Dinner at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. Guests enjoy cocktails, dinner, and a silent auction while surrounded by historic aircraft, motorcycles, and artifacts. It’s the perfect way to end the day while supporting the museum’s mission of preserving aviation history. This is a ticketed event, and tickets are available through their website.
Who Was Glenn Curtiss?
Glenn H. Curtiss (1878–1930), born and raised in Hammondsport, was a true pioneer of speed and flight. He began as a champion motorcycle racer, earning the title of “Fastest Man on Earth” in 1907 when he set a land speed record of 136 mph. His inventive spirit soon took to the skies—by 1908, Curtiss was building and flying airplanes, and just two years later, he made history with the first successful long-distance flight in America, flying from Albany to New York City.
Known as the “Father of Naval Aviation,” Curtiss designed the first seaplanes for the U.S. Navy and helped lay the foundation for modern aviation. Today, his legacy lives on at the museum that bears his name and through events like Wings & Wheels, where both his love of motorcycles, cars, and airplanes are celebrated in one place
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM (daytime activities)
Daytime Admission to Downtown Activities: Free
Location: Depot Park (seaplanes), Village Square (car show), Glenn H. Curtiss Museum (evening dinner)
Shuttle Service: Free shuttles connect all event sites and parking areas from the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum to the town events
Evening dinner follows: Enjoy a wonderful dinner with the pilots while dining and mingling among the museum exhibits. Cocktails start at 6:00 PM, followed by a catered dinner, silent auction and awards. There will be numerous historic, local and unique items up for auction with all proceeds going directly to the Curtiss Museum. The cost to attend is $75 per person and is open to the public to purchase tickets and attend..
If you’re planning a trip to the Finger Lakes, Wings & Wheels is one of the top things to do in Hammondsport, NY. Whether you love aviation, vintage cars, or simply want to experience a unique lakeside festival, this event is a must-see.
Come for the planes, stay for the cars, and leave with memories of a day where history, adventure, and community truly take flight.
