Strawberries, Songs & Strolls: June Adventures in Owego, NY

June is the perfect time to soak in all the community spirit, local flavor, and small-town charm. With festivals, live music, art walks, and riverside strolls, there’s something for everyone. Here are five must-do activities to make the most of your time in Owego this June:

5. Stroll Along the Owego Riverwalk

June is a beautiful time to walk along the Owego Riverwalk, a scenic pathway that offers beautiful views of the Susquehanna River. Be sure to stop by Draper Park and Awhaga Park, located at either end to enjoy blooming flowers and lush greenery. Once you're done, take a short walk to the Tioga County Courthouse to admire its historic architecture and beautifully maintained landscaping.

 

4.  Shop, Sip, and Dine Local in Downtown Owego

Spend some time exploring the village’s locally owned boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores. Whether you're hunting for handcrafted gifts, vintage finds, or one-of-a-kind artwork, you’re sure to stumble upon something special. When you're ready to relax, grab a coffee from a cozy café, enjoy a local brew at one of Owego’s craft breweries, or treat yourself to a meal. Supporting local businesses here doesn’t just feel good—it tastes good, too.

Shop: Black Cat Gallery, Courtyard Gifts, Gallery Forty One, Gorges Fiber Arts, Mystic                     Moon, Front Street Vintage, Owego Makers Boutique, River Row Bookshop, Katie’s Kreations, Side Quest Games, The Laughing Place, The Left Bank, The Party Brush, Tender Loving Care by Maureen, Van Horn Jewelers, Early Owego Antique Center.

Sips & Snacks: Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar, Spellbound Books, Fuddy Duddy’s, C&M Sweets, The John Barleycorn, Owego Brewing Co., Lucky Hare. 

Dine: Kalash Kitchen, Cellar Restaurant, Originals, Sugar Maple Cafe

 

3.  Experience Owego’s First Friday Art Walk (June 6)

On Friday, June 6, 2025, Owego's downtown comes alive for the First Friday Art Walk, a monthly celebration of local art, music, and community spirit. Highlights include:

  • Holistically You: dive deep into the world of Gut Health. 

  • Owego Maker’s Boutique: handmade treasures crafted by local small business makers.

  • Experience Tioga Welcome Center: Hosting African Diaspora Cultural Artists Committee's new exhibit “Cultural Tapestry”

  • Up the Creek Boutique: famous "fill a bag for $20" sale is returning, so get ready to score some incredible finds. 

  • Belva Locckwood Inn: Classical MAT class by Simple Form Pilates, followed by expertly crafted cocktails.

  • Tioga Arts Council: opening reception of “All is Loneliness: A Multimedia Tribute to Moondog”.

  • Gorges Fiber Arts: a relaxing Sit & Stitch session! 

  • Black Cat Gallery: unique handcrafted treasures perfect for celebrating Owego's favorite "berry" holiday- Strawberry Festival!

  • The Party Brush: paint an adorable "Bee Happy" Gnome Wooden Pallet sign. 

2. Run or Walk the Strawberry Festival 5K at Hickories Park (June 19)

As part of the Strawberry Festival, the 5K walk/run is hosted by Historic Owego Marketplace and Tioga State Bank. Held at Hickories Park, the event begins with bib pick-up at 4:30 PM, a Kid's Fun Run at 5:15 PM, and the main 5K race at 6:00 PM. All participants receive a commemorative medal, sponsored by Tri-Town Insurance, and the evening features music and food vendors. Sign up to run or walk here: https://runsignup.com/Race?raceId=145557

 


1. Celebrate at the 43rd Annual Owego Strawberry Festival

Owego's signature event, the Strawberry Festival, returns for its 43rd year:

  • Friday, June 20: Experience the Block Party in downtown Owego from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, featuring music, vendors, food, and fireworks at 9:30 PM.

  • Saturday, June 21: The main festival day begins with a parade at 9:30 AM and continues until 5:00 PM throughout the village.

Visit www.owego.org for more information, or follow 43rd Annual Strawberry Festival on Facebook!