Special Events Calendar

Special Events Calendar

For the Greater Syracuse Area

June

June 7-10 

Greek Cultural Festival. Thurs. 5-9 p.m.; Fri. 5-10 p.m.; Sat. noon-10 p.m.; Sun. noon-4 p.m. Four days of Greek food, music, dance, clothing and crafts abound at this annual festival. Get a close-up view of Greek architecture with a church tour, shop for Greek goods, learn about Greek culture, check out the kids’ booth and more. A free shuttle service will run from Christian Brothers Academy, Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School and Tecumseh Elementary School parking lots. St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 325 Waring Road, DeWitt. Free. 446-5222.  

June 8-10

Polish Festival. Fri. 4-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m.; Sun. noon-6 p.m. Polish culture and tradition come to Clinton Square, complete with pastries, drinks, ethnic dancers and plenty of pierogies and kielbasa. See the crowning of the Pole of the Year and Miss Polonia, the awarding of scholarships to Polish students, plus music from Jimmy Sturr, The Noise Boys, the Eddie Forman Orchestra, Ashley Cox and more. Free. 687-1076. 

June 8-10

Balloonfest. Fri. 4-11 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. A weekend of fun at Jamesville Beach including dozens of balloons, arts and crafts, amusement park rides, food and beverages. Musical acts include Kim Monroe and Chris Eves, the Custom Taylor Band, Turnip Stampede and a whole lot of tribute bands. $10/adults, free/12 and under. Free parking. 703-9620.

June 9

Duck Race to End Racism. Noon-4 p.m. Come to the Inner Harbor for food, music, dance performances, raffles, kids’ activities and the duck race. 400 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse. 449-3552.

Soap Box Derby. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Let gravity do the work at the eighth annual derby. Races are open to children ages 8 to 17 with stock, super-stock and masters divisions. Woodland Reservoir, 2100 block of South Geddes Street. Registration fee: $35. 382-7629.

June 15

Juneteenth. African-American freedom and culture will be celebrated at Clinton Square, complete with cultural foods, live music, a Walk for Wellness to target childhood obesity and a Miss Juneteenth pageant. The Gospel, Blues & Youth Day block party will take place on Friday on South Avenue next to the Southwest Community Center. On Saturday a Visions of Victory Parade will depart from Dr. King School at noon and end at Clinton Square at 1 p.m. The event will continue until 10 p.m. 422-9400.

June 16

Central New York Pride Parade.
A celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride, beginning with a rainbow flag-raising in front of City Hall on June 11. The parade, which this year begins at 11 a.m. at the Q Center, 627 W. Genesee St., proceeds to the CNY Pride Festival at the Inner Harbor, 400 W. Kirkpatrick St. The festival takes place from noon-5 p.m.
663-5121.

Strathmore Festival. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The event includes a historic homes tour and the annual Art on the Porches display. Strathmore/Onondaga Park neighborhood. Art on the Porches takes place concurrent with the festival. Homes tour: $10/advance, $12/day of tour. 478-1597.

June 16-17

Race on the Lake. Sixty inboard boats and drivers from throughout the Northeast race in four classes, and nearly two dozen vintage boats will participate as well. Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool. $5/adults; free/younger than 12. 703-9620; raceonethelake.com.

June 17

Daddy-O Orienteering. Noon-2 p.m. A timed orienteering challenge with short, medium and long courses as well as instruction for beginners. Orienteering involves finding one’s way from checkpoint to checkpoint with a map and a compass. Small prizes will be awarded. Held by the Central New York Orienteering Club. Pratt’s Falls Park, 7676 Pratt’s Falls Road, Manlius. $8. (607) 756-8308.

June 19

Corporate Challenge. Local businesses form teams of runners and walkers, who compete in a 3.5-mile race along Onondaga Lake Parkway. It’s always fun to be a spectator at one of these events. Race time is 6:25 p.m. 446-6285.

June 20

Rose Day. Noon-3 p.m. Spend a pleasant afternoon at the E.M. Mills Memorial Rose Garden with the Syracuse Rose Society, complete with live music, light refreshments and a fancy hat contest at 12:30 p.m. Thornden Park, Ostrom Avenue entrance. 457-4351. 

June 22-24 

Shakespeare on the Grass.
Thurs.-Sat. 5:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. This year’s performance features Henry IV, Part 1. Thornden Park Amphitheater. Food and merchandise will be available for purchase. Syracuseshakespearefestival.org.

June 24

Mopar Madness. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.This is one of the country’s largest shows dedicated to Chrysler automobiles. Participant judging takes place from noon-1 p.m. Food, beverages and raffles will be available. Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. $5/donation to benefit the Clark Burn Center at Upstate Medical University. cnymopar.com

June 30

Ride for the Rescue. Ride your bike by yourself or form a team to help raise money for the Rescue Mission. Take a short family fun ride or travel 10, 20, 40 or 62 miles. The event starts and ends at Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Registration fee: $15 through June 26; $25 thereafter. 701-3891.

July

July 7 

Syracuse Fireworks Celebration. Food, music, family activities and pyrotechnics at the Inner Harbor, 400 W. Kirkpatrick St. Festivities begin at 5 p.m., with fireworks around 9:30 p.m. 473-4330.  

July 14, Aug. 11

Summer Biathlon. These races combine trail running and marksmanship over a 5k course through the woods. Newcomers are welcome and will be provided with a safety clinic and use of club rifles; just come ready to run. Registration opens at 9 a.m.; race starts at 11 a.m. $20/adults, $15/younger than 18. Pratt’s Falls Park, 7676 Pratt’s Falls Road, Manlius. 677-1007.

July 15

Penguin Palooza. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Hang out with your penguin pals at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place. Event includes ice cream tasting, games and animal demonstrations. $15/advance, $17/door; free/under age 2. 435-8511.

July 18-22

Valley Field Days. Wed. 5-10 p.m.; Thurs. noon-10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. noon-11 p.m.; Sun. noon-9:30 p.m. Hosted by the Valley Men’s Club, enjoy live music, food, midway rides and a fireworks show on Saturday night. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Meacham Field, East Seneca Turnpike at Midland Avenue.

July 20-21

Empire Brewfest and American Barbecue Championships. 5:30-10 p.m. Friday is for beer, Saturday is for food. Sample some of the tastiest beers in the state before you partake of some of the best barbecue in the country at downtown’s Clinton Square. Advance tickets: $35/both days (at the gate: $45), $5/beer fest for designated drivers, both days,
$5/barbecue championship, both days. 428-8741; empirebrewfest.com.

July 20-22 

St. Elias Middle Eastern Cultural Festival. Fri. 4-10 p.m.; Sat. noon-10 p.m.; Sun. noon-7 p.m. The best of Arabic food, plus giftware, Arabic cookbooks, religious tokens and more available at the Souk Marketplace inside the church. Live traditional Arab music and a free playground for kids. St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 4988 Onondaga Road, Onondaga Hill. 488-0388.

Syracuse Nationals. Fri. and Sat. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Nearly 7,500 classic cars are expected to ride into town for the 13th annual Syracuse Nationals, one of the largest car shows in the Northeast. There will be live music on multiple stages, a variety of food and merchandise vendors, swap meet, a classic car auction and fireworks on Friday and Saturday. A reunion of The Dukes of Hazzard takes place with stars Catherine Bach and John Schneider, who will meet and greet fans. State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd. Advance tickets: $12/adults, $6/ages 6-12, $6. At the gate: $17/adults, $8/ages 6-12. (800) 753-3978.

Great American Antiquefest. Fri. noon-4 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 200 dealers show off their wares at this three-day festival. Let the treasure hunt begin at Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Shop while the dealers unpack on Friday from 9 a.m.-noon for $20, including re-admission Saturday and Sunday. $8/weekend pass, $6/single day, free/age 12 and under. Free parking. 686-5789.

July 23-Aug. 10, weekdays only

Grandparent/Grandchild Fishing Days. 9:30-11:30 a.m., 1:30-3:30 p.m. Spend some quality time together as you try to catch some fish at Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery, 1672 Route 321, Elbridge. Prizes will be awarded for the largest fish caught at each session. No more than three grandchildren per grandparent, please. $3/children, free/adults; registration required. 451-6249.

July 26

Clambake. 3-8 p.m. Open to the community. Sponsored by the National Association of Purchasing Management. Held at Hinerwadel’s Grove, 5300 W. Taft Road, North Syracuse. $60/advance, $65/door.
457-7121. 

July 29-30

Ukrainian Festival. Fri. 4-11 p.m.; Sat. 2-11 p.m. Featuring food, beverages, baked goods, raffles, entertainment, Easter egg decorating and children’s entertainment. St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Church, 207 Tompkins St. (Tipperary Hill). 478-5109.

July 27-29

Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival. Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Whether you love making things or just enjoy admiring the skill, take advantage of the spectacular three-day festival, featuring a variety of music, multicultural performances, refreshments and more. Be sure to watch where you tread, though; you might accidentally step on a colorful entry in Saturday’s Street Painting contest sponsored by the Syracuse New Times. Columbus Circle/Montgomery Street. 422-8284.

Blue Rain Ecofest. Exhibition of Central New York’s best green technology, fuel-efficient vehicles and health and wellness innovations will take place at the Hanover Square and City Hall Commons all weekend long. 479-5299; bluerainecofest.org. 

August

Aug. 2-5

CNY Shetland Dog Agility Trials. Put your dog of any breed to the test at this annual event. McKinley East Ball Field, Oneida Shorts Park, 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton. Time to be announced. 676-7366.

Aug. 3

Brew at the Zoo. 5:30-8 p.m. The 15th annual beer sampling will take place with live music, a silent auction, refreshments and animals on exhibit. Must be 21 or older to attend. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place. $40/advance, $50/door. 435-8511. 

Aug. 4

Canine Carnival. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This event will benefit the Priscilla Mahar Animal Welfare Fund. Bring your dog to the Wegmans Good Dog Park at the Cold Springs section of Onondaga Lake Park to enjoy vendors, demonstrations, raffles and more. Route 370, just north of John Glenn Boulevard, Liverpool. 453-6712. 

Latino-American Festival. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. After a one-year hiatus, this celebration returns and will be held  at Ward Baker Park, 200 block of Shonnard Street. It will feature music, health-themed exhibits and community building. fvillarreal@ymail.com.

Aug. 5

Bavarianfest. Noon. Come enjoy live music, dancing, folk dance performances and German food and drink. Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. 447-3268.

Aug. 11

CNY Scottish Games
and Celtic Festival. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Music, dancing, athletics and food come together at Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. $10/adults, $7/seniors, $4/ages 5-12, free/younger than 5. 463-8876.

Aug. 12

Salt City Volkswagen Show. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Look out for punch-bugs! This VW event will feature food and music. Pet- and family-friendly. McKinley Ridge East Shelter, Oneida Shores Park, 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton. 676-7366.

Aug. 18

Asian Elephant Extravaganza. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. This event features the zoo’s four Asian elephants: Indy, Siri, Romani and Kirina. Demonstrations of elephant face painting, pedicures and weight guessing will be held, along with crafts and biofact stations for families. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place. Free with zoo admission: $8/adults, $4/children. 435-8511.

Aug. 23-Sept. 3

New York State Fair. 10 a.m.-midnight. Finish the summer off right by indulging in the sights and sounds of the State Fair. Browse among antique wagons at the Carriage Museum, visit the midway, cheer on participants in the New York International Horse Show and watch free concerts at Chevy Court by acts like Neon Trees, Matt Nathanson, the Buddy Rich Big Band, Victoria Justice and The Commodores. Confirmed acts at the Grandstand as of press time are Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan, and Keith Urban. State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd. $10/adults; free/children 12 and under. Parking: $5/cars, $3/motorcycles. 487-7711.

September

Sept. 7-8

Irish Festival. Fri. 4-11 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. The 13th annual version of this late-summer festival features two days of Irish dance, music, food, drink and cultural exhibits. The Elders and the Glengarry Bhoys will headline. Clinton Square. syracuseirishfestival.com.

Sept. 14-16 

La Festa Italiana. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Stuff yourself with cannoli and prosciutto at this event featuring local, regional and national entertainers, food from more than 20 local restaurants and a bocce tournament. Held in front of City Hall at East Washington and Montgomery streets. festaitaliana.bizland.com.

Sept. 23

Westcott Street Cultural Festival. Noon-6:30 p.m. Arts and crafts, music, food and vendors will line the business district of Westcott Street at this annual celebration. 703-6848; westcottfair.org.

Sept. 24

Tipp Hill Music Fest. Noon-7 p.m. Celebrate the neighborhood’s rich and diverse musical roots at the fifth annual event featuring nearly 20 acts, local food and craft vendors. Held in Pass Arboretum across from the Avery/Salisbury/Whittier Burnet Park entrance. The rain location is Burnet Park Ice Rink Pavilion. 299-4415; tipphillmusicfest.org.

Ongoing Events 

Daily

Animal Demonstrations at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Zoo-goers will have a chance to get to know the animals and their caretakers. Meet-the-keeper chats throughout the zoo and additional demonstrations may be held. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place. Barn animals at 10:30 a.m.; elephant shows at 11 a.m., 2 and 3 p.m.; “In the Wings” bird show at 11:30 a.m.; penguin keeper talks at noon and 3:30 p.m.; meet-the-keeper chat at 2:30 p.m. Free with zoo admission. 435-8511.

June 22-23; July 13-14; Aug. 10-11

Skatepark After Dark. 8-11 p.m. The skatepark in Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool, is open for special night sessions this summer. June 22, July 14, Aug. 11: BMX users; June 23, July 13, Aug. 10: skateboard and in-line users. $5. 453-6712.

July 1, Aug. 4, Sept. 9, Oct. 14

Cycle in the City. These bike rides of approximately 10 miles start in the parking lot at the Inner Harbor, 400 W. Kirkpatrick St. Each ride is a guided tour of a different city neighborhood. Riders must be at least 12 years old, and riders younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Helmets are mandatory. Rides begin at 9 a.m. 473-4330.

July 6, 13, 20, 27

Dancing Under the Stars. Dance with the Stan Colella Orchestra, as they perform their mix of swing and big band era favorites. Bring your friends, your families, your lawn chairs, a picnic dinner, and of course, your dancing shoes. Sunnycrest Ice Rink, Robinson Road (near Henninger High School). 7 p.m.
473-4330.

Sundays, July 8-Aug. 26

Parkway Sundays. 9 a.m.-noon. Onondaga County Parks closes down a 1.9-mile stretch of wide, flat roadway for bikers, inline skaters, joggers and walkers to enjoy. Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. 453-6712.

July 18, 27; Aug. 10, 22

Cinema Under the Stars. The Urban Video Project holds themed nights paired with a popular film projected onto the Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St. Showtime is at 8:30 p.m. and the event is free. 443-1369; urbanvideoproject.com. July 18, Family Night: Wall-E; July 27, Date Night: Casablanca; Aug. 10, Cult Classic: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea; Aug. 22, Cult Classic: The Incredible Shrinking Man.

Saturdays through Labor Day

Strathmore Saturdays. 7-11:30 a.m. The roadway around Onondaga Park’s Hiawatha Lake is closed to traffic to make room for the influx of bikers, runners, walkers and inline skaters at the juncture of Roberts and Onondaga avenues. 473-4330.

Various days through Aug. 26

Onondaga County Beaches. Grab your sunscreen and head out for a fun-filled day at Oneida Shores Park, 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton (676-7366) or Jamesville Beach Park, 4110 West Shore Manor Road, Jamesville (435-5252). Both are open and staffed with lifeguards June 18-Aug. 19 and July 4: Fridays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Mondays-Thursdays, noon-6 p.m.; Aug. 25-26, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Jamesville Beach will be closed June 22-24 due to the Jazz Fest and Syracuse 70.3 Ironman race). Parking: $6 per vehicle Fridays through Sundays and holidays; $4 per vehicle Mondays through Thursdays. 

Tuesdays through Oct. 9

Downtown Farmers Market. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. A bounty of fruits, vegetables and other goodies from more than 50 vendors. Parking lot at South Salina and Clinton streets. 422-8284.