Taste of Syracuse is taking place this weekend. Technically it marks the unofficial beginning to summer. No, it’s not on this list, because it’s too obvious of an event. I’m not going to pull a “cheap trick” and throw this obvious choice into the mix.
Instead, here is just a taste — a free sample — of other things going on in and around town.
The fictionalized persona of front man Dan Campbell takes to the stage with his real life indie rock outfit, plus Allison Weiss, Can’t Swim and Cold Collective.
Where: The Lost Horizon, 5863 Thomson Road, Syracuse
When: Friday, June 3 | 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $13.50-$15| Buy Online | (877) 987-6487
F.W. Murnau’s famous silent film based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula will be featured in the first installment of the Not-So-Silent Film Series. The Magnetic Pull will be performing a live original score.
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S. Main St., Homer
When: Friday, June 3 | 7 p.m.
Cost: $5 suggested donation, pay what you will | (607) 749-4900
Longtime comic, actor, writer, podcaster and star of Netflix’s F is for Family, will be doing what he does best — making you laugh.
Where: War Memorial, 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse
When: Friday, June 3 | 8 p.m.
Cost: $26.50, $42.50, $$62.50 | Buy Online | 435-2121
The Beatle and his band of classic rockers kick off the summer concerts at the Lakeview Amphitheatre.
Where: Lakeview Aphitheatre, 490 Restoration Way, Syracuse
When: Friday, June 3 | 8 p.m.
Cost: $45, $65, $85, $115, $225 | Buy Online | 435-2121
The annual homage to writer and one-time resident L. Frank Baum with a history display, costume contests, rides, a parade and more. This year honors the women of Oz.
Where: Various locations throughout Chittenango
When: Friday, June 3 – Sunday, June 5 | Check website for events, times
Cost: Free | More Info | 415-8546, 333-2286
The last show of the season features violinist Anne Akiko Meyers performing compositions by Higdon, Ravel, Saint-Saens and Mussorgsky. Liverpool High School Orchestra performs at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Crouse Hinds Theatre, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, June 4 | 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $51, $65, $80 | Buy Online | 299-5598
The annual fundraiser and foot race event to benefit pediatric cancer turns 20 this year. It’s a great region-wide event to attend and to support a great cause.
Where: Clinton Square, Downtown Syracuse
When: Saturday, June 4 | 9 a.m.
Cost: $45 to participate day-of, donations appreciated | More Info
CNY’s longest running improv troupe actors are allowed out of their cages and will perform live on-the-spot comedy with respect to Whose Line is it Anyway?
Where: Central New York Playhouse, Shoppingtown Mall, 3649 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse
When: Saturday, June 4 | 8 p.m.
Cost: $10/advance, $12/door | Buy Online | 885-8960
The longtime musician and New Orleans native pianist takes the stage for a genre-spanning, full-flavored concert.
Where: The Showroom, Turning Stone Resort & Casino, thruway Exit 33, Verona
When: Saturday, June 4 | 8 p.m.
Cost: $34, $39 | Buy Online | (800) 771-7711
Bacon. Bourbon. Bands. Benevolence. The annual, nine-hour festival features food, fare and fun in an effort to benefit Clear Path for Veterans. Music from Dynamo, Tas Cru & His Tortured Souls, Los Blancos, Castle Creek, Liz Friedel, Spring Street Family Band, Jamie Notarthomas, Joe Driscoll and Veterans Salute.
Where: The Ridge Golf Course & Tavern, 1281 Salt Springs Road, Chittenango
When: Sunday, June 5 | 1 p.m.
Cost: $25/advance, $30/door | Buy Online | 687-6900
High-five! Rockin’ the Catskills! The annual music fest is back with another dynamic lineup including Umphrey’s McGee, Beck, Gov’t Mule, New Mastersounds, Lettuce, Con Brio, Avett Brothers and more.
Where: Hunter Mountain, 7740 Main St., Hunter
When: Thursday, June 2 – Sunday, June 5
Cost: $55-$85/day, $225-$279/multi-day passes, $195-$1,125/VIP, camping packages and other options available | Buy Online | (518) 263-4223
Super Saturday / Little League Appreciation Day
Recognizing the youth leagues around CNY, replica jersey giveaway and fireworks.
Opponent: Buffalo Bison
When: Saturday, May 4 | 7:05 p.m.
Cost: $5-$12 | Buy Online
Family Sunday / Coloring Book Giveaway
First 1,000 kids ages 12 and under will receive a free coloring book.
Opponent: Buffalo Bison
When: Sunday, June 5 | 1:05 p.m.
Cost: $5-$12 | Buy Online
The Fairgrounds is located at 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse.
Empire State Quarter Horse Show
Friday | Noon
Saturday & Sunday | 7 a.m.
Where: Toyota Coliseum
When: Friday, June 3 – Sunday, June 5
Cost: Free | More Info | (607) 546-7373
PtHA Pinto Horse Show
Saturday | 7:30 a.m.
Sunday | 8:30 a.m.
Where: 4-H Rings and Stables
When: Saturday, June 4 – Sunday, June 5
Cost: Free| More Info | 730-8922, 857-1952
NYS Goat Breeders Annual Show
Where: Goat, Llama & Swine Barn
When: Saturday, June 4 | 9 a.m.
Cost: Free | More Info | 837-4372
Finger Lakes Feather Club Poultry Show
Where: Poultry Building
When: Sunday, June 5 | 9 a.m.
Cost: Free | More Info | 492-1974
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Hello to all you central New Yorkers! May you have a happy start to June. The weather is warmer, the festivals are kicking into gear and there will not be enough time in a day to even get through a quarter of the fun activites that pop up in these warmer months.
The Aaron West & the Roaring Twenties

Nosferatu & The Magnetic Pull
Bill Burr
Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band
Oz-Stravaganza!
Symphoria
Paige’s Butterfly Run
Don’t Feed the Actors
Dr. John & the Nite Trippers
Bacon & Bourbon Festival
Editor’s Pick: Mountain Jam
Chiefs of Spring
All baseball games are played at NBT Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Dr, Syracuse. Box office phone: 474-7833.Weekend at the Fairgrounds
Weather Forecast
(Subject to change, of course.) THURSDAY Temperature: 83 degrees / 60 degrees Conditions: Thunderstruck. FRIDAY Temperature: 80 degrees / 54 degrees Conditions: Here comes the sun. SATURDAY Temperature: 79 degrees / 57 degrees Conditions: Sunshine on [our] shoulders. SUNDAY Temperature: 76 degrees / 60 degrees Conditions: Rain down.Psst. Hey, you. Would you like to receive this event listing in advance? It costs you nothing, and there are exclusive giveaways. Sign up to our Inside/Out newsletter here: