Can you believe that The Great New York State Fair begins next week? We’ll be sharing activities when that time comes, but here are some pre-Fair activities that will coax you out from indoors on this seemingly cloudy weekend.
If you head south, be sure to hit up the Celtic Festival in Preble. For stage: This is the last weekend for “All’s Well That Ends Well” and “White Lies & Black Comedy.” Gregg Allman and The Doobie Brothers will be at CMAC and Fetty Wap will fulfill your music craving, but Norwich is holding a Blues Festival that features local and national talent. Laci’s Tapas Bar is holding their annual fundraiser for David’s Refuge amidst the Hawley Green Street Festival.
There are plenty of options, so what are you going to do?
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Weather Forecast
THURSDAY
Temperature: 87 degrees / 62 degrees
Conditions: Lookin’ pretty cloudy.
FRIDAY
Temperature: 78 degrees / 57 degrees
Conditions: Rainyish.
SATURDAY
Temperature: 79 degrees / 60 degrees
Conditions: The day the sun struggled.
SUNDAY
Temperature: 84 degrees / 62 degrees
Conditions: Sun takes a weekend off, humidity doesn’t.
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Weekend Fun!
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none…” is one of the more famous lines from this Shakepearean tragicomedy, which the Syracuse Shakespeare Festival showcases for its Shakespeare-In-The-Park production. Feel free to bring chairs and blankets to sit on, food and beverages to enjoy and — for ages 10 and under — there is a kids area. This is the final weekend of the production.
Where: Thornden Park Ampitheatre, Thornden Park Dr. (near Greenwood Pl.), Syracuse
When: Friday, Aug. 21: 5 p.m. | Saturday, Aug. 22: 5 p.m. |Sunday, Aug. 23: 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Come enjoy live music, cultural performances, games and activities that encourage learning about the countries of the elephants’ origins.
Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Pl., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Aug. 22: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free with Zoo Admission: $8 (adults), $5 (seniors), $4 (3-18), Free (military, 2 and under)
The up-and-coming hip-hop star known for his single “Trap Queen” is making a Syracuse debut at the Crouse Hinds Theater.
Where: Crouse Hinds Theater, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Aug. 20: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $42 – $102
Gregg Allman & Doobie Brothers
The names really do speak for themselves. Check out Allman and The Doobies at CMAC this Friday evening.
Where: Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center, 3355 Marvin Sands Drive, Canandaigua
When: Friday, Aug. 21: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $25 – $55
The Welch comedian known for his Royal Canadian Air Farce contributions is taking the stage at Destiny USA’s Funny Bone comedy club.
Thursday, Aug. 20: 7:30 p.m. ($10)
Friday, Aug. 21: 7:30 p.m. ($12)
Friday, Aug. 21: 9:45 p.m. ($12)
Saturday, Aug. 21: 7:00 p.m. ($15)
Saturday, Aug. 21: 9:45 p.m. ($15)
Sunday, Aug. 21: 7:30 p.m. ($10)
Where: Funny Bone, Destiny USA, Syracuse
When: Thursday, Aug. 20 – Sunday, Aug. 23
Cost: $10 – $15
Monet to Matisse: The Age of French Impressionism
The exhibit features the work of Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Piere-Auguste Renoir and other impressionist artists. There are other artists featured, as well; those who were inspired by these artists, fueling their own artistic paths. Check out Carl Mellor’s article on the gallery and — better yet — visit the exhibit yourself. Be inspired!
Where: Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, 310 Genesee St., Utica
When: Thursday, Aug. 20 – Sunday, Nov. 29 | Tuesdays – Thursdays and Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Fridays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sundays 1-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Polka Tot Children’s Consignment Sale
Looking to buy or sell new or gently used children’s items? The Polka Tot sale will be offering literally thousands of items for Central New York families to purchase and save money at the same time.
Where: Wegman’s Plaza, 4979 W. Taft Road, Liverpool
When: Friday, Aug. 21 – Saturday, Aug. 22: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Sunday, Aug. 29: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
The 3rd Annual sidewalk sale is returning to the Fayette St. location, the parking lot of the Delavan Center. The print shop will be offering sales on a variety of items: gift wrap, stationary, calendars, cards, wrapping paper and more. There will be plenty of food and light beverages available through pop-ups and food trucks: Toss ‘n’ Fire Pizza and PB&J’s Lunchbox, Gannon’s and Carvel ice cream.
Where: Delavan Center, 509 W. Fayette St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Aug. 20: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Friday, Aug. 21: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
The final shows of the two one-act plays will be showcased at the theater-in-a-mall, beginning weekend. The two shows will be played back-to-back and will guarantee evenings of fun, involving a disillusioned fortune teller and a reversed lighting scheme. Reservations can be made online or by calling 315-885-8960.
Where: Central New York Playhouse, Shoppingtown Mall, 3649 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Aug. 20 – Saturday, Aug. 22: 8 p.m. shows
Cost: $20 (Fridays and Saturdays) | $17 (Thursdays and Sundays)
Come check out the vintage sounds of the Brooklyn-based The Wiyos. The 1920s Americana artists will keep your feet moving with their jug-band-esque and ragtime-inspired music.
Where: The Nelson Odeon, 4035 Nelson Road, Nelson
When: Friday, Aug. 21: 8 p.m.
Cost: $22 (advance) | $24 (door)
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Weekly Fun
The final Thursday of the weekly block party has arrived. Tim Herron Corporation will be ending the summer series, beginning at 6 p.m. under the pavilion. Inside entertainment, TBA, will begin at 10 p.m.
Where: Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub, 100 S. Lowell Avenue, Syracuse
When: Thursday Aug., 20: 6 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Cost: Free Admission
Downtown Get-Down (In collaboration with Syracuse Beard Council)
With their combined powers Modern Malt and SKY Armory will be holding their Thursday “Downtown Get-Down” to bring even more vibrancy to the Syracuse happy hour scene. Food, beverages, games and music will be included. This week the Syracuse Beard Council is getting involved, hosting their facial hair competitions. Beard trims will be provided by Hall of Fame Barbershop.
Where: The Alley / 321 and 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse
When: Thursdays, August 20 – Sept. 3: 5-8 p.m
Cost: $5
This free weekly concert series will be hopping around the city this month. This week features Alex Torres y su Orquestra . Feel free to bring lawn chairs, but leave your coolers at home. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Where: Ward Bakery Park, 700 Oswego St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, August 20: 6:30-9 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
The Finger Lakes music festival continues. Shows are in the evenings and vary in times from Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Thursday, Aug. 20: Prelude Concert, 7 p.m. — Free for ticket holders (First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St.)
Thursday, Aug. 20: Hungarian Revolution, 8 p.m. (First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St.)
Friday, Aug. 21: Coming Together, 8 p.m. (First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St.)
Saturday, Aug. 22: Roomful of Teeth & NOW Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. (Brook Farm, 2870 W. Lake Road / (rain location) Skaneateles High School, 49 E. Elizabeth St.)
Where: Village of Skaneateles
When: Thursday, Aug. 20 – Sat. Sept. 4
Cost: Tickets available online, by phone (315-685-7417): $28 – $228 (more information)
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The Festivals Continue …
The 23rd Annual festival continues its long-running program and showcases national and locally-known acts. There will be plenty of arts and craft vendors, food and beverages and there will be plenty of family-friendly fun, as well.
Friday (Tent Stage)
6 p.m — Golden Novak Band
7:15 p.m. — Albert Cummings
9 p.m. — Orgone
Saturday (Nelson & Flanagan/Grouse Ridge Kennel Tent Stage)
1 p.m. — Pinecone Fletcher Band
3 p.m. — Corey Harris
5:15 p.m. — Henry Butler with Gent Treadly
7:45 p.m. — Campbell Brothers
Saturday (Kerry Infield Stage)
12 p.m. — Ghost Town Blues Band
1:45 p.m. — Nikki Hill Band
4 p.m. — John Nemeth
6:15 p.m. — Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters
9 p.m. — Raw Oyster Cult with The Bonerama Horns
Where: Chenango County Fairgrounds, 168 E. Main St., Norwich
When: Friday, Aug. 21: 6-10:30 p.m | Saturday, Aug. 22: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. (approximately)
Cost: Friday: Free | Saturday: $20 (advance), $30 (gates)
The Celtic Festival turns 15 this year, featuring plenty of food and arts vendors. There will be plenty of live music and traditional dancing from Irish Dance groups from throughout the state. There will also be highland games, pipe and drum bands and plenty of kid-friendly attractions.
Where: Dwyer Memorial Park, 6799 Little York Lake Road, Preble
When: Saturday, Aug. 22 – Sunday, Aug. 23: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $8 (advance) | $10 (gate) | Free ($15 and under)
Hawley-Green Street Festival / Laci’s “Eat Small, Live Large”
Once again, Laci’s Tapas Bar fundraising event to benefit David’s Refuge is coinciding with the neighborhood street festival. There will be plenty of vendors and wine sampling at the festival. For the fundraiser, ticket price includes five samples of tapas and five samples of drinks. There will be live music, raffles and vendors. David’s Refuge is a local bed and breakfast in Manlius — a respite home that is free of charge — for parents/families with children with special needs or life-threatening medical conditions.
Where: Hawley Green Neighborhood, Hawley Ave. and surrounding area, Syracuse
When: Thursday, Aug. 20,: 5-8 p.m.
Cost: Festival (Free Admission) | Give Back Celebration: $30 (advance), $40 (door), $350 (table for 8)
The three-day Phish-fronted festival, featuring fan-favorite fanfare and Phish Food is sold out. Sorry.
Where: Watkins Glen International, 2790 Rt. 16, Watkins Glen
When: Friday, Aug. 21: 7:30 (two sets) | Saturday, Aug. 22: 3 p.m. (three sets) | Sunday, Aug. 23: 7:30 p.m. (two sets)
Cost: Sold Out — Find a good scalper
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Up to bat with the Chiefs
No games are scheduled this weekend. After a weekend in Buffalo, they’ll return this Monday to take on the Mud Hens.
To download the season schedule, CLICK HERE
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This weekend at the Fairgrounds
There aren’t any off-season events scheduled this weekend, because the Great New York State Fair. Off-season events will resume Sept. 16.