Rain. Sun. Rain. Sun. That’s the seesaw weather Central New York will be experiencing this weekend. But the rain is not an excuse to keep you inside. There are plenty of things to enjoy inside and even under a tent.
There are a couple cultural festivals this weekend, including the Iron Girl Triathlon, Philanthropic Foodies and the Glorious Garlic Festival. There are also the music-heavy Middle Ages Anniversary Party and the Bluegrass Ramble Picnic.
Summer is still upon us, so make the best out of these days.
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY
Temperature: 87 degrees / 65 degrees
Conditions: Rumblin’ and thundrin’.
FRIDAY
Temperature: 83 degrees / 65 degrees
Conditions: The sun shineth.
SATURDAY
Temperature: 81 degrees / 64 degrees
Conditions: Hey, it’s raining again.
SUNDAY
Temperature: 84 degrees / 61 degrees
Conditions: Aaaaaaand we return to sunshine.
Weekend Fun!
The production that has generated favorable reviews — this is the last weekend for Aida at the CNY Playhouse! Elton John and Tim Rice’s production of the tale of Nubian princess Aida takes the stage at The Central New York Playhouse. The award-winning musical explores the power of society and forbidden love.
Where: The Central New York Playhouse, Shoppingtown Mall, 3649 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse
When: Thursday, July 30 – Saturday, August 1: 8 p.m.
Cost: $22 (Thursday) | $25 (Friday and Saturday)
American Quilter’s Society Quiltweek
Whether you’re a quilter or an admirer, this the event for you. Being the largest quilting organization, it’s stopping by Syracuse this week. There will be plenty of vendors, workshops and appraisals ($50 fee) to get involved with and enjoy.
Where: The Oncenter Convention Center, 800 S. State St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, July 30 and Friday, July 31: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Saturday, Aug. 1: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Daily: $11 (members)/$14 (retail) | Two-Day: $20/$25 | Multi-day: $$25/$35
Whether biking 20, 50 or 100 miles this year, the annual Bike Tioga will take place in Waverly. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. for this “Tour de Tioga County,” which marks its 13th Anniversary. T-Shirts will be given to the first 100 racers. Activities for children will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a bike rodeo, food and giveaways.
Where: Waverly High School, 15 Frederick St., Waverly
When: Saturday, Aug. 1
Cost: $15 (advance) | $20 (race day)
This free circus features over 50 children who have trained and rehearsed various activities; including juggling, puppetry, and performance art. The Circus is at Blessed Sacrament School at 3129 James St., east of Midler Avenue.
Where: The Open Hand Theatre, 518 Prospect Ave., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Aug. 1: 2-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
A 600-meter swim, a 30K bike race, then a 5K run. This is what the race is about, and the legs that women from all over will be participating in for the seventh year in Central New York. Come cheer on friends, family and everyone you might meet, who are competing. The community,”energetic and empowering” event begins at 7 a.m.
Where: Oneida Shores Park, 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton
When: Sunday, Aug. 2: 7 a.m.
Cost: Free to root on competitors
This comedian and actress has been featured on plenty of comedy specials, and she’s stared and cameoed in plenty of films and television shows: Precious, Ugly Betty, The Parkers, and Moesha. Now she is showcasing her comedy at Syracuse’s Funny Bone.
Where: Funny Bone, Destiny USA, Syracuse
When: Friday, July 31: 7 :30 and 1o p.m. | Saturday, Aug. 1: 7 and 9:45 p.m.
Cost: $40
The event to raise money for local nonprofits boasts a purpose: “eat, drink and give back.” Whether you’re a culinary expert or enthusiast, the event will feature local chefs and products, food and beverage pairings, auctions, and more. Proceeds will go towards Friends of Dorothy House, Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer, and The First Tee Syracuse.
Where: SKY Armory, corner of Clinton St. & Walton St., Syracuse
When: Sunday Aug. 2: 4-8 p.m.
Cost: Minimum $100 donation
Weekly Fare
The last night for the Armory Square Candlelight Series will be taking place Saturday evening. Joined Artists, Musicians and Singers (JAMS) will be opening and headlining the outdoor concert held in Armory Square.
Where: Armory Square, Downtown Syracuse
When: Saturday, Aug. 1: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
The area’s beloved Dark Hollow will be jamming under the pavilion at 6 p.m. Indoor live entertainment has yet to be announced and begins inside at 10 p.m.
Where: Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub, 100 S. Lowell Avenue, Syracuse
When: Thursdays, July 30 – Aug. 20: 6 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
Once again, the team effort of Modern Malt and SKY Armory is holding its Thursday “Downtown Get-Down” to bring even more vibrancy to the Syracuse happy hour scene. Food, beverages, games, music… What more can you ask for?
Where: The Alley / 321 & 351 S. Clinton St., Syracusec
When: Thursdays, July 30 – Sept. 3: 5-8 p.m
Cost: $5
The 39th Annual Sterling Renaissance Festival begins this weekend until mid-August. As always, there will be plenty of themed entertainment and events every weekend, rain or shine. Allow yourself to transport through time to bask in and enjoy live entertainment and talk to the personalities. There will be plenty of food and beverages to go around, so coolers with goodies are not allowed in. No pets allowed, but there is free parking.
Where: 15385 Farden Road, Sterling
When: Saturdays and Sundays, Aug. 1 – Aug. 16
Cost: $26.95 (adults), $15.95 (5 to 11), Free (4 and younger)
The Festivals Continue…
In 1972, The Bavarian Club Almenrauch was founded, and it continues to add to the cultural festivals around Central New York. Be sure to visit Long Branch Park this weekend to enjoy the German food, live music and entertainment that defines this event, which returned after a two-year absence.
Where: Long Branch Park, Long Branch Road, Liverpool
When: Sunday, Aug. 2: 2-7 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
For 43 years, Bill Knowlton’s “Blueggrass Ramble Picnic” has been entertaining Central New Yorkers. In fact, it’s the longest running in New York State. Come enjoy some great music and food.
10 a.m. — Gospel Way
10:30 a.m. — Salmon River Boys
11 a.m. — The Brothers McRae
11:30 a.m. — Mountain Top Express
12 p.m. — Slewfoot
12:30 p.m. — Lake Effect
1 p.m. — Joe Lamay & Sherri Reese w/ Jim Stout
1:45 p.m. — Eddue Z & The Otisco Valley Breakdown
2:15 p.m. — Plexigrass
2:45 p.m. — The Atkinson Family
3:15 p.m. — Spare Parts w/ Gene Clayton
3:45 p.m. — Northwater
4:15 p.m. — Diamond Someday
4:45 p.m. — Dan Duggan & Henry Jankiewicz
5:15 p.m. — Molly & The Badly Bent Bluegrass Boys
5:45 p.m. — The Sean Martin Band
6:15 p.m. — The Delaney Brothers
Where: Dwyer Memorial Park, Preble
When: Sunday, Aug. 2: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
Upstate New York has a great climate for growing several varieties of garlic. To celebrate, the Garlic Festival has been continuing for 23 years in the Finger Lakes Region. Come celebrate this event by enjoying local music, food and vendors, demonstrations and dinners. The Town Pants will be kicking off the event Thursday evening with a concert.
Where: Fox Run Vineyards, 670 Rt. 14, Penn Yan
When: Thursday, July 30: 5 p.m. | Saturday, Aug. 1 – Sunday, Aug. 2; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
Hamilton International Film Festival
Family and foreign, full-length and short… there will be plenty of films for everyone to enjoy at this four-day Central New York Festival. Please check the schedule for specific times and details.
Where: Hamilton Theater, 7 Lebanon St., Hamilton
When: Thursday, July 30 – Sunday, Aug. 2
Cost: $20 (all-access) | $6 (individual sessions)
The 13th Annual cultural festival returns with a pig roast, live music and entertainment, and even more traditional food.
Where: St. George Macedonian Orothdox Church, 5083 Onondaga Road, Syracuse
When: Friday, July 31: 4-10 p.m. | Saturday, Aug. 1: 12-11 p.m. | Sunday, Aug. 2: 12-7 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
Middle Ages 20th Anniversary Party
It’s about that time where we say happy 20th birthday to our local brewery! To celebrate: There annual bash will be as great as years past. It usually rains, so be sure to bring a tent or an umbrella. Food is available to be purchased: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Limp Lizard and The Mission.
- Our Friends Band
- Sirsy
- Spring Street Family Band
- Boots n’ Shorts
- Dark Hollow
Where: Leavenworth Park, 120 Wilkinson St., Syracuse
When: Sunday, Aug. 2: 2-8 p.m.
Cost: $26.95 (adults), $15.95 (5 to 11), Free (4 and younger)
Up to bat with the Chiefs
Dollar Thursday / ’80s Night
Enjoy $1 Hofmann hot dogs; $1 Coca-Cola products; pick up $1 programs; and responsibly consume $2 Bud, Labatt, Saranac, and 1911 drafts. Gates open at 5 p.m. for Happy Hour, featuring 3 Inch Fury, Central New York’s ’80s metal cover band. Be sure to stay for post-game fireworks.
When: Thursday , July 30
Versus: Buffalo Bisons
Game: 7:05 p.m.
No games this weekend. The Chiefs return home Monday, facing off against the Pawtucket Red Sox.
To download the season schedule, CLICK HERE
This weekend at the Fairgrounds
Empire Appaloosa Horse Show
Where: Toyota Coliseum
When: Saturday, Aug. 1 – Sunday, Aug. 2
Cost: Free
Farm Bureau Horse Show
Where: Race Arena
When: Sunday, Aug. 2
Cost: Free
