For many, the spring season is already knocking at the door, and people are excited about the longer and warmer days. If you love getting outside, the perfect season is almost here. So, you can look forward to those hangouts with friends and family, a breath of fresh air, some good fine dining and a visit to historic sites in Syracuse.
If you’re searching for fun things to do during spring, we’ve curated some events lined up for every Syracusan looking to take some time off school, work or vacationing in the city. Keep reading!
1. Syracuse Spring Equinox Market
You can unleash the spring energy with the “life-renewing” Syracuse Spring Equinox Market. The annual event happens every March, and it is far more than an open market hangout. It’s a celebration of the city’s communal living, the sun’s triumphant return, and a reminder of the feast fest that hits Syracuse after the winter snow melts away.
You can expect a burst of colors, an excited crowd, dominant sunlight and a collection of finely crafted works from Syracuse’s finest artisans. You’ll also find one-of-a-kind jewelry collections handcrafted to perfection and reflective of Syracuse’s creativity.
If you’re all about healthy skin, there are tons of organic skincare products from various local businesses to try out. For food, there are lots of delicious local dishes to remind your taste buds of your roots. If you’re visiting, these refreshing meals can be an awakening to the good, healthy diet of the average Syracusan.
Ultimately, the Syracuse Spring Equinox market is your opportunity to fully experience spring in New York. The 2025 edition is scheduled for March 16th, and it’s your chance to unleash the explorer within you, tag along with your friends and enjoy one of the world’s best spring celebrations.
2. Salt City Reptile Expo
If you’re looking for another exciting Central New York event when in Syracuse during spring, the Salt Lake Reptile Expo is an event you don’t want to miss. This is for animal lovers who want to observe exotic crawling creatures, including reptiles, amphibians, and uncommon pets.
Beyond the sightseeing lies a marketplace for pet supplies and vendors showcasing animals like snakes, lizards, frogs and turtles. Interestingly, there’s a dedicated educational section where you can learn about these reptiles from different vendors and breeders. You can learn about their care, history, behavior and conservation strategies.
You can also find a community of reptile lovers to connect with — whether you are a curious reptile lover, a first-time reptile parent or an experienced herpetologist.
The 2025 spring edition of the Salt City Reptile Expo happens on March 22nd, so find your way to the Oncenter Convention Center if you’re a reptile lover in Syracuse during spring.
3. March Madness
This one is for sports lovers and bettors looking for an exciting spring experience in Syracuse. With the city’s massive college basketball scene and the presence of various casinos, you can watch sports games solo, host watch parties or even participate in sports betting activities.
For instance, you can back the Syracuse Orange in their college basketball games during March Madness. The tournament is felt throughout the city, and you don’t want to miss out on the excitement. Bars, restaurants and pubs also bring together fans for viewing parties. These gatherings promise an energetic atmosphere and represent the spirit of the community and shared excitement that is typical of Syracuse.
Sports betting is also legal in New York, so you can bet on various sports events during March Madness. If you prefer the physical casino experience, Syracuse is blessed with several casino resorts. Interestingly, there are many online casinos available on AskGamblers that allows you to play at some of the highest rated online slots accessible online. With this at your fingertips, you can enjoy this entertainment on the go, or even just relaxing at home. If you find yourself needing that extra boost of entertainment, this platform fully reviews the online slots, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
The 2025 edition of March Madness will be held between March and April and can be watched at various sports bars and casinos. However, it’s crucial to stick with regulated and licensed sports betting platforms while enjoying the fun and vibrant March Madness atmosphere in Syracuse.
4. Dark Hollow’s Winter Warmer
If you’re looking for a warm post-winter adventure during spring in Syracuse, the Dark Hollow’s Winter Warmer is the place to be. With a blend of warm music, exhilarating artist performances and a bubbling crowd, music lovers can indulge in the fun that the Dark Hollow band promises.
The homegrown Syracuse band will take to the stage and unite every Syracusan with different kinds of music — rock, blues and jam-band. Besides the live performance, music lovers can connect, and you can use it as the perfect opportunity to be outside with friends and family.
The 2025 edition of Dark Hollow’s Winter Warmer is scheduled for March 22nd at the Song & Dance. This venue adds another layer of excitement to the music show because it is one of the most famous hubs for live music and performances for Syracusans. That means you can expect nothing short of an intriguing experience from Dark Hollow’s Winter Warmer. The venue’s intimate setting creates a scene where the performers and audience can connect and flow, creating a vibe that is both engaging and memorable.
5. Syracuse International Film Festival
Movie lovers in Syracuse can enjoy a weekend of film and cinematic expressions at the Syracuse International Film Festival (SIFF) this spring. As the name suggests, this is more than just a movie watch party. It’s an innovative movie event that brings together film buffs from around the world. You can expect exciting movies, great storytelling, conversation-driving documentaries and direct engagement with filmmakers.
The 2025 spring edition of the event is slated for April 25th to 27th at the Palace Theater. Whether you’re new to film production, a cinematographer or just a casual movie lover, you can enjoy meaningful drama during the SIFF event in Central New York.
Final thoughts
Spending spring in Syracuse means more than the end of winter and entering the warmer months. It’s a celebration of the city’s rich history, sports scene, cuisine and communal strength. Ready for an exciting ’Cuse experience this spring? Gather your loved ones and mark your calendars for some of the biggest outdoor events.
