CNYCentral. (It’s probably best to rely on “local” anyhow.)
Here is an upcoming forecast of 15 events to do in Syracuse and Central New York this weekend. There is a plethora of music, historical reenactments and lectures, along with a briefest, a roller derby doubleheader, a couple of races to benefit local nonprofits and a halfway-to-Christmas celebration, among several other outings.
Speaking of forecast, since the National Weather Service was so blatantly wrong last week, this week I’ve referenced the team at Weather Forecast
THURSDAY Temperature: 77 °F / 57 °F Conditions: Simply gorgeous. FRIDAY Temperature: 78 °F / 59 °F Conditions: Who needs processed breakfast when you have an actual sun? SATURDAY Temperature: 70 °F / 57 °F Conditions: Standing in a field with a golf club may not be the smartest idea. SUNDAY (FATHER’S DAY) Temperature: 70 °F / 55 °F Conditions: To rain, or not to rain… That’s what Wayne’s askin’.Oh, What Fun!
1776 Our James MacKillop said: “Never dismiss 1776 as a history lesson. It’s brimming with conflict, self-sacrificing heroism, petty back-biting, love, sex, death and sin.” He also applauds the attention to detail, wit and energy of the production and performers. Sounds like a win for America. The patriotic show continues until Saturday, July 4. Where: Cortland Repertory Theatre, 6799 Little York Lake Road, Preble When: Thursday, June 25: 7:30 p.m. | Friday, June 26: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, June 27: 7:30 p.m.| Sunday, June 28: 2 p.m. Cost: Evenings: $33 (center), $31 (side) | Matinees: $28, $26 Assault City Roller Derby Syracuse’s one-and-only roller derby team returns for its season opener and doubleheader against the Dutchland Derby Rollers at The Oncenter. Assault City’s Assault Squad takes on the All-Stars, and our Battery Brigade takes on DDR’s Blitz at 7 p.m. If you can’t make this event, the home bouts of the season are: July 18, Aug. 8 and Aug. 22. Some proceeds will be donated to the Cat Coalition. Where: The Oncenter, 800 S. State St., Syracuse When: Saturday, June 27: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Doors at 4 p.m.) Cost: Adults: $12 | 12 & Under: Free Little Moe 5K Walk/Run Come one, come all! Whether you’re two-legged or four-legged, all are welcome to attend the family-friendly event. The 5K will take place on a flat course. This third Annual fundraiser is dedicated and named after a pony that the organization rescued and sent to Skanda Equine to recover. Moe passed away shorty after the rescue, and this event continues to raise awareness and will be donating its funds to the SPCA Horse Rescue. Where: CNY SPCA, 5878 E. Molloy Road, When: Sunday, June 28: 8:30-11 a.m. Cost: $30 | 12 & Under: Free Old Crow Medicine Show & Sturgill Simpson The New York State brewery, between their products and the acts they bring in, is consistent. The double bill will feature two country-driven performances that will have you dancing and reconsidering, recognizing what is wholehearted Americana/folk/country and what’s simply mainstream. Where: Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown When: Thursday, June 25: Doors open at 5 p.m. / Show starts at 7 p.m. Cost: General Admission: $35 + $7 fee | Camping Add-on: $15 + $5 fee Ride and Run for the Rescue The family event has participants running or walking a 5K or riding bikes for various increments: two-mile family fun ride, 10-mile, 20-mile, 40-mile, or 62-mile rides. The event begins with a breakfast before the activities begin. There will be lunch after the races and games will available for the kids. Register online at the link above. Where: Long Branch Park, 3813 Longbranch Road, Liverpool When: Saturday, June 27: 6 a.m – 2 p.m. Cost: 5K: $15 (with $110 fundraising goal) or $35 | Bike: $25 (with $110 fundraising goal) or $50 Summerland 2015: Everclear, Fuel, Toadies, American Hi-Fi The 90s bands have… um… banded together, touring and making a stop at our New York brewery down I-90. For less than $30, you can enjoy some craft beer and reminisce with your friends about when these bands hit the airwaves. Where: Saranac Brewery, 830 Varick St., Utica When: Friday, June 26 Cost: General Admission: $27.50 | General Admission & Everclear Meet-and-Greet: $125Weekly Fare
Coleman’s Block Party The weekly Thursday Tipperary Hill happy hour party returns this week with Noisy Boys Trio taking the outdoor stage at 6 p.m., and DJ Visa Versa Entertainment will be the evening indoor entertainment at 10 p.m. Where: The Pavilion at Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub, 100 S. Lowell Avenue, Syracuse When: Thursday, June 25 to Aug. 20: 6 p.m. Cost: Free admission Downtown Get-Down 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., Syracuse When: Every Thursday, June 25 to Sept. 3: 5-8 p.m. Cost: $5The Festivals Continue
Balloonfest Jamesville Balloonfest will be launching again this year, and it will be free for the first time! There will be three days filled with music, food, family fun, rides, and balloons (of course). Balloons will soar every day, weather permitting. Beatlemania will be headlining Sunday evening. Where: Jamesville Beach Park, 4110 Westshore Manor Road, Jamesville When: Friday, June 26 – Sunday, June 28 Cost: Free admission | Ride tickets: Fri.: $20 all-night ride passes; Saturday and Sunday: $1.25 per ticket (rides require 3-4 tickets) Cape Vincent Historical Weekend If you have a love of history and/or looking to get out of town, head up to Cape Vincent for a historical-themed weekend. There will be battle reenactments, lectures, ships, period music and more. Check out weekend-long festival’s Facebook page for details. Where: Cape Vincent When: Friday, June 26 – Sunday, June 28 Cost: Free admission | Ride tickets: Fri.: $20 all-night ride passes; Saturday and Sunday: $1.25 per ticket (rides require 3-4 tickets) Homemade Jam The 2nd Annual Otisco acoustic music festival will be kicking off at 3 p.m. for an all-day jamboree. A children’s area will have activities, and food vendors will be available.3 p.m. – Donna Dennihy and Easy Folk 3:50 p.m. – Golden-Novak Duo 4:45 p.m. – Jodogs 5:45 p.m. – Boots-n-Shorts 6:45 p.m. – Donna Colton and Sam Troublemaker 7:45 p.m. – The Easy Ramblers
Where: Otisco Lake Community Center, 2223 Amber Road, Marietta When: Saturday, June 27: 3-9 p.m. Cost: Free admission LEON Festival We’re “halfway” to Christmastime, and this annual family-friendly celebration is returning to Onondaga Lake Park. The event will be complete with Lights on the Lake displays, face painting and crafts, magicians and balloon artists and much more. Fireworks will kick off at 9:30 p.m. Where: Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool When: Thursday, June 25: 5-10 p.m. Cost: Free admission Syracuse Shakespeare Festival We highlighted this week, but it’s so unique. We cannot get enough of outdoor performances. This is the final weekend for this Shakespearean historical drama will be taking place from Friday, June 19, to Sunday, June 28. The shows are free, but food and beverage vendors will be available. Donations are appreciated to keep this program going. Where: Thornden Park Ampitheater, 201 Ostrom Avenue, Syracuse When: Friday & Saturday, June 26 & 27: 5:30 p.m.| Sunday, June 28: 2 p.m. Cost: Free World of Beer Empire Brewfest The Empire Brewfest will easily please craft beer fanatics and those just getting into them. The list of participating breweries are on the website, but not all of them are listed. Who doesn’t like a surprise? There will be music for your ears as well. Friday will feature Tommy Connors, Two Hour Delay, and Castle Creek. Tommy Connors & Friends, The Lightkeepers, Grupo Pagan, and Solar Garlic will all be jamming through Saturday. There is Brewfest Safe Ride Program for everyone to take advantage of; two to six people per vehicle allowance. Where: Chevy Court, New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse When: Friday, June 26: 5-10 p.m. | Saturday, June 27: 1-9 p.m. Cost: All-day sampling: $35 | Pay as you go: $10 | Designated drivers: $5 | Safe Ride (two-way): $25/pp