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 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.

Aaron West & the Roaring Twenties

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

Nosferatu & The Magnetic Pull

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

Bill Burr

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

Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band

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

Oz-Stravaganza!

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

Symphoria

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

Paige’s Butterfly Run

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

Don’t Feed the Actors

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

Dr. John & the Nite Trippers

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 Festival

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

Editor’s Pick: Mountain Jam

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

Chiefs of Spring

All baseball games are played at NBT Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Dr, Syracuse. Box office phone: 474-7833.

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

Weekend at the Fairgrounds

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

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.

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