It’s ArtsWeek in Syracuse. You’d better bring your walking shoes, because you’ll want to accomplish a lot. (Plus, parking might be a little iffy with all the Downtown events.)
Well, this is the weekend to begin training your legs for The Great New York State Fair.
This week, the number of festivals definitely exceed the number of standalone events. I could have stopped at the festivals, but why? I had to throw in a few more options outside of Syracuse and Oswego, which is holding its annual Harborfest.
Saranac Brewery is hosting Dark Star Orchestra. Cooperstown is holding its induction ceremony this weekend, and Ommegang is showcasing two concerts.
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY
Temperature: 78 °F / 56 °F
Conditions: Red sky night, sailors’ delight.
FRIDAY
Temperature: 78 °F / 58 °F
Conditions: An afternoon shower is nothing. Embrace it.
SATURDAY
Temperature: 85 °F / 66 °F
Conditions: Thunderstorm in the morning. Humid in the afternoon. Sticky evening.
SUNDAY
Temperature: 83 °F / 65 °F
Conditions: Snow. Just kidding. It’ll rain.
Weekend Fun!
To kick off this Arts & Crafts Festival weekend, the Everson is hosting a craft beer event. Tim Herron is performing. Good grog, good music, good people, and it will be a beautiful evening. How can you resist?
Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, July 23: 5-8 p.m.
Cost: $10 (members), $15 (non-members)
The acclaimed band may focus on Grateful Dead covers, but they’ll season in originals and other covers to create an original show. A concert should be an experience of listening and enjoying music with the people you came with and those around you; Dark Star embraces that.
Where: Saranac Brewery, 830 Varick St., Utica
When: Sunday, July 26: 7 p.m.
Cost: $25 – $30
The two indie bands will be performing at the Cooperstown brewery, and it will be nothing short of entertainment. Colin Meloy’s vocals are hauntingly intriguing, and whether you know their catalog or not, you’ll be singing along with unfamiliar songs before they end. Their latest “What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World” was released this year, and the singles “Make You Better” and “The Wrong Year” prove to be prime representatives of the release.
Where: Brewery Ommegang, 656 Hwy 33, Cooperstown
When: Sunday, July 26: 7 p.m.
Cost: $35 (advance)
The guitarist and blues/gospel musician burst onto the scene with his 1997 hit “Lie to Me,” and he’s been going strong ever since. Check him out at the outdoor venue in Baldwinsville.
Where: Paper Mill Island, 136 Spensieri Ave., Baldwinsville
When: Friday, July 24: 7 p.m.
Cost: $30 – $40 (link provided above)
This is the last weekend to catch “Oliver!” at Redhouse Arts Center. The Charles Dickens-based musical will have you asking for more. Perhaps they’ll bring it back in the future, but there are plenty of other performances through the nonprofit: “13 the Musical” is coming up next, starting July 30.
Thursday: 7 p.m. ($25)
Friday: 7 p.m. ($30)
Saturday: 2 p.m. ($30 – $35) and 7 p.m. ($25)
Where: The Redhouse Arts Center, 201 S. West St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, July 23 – Saturday, July 25
Cost: $25 – $35
Old Crow Medicine Show w/ Sturgill Simpson
Old Crow, who are famous for their addictive and catchy hit “Wagon Wheel,” are the newest inductees into the Grand Ole Opry. Their teaming up with Sturgill Simpson will definitely bring in a great crowd for this true country/Americana show.
Where: Brewery Ommegang, 656 Hwy 33, Cooperstown
When: Friday, July 24: 7 p.m.
Cost: $40 (advance)
Weekly Fare
The Gonstermachers will be headlining the outdoor concert held in Armory Square. Andean folk band Inkarayku will be opening up.
Where: Armory Square, Downtown Syracuse
When: Saturdays, July 25 – Aug. 1: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Chief Bigway will be rocking out under the pavilion at 6 p.m. Indoor live entertainment TBA begins at 10 p.m.
Where: Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub, 100 S. Lowell Avenue, Syracuse
When: Thursdays, July 23 – 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 23 – Sept. 3: 5-8 p.m
Cost: $5
The Landmark Theatre Summer Film Series
The Landmark’s Classic Film Series ends this weekend, culminating with three showings of 1939’s Gone with the Wind.
Thursday, July 23: An American in Paris at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 24: Forbidden Planet at 9 p.m.
Friday, July 24: Blade Runner at 11 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: Gone with the Wind at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: Gone with the Wind at 1 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: Gone with the Wind at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, July 26
Cost: $5 per film
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, July 25 – Aug. 16
Cost: $26.95 (adults), $15.95 (5 to 11), Free (4 and younger)
The Festivals Continue…
The festival turns 45 this year, and once again Columbus Circle and surrounding streets will be blocked off and filled with over 150 artists and vendors from all over the United States and Canada. Come enjoy local food, activities, and live entertainment as well.
Where: Columbus Circle and surrounding streets, Downtown Syracuse
When: Friday, July 24: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Saturday, July 25: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sunday, July 26: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend
The induction ceremony for Craig Biggio, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, and John Smoltz will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Clark Sports Center. The awards presentation will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Doubleday Field. The Parade of Legends will be held at 6 p.m., featuring returning Hall of Famers. Seating is first-come, first-served. Be sure to bring some chairs and a blanket.
Where: The National Baseball Hall of Fame, 22 Main St., Cooperstown
When: Saturday, July 25 – Sunday, July 26
Cost: Free admission to ceremony
The annual K-Rockathon celebrates its 20th year in Central New York. The local radio station continues its consistency by Previous festival alums Trapt, Breaking Benjamin and Shinedown help celebrate the occasion by ending the evening with sets.
12:30 p.m. — Revolve
1:05 p.m. — Bad Seed Rising
1:40 p.m. — Fit for Rivals
2:15 p.m. — Sons of Texas
2:50 p.m. — Shaman’s Harvest
3:35 p.m. — Nothing More
4:25 p.m. — We Are Harolot
5:15 p.m. — Adelita’s Way
6:05 p.m. — Trapt
6:55 p.m. — In This Moment
7:50 p.m. — Breaking Benjamin
9 p.m. — Shinedown
Where: Chevy Court, New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd.
When: Saturday, July 35: 12 p.m.
Cost: $42
The Great American Antiquefest
There will be around 150 antique dealers from across the United States and Canada showcasing their wares. The annual event attracts thousands of customers every year, and it’s been going on for over 30 years.
Where: Onondaga Lake Park, 3813 Longbranch Road, Liverpool
When: Friday, July 24: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (early shoppers), 12 – 4 p.m. (general admission) | Saturday, July 25: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sunday, July 26: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $20 (early Friday admission, includes re-entry on Saturday and Sunday) | $8 (weekend pass) | $7 (daily admission) | Free (12 & under)
Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival
Live bands. Wine tasting. Food and craft vendors. The annual festival is back! Wine tastings on Friday run 7-10 p.m., and Saturday times are 3-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m.
Funky Friday, July 24
Pomco Main Stage: ‘Nuf Said (6:30 p.m.), Atlas XXXV (8:15 & 10 p.m.)
Mardi Gras Pavilion: Formula 5 (5, 7:30, and 9:15 p.m.)
World Beat Pavilion: Brownskin (5, 7:30, and 9:15 p.m.)
Jazz Central: Late Night Jam (11 p.m.)
Jazz Saturday, July 25
Pomco Main Stage: Stan Colella Parks & Rec All-Star Big Band (12 p.m.), CNY Jazz Alumni (12:25 p.m.), Rhythm-Airs (1:30 p.m.), Trade Wind (2:45 p.m.), Easy Money Big Band (4 p.m.), John DiMartino Trio with Harry Allen (6:30 p.m.), Janis Siegel’s Requinte Trio (8:15 p.m.), Chieli Minucci & Special EFX (10 p.m.)
Marti Gras Pavilion: Joshua Breakstone (5, 7:30, and 9:15 p.m.)
World Beat Pavilion: Skiffle Minstrels (5, 7:30, and 9:15 p.m.)
Jazz Central: Late Night Jam (11 p.m.)
Blues Sunday, July 26
Pomco Main Stage: Los Blancos (2 p.m.), Dr. Killdean (3:15 p.m.), Matt Tarbell & Against All Odds (4:30 p.m.), Mississippi Heat (6 p.m.), Davina and the Vagabonds (7:45 p.m.), Duke Robillard (9:15 p.m.)
Where: Clinton Square, Downtown Syracuse
When: Friday, July 24 – Sunday, July 26
Cost: Free admission | $10 per tasting or $30 for weekend pass
The Central New York staple has almost hit 30 years of annual fun. Food and craft vendors, live demonstrations, family activities, live music, and fireworks can all be packed into the four-day festival. Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals will be headlining Thursday evening, and the Friday will be filled with ’90s bands: The Rembrandts, Fastball, and Gin Blossoms. Click the link above to visit the website and get the full schedule of events.
Where: Brietbeck Park, Oswego
When: Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, July 26
Cost: Free admission
To compliment the Antique & Classic Boat Show, The Sherwood Inn is holding their annual barbecue event on the west lawn. Come and enjoy some free live music from Stroke, Mere Mortals, Funky Blu Roots, and Joe Whiting Band while enjoying some delicious menu items.
Where: The Sherwood Inn, 26 W. Genesee St., Skaneateles
When: Sunday, July 26: 1-6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Skaneateles Antique & Classic Boat Show
The boat show on the water kicks off Friday afternoon and ends Sunday with the raffle drawings for a variety of prizes such as Mirbeau Inn & Spa gift certificates, Judge Ben Wiles dinner tickets, a wooden toy boat filled with lotto tickets, and more. In between, attendees can enjoy shopping, a boat parade (3 p.m. on Saturday), and $10 hour-long historical tours by the Skaneateles Historical Society. Live music will be provided by Skaneateles Community Band on Friday at 7:30 p.m., TBA on Saturday from 12-3 p.m., and Soda Ash Six will perform 12-3 p.m. on Sunday.
Where: Clift Park, W. Genesee St., The Village of Skaneateles
When: Friday, July 24: 3 p.m. – dusk | Saturday, July 25: 9 a.m. – dusk | Sunday, July 26: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Stage of Nations Blue Rain EcoFest
The festival gets better every year. The event celebrates Haudenosaunee culture and environmental awareness and education that speaks globally. There will be plenty of Native American craft and food vendors as well as live entertainment. Carolyn Kelly Blues Band and Coco Montoya will be headlining each night.
Friday, July 24
5 p.m. — Haudenosaunee singers and dancers
6:45 p.m. — Hoop dancers
7:30 p.m. — Native flute players
8:30 p.m. — Carolyn Kelly Blues Band
Saturday, July 25
12 p.m. — Haudenosaunee singers and dancers
1:30 p.m. — Kay & The Miracle Cure
3 p.m. — Haudenosaunee singers and dancers
4 p.m. — Smoke dance competition
5:30 p.m. — Hoop dancers
6:45 p.m. — The Ripcords
8:30 p.m. — Coco Montoya
Where: Hanover Square, Downtown Syracuse
When: Friday, July 24: 5-10 p.m. | Saturday, July 25: 12-10 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Syracuse New Times and Family Times presents the annual Street Painting Festival, which has been a Arts & Craft’s show staple for 25 years. When you are out and about, stop by and participate. First and Second Place prizes will be given, and each category will have a Third Place/Honorable Mention, winning gift certificates to area businesses.
Adults: $150 / $75
Teens: $75 / $50
Youth (12 & Under): $50 / $25
People’s Choice: Gift certificates to area businesses
Where: Syracuse City Hall, 233 E. Washington St. and Montgomery St., Downtown Syracuse
When: Saturday, July 25: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Sunday, July 26 (rain date)
Cost: $30 (masters) | 25 (adults) | $15 (17 & younger)
Come celebrate the Ukrainian culture with live music, dancing, vendors and — of course — food: pyrohy (potato and cheese dumplings), kobasa (pork sausage), holbusti (cabbage shells stuffed with meat and rice), and more. Mass will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Where: St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Church, 207 Tompkins St., Syracuse
When: Friday, July 24: 4-11 p.m. | Saturday, July 25: 12-11 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Up to bat with the Chiefs
The Syracuse Chiefs are on the road, but they will be returning home for a Monday evening game versus Buffalo Bisons.
To download the season schedule, CLICK HERE
This weekend at the Fairgrounds
PtHA of NYS “Lots of Spots” Pinto Show
Where: Toyota Coliseum
When: Friday, July 24 – Sunday, July 26
Cost: Free
Onondaga County Youth Horse Show
Where: 4-H Arena
When: Friday, July 24 – Sunday, July 26
Cost: Free
NYS Boer Goat Show
Where: Goat Barn
When: Saturday, July 25 – Sunday, July 26
Cost: Free