Here are 25 things to do in Central New York this weekend. These are definitely not all the events, either. So, why complain and why say that there is nothing to do?
There are so many festivals still going on. There are fundraisers. There is live music, theater and film — Oh, my!
The nice weather will definitely coax you outside as well. (But the weather is always a fickle thing.)
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Weather Forecast
THURSDAY
Temperature: 75 degrees / 55 degrees
Conditions: Sun. Check.
FRIDAY
Temperature: 78 degrees / 58 degrees
Conditions: More sun. Check.
SATURDAY
Temperature: 81 degrees / 62 degrees
Conditions: Extra sun. Check.
SUNDAY
Temperature: 82 degrees / 63 degrees
Conditions: Hmm. Slight chance of a thunderstorm.
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Weekend Fun!
The popular Ithaca-based “moxy rock” band ventures to Syracuse to put on an energetic show at Funk ‘N Waffles. Plain and simple: They’re a band that you have to see.
Where: Funk N Waffles, 307 S. Clinton St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, August 8: 9 p.m. (Doors open at 8 p.m.)
Cost: $10
The 19th annual Brew at the Zoo continues to be a fundraiser that’s not to be missed. Craft beer, regional wine, animals, food, music and good company all add up to a great time. No one under 21, including infants and toddlers, will be admitted into the event. Go online or call (315) 435-8511 x113 to reserve tickets.
Where: The Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, One Conservation Pl., Syracuse
When: Friday, August 7: 5:30-8 p.m.
Cost: $50 (Advance) | $45 (Group Price – 6 or more) | $60 (Gate)
It’s the second Sunday of the month. It’s time for the Sunday City Market. Make your way down to Armory Square this weekend for brunch and some shopping. It’ll be a beautiful day to browse, buy and support local vendors.
Where: Armory Square, Downtown Syracuse
When: Sunday, August 9:10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
The whodunit James Bond spoof performed by the Acme Mystery Company returns to the Spaghetti Warehouse.
Where: Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Aug. 6: 6:45 p.m.
Cost: $27.95
The Chicago-based grassroots band will be showcasing their talent at the Center for the Arts, promoting their recently-released “Still On That Ride.”
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S. Main St., Homer
When: Sunday, August 9: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $18 (General Admission) | $14 (Seniors) | $10 (Students)
Hacked: The Treasure of the Empire
The Caravan Stage Company brings their Cirque-esque show to Oswego. The described “metaphoric extravaganza” that boasts a “contemporary tale set in a futuristic and dystopic world” aims to please, shock and awe with aerial acrobatics, puppets, digital imagery and more.
Where: H. Lee White Marine Museum, 1 W. First St., Oswego
When: Thursday, Aug. 6: 9 p.m. | Friday, Aug. 7: 9 p.m.
Cost: $10 (Advance) | $12 (Door)
In case you haven’t read our feature story this week, WOLF and WNDR will be celebrating their 75th Anniversary of broadcasting in Syracuse. On Aug. 8, starting at 8 p.m., stop by and enjoy some great food, live music from The Night Caps and Smokin and meet the longstanding radio personalities.
Where: Pensabene’s Casa Grande, 135 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Aug. 8: 8 p.m. – midnight
Cost: Free Admission
Men show what they have to offer, women bid, the gent who raises the most money gets boasting rights, and the money raised will benefit Habitat for Humanity‘s Women Build House. There will be live music, food and a raffle — complete with great prizes, of course.
Where: Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Aug. 7: 6-10 p.m.
Cost: $10
The musical version of the cinematic hit is taking the stage at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse. It’s gotten positive reviews, and that may attribute to the fact that John Travolta isn’t part of the production — but that is for you to decide. Enjoy the show!
Where: Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, 6877 E. Lake Road, Auburn
When: Thursday, Aug. 6: 7:30 p.m. | Friday, Aug. 7: 8 p.m. | Saturday, Aug. 8: 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Cost: $47 (Adult) | $44 (Seniors) | $25 (Under 22)
Singles Mingle & Wine Tasting
The first Thursday of every month, Central New York singles are able to come enjoy the offerings of this Downtown wine store. It’s not only a great chance to see the specialty wines Vinomania has to offer and enjoy a wine tasting, but it will give singles an opportunity to meet other singles.
Where: Vinomania, 313 E. Willow Street, Syracuse (Entrance: Pearl Street)
When: Thursday, August 6: 5-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Syracuse Improv Collective: The August Bank Show
When you think of improv, you may think of Upright Citizens Brigade, Second City or Whose Line is it Anyway?, to name a few. The Syracuse Improv Collective’s monthly show is happening at the Central New York Playhouse on Friday evening. Instead of what you may have seen on television, the collective specializes in long form: creating scenes and “short plays” that are off-the-cuff and inspired by audience suggestion.
Where: The Abandoned Bank, 451 S. Warren St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, August 8: 8 p.m.
Cost: $5
Warren Haynes w/ Railroad Earth
The Gov’t Mule frontman takes his solo show on the road, headlining Baldwinsville’s outdoor venue. The New Jersey-based Railroad Earth will open up, showcasing their progressive bluegrass style and talent.
Where: Paper Mill Island, 136 Spensieri St., Baldwinsville
When: Saturday, August 8: 8 p.m.
Cost: $42.85 (includes service fees)
Wine Tasting and Lune Chocolat Sampling
Free wine tasting and Lune Chocolate delights to pair — enough said. Sounds like a win-win.
Where: Vinomania, 313 E. Willow St., Syracuse
When: Friday, August 7: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
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Weekly Fare
It’s Primetime and Virgil Cane. It’s a big band and a solo act. It’s an outdoor show at 6 p.m. followed by an indoor show at 10 p.m.
Where: Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub, 100 S. Lowell Avenue, Syracuse
When: Thursdays, July 30 – Aug. 20: 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
Downtown Get-Down (Featuring Professional Victims)
With their combined powers Modern Malt and SKY Armory will be holding their Thursday “Downtown Get-Down” to bring even more vibrancy to the Syracuse happy hour scene. Food, beverages, games and music will be included. The Professional Victims are playing this week.
Where: The Alley / 321 & 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse
When: Thursdays, August 6 – Sept. 3: 5-8 p.m
Cost: $5
This free weekly concert series will be hopping around the city this month. To kick things off, BlackLites with Ricky Chisholm, Mr. Bus Driver & Elk Pride Step Team. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, but leave your coolers at home. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Where: Kirk Park, Kirk Ave. and Argyle Terr., Syracuse
When: Thursday, August 6: 6:30-9 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
The 39th Annual Sterling Renaissance Festival is nearing the end, being the second to last weekend of the annual summer highlight. 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. 8 – Aug. 16
Cost: $26.95 (adults), $15.95 (5 to 11), Free (4 and younger)
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The Festivals Continue…
Abbott Farms Blueberry Festival
Saturday is “A Day on the Farm” and Sunday will have an “A-MAZE-ing Race” at 9 a.m. There will be exhibits, wagon tours, crafts and activities. Some events will have a small fee. U-Pick blueberries run $2.90 per pound.
Where: Abbot Farms, 3275 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville
When: Saturday, Aug. 8: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sunday, Aug. 9: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
The fundraising event for the Pricilla Mahar Animal Welfare Foundation returns this year, hosting well over 100 rescues and vendors. There will be food and beverages for purchase, demonstrations, pet education, and there will be opportunities for attendees to adopt and rescue animals.
Where: Jamesville Beach Park, 4110 W. Shore Manor Road, Jamesville
When: Saturday, Aug. 8: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
The First Annual Comedy Championships will be taking place at the CNY Playhouse in Shoppingtown Mall. The festival runs Aug. 6 to Aug 8, and the final two nights are Aug. 13 and Aug. 29.
The opening rounds are as follows:
Aug. 6: Headliner: Jarwan Nelson. Competing Comics: Nick Galoni, Madelein Smith, Adam Stringer, RJ Purpura, Walter Millerl, Lisa Brown, Steve Sørensen and Rico Tigner
Aug. 7: Headliner: Nick Marra. Competing Comics: Phil Cleary, Justin Choco, Bear Jackson, Motier F. Haskins, Joshua Barry, Steven Rogers, Jason D. Falk, Matt Clark and Larry O’Grady
Aug. 8: Headliner: Carolyn Castiglia. Competing Comics: Michael Terry, Corey Smithson, Phil Farda, RJ McCarthy, Jim Klaisle, Allish Bespalko,
Mikael Gregg and Brennan Pimpinella
Where: Central New York Playhouse, Shoppingtown Mall, 3649 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Aug. 6 | Friday, Aug. 7 | Saturday, Aug. 8 — Each night begins at 8 p.m.
Cost: $50 (Five-night Festival Pass) | $12 (Show)
A.T. Walley’s is holding the kick-off party Friday evening. On Saturday, Auburn will be filled with a variety of events: auBURN Bike Fest, FLAACA Antique Car Show, and there will be plenty of live music and vendors to enjoy. On Saturday night: Irv Lyons Jr. will be performing at Moondog’s Lounge, and Monster Street Groove can be heard at Prison City.
Where: City of Auburn
When: Friday, Aug. 7: 6-10 p.m. | Saturday, Aug. 8
Cost: Free Attendance | auBURN Bike Fest: $5
Blues music, food and fun. That’s what it comes down to simply having a good time. This year Kenny Neal, Steve Guyger, Jimmy Wolf, Funky Blu Roots and Los Blancos will be featured among many others.
Where: Herkimer County Fair Grounds, 135 Cemetery St., Frankfort
When: Saturday, Aug. 8: 1 p.m.
Cost: $20 (Advance) | $25 (Gate)
Rome Capitolfest
This year Nancy Carroll will be the “tribute star” of the annual film festival, so patrons of the event will see many films throughout the weekend that feature her, including: “Illusion;” “The Devil’s Holiday,” and “Under-Cover Man.” There will be plenty more old film to enjoy as well. Visit the website, linked above, for the schedule of film and breakdown of ticket pricing.
Where: The Capitol Theatre, 220 W. Dominick St., Rome
When: Thursday, Aug. 6 | Friday, Aug. 7 | Saturday, Aug. 8
Cost: Weekend Package: $60 (Adults) | $54 (Capitol Friends) | $38 (Children 12 & under)
Scottish Games & Celtic Festival
Authentic food, demonstrations, pipe and drum bands, live dancing and athletic competitions — all can be found at Long Branch Park this weekend. The Scottish Games & Celtic Festival is in its 74th year; come experience the fun that people keep talking about and supporting year-after-year.
Where: Long Branch Park, Long Branch Road, Liverpool
When: Saturday Aug. 8: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
The Erie Canal is a critical part of Central New York history, and Camillus annually entices us to celebrate this history. There will be dancers, raffles, music, crafts, wagon rides and demonstrations. Boat rides are $3 for adults and $1.50 for children.
Where: Camillus Erie Canal Park, 5750 DeVoe Road, Camillus
When: Saturday, Aug. 8: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
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Up to bat with the Chiefs
No games this weekend. The Chiefs return home Tuesday, Aug. 11, playing against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs .
To download the season schedule, CLICK HERE
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This weekend at the Fairgrounds
Coliseum Classic Horse Show
Where: Toyota Coliseum
When: Friday, Aug. 7 – Sunday, Aug. 9
Cost: Free
PtHA of NYS Year End Futurity Show
Where: 4-H Arena
When: Saturday, Aug. 8 – Sunday, Aug. 9
Cost: Free
