It’s been 240 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed. Celebrate our freedom this weekend, avoid toxic political conversation, but make plans on how you can be a better ‘Merican. Go out and have fun, be safe and enjoy at least one of these activities in Syracuse, Ithaca, Cazenovia, Skaneateles, Sterling, Sackets Harbor or wherever your heart leads you in CNY.

Tiki Party

Check out the science museum’s latest movie The Ultimate Wave with and a pre-show island-themed fundraiser.

Where: Museum of Science & Technology, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, June 30 |  5;30 p.m.
Cost: $25 | More Info | 425-9068

Black Mountain

Heavy psychedelic rockers take the small stage to showcase their big sound.

Where: The Haunt, 702 Willow Ave., Ithaca
When: Friday, July 1 | 9 p.m.
Cost: $15/advance, $18/door | Buy Online | (607) 275-3447

From Here to Eternity

Tim Rice’s musical adaptation of the 1951 war novel takes to the MGR stage.

Thursday | 7:30 p.m.
Friday | 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Saturday | 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Where: Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, 17 William St., Auburn
When: Thursday, June 29 – Wednesday, July 20
Cost: $47-$51/adult, $44-$48/senior, $27/under 22 | Buy Online | (315) 255-1785, (800) 457-8897

Cazenovia Sidewalk Festival

Arts and crafts throughout Cazenovia all weekend long.

Where: Albany St., Cazenovia
When: Thursday, June 30 – Sunday, July 3 | 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free Admission | 655-9244

Sterling Renaissance Festival

The ultimate “throwback” festival is back for its 40th anniversary.

Where: Sterling Renaissance Festival, 15385 Farden Road, Sterling
When: Saturdays and Sundays | 10 a.m.
Cost: 28/adult, $17/child, $48/two-day pass, $196/season pass adult, $96/season pass child | Buy Online | (800) 879-4446

Made in New York Festival

Think local. Eat local. Shop local. Listen to one hell of a classic rock lineup.

Where: Madison Barracks, 85 Worth St., Sackets Harbor
When: Saturday, July 2 | 11 a.m.
Cost: $10/advance and seniors, $15/door, free/ages 16 and under | More Info | 646-3374

Jazz Fest

Michael McDonald makes his Jazz Fest debut. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue returns for another performance. Both will be headlining the area’s biggest jazz festival.

Where: Onondaga Community College, 4585 W. Seneca Tpke., Syracuse
When: Saturday, July 2 – Sunday, July 3 | Gates open at 3 p.m.
Cost: Free admission, $5/parking, $10/parking after 6 p.m. | More Info

Cory Henry

The young jazz and gospel musician has recorded with Snarky Puppy and toured with Bruce Springsteen, The Roots, Kirk Franklin and Michael McDonald among others will be stopping by Syracuse for an intimate performance.

Where: Funk N Waffles, 307 S. Clinton St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, July 2 | 7 p.m.
Cost: $20 | Buy Online

Red, White & Brew

The annual patriotic outdoor festival features delicious food and live music from The Ripcords, Grit N Grace, Mike DeLaney & the Delinquents and Stroke.

Where: The Sherwood Inn, 26 W. Genesee St., Skaneateles
When: Sunday, July 3 | 1 p.m.
Cost: Free admission | More Info | 685-3405

Maureen O’Hara ‘Teal There’s a Cure’

The annual 5K walk/run fundraiser for ovarian cancer research and education returns for its eighth year.

Where: Marcellus Park, 2443 Platt Road, Marcellus
When: Monday, July 4 | 9 a.m.
Cost: $30/advance, $40/after July 2 | Register Online

Editor’s Pick: 1776

Get patriotic this weekend. The American musical closes this weekend.

Where: Central New York Playhouse, Shoppingtown Mall, 3649 Erie Blvd. E, Syracuse
When: Thursday, June 30 – Saturday, July 2 | 8 p.m.
Cost: $22/Thursday, $25/Friday & Saturday | Buy Online | 885-8960

Take me out to the Chiefs Game…

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

Super Saturday / Breakin’ BBoy McCoy / Challenger Baseball & RBI Baseball 50/50 / Water Bottle Giveaway

Opponent: Rochester Red Wings
When: Saturday, July 2 | 7:05 p.m.
Cost: $5-$12 | Buy Online

Family Sunday / Breakin’ BBoy McCoy / John Katko Night / Cowbell Giveaway

Opponent: Rochester Red Wings
When: Sunday, July 3 | 7:05 p.m.
Cost: $5-$12 | Buy Online

Weekend at the Fairgrounds

The Fairgrounds is located at 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse.

Syracuse International Horse Show

Thursday | 8 a.m.
Friday | 8 a.m.
Saturday | 10 a.m.

Where: Toyota Coliseum & Tractor Supply Company Exhibit Center
When: Thursday, June 30 – Saturday, July 2 | 8 a.m.
Cost: Free | More Info | 723-7737

Northwestern Welsh Pony Horse Show

Where: 4-H Ring & Stable Area
When: Friday, July 1 – Sunday, July 3 | 8 a.m.
Cost: Free | More Info | (516) 768-5444

Weather Forecast

(Subject to change, of course.)

THURSDAY

Temperature: 82 degrees / 59 degrees
Conditions: Hey, sun.

FRIDAY

Temperature: 82 degrees / 60 degrees
Conditions: Little rain never dissolved anyone.

SATURDAY

Temperature: 75 degrees / 58 degrees
Conditions: Breezy conditions, breezy jazz.

SUNDAY 

Temperature: 80 degrees / 58 degrees
Conditions: Good lookin’ Sunday Funday.

MONDAY

Temperature: 82 degrees / 60 degrees
Conditions: Red sunburn, white clouds, blue skies.

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