Barbecue. Blueberries. Gyros and baklava. A bite of this and that from dozens of local restaurants.
It’s festival season in Central New York. The area is chock-full of them — and that’s a good thing. Here are nine of the tastiest ones to have on your radar — and on your calendar. Break out of your usual routine and visit one that’s new to you.
Taste of Syracuse
When: June 5 and June 6, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Clinton Square and vicinity, downtown Syracuse
In a nutshell: Feed your face with $1 samples (and more substantial offerings) from dozens of CNY restaurants. New to the Taste this year are Heid’s, Notch 8, The Black Olive and Prime Steakhouse, among others.
Worth noting: Free admission and free entertainment on three stages, including festival headliner Bret Michaels (June 6).
Information: tasteofsyracuse.com, 471-9597
Old-Tyme Rhubarb Festival (and Classic Car Cruise-In)
When: June 6, noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Montezuma Winery, 2981 Auburn Road, Seneca Falls
In a nutshell: Celebrate rhubarb season with fresh rhubarb, rhubarb pies, rhubarb crisp and rhubarb chili. Not crazy about rhubarb? You’ll also find hotdogs, hamburgers, salt potatoes and wine.
Worth noting: Dozens of classic cars are expected to roll in for the event. Montezuma Winery (and Hidden Marsh Distillery) are known for their fruit, grape and honey wines and spirits.
Information: cayugawinetrail.com
St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival
Michael Davis Photo | Syracuse New Times
When: June 11 (5 to 9 p.m.), June 12 (5 to 10 p.m.), June 13 (12 to 10 p.m.) and June 14 (12 to 4 p.m.)
Where: St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 325 Waring Road, DeWitt.
In a nutshell: Enjoy a smorgasbord of Greek specialties, like spanakopita, souvlaki, moussaka and gyro, and watch the dancers in colorful costumes, giving it their all on stage. But pace yourself and save room for dessert. The baked goods, like baklava and loukoumades (fried honey puffs) are legendary.
Worth noting: Free admission, parking, shuttle and entertainment.
Information: syracusegreekfest.com, 446-5222
Syracuse Polish Festival
Michael Davis Photo | Syracuse New Times
When: June 19 (4 to 10:30 p.m.), June 20 (noon to 10:30 p.m.) and June 21 (noon to 5 p.m.)
Where: Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse
In a nutshell: Choose from a menu of traditional Polish fare, including kielbasa, pierogi, golabki (cabbage rolls) and Bigos (hunter’s stew) and wash it down with Polish beers. Can you polka? Dance off the food.
Worth noting: Free admission, free entertainment (dancers, Polka bands, etc.). Funds raised benefit the Polish Scholarship Fund.
Information: polishscholarship.org
Syracuse M&T Jazz Festival
When: July 17 and 18. 5 to 10 p.m. (Gates open at 3 p.m.)
Where: Onondaga Community College Campus
In a nutshell: The big draw is the music, including headliners Wynton Marsalis and Aretha Franklin. But you’ll find plenty of good stuff to eat on the OCC campus and it’s not your usual festival food. Jazz Fest Founder and Executive Producer Frank Malfitano says the response was so positive last year to the presence of local food trucks that more will be on site this year to both expand the offerings and reduce waiting lines. Food trucks participating this year include the new Heid’s mobile food unit, the Chicken Bandit, Effortlessly Healthy, Columbus Bakery, Peppino’s Wood-Fired Pizza and Shattuck’s Paddy Wagon, among others. There will also be wine from Greenwood Winery, DeWitt, and local and regional craft beers.
Worth noting: Free admission; pay for parking, food, beverages.
Information: syracusejazzfest.com
St. Elias Midde Eastern Cultural Festival
Michael Davis Photo | Syracuse New Times
When: July 10 (4 to 10 p.m.), July 11 (noon to 10 p.m.) and July 12 (noon to 6 p.m.)
Where: St. Elias Antiochan Orthodox Christian Church, 4988 Onondaga Road, Onondaga
In a nutshell: Nosh on shish kabob, stuffed grape leaves, spinach pie and hummus while listening to traditional music and watching the dancers. Top it off with with sweet pastries and strong Arabic coffee. Like to cook? Pick up a copy of Good Eating the Arabic Way, a cookbook featuring hundreds of recipes tested over time and contributed by the women of the church.
Worth noting: Free admission, parking and entertainment.
Information: sainteliasny.com, 488-0388
St. George Macedonian Orthodox Church Festival
When: July 31 (4 to 10 p.m.), Aug. 1 (noon to 11 p.m.), Aug. 2 (noon to 7 p.m.)
Where: 5083 Onondaga Road (Route 173), Onondaga
In a nutshell: Go for the music and folk dancing. Stay for the pig roast, grilled meats and ethnic fare and traditional Macedonian baked goods.
Worth noting: Free admission, parking and entertainment.
Information: stgeorgemoc.org, 487-1265
Blueberry Jam
When: Saturday, August 15 (music starts at noon)
Where: Critz Farms/Harvest Moon Cidery, 3232 Rippleton Road (Route 13), Cazenovia
Worth noting: There is an admission charge; check the website for more information.
Information: theblueberryjam.com, 662-3355
Glorious Garlic Festival
When: August 1 and 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Fox Run Vineyards, 670 Route 14, Penn Yan (Seneca Lake West)
Worth noting: Fox Run is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The Glorious Garlic Festival is now in its 23rd year.
Information: foxrunvineyards.com, 536-4616
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