Summer is in full swing, and this week is packed with vibrant events to soak it all in.
Art lovers — this week is calling your name. Unleash your creativity with a free paint session on Tuesday, learn techniques behind alcohol ink painting on Saturday and view the work of over 150 artists all weekend long at the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival.
Appreciate the beautiful outdoors in unique ways this week with Onondaga Lake Appreciation Day on Monday, Beer, Bikes and Barges on Thursday and canoeing & kayaking on Saturday.
As is typical for Central NY summers, the live music scene is full of heat, with Barenaked Ladies: Last Summer On Earth Tour on Wednesday, The Dead is Alive Fest on Saturday and Rainbow Kitten Surprise on Sunday.
Monday, July 21
Liverpool Is The Place Concert
Find your groove early in the week with this live music event at Johnson Park. Upstate NY’s very own brassy band, The Horn Dogs, will deliver their signature horn-powered spin on classic rock hits.
Where: 400 Tulip Street, Liverpool
When: Monday, July 21 from 7 to 9 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Tuesday, July 22
Onondaga Lake Appreciation Day
Summer evenings by Onondaga Lake set the scene for a celebration of local beauty, complete with hands-on activities, lakeside learning and community fun. Liverpool Public Library is teaming up with local partners for Onondaga Lake Appreciation Day, featuring Tai Chi, story times, live music and more along the lakeshore.
Where: 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool
When: Tuesday, July 22 from 4 to 7 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Festival of Music: Young Artists Concert
Support the future of music and the talented young musicians emerging from Central NY. Festival of Music presents a free concert spotlighting rising stars, featuring performances by vocalist Ava Tyler, cellist Abigail Feng, and pianist Hudson Brenner. Donations will be accepted at the door.
Where: 515 Oakwood Avenue, Syracuse
When: Tuesday, July 22.
How much: Free to attend.
Free Paint Session
Whether you’re a pro with the palette or haven’t picked up a paint brush since elementary school, this free paint session is open to anyone looking to unleash some creativity. Drop in Soule Branch Library for this casual, self-directed painting session.
Where: 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse
When: Tuesday, July 22 from 5 to 7 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Wednesday, July 23
Oswego Harborfest Carnival
There’s no better way to prepare for the NYS Fair than to attend a local carnival. Starting on Wednesday, Oswego will host rides, vendors, fair foods and entertainment for the annual Harborfest Carnival.
Where: 1 Lake Street, Oswego
When: Wednesday, July 23 and Thursday, July 24 from 5 to 11 p.m.; Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Sunday, July 27 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Liverpool Silent Book Club
This is not your average book club experience. No commitment, selected books or assigned readings — and no discussions (unless you’re up for it). Take some time to read silently alongside other bookworms at Golden Bee Bookshop for their monthly Silent Book Club meeting. Talk about your selected book after the silent session with other attendees, or just leave when you’re done.
Where: 324 1st Street, Liverpool
When: Wednesday, July 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Abe Partridge & Jack Barksdale
Folk talent will be served fresh at 443 Social Club this Wednesday with performances by Abe Partridge and Jack Barksdale. Partridge hails from Alabama and has toured all over the world, while Barksdale is a 17 year old singer/songwriter from Texas. Catch these talented musicians as they make their mark on the Central NY stage.
Where: 443 Burnet Avenue, Syracuse
When: Wednesday, July 23 from 7 to 9 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $30 and are available online on 443 Social Club’s website
Barenaked Ladies: Last Summer On Earth Tour
The Barenaked Ladies are rocking out at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview as part of their Last Summer On Earth Tour. Sugar Ray and Fastball are also on the lineup, serving up a night of unforgettable ’90s and 2000s rock anthems.
Where: 490 Restoration Way, Syracuse
When: Wednesday, July 23 at 7 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $30 and are available online.
Thursday, July 24
Cuse Comedy Throwdown: Night of Champions
Who is the funniest person in Syracuse? Find out at this comedian roundup event at CNY Jazz Central. This event will host full-length comedy performances from Abdul Hadi, Tommy Armstrong and Mike Terry, the winners of CNY Jazz Central’s comedian throwdown from April.
Where: 441 East Washington Street, Syracuse
When: Thursday, July 24 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $20 and are available online.
Beers, Bikes & Barges
Cruise through Syracuse and discover the rich, frothy history behind the local brewing scene and canal. This 90-minute cycling tour is hosted by the Erie Canal Museum and Talking Cursive Brewing Company. Treat yourself to some exercise, knowledge, and of course, a beer after the ride is complete.
Where: 3185 Erie Boulevard, East Syracuse
When: Thursday, July 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Friday, July 25
Friends of Lorenzo Orchestra Dinner
To celebrate 50 years of Friends of Lorenzo, the organization will be holding a dinner accompanied by the musical talents of the Syracuse Orchestra. The night begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, continues with dinner and dessert and ends with a live orchestra performance on the front lawn of Lorenzo. After five decades of working to preserve and enhance the Lorenzo State Historic Site, the proceeds from this dinner will all go toward the Friends of Lorenzo organization for their continued efforts.
Where: 17 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia
When: Friday, July 25 at 5:30 p.m. Orchestra starts at 7:30 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival
The streets of Syracuse will become a living gallery all weekend long with the annual Arts & Crafts Festival. Showcasing over 150 artists and makers from across the country, this vibrant event also features live music, street performers, artisan eats and activities for all ages.
Where: East Jefferson, Montgomery and East Onondaga Street, Columbus Circle
When: Friday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m; Saturday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Christmas in July with Syracuse Mets
Santa Claus is making a summer stop at the NBT Bank Stadium to see the Syracuse Mets face off against the Omaha Storm Chasers. Christmas in July with the Syracuse Mets means there will be a Christmas jersey giveaway for the first 1000 fans through the gates — and an appearance from Saint Nick himself.
Where: 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse
When: Friday, July 25 at 6:35 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $21 and are available online.
Puerto Rican Festival
Get ready for the sabor, the sounds and the soul of Puerto Rican pride. The Puerto Rican festival kicks off on Friday, with a flag raising tradition at City Hall and an evening of music and drinks at Inka’s Restaurant. On Saturday, the celebration will continue at Sharkey’s Event Center for a day of live music, food trucks, activities and opportunities to be immersed in Puerto Rican culture. The festival wraps up at Jubilee Park on Sunday, ending on a high note with more live music and a vibrant celebration of culture.
Where: 233 East Washington Street, Syracuse on Friday; 7240 Oswego Road, Liverpool on Saturday; 201 South Avenue, Syracuse on Sunday.
When: Friday, July 25 starting at 3 p.m.; Saturday, July 26 from 1 to 9 p.m.; Sunday, July 27 starting at 4 p.m.
How much: $5 entry fee.
Syracuse Ukrainian Festival
From handmade holubtsi to dancers in embroidered outfits, Syracuse will be dressed in blue and yellow this weekend for the Syracuse Ukrainian Festival. Celebrate Ukrainian culture at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church on Friday and Saturday and experience performances by Ukrainian dance groups, live vocals and a whole bunch of flavor.
Where: 207 Tompkins Street, Syracuse
When: Friday, July 25 from 4 to 10 p.m; Saturday, July 26 from 12 to 10 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
A Speakeasy Evening
The Village of Canastota and Greystone Castle presents an opportunity to go back in time with “A Speakeasy Evening,” part of the weekend-long celebration of the historic Erie Canal’s 200th birthday. This glamorous ’20s-themed night will feature food trucks, classic casino games, jazz music and fortune telling. Feel free to dress in your best flapper or dapper attire.
Where: 201 North Main Street, Canastota
When: Friday, July 25 from 6 to 9 p.m..
How much: $25 per person; $40 per couple. Tickets can be purchased at the Canastota Village offices, purchased at the door or online.
Saturday, July 26
Chocolate Challenge
This is the tastiest race of the year. Presenting the Chocolate Challenge, a 10K, 5K or walk that ends with some chocolatey treats. This community-oriented event at Long Branch Park supports Kelleigh’s Cause in its efforts to raise funds for the Arteriovenous Malformations (ANM) and rare disease research. Run first, indulge later, all for a good cause.
Where: 3818 Long Branch Road, Liverpool
When: Saturday, July 26 at 8 a.m.
How much: $32.80 for 5K walk; $38.10 for 5K run; $48.70 for 10K run. Virtual options available. Registration available online.
Alcohol Ink Painting
Let your creativity make waves in this seahorse-themed alcohol ink painting session at Salmon River Fine Arts Center. Led by artist Robin Eaton-Novak, this session will guide attendees through a variety of alcohol ink techniques, from blending to dotting, so you can create your own oceanic work of art. Materials, including ceramic tiles, will be supplied. Must be 16 or older to participate.
Where: 4848 North Jefferson Street, Pulaski
When: Saturday, July 26 from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
How much: $25 for members of Salmon River Fine Arts Center; $18.75 for members. Tickets are available on the Salmon River Fine Arts Center website.
Stay Fresh Chalk Jam
Art is everywhere, and with the Stay Fresh Chalk Jam, all you have to do is look down to see it. Alongside the Downtown Arts & Craft Festival, Stay Fresh presents a way to see over 50 artists in action, coloring the sidewalk with chalk masterpieces. Each entrant will have a space on the sidewalk to create their own artwork. Prizes will be awarded to one adult and one youth artist.
Where: Montgomery Street (200 Block)
When: Saturday, July 26 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
How much: $12 for children entrants and $20 for adults. Tickets are available online.
KRockathon Reboot 2025
If you’re looking for a calm Saturday, look elsewhere. The KRockathon Reboot 2025 is bringing another hardcore lineup of rockstars to the Chevy Court stage at the NYS Fairgrounds. Catch the Grammy-nominated headliner Nothing More, or experience the talent of five other rock bands including Candlebox, Drowning Pool and Alien Ant Farm.
Where: 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse
When: Saturday, July 26 at 1 p.m. Parking lots open at 10 a.m.
How much: $40 for general admission.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.comScott Schild | sschild@syracuse.
The Dead Is Alive Fest
Get truckin’ at Clinton Square this weekend for a tribute to the Grateful Dead. Live music will fill the atmosphere as Dead To The Core, Half Past Dead and Dark hollow rock out to The Grateful Dead’s hits. Enjoy some craft beer, wine slushies and food trucks while dancing under the dark stars with other Deadheads.
Where: Clinton Square
When: Saturday, July 26 from 4 to 11 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Open Evening Canoeing & Kayaking
Experience the magic of golden hour on Beaver Lake. Saturday evening, canoes and kayaks are available for those looking to tap into the serenity of nature at sunset — or for anyone in search of a solid upper body workout. No reservations are required; all boats must be off the water by 8 p.m.
Where: 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville
When: Saturday, July 26 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
How much: Rentals are $10 per hour per vessel. Park admission is $5 per vehicle.
Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Dinner, drinks…and a dead body? Experience the interactive thrill of a true crime murder mystery dinner show at the Hilton Garden Inn in East Syracuse. At this show, attendees get to dine while attempting to solve a hilarious murder mystery. Eat up, but don’t trust anyone too quickly — the prime suspects are hidden in plain sight and might just be in the seat next to you.
Where: 6004 Fair Lakes Road, East Syracuse
When: Saturday, July 26 from 6 to 9 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $72.51 and are available for purchase on The Dinner Detective website.
Sunday, July 27
Vettes at the Beach
The sea and sand will be joined by some slick rides for this event. Syracuse Corvette Club will take over Sylvan beach for their 32nd year of Vettes at the Beach. This event is free, family-friendly and open to the public.
Where: Sylvan Beach
When: Sunday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
The week ends on an eclectic, dynamic note with Rainbow Kitten Surprise at Beak & Skiff. This alternative indie-rock band is bringing their genre-bending hits to Central NY as part of their Thanks for Coming Tour.
Where: 2708 Lords Hill Road, Lafayette
When: Sunday, July 27 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $67.36 and are available online.
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