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June 9-12
Greek Cultural Festival. Four days of Greek food, music, dance, clothing and crafts abound at this annual festival. Get a close-up view of Greek architecture with a church tour, shop for Greek goods, learn about Greek culture, check out the kids’ booth and more. A free shuttle service will run from Christian Brothers Academy, Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School and Tecumseh Elementary School parking lots. St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 325 Waring Road, DeWitt. Free. Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. 446-5222.
June 10-12
Polish Festival. Polish culture and tradition come to Clinton Square, complete with pastries, drinks, ethnic dancers and plenty of pierogies and kielbasa. See the crowning of the Pole of the Year and Miss Polonia, the awarding of scholarships, and music from Jimmy Sturr, Fritz’s Polka Band, Knewz, Thomas Kotapka, Ashley Cox and more. Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, noon-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m. Free. 687-1076.
Balloonfest. A weekend of fun at Jamesville Beach including dozens of balloons, arts and crafts, amusement park rides, food and beverages. Performances by local groups Kane, Los Blancos, Kat Tale, Frostbit Blue, and daily headliners Benny Mardones, moe. and .38 Special. Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Adults, $10; 12 and under, free. Free parking. 703-9620.
June 11
Duck Race to End Racism. Come to the Inner Harbor for food, music, dance performances, raffles, kids’ activities and the duck race. Van Rensselaer and Solar streets. Noon-4 p.m. Free. 449-3552.
Syracuse Soap Box Derby. Let gravity do the work at the seventh annual derby. Races are open to children ages 8-17, stock, super-stock and masters divisions. Woodland Reservoir at South Geddes Street between Twin Hills Drive and Gordon Avenue. Registration fee is $35. Ceremonies start at 9 a.m. 382-7629.
June 12
All Ford Car Show. Hosted by the Syracuse Shelby Mustang Club, the show will be held at Long Branch Park on Longbranch Road in Liverpool. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults, $4; under 12, free. 469-0913.
June 17-18
Juneteenth. African-American freedom and culture will be celebrated at Clinton Square, complete with cultural foods, live music, a Walk for Wellness to target childhood obesity and a Miss Juneteenth pageant. The Gospel, Blues & Youth Day block party will take place on Friday on South Avenue next to the Southwest Community Center. On Saturday a Visions of Victory Parade will depart from Dr. King School at noon and end at Clinton Square at 1 p.m. The event will continue until 10 p.m. Free. 422-9400.
June 18
Animal Enrichment Day. This event gives the public a glimpse of the animal enrichment program at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place. Toys, training, food rewards and puzzles bring out fascinating animal behaviors. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free with zoo admission. 435-8511.
Central New York Pride Parade. A celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride, beginning with a rainbow flag-raising in front of City Hall, continuing with a parade through downtown Syracuse, and ending at the Everson Museum Plaza, where a festival will take place. The parade, which begins at noon, leaves from Montgomery and East Washington streets and wraps up at the corner of South State and Harrison streets. Registration and check-in at 10 a.m.; flag raising at 11 a.m. Free. 254-2386.
Strathmore Festival. The event includes a historic homes tour and the annual Art on the Porches display. Strathmore/Onondaga Park neighborhood. A free pre-festival party will take place the evening before, Friday, June 17, 5-8 p.m., with live music from the Delinquents and food for sale. Homes tour: advance, $10; day of tour, $12. 478-1597.
New France Day. Experience what life was like for the settlers of New France. Yarn spinning demonstrations, a fur trade presentation, music and history programs will be held. Sainte Marie among the Iroquois, 6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Adults, $3; seniors 62 and over, $2.50; children ages 6-17, $2; under 5, free; families, $10. 453-6768.
June 18-19
Civil War Re-enactment. The 43rd Virginia Cavalry will hold Civil War-era festivities, living history demonstrations, dancing and battle re-enactments at Jamesville Beach Park, 4110 West Shore Manor, Jamesville. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $5 per vehicle. (716) 934-7605.
June 19
Daddy-O Orienteering. A timed orienteering challenge with short, medium and long courses as well as instruction for beginners. Orienteering involves finding one’s way from checkpoint to checkpoint with a map and a compass. Small prizes will be awarded. Held by the Central New York Orienteering Club. Pratt’s Falls Park, 7676 Pratt’s Falls Road, Manlius. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $8. 458-6406.
Father’s Day Scavenger Hunt. Bring the whole family to this scavenger hunt held at Sainte Marie among the Iroquois, 6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. Noon-5 p.m. Free with admission. 453-6768.
June 20
Rose Day. Spend a pleasant afternoon at the E.M. Mills Memorial Rose Garden with the Syracuse Rose Society, complete with live music, light refreshments and a hat contest at 12:30 p.m. Thornden Park, Ostrom Avenue entrance. Noon-3 p.m. Free. 457-4351.
July
July 1
Syracuse Fireworks Celebration. Food, music, family activities and pyrotechnics at the Inner Harbor, West Kirkpatrick and Solar streets. Festivities begin at 5 p.m., with fireworks around 9:30 p.m. Free. 473-4330.
July 13-17
Valley Field Days. Hosted by the Valley Men’s Club, enjoy Letizia & the Z Band on Friday night, the Delinquents and a fireworks show on Saturday night. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Wednesday, 5-10 p.m.; Thursday, noon-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9:30 p.m. Meacham Field, East Seneca Turnpike at Midland Avenue. Free.
July 15
Sock Hop Under the Stars. Ruby Shooz will provide the
entertainment while Wayne Mahar will be the host with the most at this
annual event to benefit the St. Camillus Auxiliary and the Solvay Fire
Department. St. Camillus, 813 Fay Road. 6-10 p.m. Advance: $10; at the
door: $15.
703-0731.
July 15-17
St. Elias Middle Eastern Cultural Festival. The best of Arabic food, plus giftware, Arabic cookbooks, religious tokens and more available at the Souk Marketplace inside the church. Live traditional Arab music and a free playground for kids. St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 4988 Onondaga Road, Onondaga Hill. Friday, 4-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-7 p.m. 488-0388.
Syracuse Nationals. Nearly 7,000 classic cars are expected to ride into town for one of the biggest car shows on the East Coast. There will be live music on multiple stages, a variety of food and merchandise vendors, swap meet, demolition derby and classic car auction. A Happy Days cast reunion of Fonzie, Shirley, Joanie and Mrs. C will meet and greet fans. State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd. Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. (a fireworks display will cap off both nights); Sunday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Advance tickets: adults, $12; kids 6-12, $6. At the gate: adults, $17; kids, $8. 800-753-3978.
July 16
Ride for the Rescue. Ride your bike by yourself or form a team to help raise money for the Rescue Mission. Take a short family fun ride or travel 10, 20, 40 or 62 miles. The event starts and ends at the Inner Harbor, West Kirkpatrick and Solar streets. Registration is $15. 701-3891.
July 17
Penguin-palooza. Come to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo to enjoy the antics of the resident penguins. Registration required. 1 Conservation Place. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Admission, $12; under 2, free.
July 22-25
Great American Antiquefest. Hundreds of dealers show off their wares at this three-day festival. Let the treasure hunt begin at Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Shop while the dealers unpack on Friday from 9 a.m.-noon for $20 including readmission Saturday and Sunday. Friday, noon-4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Weekend pass, $7; single day, $6; younger than 12, free. Free parking. 686-5789.
July 28
Clambake. Open to the community. Sponsored by the National Association of Purchasing Management. Held at Hinerwadel’s Grove, 5300 W. Taft Road, North Syracuse. Advance, $55; at the door, $60. 3-8 p.m. 457-7121.
July 29-30
Ukrainian Festival. Featuring food, beverages, baked goods, raffles, entertainment, Easter egg decorating and children’s entertainment. St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Church, 207 Tompkins St. Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, 2-11 p.m. 478-5109.
July 29-31
Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival. Looking for a stained-glass terrarium for that special someone? Start your search at this spectacular three-day festival, featuring a variety of music, multicultural performances, refreshments and more. Be sure to watch where you tread, though; you might accidentally step on a colorful entry in Saturday’s Street Painting contest sponsored by the Syracuse New Times. Columbus Circle/Montgomery Street. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 422-8284.
Blue Rain Ecofest. Exhibition of Central New York’s best green technology, fuel-efficient vehicles and health and wellness innovations will take place at Hanover Square and City Hall Commons all weekend long. Free. 479-5299.
July 30
Syracuse Redneck Games. Come to Quaker Steak & Lube for events like “Git ’r Done” long jump, the hubcap hurl, toilet seat toss, best mullet, biggest hair and more! Register at syracuseredneckgames.com to compete. 3535 Walters Road. 410-7504.
August
Aug. 4-7
CNY Shetland Dog Agility Trials. Put your dog of any breed to the test at the CNY Shetland Sheepdog Club’s agility trials. McKinley East Ball Field, Oneida Shores Park, 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton. Time TBA. 676-7366.
Aug. 5
Brew at the Zoo. The 15th annual beer sampling will take place with live music, a silent auction, refreshments and animals on exhibit. Must be 21 or older to attend. 1 Conservation Place. 5:30-8 p.m. Advance, $40; at the door, $45. From 1:30-3:30 p.m., enjoy Birdies Before Brew. 435-8511.
Canine Carnival. This event will benefit the Priscilla Mahar
Animal Welfare Fund. Bring your dog to the Wegmans Good Dog Park at the
Cold Springs section of Onondaga Lake Park to enjoy vendors,
demonstrations, raffles and more. Route 370, Liverpool.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 453-6712.
Aug. 7
Bavarianfest. Come enjoy live music, dancing, folk dance performances and German food and drink. Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Noon. Free. 447-3268.
Highland Classic Mountain Bike Race. Bring your bike for this race through Highland Forest. 1254 Highland Park Road, Fabius. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $2 per bike. 683-5550.
Aug. 11-13, 18-20
Shakespeare in the Park. The eighth annual performance will feature Two Gentlemen of Verona. Thornden Park Amphitheater, Ostrom Avenue entrance. Thursdays through Saturdays, 5:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Free. Food and merchandise will be available for purchase. 476-1835.
Aug. 13
CNY Scottish Games. Music, dancing, athletics and food come together at Long Branch Park on Longbranch Road in Liverpool. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Adults, $10; seniors, $7; ages 5-12, $4; 5 and under, free. 463-8876.
Aug. 14
Salt City VW Show. Look out for punch-bugs! This event will feature food and music. Pet- and family-friendly. McKinley Ridge East Shelter, Oneida Shores Park, 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 676-7366.
Aug. 19-20
Chicken Wing Festival. Live entertainment and the main attraction, chicken wings. Inner Harbor, West Kirkpatrick and Solar streets. Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, 2-11 p.m. www.greatchickenwingfestival.com.
Aug. 20
Asian Elephant Extravaganza. This event features the zoo’s four Asian elephants: Indy, Siri, Romani and Kirina. Demonstrations of elephant face painting, pedicures and weight guessing will be held, along with crafts and biofact stations for families. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free with zoo admission. 435-8511.
Aug. 25-Sept. 5
New York State Fair. Finish the summer off right by indulging in the sights and sounds of the State Fair. Browse among antique wagons at the Carriage Museum, visit the midway, cheer on participants in the New York International Horse Show and watch free concerts at Chevy Court by acts like REO Speedwagon, All Star Weekend, Big Time Rush and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Concerts at the Grandstand include Maroon 5, Train, Journey, Foreigner, Lady Antebellum and Sugarland. State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd. Daily, 10 a.m.-midnight. Adults, $10; children 12 and under, free. Parking: cars, $5; motorcycles, $3. 487-7711.
September
Sept. 9-10
Irish Festival. The 12th annual festival features two days of Irish dance, music, food, drink and cultural exhibits. The Glengarry Bhoys and the Elders will headline. Clinton Square. Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. 473-4330.
Sept. 16-18
La Festa Italiana. Stuff yourself with cannoli and prosciutto at this event featuring local, regional and national entertainers, food from more than 20 local restaurants and a bocce tournament. Held in front of City Hall at East Washington and Montgomery streets. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. 473-4330.
Sept. 18
Westcott Street Cultural Festival. Arts and crafts, music, food and vendors will line the business district of Westcott Street at this annual celebration. Rain date: Sept. 25. Noon-6:30 p.m. 703-6848.
Ongoing Events
Daily
Animal Demonstrations at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Zoo-goers will have a chance to get to know the animals and their caretakers. Meet-the-keeper chats throughout the zoo and additional demonstrations may be held. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place. Barn animals at 10:30 a.m.; elephant shows at 11 a.m., 2 and 3 p.m.; “In the Wings” bird show at 11:30 a.m.; penguin keeper talks at noon and 3:30 p.m.; meet-the-keeper chat at 2:30 p.m. Free with zoo admission. 435-8511.
Thursdays, June 16,
July 14, Aug. 18, Sept. 15
Wegmans Historic Tram Tours. Ride the tram on a historic tour of Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool starting at the Griffin Visitor Center. 6:30 p.m. $1 suggested donation. 453-6712.
Sundays, June 26, July 31, Aug. 21, Sept. 25
Summer Sundays in the Cemetery. Join the Historic Oakwood Cemetery Preservation Association on guided walking tours through the cemetery. Each week will feature a different theme and walk leader. Tours will last about two hours. Donations accepted. Rain or shine except in the case of thunder and lightning. Follow signs from cemetery entrance at the 900 block of Comstock Avenue. 2 p.m. 682-6312.
Sundays,
July 10-Aug. 28
Parkway Sundays. Onondaga County Parks closes down a 1.9-mile stretch of wide, flat roadway for bikers, inline skaters, joggers and walkers to enjoy. Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. 453-6712.
Sundays
through Aug. 28
Barry Park Sundays. Walk, run, bike, rollerblade or skate around Barry Park, while surrounding streets Meadowbrook Drive and Broad Street are closed to traffic. 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Free. 473-4330.
Saturdays
through Labor Day
Strathmore Saturdays. The roadway around Onondaga Park’s Hiawatha Lake is closed to traffic to make room for the influx of bikers, runners, walkers and inline skaters at the juncture of Roberts and Onondaga avenues. 7-11:30 a.m. Free. 473-4330.
Daily through Aug. 28
Onondaga County Beaches. Grab your sunscreen and head out for a fun-filled day at Oneida Shores Park, 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton, or Jamesville Beach Park, 4110 West Shore Manor Road, Jamesville. Oneida Shores is open and staffed with lifeguards daily, June 14-Aug. 20, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Aug. 23-Sept. 3, noon-4 p.m. At Jamesville Beach, hours are Fridays through Sundays. June 8-Aug. 21 (plus July 4), 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Mondays through Thursdays, June 20-Aug. 21, noon-6 p.m; Aug. 26-28, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Parking: $6 per vehicle Fridays through Sundays and holidays; $4 per vehicle ($2 for seniors, free before noon) Mondays through Thursdays. 676-7366 or 435-5252, respectively.
Tuesdays
through Oct. 11
Downtown Farmers Market. A bounty of fruits, vegetables and other goodies from more than 50 vendors. Parking lot at South Salina and Clinton streets. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. 422-8284.
