A busy week is in store for Central New York as June hits its halfway point.
Before we honor dads on Sunday, the week sees a return of many Central New York summer favorites.
The New York State Blues Festival promises three days of live music at Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds. Jazz in the City is back with the first of a series of concerts all over the area, starting with Thursday’s performance by Atlas at Leavenworth Park.
Also returning is the Downtown Farmers Market in Clinton Square. Farmers and vendors will be setting up and selling their produce, baked goods, and crafts almost every Tuesday from now until October.
Clinton Square will also see the city’s observance of Juneteenth on Friday and Saturday. Celebrate the end of slavery in America with two days of music, a parade, food and more.
Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at features@syracuse.com.
Tuesday
Syracuse Downtown Farmers Market
Local farmers and produce dealers take over Clinton Square nearly every Tuesday into October as the Syracuse Downtown Farmers Market. There will be fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, flowers, plants, and baked goods for sale. Live music, presented by CNY Arts and SUNY Oswego, can be enjoyed from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The June 25 market moves to One Lincoln Center Parking Lot and there will be no market on Sept. 3 after Labor Day.
Where: Clinton Square
When: Every Tuesday, except on Sept. 3, until Oct. 8, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
“My Fair Lady”
Cortland Repertory Theatre kicks off their 53rd annual summer season with “My Fair Lady.” Adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” the musical tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young flower seller, whose unmistakable co*ckney accent keeps on the lower rungs of English society. She meets Professor Henry Higgins, who teaches her how to “speak like a proper lady.” Molly Bremer and James Tweedale have the lead roles in the CRT production. Performances are scheduled this week from Tuesday through Friday, including matinees. Tickets may be purchased by calling (800) 427-6160 or by visiting the CRT Box Office at 24 Port Watson Street in Cortland. Tickets are also available through CortlandRep.org.
Where: 6799 Little York Road, Preble
When: Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m. There are 2 p.m. matinees on Tuesday and Wednesday.
How much: Adult tickets start $46, senior, military and first responders start at $44, Youths, 22 and under, are $29.30/
Thursday
New York State Blues Festival
The New York State Blues Festival returns to the New York State Fairgrounds’ Chevy Court for three days of live music. The festival is free to attend. Gates open at 4 p.m. on Thursday, 3 on Friday, and 11 a.m. on Saturday. Saturday headliners include Shemekia Copeland and Little Feat. Go to https://www.nysbluesfest.com/ for a complete list of performers and schedules. A variety of food vendors will be on-site, and wine and beer will be sold. Retail and craft vendors will also be set up, market style, for your shopping pleasure. Lawn chairs are welcome. Parking is $10, $5 for motorcycles, in the Brown Lot.
Where: 581 State Fair Boulevard
When: Thursday through Saturday
How much: Free to attend.
Jazz in the City 2024
The 20th season of Syracuse’s Jazz in the City kicks on Thursday with a free concert at Leavenworth Park. Soul and funk group Atlas will be the featured act with 1Accord Line Dance opening. The concert runs from 6-9 p.m. Arts and crafters will be there joined by food vendors including Limp Lizard and Skippy’s Ice Cream. The Syracuse Community Healthcare Village will have on-site screenings. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. Click here for more info and see this summer’s schedule.
Where: 120 Wilkenson Street, Syracuse
When: Thursday from 6-9 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Friday
Juneteenth Festival
Syracuse celebrates Juneteenth this weekend around downtown. A flag-raising ceremony at City Hall is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday. Friday is “Gospel Friday” at Clinton Square with performances, community organizations, health and human service agencies, and food and retail vendors from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday begins with a “Victory Parade” at 11 a.m. which arrives back at Clinton Square around noon when the festival resumes with R and B performances and more. Click here for more. The Syracuse Mets are also having a Juneteenth Celebration at NBT Stadium on Friday. Their 6:35 game against Lehigh Valley includes a jersey giveaway and post-game fireworks.
Where: Clinton Square
When: Friday from 2-10 p.m. and Saturday noon to 10.
How much: Festival is free.
Strathmore Spirits Historic Ghostwalk
Stroll the Strathmore neighborhood of Syracuse on Friday and Saturday evening and encounter stories of people and places from our history. These “Historic Ghostwalks” are presented by the Onondaga Historical Association and led by guides to locations where actors in costume portray real characters from the past in 12–15-minute vignettes. Check-in takes place at 215 Ruskin Avenue. Please register for these walks here. Ghost walks continue next Friday and Saturday too.
Where: 215 Ruskin Avenue, Syracuse
When: Friday and Saturday. Slots start at 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. Same schedule next week. Some spots are filled.
How much: $20, $15 for members.
Saturday
Boat Float n’ Folk Festival
Expect a full day of “paddling,” folk music, traditional arts, and family fun on Saturday the Boat Float n’ Folk Festival at Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum. Paddling adventures begin at 7 a.m. from four different points of the old Erie Canal. For $10 you can explore the canal’s scenic widewater area, sunken boats, wildlife, and historic aqueducts. A shuttle bus service will carry you from point to point for $8. The ticket also gets you into the festival which will have a “Folk Music Extravaganza” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring music from Fish Creek Rodeo, the Westcott Jugsuckers and more. There will be local food trucks, traditional arts and crafts, and live demonstrations at traditional crafts. Tickets are also $10 for the festival, children 12 and under are free. Click here for more information and to purchase your tickets.
Where: 717 Lakeport Road, Chittenango
When: Paddling starts at 7 a.m. on Saturday. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: $10 for festival and paddling. Paddling tickets get you into the festival. Shuttle bus tickets are $8. Free for children 12 and under are free.
Sunshine Horses Spring Open House
Sunshine Horses in Clay will be holding their annual Spring Open House on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Following their Strawberry Shortcake 4K, the free event gives you a chance to meet their horses, take horse and buggy rides, participate in equine demonstrations, and enter to win raffle baskets. Hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage, and ice cream will be available for purchase.
Where: 3721 Verplank Road, Clay
When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Syra Con Comeback Edition
Cicero’s Comfort Suites will be hosting a “Syra Con” event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event features comic book dealers, toys, a cosplay contest, giveaways, and surprises. Guest artists Joe Orsak and Sinnott Studios will appear. Admission is $5 and a $10 maximum for families.
Where: 5875 Carmenica Drive, Cicero
When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: $5, $10 maximum for families.
Sunday
Free concert at Thornden Park
Syracuse Orchestra’s string quartet will be holding a free Father’s Day concert at the Rose Garden at Thornden Park. Celebrate Rose Day on the 100th anniversary of the EM Mills Rose Garden. The concert runs from noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Thornden Park Drive, Syracuse
When: Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.
How much: Free
Classic Cars coming to Clay Historical Park
Come to the Clay Historical Park on Sunday afternoon from 1 to 2:30 for a classic car show. There will be free admission and parking. Then, tour the Cigarville Train Station, Sellen-Weller Barn, replica log cabin, and Visitor Center until 3 p.m.
Where: 4939 Route 31, Clay
When: Sunday from 1-3 p.m.
How much: Free
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