It has been almost two years since we could all gather in downtown Syracuse at one of the city’s big summer festivals.
But, with the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival this weekend, we can all get back together like we used to.
It is one of the many activities you can participate in this weekend. The 43rd Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show takes place in Skaneateles, Symphoria has summer concerts at Fort Ontario, Carol Watson’s Greenhouse, and at Fayetteville’s Beard Park, and “Sweeney Todd” makes its debut at Hangar Theatre in Ithaca.
Also, there is going to be a Jazz Age Garden Party at the Barnes-Hisco*ck Mansion.
Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at features@syracuse.com.
Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival
This weekend marks the return of downtown Syracuse summer festivals with the 50th Anniversary Edition of the , which takes place Friday-Sunday in the Cathedral (Columbus) Square Neighborhood. The free, family-friendly festival will feature nearly 130 of the “nation’s most talented artists showcasing their work,” including ceramics, sculptures, photography, painting, jewelry, and more. For a preview and schedule of entertainment, visit DowntownSyracuse.com.
Where: Cathedral (Columbus) Square Neighborhood in Downtown Syracuse, encompassing the 200 and 300 blocks of East Onondaga Street, the 300 and 400 blocks of Montgomery Street, and the 200 and 300 blocks of East Jefferson Street.
When: Friday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Free to attend
Skaneateles Antique and Class Boat Show
Dozens of antique and classic boats will be on display this weekend during the 43rd Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show at Clift Park in Skaneateles. There will be live concerts, a boat parade, a photo-shoot cruise aboard the “Judge Ben Wiles,” a visit by “Pat II,” which delivered mail to summer residents along the shore of Skaneateles Lake from 1956 to 1991, and more. Visit www.skaneateles.com or www.facebook.com/skaneateleschamber for more information.
Where: Clift Park, Skaneateles
When: 3 p.m. to dusk Friday, 9 a.m. to dusk Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
How much: Free
“Sweeney Todd”
The Hangar Theatre’s newest production will be the award-winning musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” It is part of the Ithaca theater’s first ever outdoor season. The play uses dark comedy to tackle societal issues of power and class. It runs from July 22 to August 7. Seats are limited, and available while supplies last. Student discounts and Pay What You Will tickets are available at every performance in 2021. Learn more or buy tickets now at hangartheatre.org/sweeney.
Where: 801 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca
When: Preview performance on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Opening night is Friday at 7:30 p.m. Matinee and evening shows through August 7.
How much: $50
Jazz Age Garden Party
Break out your Flapper dresses and fedora hats on Saturday night as the grounds of the Barnes-Hisco*ck Mansion in Syracuse will be transformed into a Jazz Age Garden party. For $50, guests will be invited to an evening of surprises including an illuminated garden, live jazz band, dance instructors teaching the steps of popular 1920′s steps, and performances of jazz standard featuring vocalist Leonarda Priore. A silent auction will feature tickets and gift certificates to Syracuse Stage, the Syracuse Crunch, gift certificates to Prime Steakhouse, Balloons Restaurant, and more. Costumes are encouraged. Visit https://mansiononjames.com to purchase tickets.
Where: 930 James Street, Syracuse
When: Saturday, 7-10 p.m.
How much: $50 per person
#SYRFoodTrucks in the Park
Food trucks will be taking over Long Branch Park in Liverpool on Thursday during the first-ever #SYRFoodTrucks in the Park. From 4-8 p.m., enjoy 11 locally owned food trucks, craft vendors and live music.
Where: 3813 Long Branch Road, Liverpool
When: Thursday, 4-8 p.m.
How much: Free to attend. Food prices vary.
St. Mary’s 2021 Egyptian Festival
Join North Syracuse’s St. Mary and St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church for its 5th Annual Egyptian Festival, Friday through Sunday. The church is inviting the community to enjoy authentic Egyptian food and desserts, hot and cold drinks, church tours and a Kids Corner. Food can be ordered to be picked up. For more information, please visit: http://www.stmarystminacopticchurch.org/
Where: 106 Church Street, North Syracuse
When: Friday from 4-9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
How much: Free to attend. Food prices vary.
Adam Decker Trio
Cortland Repertory Theatre presents Cortland High and SUNY Cortland alum Adam Lee Decker, and his trio, for two concerts on Saturday. These unique concerts will take place at the Little York Pavilion in Preble at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Decker, a former “American Idol” participant, and his group promise a “high-energy” concert. Tickets are still available for vaccinated patrons in 4-person “seating pods”, which will be shared with other vaccinated patrons. For tickets and more info, please visit cortlandrep.org.
Where: 6799 Little York Lake Road, Preble
When: Saturday, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
How much: Adult tickets are $36, Seniors, Veterans, First Responders are $35, and Youth (22 and under) are $25
“Antigone”
The Auburn Players Community Theatre kick off their 61st live theater season with free performances of “Antigone & Letters to Soldiers Lost.” Based on the Sophocles’ play, this adaptation by Al Schnupp weaves the classic Greek tragedy with letters written to lost soldiers and left at the Vietnam War memorial at Washington D.C. The play shows its audience how “survivors deal with the aftermath of war.” In case of rain, performances will be moved to a covered area. Bring a lawn chair.
Where: 108 South Street, Auburn
When: Friday-Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
How much: Free
Art and Poetry Show
Twenty members of the Central New York branch of the National League of American Pen Women, ten writers and ten artists, have been invited by the Edgewood Art Gallery to exhibit their work. “ART SPEAKS” will feature work and the poets’ ekphrastic poetry hung side by side in order to engage viewers and stimulate reflections on both creative mediums. Pen Women member Mary Raineri will be showing her mixed media jewelry, with invited ceramicist David Webster. It will be open during normal business hours of the Edgewood Gallery. Visit www.cnybranchofnlapw for more info. The exhibit will run through August 13.
Where: 216 Tec*mseh Road, Syracuse
When: Tuesday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to -2 p.m.
How much: Free
Vintage Toy Show
“Star Wars,” “Masters of the Universe,” “Go-Bots,” “G.I. Joe.” If you grew up during the 1980s, these were the toys of your generation. Larger Than Life Toys and Comics will be hosting its first pop-up Vintage Toy Show at the Great Northern Mall this weekend. They have been storing a “huge collection” of old toys for this special occasion. Find some “hard-to-find” collectibles or have a blast hunting for treasures in their $1 bins.
Where: Great Northern Mall
When: Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How much: Free to attend
Explore Dragonfly Pond
Come and explore the wildlife of Dragonfly Pond at the Sterling Nature Center on Friday and Saturday and discover what lives above and below the water. Dragonfly nymphs, water scorpions, raccoon tracks, leopard frogs and red-winged blackbird nest might be a few of the things we find at Dragonfly Pond. The event lasts about 90 minutes and is free.
Where: 15730 Jensvold Road, Sterling
When: Friday and Saturday at 1 p.m.
How much: Free
Chalk the Pier
The H. Lee White Maritime Museum is offering a fun activity for kids, ages 9-17 on Sunday. Artist Alyssa Smith will be working with volunteers to create a mural at the picnic area outside the museum building. She needs young artists to help expand it. The theme for the mural is “Where the water never ends…” Space is limited so youngsters are asked to reserve ahead by visiting the museum’s website: hlwmm.org. Chalk, water, and snacks will be provided. Museum admission is part of the program.
Where: 1 West First Street, Oswego
When: Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m.
How much: Free
Symphoria at Fort Ontario
Visit historic Fort Ontario on Friday night for an evening of free patriotic music provided by Symphoria. Limited to 500 guests, bring your own chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets for the concert. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the music runs from 7 to 9 p.m. The orchestra will also be performing this weekend at Carol Watson Greenhouse on Thursday and Fayetteville’s Beard Park on Saturday. Visit http://experiencesymphoria.org for more information.
Where: 1 East Fourth Street, Oswego
When: Friday, 7-9 p.m.
How much: Free
Summer Salsa Party
The Community Folk Art Center will be hosting a “Summer Salsa Party” on Friday evening at Forman Park. Starting at 6:30 p.m. with an introductory salsa lesson, then Robert Perez, AKA DJ Maquina, and La Familia de la Salsa, will begin playing salsa, bachata, and merengue music. Elbita’s Cocina food truck will be serving food, at Forman Park. Just follow the music. The party is free, but donations are welcome. Please register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-salsa-party-tickets-162483890691.
Where: 717 East Genesee Street, Syracuse
When: Friday, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
How much: Free to attend
Pop Up Shops at the Manor
Baldwinsville’s Manor for Holistic Health and Wellness is hosting its “Pop Up Shops @ The Manor” on Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Artisans, healers, and other vendors will be showcasing their goods and services inside and outside the Manor property. Free to enter, rain or shine. Similar events will also occur on August 7 and 21.
Where: 7275 State Fair Boulevard, Baldwinsville
When: Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
How much: Free to attend
Annual Fabric Sale
The Annual Oswego County 4-H Fabric Sale Fundraiser will take place at a brand-new location this year, the Entertainment Building at the Oswego County Fairgrounds. Fabric and sewing and crafting supplies have been generously donated by people throughout the community over the past two years and it will be sold to support the Oswego County 4-H Program. Everything will be priced to sell, with many great deals to be found. All fabric will be sold by the piece at just $2.00 a yard. Pieces will be sold as is and will not be cut into smaller yardage.
Where: 291 Ellisburg Street, Sandy Creek
When: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How much: Free to attend
Tully’s Music in the Park
Enjoy some free music on Sunday at Tully’s “Music in the Park” at Cornerstone Park. Bring you family and friends, blankets, and chairs, for some great music. Pizza, egg rolls, and ice cream will be available. The Neighbors & Sundrop Rise will perform this week, starting at 6:30 p.m. If it is raining, the alternate venue is the Masonic Temple. Follow the balloons. The concerts continue each Sunday through August 8.
Where: Cornerstone Park, Tully
When: Sunday, from 6:30-8 p.m.
How much: Free
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