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Thousands of people will come together this week in Central New York for both the 55th annual Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival and Oswego Harborfest, which has been celebrated at the Lake Ontario waterfront for nearly 40 years.
Metal fans have two concerts to enjoy, bookending the week with Heavy//Hitter taking the stage at The Song & Dance on Monday and Five Finger Death Punch rocking The Amp on Sunday.
Fans of other genres will find multiple live performances across the region. Cinephiles can watch feature-length films and shorts at Hamilton’s International Film Festival. Boat and car enthusiasts will peruse beautiful craftsmanship while lakeside at the Skaneateles Antique & Classic Boat Show and Vettes at the Beach in Sylvan Beach, respectively.
Be sure to immerse yourself in some of the cultures in Central New York this weekend at the annual St. Mary’s Egyptian Festival, the Syracuse Ukrainian Festival, the Haudenosaunee Arts Festival and the Puerto Rican Festival.
Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at [email protected].
Monday, July 20
‘Solace Among Trees’ Storytelling Event
Story House Ithaca invites community members to hear brief stories about trees during an evening event set within a month-long art exhibit featuring sculptures, photos, drawings and paintings by local artists Mara Alper and Karen Viola, along with student work from Ithaca schools. The exhibit explores humanity’s deep connection to trees and the resilience and sanctuary they offer.
Where: CAP ArtSpace Gallery, 110 N. Tioga St., Ithaca
When: Monday, July 20 from 7 to 8 p.m.
How much: Free
18th Annual Hamilton New York International Film Festival
The Hamilton New York International Film Festival, a seven-day celebration of global cinema, kicks off Monday. The festival features screenings across multiple categories — including feature films, comedy, horror, dramatic/thriller, documentary, Canadian and student shorts — along with live music and a panel discussion on the business of filmmaking. Regularly named a Top 100 Best Festival by Filmfreeway, HIFF draws filmmakers from around the world and offers several free screenings open to the public. Event continues through July 26.
Where: Hamilton Theater, 7 Lebanon St., Hamilton
When: Monday, July 20 at 7 p.m.
How much: Individual ticket $10; festival pass $40; some screenings are free. Tickets and schedule at thehiff.com
Heavy//Hitter metal concert
Heavy//Hitter brings its deathcore metal sound to The Song & Dance in Syracuse before they embark on a world tour. Special guests Chain Gang, Torn Open and local act When Skies Decide will also be a strong draw for fans of extreme music in Central New York. Ages 16 and older admitted with ID; under 16 admitted with parent or legal guardian; no one under 12 admitted.
Where: 115 E. Jefferson St., Syracuse
When: Monday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
How much: $23.38; purchase tickets at thesonganddance.com.
Tuesday, July 21
Assemblyman Al Stirpe’s 20th Annual Lifesavers Blood Drive
Assemblyman Al Stirpe hosts his 20th annual community blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross, featuring prizes, gift certificates, food and live music for donors to enjoy. The drive has consistently been the largest single-day blood drive in Central New York, attracting 150-200 donors each year. Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer donors, and the need is especially acute during summer months.
Where: Driver’s Village, 5885 E. Circle Drive, Cicero
When: Tuesday, July 21 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
How much: Free. To make an appointment, visit tiny.cc/AlStirpe20thBD or call 315-452-1115.
Festival of Music: Young Artists Concert
The Festival of Music presents its annual Young Artists Concert, featuring Corcoran High School violinist Nagi Aitbayeva and Setnor School of Music soprano Klark Johnson. Aitbayeva will perform Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto in B minor, while Johnson will sing arias from Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” and Puccini’s “La Bohème.” Both artists will be accompanied by the Festival Orchestra conducted by music director David Ross.
Where: Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, 515 Oakwood Ave., Syracuse
When: Tuesday, July 21 at 7 p.m.
How much: Free; donations accepted at the door
Sarah Gross at The 443 Social Club
Nashville-based, Long Island-raised singer-songwriter Sarah Gross brings her blend of country, Americana and folk to Syracuse in support of her July 2026 album, “The Old Side of Being Young.” Known for sharp lyricism and grounded storytelling, Gross has shared stages with Zach Bryan and been featured on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.” The 443 is open to guests 18 and over.
Where: The 443 Social Club & Lounge, 443 Burnet Ave., Syracuse
When: Tuesday, July 21 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $33.77; $15 minimum food/drink purchase required. Tickets available online.
Wednesday, July 22
Syracuse Orchestra Summer Concert Series
The Syracuse Orchestra wraps up its summer concert series with three performances featuring light classical favorites, popular standards and patriotic tunes. Highlights include a tribute to Henry Mancini, a George M. Cohan medley, selections from “The King and I” and an Armed Forces Salute. Wednesday’s concert is indoors at Inspiration Hall in Syracuse; Friday’s performance is at Lorenzo State Historic Site in Cazenovia; and Saturday’s show is at Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome. The Rome concert will be followed by fireworks.
Where: 709 James St., Syracuse; 17 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia; 100 N. James St., Rome
When: Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, July 25 at 8 p.m. Rain date for the Rome concert is Sunday, July 26.
How much: All are free to attend. Registration is recommended for the Syracuse concert due to limited venue space. More information at syracuseorchestra.org.
Thursday, July 23
CNY Jazz in the City at Valley Plaza
CNY Jazz in the City brings its free outdoor public health concert series to Valley Plaza on Syracuse’s South Side, featuring opening acts 1Accord Line Dance and the Bob Cecile Zumba Gals before a two-hour headlining set by The Blacklites, a neighborhood musical institution for more than 50 years. The New York State Department of Health will also be on-site from 3 to 7 p.m., offering residents 20 and older a $75 Visa gift card in exchange for a one-time blood and urine sample as part of a statewide effort to build a blood contaminants database testing for PFAS, pesticides and heavy metals. The expanded event will also include a healthcare village, food trucks, vendors and a bouncy house.
Where: 4141 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, July 23, from 6 to 9 p.m.
How much: Free. For more information, visit cnyjazzinthecity.org.
Oswego Harborfest
Oswego’s longest-running summer festival returns for four days of live music, food, rides and a Grucci fireworks show over Lake Ontario. With over 30 live acts performing across four downtown and waterfront venues, plus helicopter rides, aquatic performances, a children’s park and a midway carnival, there’s something for all ages. Thursday’s opening night kicks off at Breitbeck Park with Dangerous Type at 6:30 p.m. and John Waite at 8:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, as seating at venues is limited. Free shuttle buses run between all venues Thursday through Sunday, with parking available at the SUNY Oswego Romney Field House lot.
Where: Downtown Oswego and waterfront, Oswego
When: Thursday, July 23 from 5 to 11 p.m.; Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to midnight; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
How much: Free to attend. Full schedule and details at oswegoharborfest.com.
Boeheim’s Army vs. Hall In — TBT 2026 Game 2
The Basketball Tournament returns to Syracuse as Boeheim’s Army — led by Buddy Boeheim and featuring fellow Syracuse alumni Elijah Hughes, Jimmy Boeheim, Cole Swider, Eric Devendorf and Wes Johnson — takes on Seton Hall alumni squad Hall In for Game 2 of a best-of-three first-round series. TBT has revamped its format this year to 16 teams competing for a winner-take-all $2 million prize, double the previous payout. If Boeheim’s Army advances, the Oncenter could also host the TBT Championship.
Where: Upstate Medical Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial, 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, July 23 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $28. Tickets and more information at tbthoops.com.
Friday, July 24
Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival
The Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival brings together approximately 140 artists and crafters showcasing a wide range of work, including jewelry, ceramics, photography, metalwork, woodwork, fiber arts and more. Visitors can browse functional and decorative pieces, enjoy free daily live entertainment featuring jazz, Americana, folk, Irish and other musical genres, and catch mini organ recitals hosted by the Syracuse Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Interactive family activities, food trucks and collaborations with local downtown businesses round out the experience.
Where: 298 E. Jefferson St., Syracuse
When: Friday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Rippleton Schoolhouse Open House
Step inside an authentic 1887 one-room schoolhouse and experience history hands-on at the Rippleton Schoolhouse, located on the grounds of Lorenzo State Historic Site in Cazenovia. Visitors of all ages can try traditional games, play the organ, learn geography, plant flowers and more. The schoolhouse is sensory friendly and open to the public. It will be open most Fridays and Saturdays through October 10. Follow Lorenzo State Historic Site on Facebook or Instagram for special activities or schedule changes.
Where: 17 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia
When: Friday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: Free
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Rummage Sale
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church returns with its rummage sale offering gently used clothing, household goods, kitchen items, toys, books and seasonal decor. St. Paul’s is celebrating its bicentennial with events throughout the year. Tours of the church and cookies for sale will be available as well.
Where: 220 E. Fayette St., Syracuse
When: Friday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, July 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Free to attend
Skaneateles Antique & Classic Boat Show
The Finger Lakes Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society and the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation present their annual show, featuring around 80 restored runabouts, launches, sailboats, canoes and race boats from exhibitors across New York state, the East Coast, the Midwest and Canada. Featured vessels this year include the 1926 Hacker Craft Black Witch, with a documented rum-running history, and a rare 1959 Beeline Sapphire. The weekend includes live music, boat judging, a boat parade, youth activities and a spectator cruise aboard the Judge Ben Wiles.
Where: Clift Park, 15 W. Genesee St., Skaneateles
When: Friday, July 24 from 3 p.m. to dusk; Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to dusk; Sunday, July 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
How much: Free to attend. Spectator cruise tickets are $17 for adults, $7 for children 12 and under. Paid parking is available at 75 cents per hour or $6 for all-day parking; free parking and a free shuttle are also available. For more information, visit skaneateles.com.
St. Mary’s Annual Egyptian Festival
St. Mary & St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church hosts its 10th annual Egyptian Festival, offering authentic food, cultural experiences and a chance to explore one of Christianity’s earliest traditions. Attendees can feast on falafel sandwiches, kofta and shawarma platters, grape leaves and loukoumades in flavors including caramel, mango and Dubai chocolate. The festival also features trivia, a raffle, cooking classes and videos about the Virgin Mary’s apparitions in Egypt and the 21 Coptic Martyrs.
Where: 106 Church St., North Syracuse
When: Friday, July 24 from 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, July 26 from noon to 7 p.m.
How much: Free to attend. Full menu and schedule available online.
Syracuse Ukrainian Festival
The Syracuse Ukrainian Festival returns to St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Tipperary Hill for a weekend celebration of Ukrainian culture, food and community. Attendees can enjoy traditional dishes, live music and dancing, and browse vendors selling Ukrainian crafts and souvenirs. The festival is family-friendly, with most activities held under shaded tents.
Where: 207 Tompkins St., Syracuse
When: Friday, July 24 from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, July 25 from noon to 10 p.m.
How much: Free to attend. Follow on social media for more information.
Party in the Square
This week, Clinton Square’s summer concert series hosts an outdoor disco, funk and R&B night featuring live performances by the Houston Wynn Project from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and The Blacklites, starting at 8 p.m. Multiple food trucks will be on hand along with wine slushies, beer, cocktails and spirits. Proceeds benefit 727 Instrumental, an organization that provides musical instruments to underserved students.
Where: 161 W. Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Friday, July 24 from 5 to 11 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan
Grammy-nominated singer Joan Osborne performs a full concert set drawn from the catalog of Bob Dylan, one of the most celebrated songwriters in American history. Known for her soulful, blues-inflected voice, Osborne brings a distinctive interpretation to Dylan classics, making this an evening for both devoted Dylan fans and lovers of American roots music.
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S. Main St., Homer
When: Friday, July 24 at 8 p.m.
How much: General admission $44.81; discounts available for Center members, seniors, active military and veterans. VIP meet & greet add-on, $132.36. Tickets and full event details at tixr.com.
Saturday, July 25
Stay Fresh Chalk Jam
Watch more than 50 artists transform the sidewalks of downtown Syracuse into an outdoor gallery during the 2026 Stay Fresh Chalk Jam, held as part of this year’s Syracuse Arts & Craft Festival. Each entrant receives a box of Crayola sidewalk chalk, a Chalk Jam tote bag printed by Print Hub, stickers and water. Participants of all ages can join in the fun, with artwork judged at 3 p.m. and prizes awarded for both adult and youth categories.
Where: 200 block of Montgomery Street, Syracuse
When: Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date Sunday, July 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How much: Free to attend. To register in advance as an artist: $12 for kids (under 17); $20 for adults (18 and up). Tickets are available at Stay Fresh’s website.
Open Farm Day in Madison County
Nearly 30 farms across Madison County will open their gates for a free, self-guided tour experience organized by Cornell Cooperative Extension Madison County. Visitors can meet farmers, interact with animals, sample products and explore operations including a craft distillery, a wagyu beef farm and a mushroom grower — all in one weekend. Pick up a free Open Farm Day Passport — available at Hamilton and Oneida Price Chopper/Market 32 stores, local Madison County libraries, the Madison County DMV lobby and CCE Madison County — to plan your route and collect stamps for a free prize.
Where: Farms throughout Madison County
When: Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (select farms will be open Sunday)
How much: Free to attend. Products for sale and optional activities have costs. Bringing cash is recommended. For a full list of participating farms, a downloadable passport and more details, visit visitopenfarmday.com.
52nd Annual Friends of the Cazenovia Public Library Book Sale
The Friends of the Cazenovia Public Library host their annual sale, offering gently used fiction and nonfiction books for all ages at bargain prices. Children’s books will be available in a pop-up tent and multiple genres of fiction and nonfiction in the library’s Community Room; proceeds directly benefit the Cazenovia Public Library. The adjacent Carriage Barn Books will also be open during the event.
Where: 100 Albany St., Cazenovia
When: Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: Free to attend
Haudenosaunee Arts Festival
This free, all-ages festival showcases Indigenous art, music, dance, food and culture on the quad of Onondaga Community College. Visitors can browse Native art, handmade crafts and jewelry, sample traditional foods, watch a fashion show and take in a Smoke Dance competition and live music. The event brings together Indigenous artists, performers and the wider community for a day of learning, sharing and celebration.
Where: 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse
When: Saturday, July 25 from noon to 7 p.m.
How much: Free to attend
BIPOC Mental Health & Wellness Fair
My Healthy Mind hosts its third annual multicultural community event in Clinton Square. It will feature health screenings, wellness tips, live music, cultural performances, food trucks, a vendor village with artisans and local health and wellness resources and services, and a keynote address by Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter of the 128th District. The fair coincides with BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, observed each July to recognize the mental health needs of Black, Indigenous and People of Color. All are welcome to attend.
Where: 2 S. Clinton St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, July 25 from noon to 4 p.m.
How much: Free to attend
Puerto Rican Festival Syracuse
The Puerto Rican Festival honors Puerto Rican and Latino culture, heritage and community in the Syracuse area. The event features live music, food trucks, vendors, a domino tournament, kids’ activities and more, making it a full day of cultural celebration for attendees of all ages. Henninger High School junior Reinalys Ramos Colón has been named festival queen and scholarship recipient.
Where: Sharkey’s Event Center, 7240 Oswego Road, Liverpool
When: Saturday, July 25, from 1 to 9 p.m.
How much: $5 for adults, free for children 12 and under
‘Eureka Day’
This satirical comedy by Jonathan Spector follows the board of directors of a progressive Berkeley, California, private school as they struggle to reach consensus during a mumps outbreak — with hilarious and pointed results. Winner of the 2025 Tony Award for Best Revival, the play skewers groupthink, vaccine hesitancy and the breakdown of shared truth in contemporary life. Runs through August 2. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
Where: Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca
When: Saturday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. preview performance; Sunday, July 26 at 2:30 p.m. opening performance.
How much: $50; tickets are available online.
Sunday, July 26
“Vettes at the Beach” All Corvette Charity Car Show
The Syracuse Corvette Club hosts its 33rd annual outdoor Corvette showcase along the waterfront at Sylvan Beach, featuring more than 135 registered Corvettes of all generations on display. The non-judged, rain-or-shine event is free and open to the public, with music, door prizes, awards, 50/50 drawings and vendor booths throughout the day. Since 1994, the event has donated more than $450,000 to local charities.
Where: Main Street Park, Main Street, Sylvan Beach
When: Sunday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How much: Free for spectators; Corvette owners who wish to display their vehicle can pay $25 cash at the gate.
Showcase Sunday Free Summer Concert Series
Jubilee Homes of Syracuse is bringing the community together for a free outdoor concert series at Spirit of Jubilee Park, featuring local and regional talent performing R&B, soul, gospel and more. This week, pack your lawn chairs and hear Soul Keyz and Shawn Seals & SMX, plus enjoy food trucks, bouncy houses, activities and face painting. The series is family-friendly and open to the public.
Where: 161 South Ave., Syracuse
When: Sunday, July 26 from 4 to 7 p.m.
How much: Free to attend
Five Finger Death Punch 20th Anniversary World Tour
Heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch brings its 20th anniversary tour to Syracuse’s Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview. The band is known for hits including “Wrong Side of Heaven,” “Jekyll and Hyde” and a cover of “Gone Away.” The show also features special guests Cody Jinks, an outlaw country artist, and rockers Eva Under Fire.
Where: 490 Restoration Way, Syracuse
When: Sunday, July 26 at 6:45 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $35 for lawn seats, $40 for standard tickets. Purchase tickets online.
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