Several events are happening around Central New York this weekend. Remember, you can share your event with CNY Central by reaching out on social media or by email to news@cnycentral.com.
Taste of Syracuse
The 27th annual Taste of Syracuse runs Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. About 100 food and drink vendors will line the blocks around Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse. Each vendor will offer at least one $2 sample menu item. There will be live music across three different stages both days. Street parking is available all around the festival area. On-street parking is free at night Friday and Saturday.
St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival
The 52nd annual St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival is underway through Sunday. It features authentic Greek Food and desserts, live music and dance performances, plus shopping for clothing, jewelry and more. Funds raised go towards the Church and their programs. It is free to attend on the church grounds at 325 Waring Road in DeWitt on Friday, 5-10 p.m., Saturday, 12-10 p.m. and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Complimentary shuttles are available from neighboring school parking lots.
Oz-Stravaganza
The largest and longest running ‘Wizard of Oz’ themed festival in the world is taking place in Chittenango this weekend. Oz-Stravaganza has events through Sunday. There’s the annual costume contest and parade, rides, games, and vendors at the park, plus special guests from across the ‘Oz’ Universe. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the musical ‘The Wiz’ and the 30th anniversary of the ‘Wicked’ book series.
Literacy Parade and Children’s Book Festival
This year’s Light A Candle for Literacy Parade and Children’s Book Festival will take place on Saturday from 12-4 p.m. The event will feature local children’s book authors and illustrators, free book giveaways, live performances, and other activities for kids. There will also be a parade that starts at Beauchamp Library at noon. The Book Festival will be at Brighton Academy Middle School from 1-4 p.m.
Remembering Marquis de Lafayette
Saturday you can pay tribute to Revolutionay War hero Marquis de Lafayette and his 1825 visit through Syracuse commemorating the then 50th anniversary of the Revolution. There will be a talk at the Erie Canal Museum from 3-4 p.m. which includes a guided walking tour pointing out sites from his visit. It will end at the Talking Cursive Brewing Company where you can taste their new beer, Lafayette’s Farewell.
Lorenzo Garden Day
Enjoy the beauty of spring in Cazenovia with Lorenzo Garden Day on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. You can explore the gardens and grounds, learn about this history of the property, enjoy an outdoor scavenger hunt, take a tour of the mansion and start your New York State 2025 Wellness Challenge, all for free.
Family Fishing Day
Head out to Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery on Saturday for a Family Fishing Day. Starting at 9:30 a.m. there will be free beginner sessions about fishing techniques hosted by the NYDEC and Onondaga County. You’ll also learn about fish identification, cooking and cleaning fish and more. The event runs until 12:30 p.m. No fishing license is required, and all equipment and bait will be provided for free.
