Several events are happening around Central New York this weekend. You can share your event with CNY Central by reaching out on social media or by email to news@cnycentral.com.
Syracuse Polish Festival
In downtown Syracuse, the 70th annual Syracuse Polish Festival is set for Clinton Square. The three-day event features traditional Polish beer and cuisine, souvenirs, jewelry and clothing, live music and dance performances, and a pierogi eating contest. The festival is free to attend and runs through Sunday, with proceeds benefiting the Polish Scholarship Fund.
St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival
Also underway in DeWitt is the 53rd annual St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival, running through Sunday. The festival includes authentic Greek food and desserts, live music and dance performances, church tours, wine tasting, and shopping for clothing, jewelry and more. It is free to attend, with shuttles available from neighboring school parking lots. Funds raised support the church and its programs.
CNY Pride Parade & Festival
Saturday brings the annual CNY Pride Parade and Festival to Syracuse’s Inner Harbor. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. and travels along Solar and West Kirkpatrick Street. The Pride Festival follows from noon to 5 p.m. in Progress Park, featuring more than 150 vendors, community organizations, food and drink options, and live entertainment. Both events are free.
Boat Float n’ Folk Festival
In Chittenango, the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host its annual Boat Float n’ Folk Festival on Saturday, celebrating the Erie Canal. The day includes live music, blacksmithing and woodworking demonstrations, hands-on family activities, artisans and food vendors. The morning begins with organized kayaking and paddling on the historic canal, with four launch locations available depending on distance. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Light a Candle for Literacy Parade & Children’s Book Festival
Families can also take part in this year’s Light a Candle for Literacy Parade and Children’s Book Festival on Saturday. The free event includes local children’s book authors and illustrators, free book giveaways, live performances and other activities. The parade begins at noon from Beauchamp Library and leads to the festival at McKinley-Brighton Elementary School from 1 to 4 p.m.
Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend
In Canastota, the International Boxing Hall of Fame will welcome the Class of 2026, host its annual parade and honor the 1976 Olympic team this weekend. Fans can attend ringside talks with famous boxers and visit the museum throughout the weekend. Friday at Turning Stone Resort Casino includes a fight night with two title fights; doors open at 5 p.m. Saturday features the Banquet of Champions. Sunday concludes with the Parade of Champions at noon, followed by the induction ceremony at 2:30.
Seneca River Days
Baldwinsville’s Seneca River Days returns to Paper Mill Island on the Seneca River as a two-day outdoor festival. Friday admission is $5, with food trucks and live music starting at 4:30, followed by a fireworks display. Saturday’s free family festival runs from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with games, entertainers, hands-on activities, live music and food options. The Great Seneca River Duck Pluck is scheduled for 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Baldwinsville Rotary Club.
Shakespeare-in-the-Park present’s ‘King Lear’
Syracuse Shakespeare-in-the-Park marks its 24th year with performances of “King Lear” at the Thornden Park Amphitheater. Shows are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission is free, with donations accepted. Premium seating is also available and includes a lawn chair, food and beverage. Additional performances are set for June 19 through June 21.
NYS Blues Fest
The New York State Blues Fest continues Friday and Saturday at Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds, offering free live music. Founded in 1992, the festival’s mission is to promote blues music and culture. There is no cost to enter, though parking in the Brown Lot costs $10. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Saturday’s lineup is headlined by four-time Grammy Award winner Gary Clark Jr.
Strawberry Festival
Navarino Orchard’s third annual Strawberry Festival is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event includes craft vendors, live music, kids activities, food and drinks including strawberry pie, and pick-your-own strawberries. Parking and entry are free.
Red, White & Blue BBQ
Clear Path for Veterans will hold its annual Red, White & Blue BBQ fundraiser Saturday in Chittenango as the nonprofit marks 15 years of serving veterans and their families. Starting at 4 p.m., the event includes a signature BBQ dinner, a tasting tent with local breweries and wineries, live music and a silent auction. Tickets cost $75 for adults and $30 for kids under 12.
Summer Art Market
Crazy Daisies will host its sixth annual Summer Art Market on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event features more than 35 art vendors from across the state, live music in the greenhouses, and food and drink options at the Garden Cafe.
Sunshine Horses Open House and Shortcake 4K
In Clay, Sunshine Horses will host an open house Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., inviting visitors to meet and learn about the horses. The nonprofit cares for and trains retired racehorses and other horses in need. The open house includes vendors, riding demonstrations, food, raffle baskets and more. The organization’s Shortcake 4K is scheduled before the open house at 10 a.m.
