During this first full weekend in August, some of Central New York’s favorite events return.
The Empire Farm Days return to Onondaga County for the first time since 1987, DeWitt’s Canal Day and Paige’s Butterfly Run return after being cancelled last year.
The Salt City Collect-A-Con will return after a two-year absence at the Great Northern Mall.
Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at features@syracuse.com.
Two men rest on a bale of hay at Empire Farm Days at Rodman Lott & Sons Farms, Seneca Falls, NY, Wednesday, Aug 7, 2019. Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.comScott Schild | sschild@syracuse.
Empire Farm Days
The Northeast’s largest agriculture trade show, with an expected 25,000 visitors and 400 vendors, returns to Onondaga County for the first time since 1987. It continues through Thursday at Palladino Farms and Heritage Hill Brewhouse in Pompey, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to “everything agriculture,” the show will feature vendors representing construction, landscaping, forestry, recreational vehicles, trucks, tools, and anything a landowner or “do-it-yourselfer” might be interested in. The event is free but expect to pay $10 per car to park. For more information, please visit empirefarmdays.leetradeshows.com.
Where: 3149 Sweet Road, Pompey
When: Wednesday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: Free. $10 per car for parking
The start of the race. Hundreds participate in the 23rd Annual Paige’s Butterfly Run, part of the 2019 Taste of Syracuse in downtown Syracuse, June 8, Michael Greenlar | mgreenlar@syracuse.com Michael Greenlar | mgreenlar@syracuse.comMichael Greenlar | mgreenlar@syr
Paige’s Butterfly Run
The 25th edition of Paige’s Butterfly Run, which raises funds for local pediatric cancer research and patient programs at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, will be a hybrid event this year, with a limited live in-person option and a virtual option. The live event will be on Saturday. It is limited to 250 runners at Palmer Elementary in Baldwinsville. Participants must meet $250 minimum fundraising requirement. The virtual event is open to anyone, anywhere. The official virtual period will be Saturday through Thursday, August 12. Run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself. Share with us your results and pictures or videos on social media by tagging @PaigesButterflyRun and using the hashtag #PaigesButterflyRun2021. It costs $40 to register for either option. Visit pbrun.org for more info.
Where: Palmer Elementary School in Baldwinsville. Virtual option can be run anywhere.
When: Saturday, from 8:15 a.m. Virtual option is open through Saturday-Thursday
How much: $40
- After a two-year absence, the Salt City Collect-A-Con returns on Saturday and Sunday, taking over the entire Great Northern Mall allowing everyone to spread out. It will feature a tremendous mix of pop culture, crafters, comic dealers, artists, sports collectible vendors, music/vinyl records and Legos. Courtesy of Salt City Collect-A-ConCourtesy of Salt City Collect-A-
Salt City Collect-A-Con
After a two-year absence, the Salt City Collect-A-Con returns on Saturday and Sunday, taking over the entire Great Northern Mall allowing everyone to spread out. It will feature a tremendous mix of pop culture, crafters, comic dealers, artists, sports collectible vendors, music/vinyl records and Legos. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission and parking are free. Visit saltcitycomiccon.com for more information.
Where: Great Northern Mall, Route 31, Clay
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Free
- Fort Stanwix National Monument will kick off its “Women in the Military” event with Disney’s animated film “Mulan” being shown on the fort’s lawn on Saturday night at 8:15 p.m. Courtesy of Fort Stanwix National MonumentCourtesy of Fort Stanwix Nationa
‘Mulan’ at Fort Stanwix
Fort Stanwix National Monument will kick off its “Women in the Military” event with Disney’s animated film “Mulan” being shown on the fort’s lawn on Saturday night at 8:15 p.m. Before the movie, you can learn more about the legend of Mulan and the real-life story of Deborah Sampson who disguised herself to enlist and fight in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Feel free to bring a blanket, chair, and snacks. The event is free. In the event of rain or wind, the movie will be cancelled. For more information, call the park at (315) 338-7730.
Where: 112 East Park Street, Rome
When: Saturday at 8:15 p.m.
How much: Free
Live outdoor theatre returns to the Thornden Park Amphitheatre this weekend with Syracuse Shakepeare-In-The-Park mainstage show, “Comedy of Errors.” The play tells the story of identical twins, who act nothing alike.
“Comedy of Errors”
Live outdoor theatre returns to the Thornden Park Amphitheatre this weekend with Syracuse Shakespeare-In-The-Park’s mainstage show, “Comedy of Errors.” The play tells the story of identical twins, who act nothing alike. Audiences can expect “dazzling wordplay, energetic clowning, and a lighthearted story about finding your family.” General admission tickets are free. Premium tickets, which include food, water, Gannon’s ice cream and a playbill, are $30. Get your tickets at tickets.ssitp.org/comedy.
Where: Beech St. and Thornden Park Drive, Syracuse
When: Friday-Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
How much: General admission tickets are free. Donations are welcome. Premium tickets, with food, playbill, and ice cream cost $30.
Symphoria at Emerson Park
Enjoy a night of music and fireworks on picturesque Owasco Lake on Sunday at 8 p.m. when Symphoria performs at the Emerson Park Pavilion. The evening includes many patriotic favorites and concludes with a grand fireworks show which was originally scheduled for July 3. The event is free. Go to experiencesymphoria.org for more details.
Where: 6914 East Lake Road, Auburn
When: Sunday at 8 p.m.
How much: Free
Town of DeWitt Canal Day
DeWitt’s Canal Day is back on Saturday, ready to celebrate its 52nd edition. It is the town’s longest running family-friendly event. From 3-10 p.m. at Ryder Park enjoy pony rides, food trucks, games, inflatables, birds of prey, and live entertainment. The evening will feature a concert and fireworks. Admission and parking are free. For a schedule of events, go to townofdewitt.com.
Where: 5400 Butternut Drive, East Syracuse
When: Saturday, 3-10 p.m.
How much: Free to attend
Wreaths Across America
Syracuse’s Woodlawn Cemetery is happy to be hosting the “Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit” on Sunday. Inside a the 48-foot trailer, visitors will have an opportunity to explore, honor our fallen veterans and learn more about Wreaths Across America. Vietnam Veterans that attend will receive the 50th Anniversary Congressional Lapel Pin. It is free to attend and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit woodlawnsyracuse.org for more information.
Where: 800 Grant Boulevard, Syracuse
When: Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: Free
“Dearly Departed”
The Oswego Players, one of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in New York State, open their season on Friday with the family comedy, “Dearly Departed.” “In the Baptist backwoods of the Bible Belt, the beleaguered Turpin family proves that living and dying in the South are seldom tidy and always hilarious,” is the play’s description. The play opens on Friday and continues through next Sunday. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at (315) 343-5138. Adult tickets cost $15, students and seniors are $10. Visit oswegoplayers.org for more details.
Where: 30 Show Park Road, Oswego
When: Friday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. (Same schedule next week.)
How much: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students
Nujoud Makhlouf will be sharing some of the Palestinian recipes that have been passed down in her family for generations at the Salt City Market teaching kitchen on Sunday. Teri Weaver, tweaver@syracuse.com Teri Weaver | tweaver@syracuse.comTeri Weaver | tweaver@syracuse.c
Palestinian Cooking Experience
Come to the Salt City Market on Sunday to learn how to cook authentic Palestinian food with Nujoud Makhlouf, owner and chef at Small Mountain Za’atar. She will be sharing family recipes and unique cooking techniques straight from the Palestinian region. They have been passed down in her family for generations. Take home spices and other gifts for your kitchen. Tickets are $50. The demonstration starts at 1 p.m. at the Market’s teaching kitchen. Another class is scheduled for Sunday, September 5.
Where: 484 South Salina Street, Syracuse
When: Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
How much: $50
Earlville Opera House presents The Probables
Earlville Opera House is pleased to announce their first Main Stage performance since March 2020 is on Saturday. Beginning at 7 p.m., rhythm-driven, folkcana/roots rock band The Probables take the stage, performing their unique fusion of bluegrass and folk music. Tickets cost $20, $18 for members, and $10 for youths 17 and under. They are available at www.earlvilleoperahouse.com or by calling (315) 691-3550. Unvaccinated people must wear masks and distance responsibly.
Where: 18 East Main Street, Earlville
When: Saturday at 7 p.m.
How much: $20 for general admission, $18 for members, $10 for youth 17 and under.
- Visitors participate at a wreath laying ceremony on Emancipation Day in Peterboro. One wreath is for a gravestone that reads “Born a slave. Died free,” and the second wreath is for the humble grave of Gerrit Smith. Courtesy of Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic LandmarkCourtesy of Gerrit Smith Estate
Emancipation Day
Join the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark in Peterboro on Saturday for the 11th Annual Emancipation Day. It begins at 10 a.m. with “Assembly, Announcements, and Song” followed by the annual processional to the Peterboro Cemetery with two wreaths as past generations had done. One wreath is for a gravestone that reads “Born a slave. Died free,” and the second wreath is for the humble grave of Gerrit Smith. Then tour the grounds and join guest authors for lectures that afternoon. Visit www.peterborony.org/events/emancipation-day-2021/ for more info.
Where: 5304 Oxbow Road, Peterboro
When: Saturday, starting at 10 a.m.
How much: Free
JoAnna Putney, Oswego, vendor at City Market at the Everson Museum plaza, Syracuse, NY. The dolls are hand made by vendor Linda VanMarter, Cicero. The market is every 2nd Sunday, May-October, 10:00am-4:00pm. Gary Walts | gwalts@syracuse.com SYRSYR
City Market
The August City Market returns to the plaza of the Everson Museum of Art on Sunday for its August edition. Starting at 10 a.m., you will be able to shop from vendors from all over Upstate New York, selling ceramics, vintage clothing, furniture, crafts, antiques, and more. Organizers have put safety measures in place to ensure the safety of all customers and vendors. The market will continue on every second Sunday through October.
Where: 401 Harrison Street, Syracuse
When: Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Pay what you wish
Liverpool High School Marching Band Bottle Drive
Liverpool High School’s Marching Band needs your help. On Saturday, the band will be holding a bottle drive at the high school. The collection will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please email lhsmbbbottledrive@gmail.com if you would like to schedule a pick on another day.
Where: 4338 Wetzel Road, Liverpool
When: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
How much: Free