Today is Memorial Day, the day Americans honor and mourn those members of the military who gave their lives for their country. As you read this, parade lines are being formed across Central New York for their annual observances of the holiday.
After a day of rest and reflection, the week ahead is a busy one.
One of country music biggest superstars, Kenny Chesney, takes the stage on Thursday night at the Amphitheater. A hit Broadway musical about the six wives of King Henry VIII will be at the Landmark Theatre, the Minoa Field Days, and Chittenango’s celebration of the “Wizard of Oz” are all set to go this week.
In this week’s list you will also find a classic car show, an antique show in Madison and Bouckville, Pride Fests, and much more.
Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at features@syracuse.com.
Monday
Memorial Day parades
Commemorate the sacrifice of those who have fallen in service to our country at parades and concerts across Central New York. Many communities, from Auburn, Camillus, North Syracuse, Central Square and Manlius, will be having community parades or concerts on the holiday. Please check out our list on syracuse.com or visit your community’s Facebook page or website for times and locations or our list on Syracuse.com. The village of Baldwinsville’s parade is Thursday at 5:45 p.m.
Where: Around Central New York
When: Monday
How much: Free
Dragons reign at the Zoo
A new species is on exhibit at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. From now until Halloween, 11 animatronic dragons, varying in size from five to 20 feet, have been placed throughout the grounds to be found while you explore. Some of the dragons are inspired by different cultures or regions; a Chinese Dragon pays homage to the Zodiac calendar, a pterodactyl-like species called a Quetzalcoatl references the feathered-serpent god of Mesoamerican mythos and folklore, and a Manticore dragon draws on Persian legends. A Wyvern represents the monsters of Anglo-French folklore, while the Western Dragon epitomizes the iconic, classic dragon prominent in Western media. The Zoo will also be hosting several dragon-themed events throughout the year.
Where: 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse
When: During Zoo hours through October 31
How much: Free with Zoo admission.
Tuesday
“Six – The Musical”
“Six – The Musical” has won 23 awards in the 2021-22 Broadway season, including the Tony for Best Original Score and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. The production tells the story of the six wives of King Henry VIII and remixes their story from “historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of the 21st century girl power.” There will be six performances at the Landmark Theatre through Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.
Where: 362 South Salina Street, Syracuse
When: Tuesday-Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
How much: $39.70 plus fees.
Thursday
Kenny Chesney
Tickets remain for country superstar Kenny Chesney’s return to Syracuse on Thursday at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview. It is part of his “Sun Goes Down 2024″ tour dates. Special guest Megan Moroney will open the show at 7:30 p.m. Chesney previously performed at the Syracuse amphitheater in 2022 and 2018. The country singer is known for his No Shoes Nation brand and hits like “When the Sun Goes Down,” “American Kids,” “Summertime,” “All the Pretty Girls,” “Anything But Mine” and the anthem “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems.” Tickets can be purchased here.
Where: 490 Restoration Way, Syracuse
When: Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $59.70, plus fees.
Minoa Field Days
The Minoa Volunteer Fire Department’s annual field days begins a three-day run on Thursday at 5:30 with a kiddie parade. Lewis Park then opens at 6 p.m. with rides, a firefighter pushball competition and live music. The fun continues Friday at 6 and includes music by Ryder until 11:30 p.m. There will be fireworks at 9:30 (rain date is Saturday). The event concludes on Saturday at 1 p.m. with rides, food, a grand parade at 6 and music by Superseed until 11:30.
Where: Lewis Park on South Main Street, Minoa
When: Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m. Saturday at 1.
How much: Free to attend.
Friday
Oz-Stravaganza
The largest and longest running “Wizard of Oz” celebration is ready to take over Chittenango once again. The annual Oz-Stravaganza features “new friends to meet, entertainment to amaze, Emerald City shopping at its finest with vendors from near and far, as well as rides, games, a silent auction, and entertainment on the stage.” There is also a costume contest, coloring contest, writing contest, special guests from across the Oz universe, and lots of surprises. Please visit www.oz-stravaganza.com for more information.
Where: Chittenango
When: Friday-Sunday
How much: Free to attend.
Antique Show
Come shop thousands of antiques this weekend on a two-mile stretch of historic Route 20 through the towns of Madison and Bouckville, The June Antique Show will be on Friday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring over 400 dealers with inventories of antiques, vintage collectibles, and more, you will get the same great experience of the August show without all the crowds Dogs are welcome if they are on a leash. Please visit madison-bouckville.com to learn more.
Where: Route 20 between Madison and Bouckville.
When: Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Tinsley Ellis
World-renowned Atlanta-based guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Tinsley Ellis will celebrate the release of his first-ever solo acoustic album, “Naked Truth,” with a live solo acoustic performance at Rose Hall in Cortland on Friday. His new album is “is steeped in the folk blues traditions of Muddy Waters, Skip James, Son House, Robert Johnson and even Leo Kottke.” The concert starts at 7 p.m. and tickets can be purchased here.
Where: 19 Church Street, Cortland
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
How much: $20 in advance / $25 day of the show.
Feeding the Mind, Funding Recovery
The Upstate Foundation is holding a fundraiser for its “Eating Disorder Fund” on Friday night at Syracuse’s Everson Museum of Art. It starts at 6 p.m. Guests can tour the museum from 6-7 p.m. and enjoy a co*cktail hour until 8. There will appetizers and desserts, a silent music, dance performance and special video presentation. Live music will be provided by Dabble. Please click here to sign up or participate in the silent auction.
Where: 401 Harrison Street, Syracuse
When: Friday at 6 p.m.
How much: $125
Saturday
“Tuck Everlasting”
In collaboration with Arc of Onondaga, the Redhouse presents “Tuck Everlasting” at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Based on the 1975 children’s novel by Natalie Babbitt, this musical explores the concept of immortality. When Winnie Foster discovers the magical secret of the Tuck family, she embarks on an adventure that will change her life. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here. Another performance is scheduled for Saturday, June 8 at 2 p.m.
Where: 400 South Salina Street, Syracuse
When: Saturday at 2 p.m. Same time next Saturday, June 8.
How much: $25
Pride Fests
The Seneca Street Brew Pub in Manlius hosts the village’s Pride Fest on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. There will be local artists, live music, games, food trucks and more. Skaneateles will be hosting their Pride Fest at Clift Park from Friday through Sunday. DeWitt’s Town Hall hosts an event from 1-3 p.m.at their Town Hall.
Where: 313 East Seneca Street, Manlius
When: Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Outdoor Summer Festival
Canastota’s Greystone Castle is holding its fourth annual Outdoor Summer Festival on Saturday and Sunday. There will be food trucks, artwork, wine slushies, jewelry, woodwork, crafts, and face painting. Tours of the castle occur on the hour starting at 11 a.m., including “the dungeon.” Tours are $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under.
Where: 210 North Main Street, Canastota
When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 until 4.
How much: Free to attend.
Classic Car Show
The Oneida Community Mansion House will host its third Annual Classic Car Show on Saturday. The event will be bigger and better than ever with fun for the whole family. The show opens at 9 a.m. with a stunning display of classic cars ranging from Corvettes to VWs on the Mansion House’s picturesque grounds. But the show is not just for car enthusiasts, it will feature food from Cowboy BBQ and Cue Dogs Food trucks, face painting, and live music from Terry “Mojo” Johnson who will also be displaying his collection of guitars handmade from everyday objects ranging from car parts to hockey sticks. Visitors can also step inside the Mansion House for exclusive tours to learn about the Oneida Community, the most radical utopian commune in American history and Oneida Ltd.’s legacy as a worldwide leader in flatware production. Admission is free for spectators.
Where: 170 Kenwood Avenue, Oneida
When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: Free
Pride Drag Show
The Auburn Public Theater kicks off Pride Month with a “pride Drag Show” on Saturday at 7 p.m. Get ready for a “night filled with fabulous performances and dazzling costumes.” Talented drag performers will entertain with “their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent.” Tickets are available at Eventbrite.
Where: 8 Exchange Street, Auburn
When: Saturday at 7 p.m.
How much: $15 plus fees
Timbalive
You will not want to miss out on the “Salsa Party of the Year” on Saturday as La Familia de la Salsa celebrates their 20th anniversary. This is not just a concert; it is a reunion of friends and dancers, past and present, who have been gathering weekly for the past two decades “to celebrate the vibrancy and joy of Latin music and dancing.” Timbalive, one of the top Cuban Salsa orchestras in the world, will be performing many of their signature hits. A pre-party reunion starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Ukrainian National Home Ballroom in Syracuse, followed by the Latin Dance Party at 9:30 and then Timbalive an hour later. Advance tickets can be purchased through May 28 for $35. Tickets are $48 at the door. Purchase tickets via Roberto Perez by clicking on the following: Venmo (if Venmo asks for the last 4 digits of our phone number, enter 5928) and Paypal.
Where: 1317 West Fayette Street, Syracuse When: Saturday, starting at 8:30 p.m.
How much: $35 advance tickets through May 28, $48 at the door.
Open art studio
Please join artist Stephanie Porcello on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at her studio in Manlius to explore her latest artwork and learn more about her process. Original abstract artwork will be available for purchase. All are welcome to join this free event, no tickets required. Visit and enter to win a beautiful print from Stephanie’s latest collection. To learn more about Stephanie’s artwork please visit www.stephanieporcelloart.com.
Where: 314 East Seneca Street, Manlius
When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
How much: Free
Sunday
Spring Festival
The India Community Religious and Cultural Center will be displaying all the local talent of the Indian community at their annual Spring Festival on Sunday. It is being held at Lincoln Middle School from 3-7 p.m. Performances include various live vocal and instrumental music and dances such as Classical, Contemporary, Fusion and Folk. Popular Indian food and snacks will be sold. The event is free to attend.
Where: 1613 James Street, Syracuse
When: Sunday from 3-7 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Bones East concert
Bones East is a 25–30-member trombone ensemble that includes a range of musicians, mostly semi-professional, retirees, and students who volunteer their time and talent. They are having a free, family-friendly concert on Sunday at the DeWitt Community Church. It starts at 2 p.m. The concert will feature an original composition “Convergence” by local composer David Scott Hamilton and “Baby Elephant Walk” featuring jazz soloists Dave DiGennaro and Ryan Meredith. Donations are encouraged and will benefit DeWitt Community Church Music Ministry Program For more information go to www.boneseast.com.
Where: 3600 Erie Boulevard East, DeWitt
When: Sunday at 2 p.m.
How much: Free
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