May Events in Syracuse, NY
May welcomes warm weather, blooming flowers, and the start of many festivals, concerts, and events throughout Onondaga County!
What better way to kick off the summer in Syracuse than by attending some of these events? We have music, food, commencement, and more - here’s your guide to what’s happening in the Salt City throughout May.
Crawfish Festival
Festival season kicks off in downtown Syracuse with the Crawfish Festival at Clinton Square on Saturday, May 2, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This family-friendly event features food trucks, vendors, and nonprofits. Sample everything from crawfish, shrimp, and lobster to potatoes and ice cream. Enjoy live music all day, a kid zone, crawfish-themed merch, and a community celebration.
The Landmark Theatre Events
The Landmark Theatre brings a lineup of exciting performances to its historic stage this May. The STARS Tour Featuring Anne Wilson, hits the stage on Thursday, May 7th, and then on Friday, May 8th, CeCe Winans- More Than This Tour arrives for two evenings of worship. On Friday, May 15. Alter Bridge- What Lies Within Tour comes to Syracuse with their hard rock tunes. Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’® is a hilarious and heartfelt play on friendship and more. At the end of the month on Sunday, May 31st, Jason Mraz and his Still Yours Tour perform on the big stage with hit songs like "I'm Yours and "I Won't Give Up." There's plenty more happening; check the full calendar for more unforgettable performances.
The 2026 Wild Carp Classic
The 2026 Wild Carp Classic returns from May 18 - 22, drawing over 100 anglers from 10 states to the Seneca River and Onondaga Lake. More than 40 elite teams will compete in 76 consecutive hours of trophy carp fishing — one of the most competitive events in the U.S. carp angling scene.
Syracuse University Commencement Weekend
The weekend of Sunday, May 10th, Onondaga County will be packed with parents, families, and friends as Syracuse University celebrates the class of 2026. Reservations for dinners and celebrations will go fast — plan early! Staying a bit longer? Discover things to do during graduation weekend in Syracuse.
Syracuse Food Truck Battle
The largest gathering of food trucks in CNY is back at the NYS Fairgrounds as a two-day event on May 8th and 9th. 50+ locally owned food trucks from Syracuse, Rochester, Ithaca, and beyond will take over Chevy Court, offering low-cost food samples ranging from $3 to $5. Craft beer, wine slushies, a Kidzone, and a never-ending food menu make this an event you can't miss. Friday night music features Dangerous Type, and Saturday's headliner is Mayday Parade. Check out more details for this event today.
RetroGameCon Spring
Get your game on at RetroGameCon Spring Edition, now a two-day convention held at The Oncenter in Downtown Syracuse on Saturday, May 16th, and Sunday, May 17th. This event offers everything you love about RGC with special guests, free play, tournaments, panels, vendors, and more. Tickets start at $30 for a two-day pass. Kids under seven receive free admission.
Memorial Day Weekend in Syracuse
Memorial Day Weekend signals the unofficial start of summer in Central New York. From lake outings and barbecues to patriotic events and live music, May 22 - 25 offers a full lineup of activities to celebrate the season.
Onondaga County in the Summer
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