As the great Taylor Swift once said, "Don’t let August slip away into a moment in time". Check out these upcoming August events in Syracuse, NY. There's still plenty of summer in Syracuse throughout the month. We have more music, festivals and the Great NYS Fair to look forward too. Let's check it out!

 

Hanover Thursdays Music Series

August 8, every Thursday; Perseverance Park, Syracuse, NY

This annual and awesome weekly concert series begins August 8th in Hanover Square. For 4 weeks, Hanover Thursdays brings area artists, foods, and drinks together every Thursday in the month. The show starts promptly at 5 pm with the music styles of DJ Joey D, followed by two different bands each week. These events are free and open to the public of all ages. While you're there, enjoy local restaurants and outdoor seating at places like Eden, Inka's, and Oh My Darling.

 

Middle Ages 30th Anniversary Celebration

August 3; Leavenworth Park, Syracuse, NY

This annual family-friendly event features popular area bands, food vendors, and of course, Middle Ages craft brews. Feel free to bring chairs, pop-up tents, and food. This year's musical lineup includes Dark Hollow, Sirsy, and Ruha. Expect food trucks and bring your camping chairs, pop up tents, and friends! This event is rain or shine.

 

St. George Macedonian Ethnic Festival

August 1-3; St. George Macedonian Eastern Orthodox Church, Syracuse, NY

Join in on the celebration of Macedonian culture at the annual St. George Macedonian Ethnic Festival. Attendees can enjoy Macedonian music, tour the St. George Macedonian Orthodox Church, purchase traditional goods, and have a taste of traditional food, baked goods, and drinks. There is free admission and parking at this event.

 

Brew at the Zoo

August 1; Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse, NY

This popular, annual beer-tasting fundraiser features a selection of regional craft beers, wines, and cocktails. You'll enjoy a variety of local food trucks, live entertainment throughout the zoo, animals on evening exhibit, the Usherwood Office Technology Silent Auction featuring animal artwork, collectables, dining experiences, movie and sports memorabilia, and more! Feeling lucky? They even have a 50/50 raffle that you can participate in.

Hayden Jewelers VIP Lounge tickets provide access to exclusive areas and beverage tastings, appetizers by Catering at the Zoo Executive Chef Allison Walts, animal greeters and dedicated VIP comfort stations for $87.50 for zoo members and $90 for non-members.

 

Blueberry Jam Festival

August 2; Critz Farms, Cazenovia, NY

This all-day, family-friendly festival offers something for everyone. Enjoy live music, children’s entertainment, farm tours, food trucks, U-pick blueberries, and blueberry-inspired cider and beer. Live music begins at 12:00 pm and runs through 10:00 pm. Try blueberry fritters and other goodies when you shop in their local cafe. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of the festival. It's $20 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4-12, and free for children 3 and under. This beautiful summer celebration is one you won't want to miss!

 

The Reunion Fest

August 2; Perseverance Park

Whether you're FROM Syracuse, IN Syracuse, or CHOSE Syracuse - this is YOUR homecoming. Join us for Syracuse's biggest celebration of community connections featuring live music (The Frank White Experience + In Da Pocket), DJ Jannelle Maarie, The Pivot Place Podcast live recording, food trucks, local vendors, activities, and networking across industries. This year's theme is ALIGNED - aligning your path with your people, your purpose with your place, your past with your future. Expected attendance from 15+ states representing diaspora, current residents, and transplants.

No tickets, no barriers, just community. Bring your favorite lawn chair and favorite people for an evening of celebration on the ancestral lands of the Onondaga Nation.

 

The 81st CNY Scottish Games and Celtic Festival

August 9; 9:00 am - 8:00 pm, Long Branch Park, Liverpool, NY

Every 2nd weekend in August, Central New York hosts a Highland Games, Pipe Band competition, and Celtic ethnic activities at the incredible venue of Long Branch Park on Onondaga Lake in Syracuse. Featuring family-friendly GAMES all day, full of Competitions for: Solo Piping, Drumming & Pipe Bands, Highland Dancing & Heavy Athletics. Children’s Games, entertainment, Celtic themed vendors & food, clans & societies, harpers, Syracuse Irish Session, Massed Bands and so much more!

 

Syracuse Latino Festival

August 16; 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Clinton Square

This wonderful event, located in the heart of downtown Syracuse in Clinton Square, celebrates the CNY Latino Community. This festival is free to attend and welcomes the general public for one day of amazing food, music, dancing, cultural demonstrations, sports tournaments, small shows, and youth show opportunities by the people in our area and region. Don't miss attending this one-day festival this year. For more information, click the link above.

 

The Great New York State Fair

August 20 - September 1; The NYS Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY

 15 acres, 70+ rides • Longest-running state fair in the country!

The Great New York State Fair will be back! August 20 - September 1, 2025. More than one million people experience this affordable, 13-day celebration of delicious food, eye-opening exhibits, captivating entertainment, and great fun. The New York State Fair will showcase thousands of animals, hundreds of commercial attractions, scores of exciting midway rides, and dozens of big-name entertainers... all just a short trip from wherever you live! Be sure to stay up to date with our social media during the fair, as we'll plan to showcase exciting ways to get the most out of these 13-days!

 

Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview

All Summer Long

The Amp's lineup has top performers headed to Syracuse, NY, all summer long. Stay up to date with concerts by checking out their event page today - this August Empower Federal Credit Union Amp is welcoming 7 artists to the stage, and the music will continue through September. Tickets for most shows are on sale now!

 

For a full listing of events happening in Onondaga County throughout August, check out our Visit Syracuse Events Page. 

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