Our hottest month yet, check out these upcoming August events in Syracuse, NY. Summer has finally set in and Onondaga County is full of fun. We have more music, more festivals, and the Great NYS Fair to look forward to. Let's check it out!

 

Hanover Thursdays Music Series

Kicking off August 6, every Thursday; back in Hanover Square

This annual and awesome weekly concert series begins August 6th in Hanover Square. For 4 weeks, Hanover Thursdays brings area artists, food, and drinks together for a fun-filled evening full of music, drinks, and food. Shows begin 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 Maxwell's.

 

Skaneateles Festival

This 4-week music festival brings the world's best music to the Finger Lakes. Saturday evening shows are at the Robinson Pavilion at Anyela's Vineyards, and weekday evening shows are at the First Presbyterian Church. The season wraps up on August 22 with concerts almost daily. Spend an evening in Skaneateles this month while enjoying free music, local food, and a sunset over Skaneateles Lake. Stay nearby to make a trip out of your visit. 

 

Middle Ages 31st Anniversary Celebration

August 2; 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, The Rollin' Rust, Ben Blujus Band, and School of Rock. Expect food trucks and bring your camping chairs, pop up tents, and friends! This event is rain or shine.

 

St. George Macedonian Ethnic Festival

July 31 - August 1-2; 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, 30th Anniversary

August 7; Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse, NY

Brew at the Zoo is your destination for a night of unforgettable summer fun! Join us for the most anticipated event of the year. Kick back and relax with friends as you sip from a variety of craft beers, wines, and canned specialty cocktails. As a special treat, many animals will be on exhibit, giving you an exclusive chance to see them enjoy their evenings as you enjoy yours. Grab a bite to eat from local food truck vendors while listening to live music performances.

Please note from the Rosamond Gifford Zoo - Brew at the Zoo is an ADULT event! 21+ only, please!
Children and infants will NOT be permitted entry.

 

The Blueberry Jam

August 1; 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 8:30 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. On the day of the event, tickets are $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 1; Downtown Syracuse

Presented by Cuse Culture, on August 1st head downtown for one of Syracuse's biggest celebration of community connections featuring live music, food trucks, local vendors, activities, and networking across industries. 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 83rd CNY Scottish Games and Celtic Festival

August 8; 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 15; 12:00 pm - 10:00 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 26 - September 7; 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 Billy Idol and Pitbull to the stage, with music continuing 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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