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 what’s happening in the Salt City throughout May.

 

Crawfish Festival

Clinton Square kicks off festival season in downtown Syracuse with Crawfish Festival 2024 on Saturday May 4th. From 11:00 am - 7:00 pm enjoy a family-friendly day of amazing food, drinks, and live music. This year offers nearly 20 food stands and trucks featuring crawfish, shrimp, lobster, pulled pork pizza and so much more. There will be a kid zone, crawfish merchandise, and other clothing vendors all day long.

 

The Landmark Theatre Events

The Landmark Theatre welcomes an array of events to their stage in the month May. Steve Martin & Martin Short, The Dukes of Funnytown happens on May 3rd at 8 pm. The talented Jon Batiste brings his tour, Streams May 9th at 8 pm. The Broadway musical SIX will be running with multiple shows May 28 - June 2nd. There's plenty more happening, check their calendar today.

 

The 2024 Wild Carp Classic

From May 7th - May 11th, Syracuse welcomes 100+ anglers traveling in from 10 different states to participate in this prestigious event. Over forty teams consisting of some the very best Carp Angler’s in the USA will be fishing both the Seneca River and Onondaga Lake for a continuous 76 hours of trophy Carp fishing.

 

Syracuse Food Truck Battle 

The largest gathering of food trucks in CNY history is back at the NYS Fairgrounds and is now a two day event on May 10th and 11th. 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 dollars. Craft beer, wine slushies, and a never ending food menu makes this an event you can't miss. Friday night music features Country Night and Saturday's headliner is The Maine. Check out more details for this event today. 

 

Retro Game Con Jr

Saturday May 11th, RetroGameCon Jr. is a 1-Day, fully featured spring convention held at the Museum of Science & Technology (The MOST) in Downtown Syracuse's Armory Square. This event offers everything you love about RGC condensed down to a one-day show, with an affordable cost. Just pay museum admission and enjoy the day!

 

Syracuse University Commencement Weekend

The weekend of Sunday May 12th, Onondaga County will be packed with parents, families, and friends as Syracuse University celebrates the class of 2024. Commencement weekend brings large crowds so plan ahead and book your dinners and celebratory activities in advance. Spending a few extra days in town? Check out things to do during graduation weekend in Syracuse.

 

Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview

Are you one of the lucky ones that scored a ticket to Hozier? On May 21st he'll be kicking off the season at the Amphitheater at Lakeview. The show is sold out, but if you're planning to attend check here's a list of great places to eat while you're in town. 

 

Memorial Day Weekend in Syracuse

Memorial Day Weekend marks the official start of summer, and in Syracuse and Onondaga County, the excitement is palpable. Whether you're craving a day on the water, eager to fire up the grill outdoors, or seeking out lively summer events, May 24th to May 27th offers a number of activities to enjoy.

Onondaga County in the Summer