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 3, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This family-friendly event features nearly 20 food vendors offering everything from crawfish, shrimp, and lobster to pulled pork and pizza. Enjoy live music all day, a kid zone, crawfish-themed merch, and local clothing vendors.

 

The Landmark Theatre Events

The Landmark Theatre brings a lineup of exciting performances to its historic stage this May. Paw Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure hits the stage on Saturday, May 3rd, and Sunday, May 4th. Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening is a tribute to his late father and Led Zeppelin Drummer, John Bonham, on Tuesday, May 6. BEETLEJUICE, the musical show on Broadway, comes to Syracuse on May 14 - May 18 and tells the story of Lydia Deetz, based on the Tim Burton film. There's plenty more happening; check the full calendar for more unforgettable performances.

 

The 2025 Wild Carp Classic

The 2025 Wild Carp Classic returns from May 9–13, 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 11th, Onondaga County will be packed with parents, families, and friends as Syracuse University celebrates the class of 2025. 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 history is back at the NYS Fairgrounds as a two-day event on May 16th and 17th. 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 Cruel Summer, a live band tribute to Taylor Swift, and Saturday's headliner is lovelytheband. Check out more details for this event today. 

 

Retro Game Con Jr

Get your game on at RetroGameCon Jr., a 1-Day, fully featured spring convention held at ELITE: Gaming Arena in Downtown Syracuse's historic Clinton Square on Saturday, May 17th. This event offers everything you love about RGC with special guests, free play, tournaments, panels, vendors, and more condensed down to a one-day show, with an affordable cost. Tickets start at $11.

 

Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview

The Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview opens its summer concert season with huge headliners. On Tuesday, May 27th, Dave Matthews Band will be kicking off the season. Did you grab tickets? Avril Lavigne continues on the next day on Wednesday, May 27, with her The Greatest Hits tour. On Friday, May 30, Coheed and Cambria take the stage with their rock music. If you're planning to attend, here's a list of great places to eat while you're in town. 

 

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 23 - 26 offers a full lineup of activities to celebrate the season.

Onondaga County in the Summer