Winterfest is coming to Syracuse February 17th-27th and we are more than excited to celebrate one of our favorite seasons! Winterfest is the perfect excuse to go outside and join in on this celebration of all things winter. From culinary delights, cocktail mix-offs, ice sculptures, fireworks and so much more- this is a festival you do not want to miss! Here’s what we recommend checking out for optimum wintry fun. 

Food, food, and more food!

Syracusans are really passionate about their food, seriously, ask us what our “must-try’s” are and you’ll get a page long list. The popular annual Culinary Cruise will return this year letting participants sample culinary specialties from key Downtown restaurants, the free Winterfest Express will shuttle you from spot to spot! After the event vote on your favorite treats and head to Shaughnessy's Irish Pub to see who won. The competitive fun doesn’t stop there, a Sandwich Stroll and Wing Walk will also be happening where you can dine on the best of each category and choose your favorite. Looking for something to warm you up more instead? A chili cook-off and chowder cook-off will be happening for some great winter dining! 

Indoor and outdoor events

We get it, Syracuse winters are cold. Bundle up and enjoy all of the outside fun or stick to the variety of fun indoor options if that’s your style. Stroll museums or catch a show during Winterfest at venues, such as, The Everson Musuem of Art and Syracuse Stage. We also recommend stopping by one of our great restaurants, grab a drink or even bring the kids to fun events with Checkers the Inventor at the Marriott located in the heart of downtown. Head outside of downtown and take advantage of free ice skating the NYS Fairgrounds Coliseum (must bring your own skates).

Mix-off Madness

Do you love a good cocktail? Being one of the best bar cities in the United States is something we don’t take lightly. Mix-off competitions include: Cosmopolitans, Bloody Marys, Sangrias, Margaritas and Martinis! Ticket holders can sample each boozy creation and vote on their favorite in each category. Watch as mixologists from your favorite bars go head-to-head to create the best cocktail.

Activities and Entertainment

Kick-off Winterfest fun with a party and musical talent Hard Promises, at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. Test your skill with the Cornhole Tournament at Maxwells, watch magic acts at the Marriott, view live ice carving demos and so much more throughout the next couple of weekends! There are so many fun activities to partake in during Winterfest. There’s even a Human Dogsled Race to benefit Helping Hounds at the Inner Harbor, alongside food trucks, family art classes and more! Or test out your sleuth skills at following clues to find a medallion hidden someplace in Onondaga County to win $2,000 during the 33rd Annual Treasure Hunt. Once it gets dark the sky lights up with a Fireworks display at the Inner Harbor on Friday, February the 18th and 27th!

For more information on the Winterfest fun click here. This is an event not to miss, celebrate the season that loves Syracuse so much and get down in the Official Home of Winter!