June Events Happening in Syracuse

Syracuse sizzles with excitement come June! With festival season upon us, get ready plenty of music, food, drinks and so much more all summer long. We’re here to make sure you're in loop on all that’s going on in June, so you won't miss a moment of the fun!

St. Sophia’s Greek Festival

The Syracuse Greek Cultural Festival is back and better than ever at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church in Dewitt on June 6 - 9th. This year represents their 51st annual festival with special events! This year’s menu features your favorite authentic Greek foods and desserts, including new Saganaki pan-fried Greek Cheese, baklava, and Hi-test Greek Coffee. Traditional Greek music and folk dances will be under the outdoor “taverna” tent with folk dancing lessons offered on Saturday. Patrons will also have the chance to tour the church’s iconography project and shop for clothing, jewelry, and books in the Greek marketplace. This event is free to attend.

Taste of Syracuse

Considered the kickoff to summer, Taste of Syracuse returns to Clinton Square on June 7th & 8th. This two-day outdoor food and music festival features 60 + food and drink vendors, three different stages hosting live music all day long, a kid-friendly stage, and is free to attend. On Saturday, June 8th, national acts Hanson will take the Sweet Grass Main Stage and Cracker will perform on the William Mattar Clinton Stage. Gluten-free and vegan options are available. Come with an empty stomach because the samples and tastings are practically unlimited!

NYS Fire Chiefs Expo

NYS Fire Chiefs is the largest fire industry, rescue, and EMS expo in the Northeast. Hosted at The Oncenter's Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center June 12th - 15th, the event offers around 40 educational programs, hands-on training sessions, and networking opportunities. The real party starts on Friday as the Fire Chiefs will be throwing the FIRE 2024 Block Party. It will be rain or shine with a live performance by The Barn Dogs on South Warren Street in front of the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. This event is free to attend and open to the public. Saturday June 15th participate in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Equitable Towers in downtown Syracuse to respect and reflect with every step.

New York State Blues Festival

The New York State Blues Festival, an annual celebration of three days of rhythm and blues, heads back to Chevy Court at NYS Fairgrounds, Thursday, June 13th, to Saturday, June 15th. Parking in the Brown Lot is 10 dollars per car and 5 dollars per motorcycle. ADA parking is available in the Emerald Lot. RV parking is available to those who reserve a spot. The event is free to attend, but VIP ticket packages are available. Check out these things to know before attending the Blues Festival this year.

Syracuse Juneteenth Festival

The Syracuse Juneteenth Festival commemorates the work done throughout Central New York to achieve and maintain equality, freedom, and opportunity for African Americans. The 2024 festival is a two-day event that begins Friday, June 14 at City Hall in downtown Syracuse with a flag-raising ceremony and continues throughout Saturday with the Juneteenth Festival in Clinton Square. Also on Saturday, there is a Victory Parade and music headliner Zapp. For more information about Juneteenth events between Saturday, June 8, and Wednesday, June 19, head to SyracuseJuneteeth.org.

Syracuse Polish Festival

Syracuse Polish Festival takes over Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse June 21st - 23rd. This year they celebrate 69 years of family-friendly Polish culture, heritage, and traditions. Pierogies, Polish beer, and arts and crafts will be available from Friday to Sunday. The 6th annual Periogi Eating Content takes place on Sunday, June 23 at 2:00 pm in the festival stage area. Don’t miss out on more live music and fun because this event is free to attend.

CNY Pride Festival and Parade

The 2024 CNY Pride Festival will kick off on June 22nd on Solar St. and continue all day with entertainment, food and drinks, and fun activities for all ages at the Syracuse Inner Harbor. The Pride Festival is an inclusive event that celebrates the LGBTQIA2S+ community and their allies. The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. and the festival runs from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Be sure to check out other Pride events to attend throughout the month in Syracuse.

Syracuse Jazz Fest

For five days, from June 26th - 30th Syracuse Jazz Festival returns to downtown Syracuse. With a fun twist to kick off the festival, Wednesday night will feature local jazz acts performing downtown at 21 restaurants and bars like Funk n Waffles, Kitty Hoynes, Pastabilites, Oh My Darling and more. Then on Thusday, Friday, and Saturday, head to Clinton Square for a number of big-name acts like The Mavericks, Kenny G, The O'Jay's and more. Sunday concludes the event at Hendricks Chapel of Syracuse University with "Return to Community: A Sunday Gospel Jazz Service." Jazz Fest is free to attend.