June Events Happening in Syracuse

Syracuse in June heats up pretty quick! Festival season is among us, this means plenty of music, food, drinks and so much more all summer long. We’re highlighting all that’s going on in June, so you don’t miss out on any of the fun!

Taste of Syracuse

Considered the kickoff to summer, Taste of Syracuse heads to Clinton Square on June 2nd & 3rd. This two-day 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. Come with an empty stomach because the samples and tastings are practically unlimited!

St. Sophia’s Greek Festival

The Syracuse Greek Cultural Festival is back and better than ever at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church June 8 - 11th. This year will be marked with special events as they celebrate the 50th annual festival! This year’s menu features all of your favorite authentic Greek foods and desserts. Live Greek music and dance performances will take place under the outdoor “taverna” tent. 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.

CNY Pride Festival and Parade

The 2023 CNY Pride Festival will kick off on June 10th 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 Polish Festival

Polish Festival will be taking over Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse June 9th - 11th. This year, they’re celebrating 67 years of Polish culture and fun. Pierogies, Polish beer, and authentic merchandise will be available Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. to Sunday evening at 5 p.m. Don’t miss out on more live music and fun because this event is free to attend.

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 the Fairgrounds, Thursday June 15th, to Saturday June 17th. Parking will be 10 dollars a vehicle and 5 dollars per motorcycle, however, the event is free to attend. Check out these things to know before attending the Blues Festival this year.

NYS Fire Chiefs Expo

NYS Fire Chiefs is the largest fire rescue and EMS expo in the entire Northeast. Hosted at the Oncenter June 14th - 17th, 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 2022 Block Party. The block party will be rain or shine with a live performance by Hard Promises on South Warren Street in front of the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. This event is free to attend and open to the public.

Syracuse Juneteenth Festival

The Syracuse Juneteenth Festival commemorates the work that was done throughout Central New York to achieve and maintain equality, freedom, and opportunity for African Americans. The 2023 festival is a two-day event located at City Hall in downtown Syracuse and will be followed by an Ancestral Celebration on Monday June 19th, with the location to be determined. For more information about this groundbreaking event head over to Syracusejuneteeth.org. This two-day festival is free to attend.

Syracuse Jazz Fest

Three days, from June 21st - 23rd Syracuse Jazz Festival returns to downtown Syracuse. With a fun twist to kick off the festival, Thursday night will feature local jazz acts performing all over downtown at many restaurants and bars like The Hopspot, Kitty Hoynes, Press Room Pub, Mulrooney’s and more. Then on Friday and Saturday, head over to Clinton Square for a number of big-name acts like Herbie Hancock, Gladys Knight, Tower of Power and more. Jazz Fest is free to attend.