Winterfest in Syracuse 2026
Syracuse Winterfest kicks off February 12th and runs through the 22nd.
This classic multi-day fest celebrates the winter season with cozy indoor events and some chilly outdoor activities. 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.
Annual Medallion Hunt
Beginning the day Winterfest kicks off is the annual Treasure Hunt sponsored by This is CNY and presented by Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. The medallion is a 1 1/2-inch hard plastic and will be hidden in an area open to the public in Onondaga County. Each day, a new clue will be dropped, and people of all ages are welcome to search and find the medallion. This year is the 39th annual medallion hunt.
Savoring the Flavors of Syracuse
The popular Culinary Cruise will return this year on February 14th from noon to 4:00 pm, letting participants sample culinary specialties from Downtown restaurants like Eleven Waters, Ale 'n Angus, Crooked Cattle, Sassy-Cuse Saloon, Three Lives, and more. The free Centro Winterfest Express will shuttle you from spot to spot until 4:30 pm! 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. Attend the Chili Cook-Off on February 15th from noon to 4 pm, the Sandwich Stroll is February 21st from noon to 4 pm, and the infamous Wing Walk is February 22nd from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm. With 8 - 10 downtown restaurants participating in each category, you'll get to take part in awarding the best chili, sandwiches, and wings to the top contenders. Bring your friends and bring your napkins because it's about to get saucy!
Mix-off Madness
Do you love a good cocktail? Being one of the best bar cities in the United States is something Syracuse doesn't take lightly. Mix-off competitions include: The Sangria Mix-Off and Martini Mix-Off on February 15th, and an afternoon of beer tasting on February 16th. The following weekend, Syracuse Winterfest will celebrate Cosmopolitans and a Margarita Mix-Off on February 22nd from noon- to 4 pm. The Bloody Mary Mix-Off will be the following day, from noon to 4 pm. Watch as mixologists from your favorite bars go head-to-head to create the best cocktail in downtown SYR. Please note that these boozy walks are ticketed events! Be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time to save some money at the door.
Indoor Escapes and Events
We get it, Syracuse winters are cold. During Winterfest, you have the option to bundle up and enjoy all of the outside fun or stick to the variety of fun indoor options if that’s more your style. Stroll through museums or catch a show at venues such as The Everson Museum of Art, Redhouse Arts Center, and the Landmark Theatre. Shows are happening every weekend during Winterfest and there's a variety of things to see, from comedy to classics.
Outside Fun & Games
Winterfest is all about embracing the season...so get outside! On February 13th, the Syracuse Inner Harbor presents waterfront fireworks to kick off the festival! Free event admission and free parking are available at 328 West Kirkpatrick Street. The show starts at 8:30 pm.
Warm up your arms because the annual Cornhole Tournament is on February 15th from noon to 4:00 pm outside of Maxwell's Bar in Hanover Square. The price of entry is $100 per team, which includes an open bar from noon to 4:00 pm. Registration will be day of, no later than 11:45 am. Do you have what it takes to beat the best?
Syracuse Winterfest
For more information on the Winterfest fun, click here. This is an event not to miss, celebrate the season that Syracuse loves so much. Which event are you most excited for?
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