Celebrate Father's Day in Syracuse

Father's Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring the incredible fathers and father figures in our lives.

Onondaga County offers plenty of memorable ways to spend Father’s Day weekend together. From scenic golf courses and local breweries to outdoor adventures and museum visits, here are some of the best Father’s Day activities in Syracuse for every type of dad.

The History Buff & Art Dad

Syracuse has no shortage of history, and there's no better place to immerse the man of the hour than with the rich industrial, architectural, agricultural, and cultural exhibitions at the renowned Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) and Museum in downtown Syracuse. Experience the extensive collections and travel back in time with Dad at the OHA, where you can explore everything from Syracuse China Company's 140-year-old saga to the city's unique Underground Railroad history.

The Everson Museum of Art's permanent collection boasts nearly 11,000 modern and contemporary pieces, including ceramics, paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos, and more. The museum shop is stocked with pottery and ceramics by local artists, framed prints, jewelry, and more to complement your visit. Make this year’s Syracuse Father’s Day about connecting with Dad in a way that enriches the whole family.

The Golfing Dad

It’s Tee Time: Head to the greens FORE an awesome day on the golf course. Treat dad to 18 holes with the boys, or make it a family affair and spend the day practicing your putt and long drive. Check out these options for the perfect golf course in Onondaga County. The Pompey Club in Jamesville is an 18-hole championship golf course overlooking Butternut Creek Valley. This clubhouse is a member of the United States Golf Association as well as the Syracuse District Golf Association (SDGA). Or you and Dad can put your skills to the test at Drumlin’s Country Club. After playing 18-holes on their challenging yet scenic course, dip into the bistro to enjoy casual dining and drinks, where both indoor and outdoor seating are available. Another true highlight of Onondaga County is the 18-hole course that overlooks Green Lakes State Park. The front nine holes allow golfers to experience stunning displays of the twin meromictic lakes, while the back nine showcases the woodland forest and greens.

The Craft Brew Dad

If there's one thing you can't go wrong with on Father's Day, it's an ice-cold beer. Luckily, Syracuse has enough local, craft, and microbreweries around town for Pops to sample as many cold pints as he'd like. Stop into Middle Ages Brewing Company and give Dad the freedom to pick from a wide variety of delicious IPAs, sessions, lagers, stouts, pales ales, fruit beers, wheat beers, sour beers, blonde ales, red ales, and more. And if you're sticking around the downtown Syracuse area, stop by Meier’s Creek Brewery at the Inner Harbor, The Eastwood Brewery on James Street or Talking Cursive for a refreshing pint or two.

Give Dad a taste of what some other local breweries are pouring — pop into Willow Rock Brewing Company for a mix of seasonal flavors, test batches, and specialty brews (including Congress lager), wander over to Buried Acorn Brewing for barrel-aged sours and farmhouse beers, or bounce over to Beak & Skiff for hard cider and spirits. Head to Skaneateles Brewery for food trucks, lawn games, and home-made pints. There's a brewery for every dad out there.

The Adventurous Dad

Labrador Hollow Unique Area is located on the outskirts of Tully, Apulia, and Truxton, NY, making it a beautiful 20-minute drive outside the city limits. Offering over 1,000 acres of natural lands, beautiful waters, diverse animal habitats, and rare plant life, this is the perfect outdoor adventure for you and your dad. Even the dog can go! Grab your bikes and hit the Erie Canal trail or Onondaga Lake Park! Grab your boots and explore Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville, NY or Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville, NY, and impress Dad with views of a 200-acre glacial lake and nine miles of trails that traverse bogs, meadows, forests, and more.

The Foodie Father

Upgrade Dad’s backyard cookout with locally sourced meats and specialty items from Liehs & Steigerwald or Lombardi’s Imports to grab some of their one-of-a-kind meats, sausages, hot dogs, salads, burgers, kabobs, cutlets, spiedies, and more. Grab some fresh meats at Mazzye's Meats in Liverpool and kick off Dad's special day with a prime gift of locally-raised beef, pork, lamb, and poultry. Not only will Dad be happy, but the entire family will thank you.

Prefer to skip the grill? Treat Dad to a Father’s Day Brunch in Syracuse, NY, and show him the ultimate Sunday Funday. Syracuse’s brunch scene is diverse and ranges across all types of cuisine. From tacos to loaded fries and burgers, you can satisfy any craving Dad may have.

The Fisherman Father

If your dad is a fishing enthusiast, head to Oneida Lake, one of the region's premier fishing destinations. Spend quality time together while casting your lines, and even catch some bass, walleye, or perch. There are plenty more fishing spots throughout Onondaga County, such as Onondaga Lake Parkway, Skaneateles, and Green Lakes to name a few.

Father's Day Weekend Events in Syracuse

Looking for even more ways to celebrate Father’s Day weekend in Syracuse? From live music and whiskey tastings to brunches and hands-on family activities, there’s no shortage of special events happening around Onondaga County.

Get creative with Dad at the Everson Museum of Art during a special Father’s Day LEGO Block Printing Workshop on Sunday, June 21, from 1–4 pm. Families can create handmade gifts and artwork using LEGOs as a unique printmaking material.

Celebrate local creativity at the 25th Annual Westcott Art Trail on Saturday, June 20, featuring painters, photographers, sculptors, and other local artists showcasing work for sale throughout the Westcott neighborhood. Visitors can also enjoy live musical performances from local talent throughout the day.

Treat Dad to a Game of Thrones-themed Father’s Day brunch at Mom’s Diner, where classic comfort food favorites and family-friendly vibes make for the perfect Sunday celebration.

Elevate Dad’s palate with the Blind Tasting Whiskey Class: From Everyday to Elevated at The Whiskey Coop on Sunday, June 21, from 3–4:30 pm. Guests will sample and compare a variety of whiskeys while learning tasting techniques and flavor profiles.

Wrap up Father’s Day weekend with live music from BeatleMagic, a tribute band celebrating the music of The Beatles, at Sharkey’s Bar & Grill on Sunday, June 21, at 5 pm.

No matter what kind of dad you’re celebrating, Syracuse offers plenty of ways to make Father’s Day weekend memorable. From local breweries and scenic golf courses to outdoor adventures and family dining, there’s something for every interest in Onondaga County.

Start planning your Father’s Day getaway today by exploring local events, restaurants, and hotels throughout Syracuse.