Labor Day Weekend in Syracuse, NY

Labor Day Weekend represents a few different things, the summer season officially coming to an end, the beginning of another great school year, the changing of the weather, and Central New York welcoming the fall season with open arms.

It’s important to go out with a bang and celebrate the end of summer with style. If you’re looking for ideas, we’ve rounded up activities, events, and end-of-summer hot spots to make the most of your long weekend.

The Great New York State Fair

Running through the end of Labor Day Weekend, if your August is booked up, take this opportunity, and spend a day at the Great New York State Fair with friends and family. There are things to do for all ages, enjoy all the fried food you can, attend a concert at Chevy Court, explore unique cultural villages, and butterfly exhibits, and drink milk for 25 cents. Get inspired by our NYS Fair Bucket list and make your own.

Have a Blast and BBQ

The greater Syracuse Area is full of wonderful delis, specialty shops, and imported meat stores. Take this long weekend, fire up the grill, sit poolside and feed the neighbors, friends, and family with local meats, cheeses, pastas, and more. Here’s our quick list of top places to prepare for your BBQ.

Spera’s: You’ll come in for your meats and then quickly realize you can also pick up freshly baked bread, shortly after that you’ll notice the variety of homemade (daily) sides they offer, and to top it off, an entire refrigerated section that keeps drinks cold. By the time you hit check out you’ll have all the fixings for a good old-fashioned BBQ.

Nichols: This old-school supermarket in Liverpool has been serving patrons for over 3 generations. Here you’ll find a one-stop shop for your BBQ meats, cheeses, bread, sides, and desserts. Experience Nichols at least once and you’re sure to be a repeat customer.

Lombardi's Imports: A local staple, Lombardi’s Imports offers fresh deli meats, cheeses, dried fruits and sausages, homemade sauces, pastas and so much more. Dare to be different and send summer off creatively by having a charcuterie board party. After walking through the door, you’ll be welcomed warmly most likely by the family of the owners, and someone will be eager to help.

Liehs and Steigerwald: Proudly serving Central New York since 1936, Liehs and Steigerwald offers premier meats, sausage, kielbasa, and a variety of salads made fresh daily. Be sure to grab some steaks or buffalo chicken sausage to throw on the grill.

Shop ‘til you Drop

With school heading back in session, Labor Day sales are always a hit, no matter your age. Take a trip to Destiny USA to shop sales at select vendors. Find your new wardrobe, shoes, accessories, supplies, and more. You can supplement your shopping trip with lunch at one of their great restaurants or take an afternoon break playing games at Dave n Busters, test your thinking skills with an escape room or discover an array of interesting animals at Little Ray’s Nature Center.

Sample Brews

How familiar are you with the Syracuse brewery scene? With plenty of places offering outdoor seating, LDW is a fun opportunity to test out new or new places offering delicious drinks. From craft beer to crafty cocktails, the greater Syracuse area offers wineries, breweries, pubs, and chic patios where you can discover your new favorite drink. Check out the SOS or Sip on Syracuse trail and discover your favorite brewery or even just your favorite new brew today!

Listen to the Music

While you won't find any music coming from St. Joe's Amp the weekend of Labor Day check out some of the all-star acts you’ll hear at Chevy Court throughout Labor Day Weekend.

September 1, 2023, 1:00 pm Crash Adams

September 1, 2023, 6:00 pm The Fray

September 2, 2023, 1:30 pm The Brownskin Band

September 2, 2023, 5:15 pm The Blacklites

September 2, 2023, 8:15 pm Dazz Band

September 3, 2023, 1:00 pm Disney Jr. Live

September 3, 2023, 6:00 pm Joy Wave

September 4, 2023, 12:00 pm The High Kings

September 4, 2023, 4:00 pm Foghat

You can find more music happening at Chevy Park as well.

Fall in Syracuse

We had a lot of fun this summer in the greater Syracuse area, and we’re sure sad to see it go, but we’re also ready to welcome the cool, fall, weather with open arms. Hello to pumpkin patches, apple picking, cider, and chilly nights there are plenty of fall activities that happen in Syracuse, NY.