A spectacular three-day showcase of the country's most talented artists, craftspeople and entertainers is centered around historic Columbus Circle in Downtown Syracuse. Artists and craftspeople representing 25 U.S. states and Canada will showcase their diverse talents. The event presents contemporary arts and crafts, ranging from functional to decorative, as well as a wide variety of music, multi-cultural performances, summer refreshments and family-friendly activities. Tip: You may preview some of the artists' works by following the Downtown Committee on Pinterest. 

PS: New this year, on Saturday, July 30, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm between the County Courthouse and Civic Center, the Downtown Committee is hosting "Forecasting the Future: Activating Downtown's Alleyways," a free, interactive workshop where participants may decorate lanterns which will be featured in a public art display later this summer. More information about the workshop can be found below and by clicking here.

downtownsyracuse.com  or 315-422-8284

Cost: Free to attend

The Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival, presented by the CNY Jazz Foundation, returns with two days of free jazz, smooth jazz, and R&B programming on three stages. Clinton Square will be a stage for diverse, world-class entertainment, quality wine-tasting, and mouth-watering food. Late-night jam sessions will be held at the Jazz Central ( 441 E Washington St) both nights during the festival. 

nejazzwinefest.org or 315-479-5299

Cost: Free to attend

bluerainecofest.org

Cost: Free to attend

The Candlelight Concert Series continues in Armory Square with a performance by guitarists Loren Barrigar and Mark Mazengarb. The music begins at 7:00 pm with vocalist Danielle Patrice and pianist Dick Ford.

armorysq.org

Cost: Free 

Tuesday, July 26 - Hanover Square ( map)

Wednesday, July 27 - Shotlock Park, Armory Square ( map)

Thursday, July 28 - "Pebble Park," across from Columbus Circle ( map)

Friday, July 29 - Fayette Firefighters Memorial Park ( map)

facebook.com

Cost: Free 

Grab a friend, your water bottle and comfortable sneakers and head to Clinton Square for the last day of Wellness Wednesday classes this season! The final Wellness Wednesday will be on July 27 in Clinton Square. Wake up with  Sunrise Yoga  from 6:30 am to 7:30 am. Lululemon will be on-site with discounted yoga attire. Dance away your lunch break with  Zumba  from 12:15 pm to 12:45 pm. Then, end your day with  Hoop Fitness  from 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm.  If you don't have a yoga mat or a hula hoop, don't worry! Fitness equipment is available to use. 

getmetrofit.com  or 315-426-8917

Cost: Free

Barre Body ® is a ballet-inspired workout set to a mix of upbeat music, where participants use a variety of props to promote the development of long, lean muscles like those associated with a dancer's body - giving them that "barre body" look. Join the YMCA for a FREE class outside in Perseverance Park.

syracuse.ymca.org or 315-474-6851

Cost: Free

Enjoy free live music in Hanover Square every Wednesday night through the end of August. Bring your chair and enjoy food and beverages from Hanover businesses while you listen. Alcohol will be permitted outside, but only if purchased from a Hanover bar/restaurant in a plastic cup. This week, Hanover Live will feature Dan Elliot & Co., specializing in party music from the 1950's to 1980's.  

Please note, for your planning purposes, East Water Street and East Genesee Street will be closed around the Hanover Square park during the concert.

hanoverlive.com

Cost: Free to attend

Every Wednesday at dusk, The Sound Garden will show a free movie on the front of its building. Bring some lawn chairs, pack a few snacks, grab some friends and enjoy this free film series through August 24th.

July 27: Deadpool

Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is a former Special Forces operative who now works as a mercenary. His world comes crashing down when evil scientist Ajax (Ed Skrein) tortures, disfigures and transforms him into Deadpool. The rogue experiment leaves Deadpool with accelerated healing powers and a twisted sense of humor. With help from mutant allies Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), Deadpool uses his new skills to hunt down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

cdjoint.com or 315-473-4343

Cost: Free 

Stop into the Onondaga Historical Association for a special ArtsWeek activity, or learn more about one of its current exhibits, including:

• Art Makes Cents: Collections of Syracuse's M&T Bank 
• A Life In Art: Highlights of women artists 
• Look What We Got: recent acquisitions to the OHA's collection.

cnyhistory.org or 315-428-1864

Cost: Free - $5

Heaven's Ditch, written by journalist, novelist and historian, Jack Kelly, illuminates the historic, spiritual and political upheavals along the Erie Canal. The Erie Canal became the scene of one of the most striking outbursts of imagination in American history, making New York State the commercial capital of America, bringing the modern world crashing into the frontier. Readers encounter America's very first "crime of the century," wild treasure hunts, searing acts of violence, a visionary cross-dresser, and a panoply of fanatics, mystics and hoaxers.  Meet the author Jack Kelly and learn more about his book and the Erie Canal.

heavensditch.com or 315-471-0593

Cost: Free 

Looking for a fun night out? Stop by the Everson Museum for a Crafty Hour workshop where you will craft a unique and functional art object, all while socializing with friends and enjoying some adult beverages from local vendors. This week, crafters will learn to felt and make a colorful broach to add some flair to any outfit. Check out Kindred Beasts: 2016 Everson Biennial for creative fiber inspiration!

www.everson.org or 315-474-6064

Cost: $5 material fee, plus museum admission

Create your own masterpiece in chalk! All skill levels are welcome! The Street Painting Festival is a chalk art contest for artists ranging from young kids to seasoned professionals. More than $1,800 in cash and prizes will be awarded, plus every contestant is entered to win gift certificates in random drawings throughout the day. Pre-registration is recommended. Call 315-422-7011, or use the registration link below. Chalk will be provided, but bringing your own is encouraged. 

Stop by to take a look at the artwork, try your hand at the dunk tank, get your face painted by Coco the Clown, or grab an ice cream cone. 

syracusenewtimes.com or 315-422-7011

Cost: $10 for youth & teens (17 & younger); $20 for adults (18 & older)

Click here to register

This all-ages interactive workshop during the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival invites community members to come learn about the history of Downtown Syracuse's Weather Star while forecasting the future of our own Downtown community! Participants can drop in any time between 10:00 am - 2:00 pm to paint their wish for Downtown Syracuse on a lantern. Later this summer, the lanterns will be mounted on string-lights and displayed in Downtown alleyways, spotlighting the potential for our new spaces.

cnyarts.org or 315-422-8284

Cost: Free

The Erie Canal Museum invites children to create artwork for the windows of the Nathan Roberts, the replica canal boat in the museum's garden. Draw and color pictures of people and things that were on the canal boats in the 19th century and the Museum will display them in the panes of the boat's windows! Drawing paper and other materials will be available. This event will take place outside if weather permits.

eriecanalmuseum.org or 315-471-0593

Cost: Free 

 

40 Below's Public Art Task Force will host a silent auction for art created by local artists. All panels are 8"x8" in a variety of mediums. All bids start at $20. Half of the proceeds will go to the artist and the other half will be donated to the Downtown Committee of Syracuse and 40 Below. Stop by 40 Below's tent in the Arts & Crafts Festival to view the panels and place your bid.

40belowpatf.com 

Cost: Free to attend

 

Children of all ages will be delighted by storytelling by Miss Anna and Dennis, then have the opportunity to play games and create their own original artwork related to the stories they have heard. Throughout the day, the Kid's Tent will be visited by strolling minstrels, musicians, and craftspeople who will take part in the storytelling, which includes a focus on the Erie Canal!

Cost: Free 

This event brings 65 local crafters to Downtown Syracuse with booths offering everything from stained glass to handmade children and adult clothing. A portion of the profits will support local arts programs.

Cost: Free 

The region's largest annual used book and vinyl MONSTER SALE. Browse used books at bargain prices. You make an offer, everything must go! Media Unit dancers will perform tributes to the Wizard of Oz characters and Michael Jackson throughout the weekend.  

facebook.com or 315-478-8648

Cost: Free to attend

Now in its 16th year, the YMCA's Downtown Writer's Center offers classes in creative writing for all levels of writers, from beginning to publishing. During the festival, meet faculty, students and friends of the DWC, and find books to fill your bookshelf-many written by the very writers who teach the courses. 

syracuse.ymca.org or 315-474-6851

Cost: Free

 

St. Paul's Syracuse, the Downtown Episcopal Church, will be open throughout the duration of the AmeriCU Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival and M Street Cooperative, hosting a Rummage Sale and Family activities. The Rummage Sale includes clothes, household items, linens, small appliances, books, furniture, toys, jewelry, decorative items and collectibles at bargain prices. Open Church features family activities centered around the beautiful stained glass windows and architecture of the historic building, including a stained glass window scavenger hunt and a self-guided tour. On Sunday morning, there will be a Jazz Worship Service with Holy Communion at 9:00 am, to which all are welcome. Please note, bathrooms are open to the public.

stpaulsyr.org or 315-474-6053

Cost: Free 

Stop by the Guardian Angel Society's booth at 264 East Onondaga Street across from the Cathedral to learn more about its mission to support the education of local children in need. Father Joseph Champlin's book Take Five will be available for purchase, as well as Guardian Angel Society merchandise and beautifully handmade remembrance beads featuring stunning Austrian crystals. 

guardianangelsoc.org or 315-422-7218

Cost: Free

During the Arts & Crafts Festival, come inside and visit 18 local artisans and listen to music in the sanctuary of Plymouth Congregational Church. Cold beverages, coffee and church baked goods will be on sale outside the doors. All proceeds support the community ministries of the church. On Sunday, weather permitting, there will be an outdoor worship service at 10 am with special music.

plymouthsyr.org or 315-474-4836

Cost: Free