Downtown Syracuse Events
June 23 - 29, 2017
Check out the upcoming Downtown Syracuse events below or visit the Downtown Syracuse Online Calendar to view all events
polish festival
63rd Annual Polish Festival

at Clinton Square ( map)
Friday, June 23, 4 :00 pm - 10:30 pm
Saturday, June 24, 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Sunday, June 25, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Join the Polish Scholarship Fund for a family-friendly celebration of Polish culture, heritage and traditions. There will be entertainment, including a variety of musical performances, folklore telling, "Miss Polonia" and "Pole of the Year" presentations, and contemporary dance performances by Lechowia, Canada's famous Folk Dance Company. Bring your children as this event also offers hands-on arts and craft activities, interactive games and inflatable activities! Be sure to sample the Polish and American cuisine or participate in the annual "Pierogi Eating Contest." The festival is also an opportunity to recognize and award annual scholarships to talented students! Come celebrate and join the fun!

Street Closures:

The following streets will be closed to traffic and allow for the Annual Polish Festival and set up.

Starting at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 22:

West Water Street, between Salina and Clinton Streets

Erie Boulevard West, between Clinton and Franklin Streets. There will be no parking allowed on this block starting at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday

Clinton Street, between Genesee and Washington Street

The 200 block of West Water Street will be made two-way. There will be no parking allowed on the north curb line starting at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday.

Cost: Free admission
Salon Open House
at The Concept at 235
235 E. Water Street  ( map )
Friday, June 23, 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Join The Concept at 235 for its grand re-opening celebration in its new space at 235 East Water Street (across from the State Tower Building). Enjoy refreshments, hors d'oeuvres, 20% off all products and and AVEDA gift basket raffle! The first 50 guests will receive a special swag bag! Bring a friend with you and receive $10 off your next service when they schedule an appointment. 

Facebook.com or 315-423-9933
Cost: Free 
Summer Learning Program Kick-off
at Central Library
447 S. Salina Street (map)
Saturday, June 24, 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm

Summer is here! Kick-off Onondaga County Public Library's Children's Summer Learning Program with crafts and activities. Sign up for the summer-long program and get started reading! No registration required. Ages 12 and under welcome.

Onlib.org or 315-435-1900
Cost: Free
Ocean to Fork
at the Fish Friar
239 E. Genesee street ( map )
Monday, June 26, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Join the Fish Friar and Farm to Fork 101 for a one-of-a-kind five-course dining experience that combines the best of locally sourced ingredients and fresh Maine seafood. Diners will have the opportunity to learn more about the craft and technique that goes into the food at the Fish Friar, and how the restaurant is supporting local farmers. Free beer samples will be provided by Middle Ages Brewing. The event will also feature an all-New York State tap list and a selection of fine wine.
Click here to see the five-course menu.

Cost: $55 
Downtown Farmers Market: Week 3

at Clinton Square ( map)
Tuesday, June 27,  7:00 am - 3:00 pm

This Tuesday marks the third week of the Downtown Farmer's Market. Enjoy live music from Kristina and Todd Fitzsimmons from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm as you browse the selection of fresh, seasonal vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, plants, handcrafted items and more. 

Each week, farmers donate an item to the Downtown Committee to use in a free drawing. Visitors are encouraged to try to win the "Item of the Week" by checking in at the information booth. To stay up-to-date with all of the happenings at the Market, subscribe to our weekly Farmers Market newsletter (circulated every Monday afternoon before Tuesday's Market Day) by sending a note to [email protected]

Downtownsyracuse.com or 315-422-8284
Cost: Free admission
Wellness Wednesday
at Clinton Square ( map)
Wednesday, June 28
6:30 am - 7:30 am, 12:15 pm - 12:45 pm, 
5:30 - 6:15 pm

Did you have a chance to participate in the first Wellness Wednesday yet? The fun returns next week to Clinton Square! Every Wednesday through July 26, classes are free and open to the public. A description of the classes are offered below:
 
Sunrise Yoga 
6:30 am - 7:30 am: 
Stretch and energize with a sunrise Vinyasa Flow yoga workout, appropriate for all fitness levels. This class emphasizes linking breathing to movement, and poses are seamlessly woven together. Please bring your own yoga mat.

HIIT Your Strength  
12:15 pm - 12:45 pm: 
This 30-minute express class combines intervals of strength and stretching exercises to target the whole body.

Urban Bootcamp  
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm: 
A functionally-based strength and conditioning program. Some of the classes will be broken up into two groups - civilians and Army recruits. The Army recruits will be getting a brief introduction into team building and what to expect during basic training. Other classes will combine both the recruits and any willing participants in a fun, group-exercise environment.
 
Participants are asked to bring their own water, sneakers and workout clothing. If you have any questions, call Metro Fitness at 315-426-8917.

Getmetrofit.com or 315-426-8917
Cost: Free
Growing a Startup in Syracuse
at Syracuse Technology Garden  
235 Harrison Street ( map )
Wednesday, June 28, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Come listen to the startup success story of local entrepreneur, Mac Cummings, CEO and co-founder of Terakeet. Learn how Mac grew Terakeet into a leading engagement marketing technology company with customers that span the globe. Space is limited, so please RSVP ahead of time. Gain insight on how to get started, raise capital, manage growth and adapt to change. 

Centerstateceo.com  or 315-470-1900
Cost: Free
Wednesdays at the Weighlock: Summer Happy Hour Series
at the Erie Canal Museum 
318 Erie Boulevard East (map)
Wednesday, June 28, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Erie Canal Museum invites you to Happy Hour every Wednesday as the Wednesday at the Weighlock series continues. The Museum is open for  FREE from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm every Wednesday through August 30 with live music, a weekly collection showcase, a trivia scavenger hunt, and a cash bar. This Wednesday, come jam out to the music of Happenings CNY. 

Eriecanalmuseum.org or 315-471-0593
Cost: Free Admission
Wednesday Walk: Everson Museum of Art Scavenger Hunt
 

starting at Clinton Square ( map)
Wednesday, June 28, 6:00 pm

Tour the Everson Museum's Community Plaza and learn more about its outdoor sculptures. Pay special attention to information about the sculptures to collect clues to the secret treasure! This family-friendly walk is hosted by the Downtown Syracuse YMCA. Prizes will be awarded to all participating children.

All walks step off from Clinton Square, near the Jerry Rescue monument. Click here for the complete walk schedule, including walk themes and start times for the season.

Downtownsyracuse.com or 315-470-1962
Cost: Free
Live Music From Brett Falso
at Wolff's Biergarten
106 Montgomery Street (map)
Wednesday, June 28, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Experience the musical talents of Brett Falso during his live acoustic session! Enjoy a mix of 90s hits and classic rock every Wednesday at Wolff's Biergarten.

Cost: Free admission
Introducing an Interactive Presentation Panel
at Syracuse Technology Garden  
235 Harrison Street ( map )
Thursday, June 29, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Learn the basics of using an interactive panel for meetings and client presentations, collaborative team meetings and how to use content sharing for local and remote participants. If you've ever wondered how an interactive panel could engage employees and clients in your business, here's an opportunity to think creatively and test drive the technology. The Syracuse Technology Garden has installed a clear touch interactive panel and it's available for guests to use! Come see all the neat things the panel is able to do. Light food, drinks and desserts will be provided.

Meetup.com  or 315-470-1900
Cost: Free
Social Media 101 Meetup
at Syracuse CoWorks
201 E. Jefferson Street, 2nd Floor (map)
Thursday, June 29, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Confused by social media? Not sure why or if your business should have a social media presence? And if so, do you need ALL of the platforms or is there a way to choose which would be the best fit for your business?

During its three part series, Social Media 101 will teach you how a social media presence can benefit your business and how to get started. Lunch will be included and optional homework will be provided to help you kick-start your social media presence if necessary.

Make sure to RSVP with a $1 deposit and you will be emailed a brief survey about your business and be provided tailored feedback specific to your business.

Cost: $1/person
Downtown Meet & Greet
in the parking lot next to the Media Unit
327 Montgomery Street (map)
Thursday, June 29, 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Come meet your downtown neighbors while enjoying musical entertainment from The Hoffmmann Family Band, 5 To Life and Brownskin. Food trucks will also be available.

315-478-8648
Cost: Free
Core Pilates on the Plaza
at the Everson Community Plaza
401 Harrison Street (map)
Thursday, June 29, 6:00 pm

Interested in a free class with an experienced certified instructor? Then join Valerie Patrick with Core Pilates and Yoga. Switch up your exercise routine with this complete body workout that focuses on core strength!

Everson.org or 315-474-6064
Cost: Free
Paint and Pour
at the Everson Museum
401 Harrison Street (map)
Thursday, June 29, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm

With the guidance of an experienced artist, recreate an image from the exhibition, Seen and Heard. This experience allows you to use everyday materials in your own unique artwork. Enjoy two complimentary drinks to sip on while creating your own unique artwork to take home! All supplies are included. Ages 21 and up only.

Everson.org or 315-474-6064
Cost: $20 members/ $25 non-members
Syracuse Contemporary Irish Film Festival
at Everson Museum of Art 
401 Harrison Street ( map )
Friday, June 23, 7:00 pm
Saturday, June 24, 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm

Don't miss the exciting films the Syracuse Contemporary Irish Film Festival is bringing to the Everson Museum this weekend:

Friday, June 23, 2017: 
Doors Open at 6 pm, film starts at 7 pm.

'Mad' Mary McArdle returns to Drogheda after a short spell in prison - for something she'd rather forget. Back home, everything and everyone has changed. Her best friend, Charlene, is about to get married and Mary is set to be her Maid of Honor. When Charlene refuses Mary a 'plus one' on the grounds that she probably couldn't find a date, Mary is determined to prove her wrong. A Date for Mad Mary is a tough and tender story about friendship, first love and letting go of the glory days.

Saturday, June 24, 2017: 
Films start at 2 pm

Doors open at 6 pm, film starts at 7 pm

Older Than Ireland is a landmark documentary that tells the story of 100 years of life as seen through the eyes of 30 Irish men and women aged 100 or older. Often funny and at times poignant, the film explores each centenarian's journey, from their birth at the dawn of Irish independence to their life as a centenarian in modern day Ireland. Having witnessed a century of immense social, political and technological change, each centenarian has a unique perspective on life and its true meaning.

Trivia Nights
Monday - Thursday

Monday
@ Wolff's Biergarten, 106 Montgomery Street ( map), 7:00 pm
Play for free and BYOF - Bring Your Own Food. Prizes will be available for the top teams. 315-299-7789

Tuesday
@The Evergreen, 125 E. Water Street (map), 8:00 pm
Play for free. The winning team takes home a $50 gift card each week. 315-870-3500
 
@Liehs & Steigerwald, 117 E. Fayette Street (map), 7:00 pm
Enjoy $5 glasses of wine during trivia. 315-299-4799

Wednesday
@The Saltine Warrior Pub, 214 W. Water Street (map), 8:00 pm
Play for free. Prizes awarded to the top three teams! 315-314-7740

Thursday
@Maxwells, 122 E. Genesee Street (map), 7:00 pm
Play for free. The winner of the entire contest takes home a trophy and some swag! 315-299-6633

Downtown Syracuse News
2017 Annual Meeting Celebrates Downtown Syracuse as a 24/7 Neighborhood
Downtown all-stars recognized in Downtown Awards of Excellence

350 members of the Downtown community gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Syracuse Downtown for the 2017 Annual Meeting Luncheon of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc, presented by Pathfinder Bank. In an exciting State of Downtown Report , Downtown Committee Executive Director Merike Treier shared insights, drawing parallels between the Marriott Syracuse Downtown's rebirth and the rebirth of Downtown Syracuse. Just as the Marriott Syracuse Downtown has activated the southern entrance into Downtown Syracuse, new residents and the presence of new companies has activated all of Downtown as a community. Ms. Treier explained how Downtown grew from what was once predominantly an office center into a 24/7 neighborhood and how the creative visions of property owners and developers, business owners, restaurant and cultural institution leaders helped shaped Downtown Syracuse long before it became the vibrant, active destination it is today.
 
Accomplishments of the last year were recognized in the Downtown Awards of Excellence. The following individuals and organizations were honored for their commitment to growth, diversity and continued revitalization efforts throughout Downtown Syracuse:
  • Urban Innovation Award: Urban pioneers Bob Doucette and George Curry had a vision for Armory Square, back when it was known as a warehouse district. The duo restored the Labor Temple Building in 1984. With eight new residential apartments, the property became the first residential space in Armory Square - setting the foundation for the successful Armory Square we know today.
     
  • Heart of Downtown Award: Dennis Connors, Historian at the Onondaga Historical Association embodies everything the Heart of Downtown Award stands for. Connors - who Downtown Committee staff like to think of as the keeper of our community's stories - was at the forefront of the effort to save historic Hanover Square from bulldozers in the 1960s. He recognized the importance of historic preservation from an economic and cultural standpoint. Always making himself available to answer any historical question - no matter how small the detail - he will be missed when he retires at the end of this year.

  • Perfect Partner: Randy Sabourin and his team at Metro Fitness received the Perfect Partner Award for their creative programming to instill healthy habits and wellness initiatives throughout the Downtown community. Sabourin sparked the conversation to bring outdoor fitness equipment to the Creekwalk earlier this year and jumpstarted the Wellness Wednesdays the Downtown community looks forward to throughout the summer season in Clinton Square.

  • New this year, the Downtown Committee introduced the Newsmaker Award, given for one of the most-talked about endeavors in Downtown Syracuse during the 2016-2017 fiscal year. A group of women entrepreneurs along Warren Street were recognized for their high-quality retail shops, boutiques, restaurants and creativity that has created a destination in South Warren Street. Kathie Morris of The Changing Room, Shauna Diliberto and Susan Hodell of Vintage Love, Natalie Evans and Jen Walls of The Sweet Praxis, Johanna Yorke of Otro Cinco, Cheryl Hassett of Soup 'R Salad and Gini Cerio of Markowitz Florist
New Agreement with SIDA Will Expand Downtown Security and Maintenance Programs
Providing new resources to continue Downtown's growth
 
On Tuesday, City of Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner announced a new agreement with the Syracuse Industrial Development Agency (SIDA) to support evening and weekend security operations, as well as additional environmental maintenance staff for the Downtown Committee of Syracuse - recognizing that Downtown Syracuse has become a 24/7 neighborhood. The $213,000 agreement includes funding to hire security patrols during the evenings and weekends, as well as additional environmental maintenance crew members, who ensure Downtown's public spaces are attractive, clean and accessible for Downtown residents, employees and visitors. The agreement also includes funding for additional security cameras, which will be wired directly into existing Syracuse Police Department cameras. With the residential occupancy rate holding steady at 99 percent, Downtown Syracuse is home to 3,500 residents and counting. Downtown has also experienced significant commercial growth in recent years, as major employers such as O'Brien and Gere, Arcadis, and SUNY Upstate Medical University's Finance and IT Departments have relocated operations to Downtown Syracuse.
Marriott Syracuse Downtown To Add More Rooms and Another Restaurant
Renovations expected to be complete by March 2018

The Marriott Syracuse Downtown will add 54 guest rooms to its second, third and 11th floors, plus a new steakhouse on the first floor. The renovations were left unfinished to speed up the hotel's grand opening date due to high demand. Owner Ed Riley plans to have the rooms and restaurant complete by March of 2018 when 80,000 visitors are expected to arrive for the U.S. Bowling Congress' Open Championships at the Oncenter.

Courtesy of Syracuse.com
The Ice Cream Stand To Open Downtown Location
Year-round shop expected to open in the Amos Building late this summer

The Ice Cream Stand has plans to open a second location, and owner Amanda Hughes has chosen Downtown's Amos Building at 208 West Water Street (map). She recently christened the retail space facing Clinton Square with a jar of rainbow sprinkles for good luck. The store is expected to open in late August or early September, and will be open year-round! Patrons can expect treats including eight flavors of soft-serve ice cream, hard ice cream, sundaes, flurries, floats and coffee beverages (iced and hot). In the winter months, customers can look forward to holiday ice cream flavors and hot chocolate!

Help "Block Litter" in Syracuse
Save the Rain's new campaign cleans our city one block at a time

Let's make our community cleaner, one block at a time! Onondaga County Save the Rain is partnering with OCRRA to encourage local residents and businesses to help "Block Litter" where they live and work through small clean up acts. It's as simple as picking up litter on the street and recruiting your neighbor or coworker to attend bigger cleanup events a few times a year. The "Block Litter" program aims to educate community members about the importance of litter-free neighborhoods. Sign up today and Save the Rain will send you a special starter kit!

BlueRock Energy Recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of its 2017 Best Workplaces
Energy company recognized for unique employee benefits
 
Congratulations to BlueRock Energy! The energy services company located in the Barclay Damon Tower was recognized as one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces. BlueRock Energy is one of a little more than 200 companies to be honored with the distinction, praised for offering employee benefits such as gym memberships and parking reimbursements in addition to baseline benefits. More than 1,600 companies applied for the awards and were evaluated by a research team. All applicants had to have at least 10 employees, be in the private sector, and based in the United States. BlueRock Energy serves more than 19,000 businesses and residents throughout the northeast, providing  electricity, natural gas and renewable energy products. It currently employs 75 people.

Deal Alert! $4.99 Cheese Pizzas at Peppino's Neapolitan
Celebrate Peppino's 20th Anniversary

Peppino's Syracuse turns 20 this June! Help it celebrate the anniversary of the opening of its Grant Boulevard location with a great deal on a neapolitan pizza! To celebrate Peppino's Neapolitan Downtown will be offering $4.99 cheese pizzas on Tuesday, June 27 for pick up and carryout only!

*Limit 2 per customer and must order for same day purchase

New UVP Summer Review
Interzones: June 15 - July 1, 2017

Urban Video Project  is pleased to announce UVP Summer Review 2017: Interzones, featuring pieces from the past programming year that explore liminal states, haunted places and the space in-between. The Interzones screening exhibition will run from June 15th to July 1st on the facade of the Everson Museum. All screenings are free and open to the public.