Festa Italiana, KlezFest, Rockin’ the Redhouse: 20 things to do this week in Central NY

If you are upset that you were shut out of the sold out and record-breaking Post Malone concert at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview, take heart.

Central New York has a full calendar of things to do this week, especially this weekend.

Meatballs, bocce, music and dancing will fill the area around Syracuse City Hall as Festa Italiana takes over once again. The city’s Jewish Community Center is hosting their annual KlezFest, celebrating Jewish culture.

Other entertainment choices this week include The Front Brothers at the Landmark Theatre, the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour at the Oncenter, the Fall Gun Show at the State Fairgrounds, and the annual Rockin’ the Redhouse fundraiser.

And there are plenty of opportunities to get outside as we enter the final full week of summer.

Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at features@syracuse.com.

Thursday

TAP into the MOST

“TAP into the MOST” is the Syracuse science and technology museum’s most popular annual fundraiser. For $70, you can taste more than 50 regional beers, wines, ciders, and spirits and enjoy food from 20 local restaurants and specialty food vendors. There will also be a silent auction with local gift cards to businesses and experiences, tickets to events, fun gift baskets, and more. The event runs from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday night. For a complete list of vendors and to purchase tickets, including a $100 VIP option, can be found by clicking here.

Where: 500 South Franklin Street, Syracuse

When: Thursday from 6-9 p.m.

How much: $70, VIP tickets are $100.

Syracuse Orchestra

The Syracuse Orchestra has two big events this week. Their Woodwood Quintet will perform its “September Soiree” on Thursday at the Carol Watson Greenhouse. Doors open at 5:30 with self-guided tours of the greenhouse with the music starting at 7. Bring your own lawn chair. Tickets can be purchased that include a boxed meal for $45 or without for $20. A cash bar will also be available. A raffle of donated items will take place with 10% of sales being donated to the Syracuse Orchestra. On Saturday and Sunday, the Orchestra celebrates “Oktoberfest!” at the Destiny Underground Lounge. Expect “an Autumn festival complete with Bavarian music and refreshments to embrace the sights,sounds, and tastes of the season.” A cash bar will be available before and during this performance courtesy of Bullfinch Brewpub. Tickets are $20. Please visit https://syracuseorchestra.org/events/2024-09/ for more information and ticket plans.

Where: 2980 Sentinel Heights Road, LaFayette for “September Soiree.” Oktoberfest is at Destiny.

When: “Soiree” is at 7 p.m. Tours of the Greenhouse beginning at 5:30. Oktoberfest will be on Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 3.

How much: Soiree tickets are $20 or $45 with a boxed meal, see website for options. Oktoberfest costs $24, with a $20 add-on if you want food and drink.

Harvesting History Series

The Martha Shaw Harvesting History Series at Auburn’s Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural and Country Living Museum returns on Thursday. Presenter Steve Cotten will be giving a talk on the history of basket making. The event begins at 6 p.m. and refreshments will be provided. Admission and parking are free. Presentations are regularly scheduled for each second Thursday of the month.

Where: 6880 East Lake Road, Route 38A, Auburn

When: Thursday at 6 p.m.

How much: Parking and admission are free.

Friday

Festa Italiana Syracuse

The area in front of City Hall will be packed with bocce, music, street performers, and a lot of food and drink as Festa Italiana returns on Friday. Running for three days, the event, now in its 26th year, annually highlights the rich traditions and vibrant heritage of Italy. There will be “Heritage Presentations and Demonstrations” all weekend at the Atrium Building. Next to City Hall, a bocce tournament, a charity meatball contest, Italian wines and beers, live music and dancing, and authentic Italian dishes and desserts. The event is free to attend. Click here for a complete run down of what is planned.

Where: In front of City Hall in Downton Syracuse

When: Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundayfrom noon to 7.

How much: Free to attend.

Rockin’ the Redhouse

Syracuse’s Redhouse Arts Center is hosting its annual “Rockin’ the Redhouse” on Friday at 6 p.m. The ‘battle of corporate bands” gives local musicians a chance to perform on a big stage and the audience gets to participate in the judging. The fundraiser supports Redhouse programming and educational scholarships. Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased here.

Where: 400 South Salina Street, Syracuse

When: Friday at 6 p.m.

How much: $25 in advance.

Bored Teachers Comedy Tour

There are still tickets remaining for the Bored Teachers Comedy show on Friday night at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater. The evening includes all new material for their “The Struggle is Real!” Comedy Tour. Their comedy is relatable for anyone who has ever been in a classroom. Since 2022, the Bored Teachers have brought a sense of humor to teachers around the world to ease their daily struggle in the classroom. They’ve amassed over a billion views on their viral videos on social media, over 10 million followers, and they have the number one ranked teacher-comedy podcast, number six of all Stand Up Comedy shows, on Apple Podcasts. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

Where: 411 Montgomery Street, Syracuse

When: Friday at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30.

How much: Tickets start at $47.95.

“Evelyn”

In 1927, actress Evelyn Nesbit, in her New York City speakeasy “Chez Evelyn,” looked back at her extraordinary life in her cabaret act. She recalled the original “Crime of the Century,” when her husband, erratic millionaire Harry K. Thaw, shot her former abuser-turned-lover Stanford White in the rooftop theater of Madison Square Garden in 1906. Her subsequent years of court trials, emotional turmoil, and ultimate survival are revealed with theatrical panache, sensitivity, and grit in this new musical from Garrett Heater and the Covey Theater. Featuring music of the era, this new work features full staging, choreography, lighting, and musical performances. Audience feedback will be requested at each show, allowing patrons to shape the development of this piece. Performances are Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 and a Sunday matinee at 2 at the Everson Museum’s Hosmer Auditorium. Please click here for tickets.

Where: 401 Harrison Street, Syracuse

When: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m.

How much: $25

Saturday

The Front Bottoms

Indie pop-rock band The Front Bottoms will be performing Saturday night at the Landmark Theatre. It is part of their “Find Your Way Home Tour,” which will begin in Boston two nights before. In August, the band released their sixth studio album, “You Are Who You Hang Out With.” Tickets are available at Ticketmaster by clicking here.

Where: 362 South Salina Street, Syracuse

When: Saturday at 8 p.m.

How much: Tickets start at $41.30.

Syracuse Fall Gun Show

Featuring more than 800 exhibits and displays from collectors and dealers all over the country, the Syracuse Fall Gun Show is the largest show of its kind in New York State. The event is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the Micron Center of Progress Building. There will be displays and sales tables of U.S. Military arms, Colt Revolvers, Native American items, Frontier and Western paraphernalia, swords, hunting and fishing items, and military relics and equipment from before the Revolutionary War to the present. The public is encouraged to bring in old and unwanted guns and military items which will be gladly purchased by collectors who will pay top prices. Members of the Onondaga County Sheriff Office Pistol License Unit will be on hand at the show to answer questions regarding state pistol license applications issued by the county.

Where: 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse

When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 until 3.

How much: Adults are $10, seniors are $8, kids under 12 are free with an adult.

CNY Community Bands Jubilee

Two longtime community orchestras are scheduled to play free concerts on Saturday at Liverpool’s Johnson Park. The music starts at 1 p.m. Performing will be the Liverpool Community Concert Band under the direction of Blair Campbell and the Lyncourt Community Band conducted by musical director Ray Sturge. These dedicated community-based combos rehearse regularly and provide its instrumentalists the opportunity to develop as ensemble players and individual artists. In case of rain, the Jubilee will be moved to Sunday at 1 p.m.

Where: 400 Tulip Street, Liverpool

When: Saturday from 1-3 p.m.

How much: Free

Syracuse Walk4CMT

Charcot-Marie-Tooth or CMT is one of the most common heritable neuromuscular diseases, affecting one in 2,500 people worldwide. On Saturday morning, you can join a walk at Willow Bay to help fight the disease. Walkers will walk about a mile starting at 9:30 a.m., but you can walk for as long as you would like. The “mandatory thing is to have fun.” There will be breakfast goodies for all who participate at the event. Later, there will be music, entertainment, raffles and a playground for the kids. Click here to donate and register.

Where: 3832 Long Branch Road, Liverpool

When: Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

How much: Free to walk. Donations welcome.

All-NYS Brewfest

The folks at Syracuse’s Crazy Daises Flowers “love both New York and beer, but even more New York beer.” Join them on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. for an all-NYS Brewfest with Talking Cursive. Experience fresh craft beer from 20 local breweries from all over New York State and meet the brewers who make them. Fresh and local food will be from The Garden Café. There will be live music from local musicians and artisan vendors. The event supports Elmcrest and its commitment to the children of the community. Tickets can be purchased here in advance for $35. VIP tickets are $45 and give you early entry at noon, a tasting glass and unlimited samples, and a swag bag. Designated driver tickets are $10. Tickets purchased at the door on the day of the event, if available, will be $45.

Where: 4963 Kasson Road, Syracuse

When: Saturday from 1-4 p.m. VIP hour begins at noon.

How much: $35, $45 for VIPs, $10 for designated drivers. Tickets will be $45 at the door, if available.

CNY Folksmarch

The final CNY Folksmarch of the summer is on Saturday and Sunday. Walkers will be hiking the Mildred Faust Trail plus part of the Cliff Trail to see Glacier Lake from above. The trails are mostly packed dirt but may include some challenging broken rock in parts. Dogs are allowed on six-foot leash with owners cleaning up as needed. CNY Folksmarchers will be registering under the canopy located off the parking lot, look for their banner.

Where: 6105 East Seneca Turnpike, Jamesville

When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and Sunday from 1-3.

How much: $4 for adults, $1 for kids ages 5 to 18. First time walkers walk free. Military active and veterans walk for half-price.

Delaney Brothers Bluegrass Band

The Oswego Music Hall launches its new season with crowd favorite The Delaney Brothers Bluegrass Band on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The group are two-time SAMMY winners and one of CNY’s oldest and best-loved bluegrassbands. Their music is influenced by many other acoustic traditions such as country, folk, gospel, and Celtic. Prior to the concert, the public is invited at 6:30 to join a “Meet and Greet” reception celebrating John Delaney’s birthday. For a complete performance schedule and ticket information, visit https://www.oswegomusichall.org/.

Where: 41 Lake Street, Oswego

When: Music starts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. A reception begins at 6:30.

How much: $17 for general admission; $22 for VIP seating, plus fees.

“Overture”

The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra launches its 2024-25 season on Saturday at Ithaca College’s Ford Hall. CCO will enter its first season under the baton of Guillaume Pirard as Music Director with “Overture,” the first Orchestral Series concert. Pirard was selected from a talented field of international applicants, four of whom conducted a concert with the orchestra last season. The Orchestra will be joined by Billy Ray Hunter, Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera, for Haydn’s blockbuster Trumpet Concerto as well sampling other pieces from their upcoming season. Visit CCOithaca.org formore information and to purchase tickets.

Where: 953 Danby Road, Ithaca

When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

How much: $13-$42

Bonsai Show

The Bonsai Club of CNY will hold its annual show at the Carman Community Room at the Liverpool Public Library on Saturday and Sunday. Members will display a variety of their favorite trees in various styles and shapes, there will be a sale on Bonsai items, a raffle, and club members will be available to answer questions. The event is free and open to the public.

Where: 310 Tulip Street, Liverpool

When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11to 3.

How much: Free

Sunday

KlezFest

The Jewish Community Center of Syracuse is holding its annual festival, “KlezFest” at the center on Sunday afternoon. It that celebrates Jewish culture through great live music, fun games, activities, and amazing kosherfood. Emmy-award winning songwriter Hughie Stone-Fish will be emceeing theevent with The Klezmers headlining. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend as the event is free, rain or shine and pet friendly. It starts at noon.

Where: 5655 Thompson Road, Syracuse

When: Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

How much: Free to attend.

Syracuse Parks Conservancy Golf Tournament & Picnic

Burnet Park Golf Club is home on Sunday for the first annual Syracuse Parks Conservancy Golf Tournament and Family Picnic. Start the day with a round of golf and then end with a bite to eat. The tournament will be captain and mate with rounds beginning at 10 a.m. or 12:30. The picnic is family friendly and includes live music, outdoor activities, food trucks, and ice cream. Costs are $45 a team, two platers and two $10 vouchers for food. Click here to register.

Where: 300 Coleridge Avenue, Syracuse

When: Sunday at 10 a.m. or 12:30

How much: $45/team

Lorenzo Fine Art Tour

The Lorenzo State Historic Site is home to five generations of art from the Lincklaen and Ledyard families. On Sunday, starting at 2 p.m., you can see this art collection during a tour hosted by Elisabeth Genter Montevecchio. She worked at Lorenzo for two years while earning her MA in Art History from Syracuse University and is currently working on her PhD in Visual and Cultural Studies at the University of Rochester. Admission is free but reservations are required as space is limited. Please call (315) 655-3200 or email jacqueline.roshia@parks.ny.gov to reserve your spot.

Where: 17 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia

When: Sunday at 2 p.m.

How much: Free but reservation required.

Juried Art Show

Associated Artists of Central New York are celebrating their 98th anniversary this year. Their Annual Juried Art show, which runs through October 26 at the Manlius Library Community Room, will have a reception open to the public on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Original works in a variety of mediums including drawing, fine crafts, mixed media, photography, and sculpture will be on display. Works will be judged by Ellen Blalock, BFA,MFA, who taught art history and studio arts at the college level and is a former photographer at Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard.

Where: 1 Arkie Albanese Avenue, Manlius

When: Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

How much: Free