Autumn arrives this week. As we get used to the slower pace of the season and the routine of school, football games, and picking up your pumpkin spice favorites, there is still a lot to do around the area. The 38th annual Central Square Apple Festival opens its gates once more at the Brewerton Speedway with fritters, doughnuts, cider, and amusement park rides. The Syracuse Mets say goodbye for the year with its final homestand at NBT Bank Stadium. Vegans of the area should get to the Inner Harbor on Saturday for the third annual Vegest. The New York State Fairgrounds host its #SyrFoodTruck Fall Fest. While there, you can run down to the Midway and see some of the RVs for sale at the annual Camping and RV Show, a sign that maybe spring and summer are not as far away as they seem.
Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at features@syracuse.com.
Tuesday
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Mets Final Homestand
Another baseball season ends at NBT Bank Stadium. Before the final out on Sunday against Scranton-Wilkes Barre, the team has a full week of activities. Promotions include Taco Tuesday, a special fireworks display on Wednesday, Thursday is Irish Night, Friday has more fireworks and is Youth Soccer night, and Saturday is Italian Night. The season ends on Sunday with the 6th Annual Frederick J. Karle Fan Appreciation Day featuring “nine Innings of winning.” Go to www.milb.com/syracuse/tickets/promotions for more details and to buy your tickets.
Where: 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse
When: Games start at 6:35 p.m. except Sunday, which starts at 1:05.
How much: Tickets start at $14, plus fees.
Wednesday
Blake Lynch
Hailed by the “New York Times” as a “genuine phenomenon,” Blake Lynch, known as Nurse Blake, worked in trauma centers before starting a career in comedy. As @NurseBlake, he entertains nearly four million followers on social media and sells out tour dates with live skits, videos, and interactive stories drawn from his real-life as a nurse. On Wednesday, his “Shock Advised Comedy Tour” arrives at Ithaca’s State Theatre for a show at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Tixr.com.
Where: 107 West State Street, Ithaca
When: Wednesday at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7.
How much: Tickets begin at $39.50.
Friday
NYS RV and Camping Show
Get a jump start on next year’s camping season by finding your new RV at the Midway of the New York State Fairgrounds this weekend. Bring the whole family to browse hundreds of models outdoors. Perfect for bargain hunters, first-time buyers, and family campers. You can also pick up campground information, parts, and accessories. There will be free admission and parking. Visit www.cnyrvshow.com for more information.
Where: 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse
When: Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Free admission and parking.
Tumble Down at Wonderland Forest
Lafayette’s Wonderland Forest hosts the fifth edition of Tumble Down, a two-day music festival. Fans will be treated to four sets of Twiddle, in addition to sets from Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco + The U.N., Dopapod, Dogs in a Pile, and a solo set from Twiddle’s own, Mihali. A rare set from The Breakfast (featuring Adrian Tramontano of Twiddle), as well as music from Baked Shrimp and Mike Powell top off the stacked lineup. All while enjoying the trees and beautiful countryside. There are several packages you can buy. Click here for more information.
Where: 4812 Cook Road, Lafayette
When: Friday from 5 p.m. to Saturday at 11:45 p.m.
How much: A weekend pass is $150. There are several packages to choose from.
Jowonio Speedway
Syracuse’s Jowonio School on Friday night brings a “thrilling outdoor experience like no other,” all for a good cause. Benefiting the school for exceptional children, this event gives you a chance to test your remote-control car skills on a challenging track featuring curves, verges, and more. There will be cars provided or you can bring your own. Compete against others for a spot on the leaderboard. Prizes will be awarded to the top three drivers and most innovative. Challenge friends in “Super Mario Kart,” VEO Scooter race, and Adult Tricycle Races. Funk N Waffles food truck will be on hand for purchases. Exciting raffle prizes include Adult Tricycles, a Nintendo Switch, and MOST museum passes. Tickets start at $34 and there are reserved seating, VIP, and group options. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.
Where: 3049 East Genesee Street, Syracuse
When: Friday from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
How much: Admission starts at $34.
Saturday
#SYRFoodTrucks Foodie Fest
On Saturday, the area around Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds will be taken over by a fleet of food trucks. The annual Fall Foodie Fest features local food trucks, local artists, music, and more. With food truck season ending, this might be your last chance before the weather turns. It runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Presale tickets are $5 at Eventbrite, plus fees. On the day of the show, it jumps to $10, plus fees.
Where: 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse
When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
How much: Presale tickets are $5; $10 on the day of the event.
Central Square Apple Festival
Now in its 38th year, the Central Square Apple Festival annually attracts more than 20,000 people to the Brewerton Speedway. There will be crafts, free entertainment and demonstrations, amusement rides, games, a variety of food, and fun for the entire family. Learn more at www.centralsquareapplefestival.com.
Where: 60 US Route 11, Central Square
When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday until 4 p.m.
How much: $5 per carload.
Syracuse Vegfest
Syracuse’s third annual Vegfest takes over the Inner Harbor on Saturday. Organizers are excited to offer guests a food court featuring some of CNY’s best vegan dishes, cooking demonstrations, vegan and vegan-friendly retailers, and vendors. Nationally recognized speakers, musicians, and panel discussions. The event is free to attend and runs from noon to 6 p.m.
Where: 328 West Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse
When: Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Sportsmen’s Days
Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery in Elbridge hosts this annual celebration of the National Hunting and Fishing Day this weekend. Everyone is invited to come out and discover a new favorite outdoor activity. Hands-on demonstrations of archery, canoeing, fly fishing, and more will be available. There will also be vendors and food.
Where: 1672 Route 321, Elbridge
When: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: $5 per car. Veterans and active military are free.
Grow Native! Native Plant Festival & Plant Sale
The Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex present the Grow Native! Native Plant Festival and Plant Sale on Saturday. “Come for the flowers, stay for the flowers,” they say. The day begins with a guided birding tour on the Seneca Trail at 9 a.m. Then, from 10 to 3 p.m., learn about native plant gardening, composting, beekeeping, rain barrels, and rain gardens. There will be demonstrations, giveaways, a food truck, kids’ crafts, and more. Click here for more details.
Where: 3395 US-20, Seneca Falls
When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guided bird tour starts at 9 a.m.
How much: Free to attend.
“Celebrating 75: An Andrew Lloyd Webber Revue”
The Syracuse Opera kicks off its 2023/24 season with a special event on Saturday night. The Palace Theater will host a night celebrating the 75th birthday of Andrew Llyod Webber with an unforgettable night of music. Enjoy music from “Cats,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and more. Purchase your tickets at syracuseopera.org.
Where: 2384 James Street, Syracuse
When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $25 and $35.
Anniversary Party
Shepherds Brewing Company in Auburn is celebrating their ninth anniversary on Saturday, and everyone is invited. They will be throwing a party all day, musical guests. From 2 to 5 p.m., Captain Squeeze plays polka favorites and covers on his accordion and then, from 7 to 10, Tim Herron plays rock covers. They will also be releasing some new beers special for the day.
Where: 132 Genesee Street, Auburn
When: Saturday from noon to 11 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Beethoven and Beyond
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra will launch its 2023-24 Season, “Beethoven and Beyond,” with “Beethoven’s Sixth,” on Saturday evening at Ford Hall at Ithaca College. The program will be led by Music Director Finalist Jeffery Meyer and will feature Pianist Xak Bjerken. The concert opens with Carlos Simon’s “Fate Now Conquers,” followed by Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 finishes the evening. There is a free pre-concert chat at 6:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased at CCOithaca.org.
Where: 146 Conservatory Drive, Ithaca
When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m. A pre-concert chat starts an hour before.
How much: Single tickets are $40 for adults and $13 for students under 18 or with an Undergraduate ID.
Fill-a-Bag Used Book Sale
Love books? The Liverpool Public Library is hosting a used book sale this weekend. Walk away with a bag of books for $5 or five bags for $20.
Where: 310 Tulip Street, Liverpool
When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 11 to 3.
How much: Free to attend
Sunday
Super Science Sundays
Beaver Lake Nature Center is hosting “Super Science Sundays” for kids on one Sunday a month through December. This week’s topic is bottle rockets. Great for children seven and up, spend time brainstorming, building, and doing science experiments together while learning basic physics, chemistry, and engineering in fun and exciting ways. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please sign up at https://beaverlakenaturecenter.org/
Where: 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville
When: Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon.
How much: $6/Child-Member/session; $7/Child-Non-member/session. Registration fees do not include park admission ($5/vehicle).
Rippleton Schoolhouse “Community Day”
Since 2002, the Friends of Lorenzo State Historic Site have hosted this event at the restored one-room schoolhouse on its grounds. Kids of all ages are invited to participate in period games, enjoy live music, fall refreshments, crafts, and horse-drawn wagon rides. Take a step back in time at this free event.
Where: 17 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia
When: Sunday from 1-4 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Day at the Fiddlers Museum
The North American Fiddlers Hall of Fame and Museum welcomes the public to attend a “Day at the Museum” on Saturday. It will be open inside and out, with live music, square dances and dance lessons Look for the “Acoustic Instruments Petting Zoo” for the “young and young at heart.” The Museum and Hall of Fame have been newly updated. Ask for a tour. Snacks will be available. Free admission and parking on site.
Where: 1121 Comins Road, Redfield
When: Saturday 1-4 p.m.
How much: Free
