What’s going on, 315!
Happy August, 315!
Summer peaks this week in the 315 region with a perfect blend of music, arts, and community celebrations. The season's warmth brings outdoor concerts to downtown Syracuse, art exhibitions across Auburn, and family festivals throughout our neighborhoods.
This week marks the return of the beloved 315 Thursdays concert series (formerly Hanover Thursdays), now relocated to Perseverance Park due to construction. The free outdoor music showcase continues Syracuse's tradition of bringing the community together through live entertainment. DJ Joey D kicks off each evening at 5pm, followed by featured acts that represent the best of Central New York's musical talent.
Auburn celebrates its inaugural Summer Homecoming Weekend, transforming the historic downtown into a hub of live music, art-making, and cultural activities. This evolution from the traditional Founders Day showcases Auburn's commitment to celebrating its heritage while embracing contemporary community spirit.
The week ahead also promises warm August nights filled with the sounds of local musicians, the creativity of regional artists, and the energy of communities coming together to celebrate the peak of summer in Central New York.
Thank you so much to our awesome subscribers, and if you’re new here, welcome! Be sure to share our events with your friends, and as always, follow our Instagram and Facebook to stay in the know.
Let’s get into it…
Featured Events
Community news, minus the politics and crime – only the good stuff
Auburn Launches Inaugural Summer Homecoming Weekend August 8-10, 2025 Auburn transforms its traditional Founders Day into a dynamic new celebration featuring live music, art festivals, and community activities across downtown venues. Auburn Summer Homecoming
315 Thursdays Concert Series Returns to Syracuse August 8, 2025 The popular free outdoor music series relocates to Perseverance Park due to construction, featuring DJ Joey D and live acts every Thursday evening from 5-9pm throughout August. 315 Thursdays
Auburn Public Theater Celebrates Owasco Room Renovation August 9, 2025 The theater hosts an open house showcasing their newly renovated Owasco Room from 11am-1pm, highlighting improvements to the community arts venue. Auburn Public Theater
West End Arts Campus Opens to Public August 9, 2025 Auburn's new arts campus linking the Schweinfurth Art Center with the Cayuga Museum, Case Research Lab, and Carriage House Theater welcomes visitors during Summer Homecoming Weekend. Schweinfurth Art Center
Finger Lakes Art Council Hosts Festival of Art & Crows August 9, 2025 The Willard Memorial Chapel serves as venue for 25 participating artists, featuring food, live music, and creative demonstrations during Auburn's celebration weekend. Finger Lakes Art Council
Upcoming Events
Your guide to what’s happening around the 315 this weekend and next week
Syracuse Area:
August 9
Auburn Summer Homecoming: Genesee Street Block Party 🎪 12:00pm
Three bands perform on the City's show mobile stage featuring Ruby Shooz, Showtime the Band, and Mark Doyle and the Maniacs, with local merchants offering food and beverages. Auburn Summer Homecoming
August 10
Central New York Highland Games 🏴 9:00am
Celtic ethnic activities, Highland Games competition, and pipe band performances at Long Branch Park on Onondaga Lake featuring traditional Scottish sports and culture. CNY Highland Games
August 11
Everson Museum Summer Camp Exhibition 🎨 9:00am
Young artists showcase their creative work from the museum's summer camp program featuring drawing, painting, ceramics, and fiber arts in a special exhibition opening. Everson Museum
August 12
Liverpool Art Center Teen Mentorship Showcase 🖼️ 6:00pm
Serious young artists present their work from the summer mentorship program focusing on figure drawing, multimedia compositions, and community poster projects. Liverpool Art Center
August 13
Intimate acoustic performance by the singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and compelling original music in downtown Syracuse's premier music venue. The 443 Social Club
Oswego County:
August 10
SUNY Oswego Permaculture Garden Tours 🌱 8:00am
Free guided tours of the Permaculture Living Lab featuring sustainable gardening practices, composting systems, and organic growing techniques. SUNY Oswego
August 11-14
SUNY Oswego Summer Hours at Lee Hall 🏀 4:00pm-6:30pm
Basketball gym open for community recreation and fitness activities with extended summer scheduling through evening hours. SUNY Oswego Events
August 12
H. Lee White Maritime Museum Exhibit Opening ⚓ 10:00am
New maritime history exhibition focusing on Lake Ontario shipping and the Port of Oswego's role in regional commerce and transportation. H. Lee White Maritime Museum
August 13
Downtown Oswego Farmers Market 🥕 4:00pm
Weekly market on West First Street featuring local produce, artisan goods, and prepared foods from Oswego County vendors and farmers. City of Oswego
Mohawk Valley Region:
August 6-10
Little Falls Heritage Days 🎆 4:00pm
Annual celebration throughout the city representing community heritage and the spirit that makes Little Falls unique in the Mohawk Valley with events at multiple locations. Little Falls Heritage Days
August 8-10
Capitolfest Silent Movie Marathon 🎥 Various showtimes
Immerse in classic silent films with live accompaniment at the Capitol Theatre in Rome, offering a nostalgic, entertaining experience for film enthusiasts. Capitolfest
August 9-11
Sylvan Beach Canal Fest ⛵ 10:00am
Three-day festival throughout the village offering free family fun, vendor and crafter shows, helicopter rides, and canal-themed activities. Sylvan Beach Canal Fest
North Country:
August 10
Thousand Islands Nature Program 🌲 10:00am
Guided nature walk and educational program at Wellesley Island State Park exploring local wildlife, plants, and Great Lakes ecology. NYS Parks
August 12
Watertown Playgroup at the Park 👶 9:00am
Free fun-filled morning in the park hosted by Watertown Family Connections featuring activities for young children and parents. Watertown Family Connections
August 13
North Country Veterans Lunch 🇺🇸 12:00pm
No-fee community lunch for area veterans to bond with other servicemen and women over food and conversation at Rainbow Community Care. Rainbow Community Care
Finger Lakes Region:
August 8
Auburn Summer Homecoming Opening Concert 🎤 7:00pm
Chris Eves and the New Normal perform at the State Street Bandshell to launch the inaugural Summer Homecoming Weekend celebration. Auburn Summer Homecoming
August 9
Festival of Art & Crows at Willard Memorial Chapel 🎨 11:00am
Twenty-five participating artists showcase their work at the historic chapel with food, live music, and interactive art demonstrations. Willard Memorial Chapel
Cayuga Museum Kids Activities 👨👩👧👦 10:00am
Hands-on educational activities for children exploring local history, science exhibits, and interactive displays at Auburn's community museum. Cayuga Museum
August 10
West End Arts Campus Open House 🏛️ 10:00am
Explore Auburn's new arts campus linking multiple cultural venues including guided tours, artist demonstrations, and family activities. West End Arts Campus
August 14
Skaneateles Farmers Market 🍅 3:00pm
Weekly market in the heart of the village featuring local produce, artisan breads, prepared foods, and handcrafted goods from regional vendors. Skaneateles Farmers Market
Foodie Corner
Where to eat in the 315 this weekend
Foodie Corner
Lasca's Restaurant & Carry Out - Auburn
Located in the heart of Auburn since 1987, Lasca's has built its reputation on providing consistently great food and service to the Central New York community. This family-owned establishment combines traditional American comfort food with Italian specialties, creating a menu that satisfies both casual diners and food enthusiasts.
The restaurant's warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular gathering spot for families and friends. Known for their generous portions and affordable prices, Lasca's offers everything from hearty pasta dishes and fresh salads to classic sandwiches and daily specials. Their Italian roots shine through in dishes like chicken parmigiana and homemade pasta sauces, while American favorites include burgers, steaks, and seafood selections.
What sets Lasca's apart is their commitment to quality ingredients and made-from-scratch preparation. The restaurant maintains the same dedication to excellence that opened its doors nearly four decades ago, making it a true Auburn institution.
Both dine-in and carry-out options make Lasca's convenient for any occasion, whether you're looking for a family dinner or grabbing a quick lunch during Auburn's Summer Homecoming Weekend.
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