Let’s get into it…
As we step into the week of September 5 to September 11, 2025, the 315 area code buzzes with the vibrant energy of early fall. With Grandparents Day on September 7, it's a perfect time to celebrate the wisdom and stories passed down through generations, perhaps by sharing a family outing at one of the many community gatherings across our region. Patriot Day on September 11 offers a moment of reflection and unity, honoring resilience and community bonds that define Central and Northern New York.
This week's lineup promises something for everyone, from lively festivals showcasing cultural heritage to art exhibitions and outdoor markets that highlight local creativity and harvest bounty. In Syracuse, the Irish Festival brings music and dance to the streets, while North Country hosts empowering walks and art shows that foster connection and support worthy causes. These events remind us of the strong community spirit that thrives in our counties, from Onondaga to St. Lawrence.
Looking ahead, uplifting news from across the 315 includes charitable successes like the Taste of Syracuse raising funds for local organizations and conservation efforts in the Finger Lakes preserving our natural beauty. Whether you're exploring a farmers market in Mohawk Valley or enjoying live music in Oswego, this week is all about coming together, creating memories, and embracing the positive vibes of our shared home.
Community News
Taste of Syracuse Raises Funds for Charities - August 2025. The annual Taste of Syracuse festival successfully raised over $24,000, benefiting two Central New York charities through community participation and local vendor support. https://www.informnny.com/news/local-news/2025-taste-of-syracuse-raised-over-24000-for-local-charities/
Fair Housing Coloring Contest Winners Announced - August 2025. Oswego County celebrated young artists in its Fair Housing Coloring Contest, promoting inclusivity and creativity among local children. https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/oswego-county-announces-fair-housing-coloring-contest-winners-3/
Mohawk Valley Gives Day of Giving - September 2025. The fourth annual Mohawk Valley Gives event encourages community-wide donations to uplift local nonprofits on September 19. https://foundationhoc.org/news/how-does-mohawk-valley-gives-uplift-the-entire-community
North Country Honor Flight - September 2025. The North Country Honor Flight gears up for its September 6 flight, honoring veterans with a heartfelt trip to Washington, D.C. https://suncommunitynews.com/news/120790/north-country-honor-flight-gears-up-for-sept-6-flight/
Craft Distilleries Celebrate Success - August 2025. Three Finger Lakes distilleries along Keuka Lake earned accolades, highlighting the region's thriving craft spirits community. https://www.fltimes.com/business/three-local-distilleries-win-big-at-international-spirits-competition/article_adc6c06f-010a-436c-9042-ba99b9a50008.html
Goon Squad Welcomes Students - August 2025. Syracuse University's Goon Squad continued its 81-year tradition by assisting new students with move-in, fostering a sense of welcome and community. https://news.syr.edu/blog/2025/08/19/syracuse-views-summer-2025/
Local Events
Syracuse Area
September 5–6
Syracuse Irish Festival 🍀 All Day
Celebrate Irish culture with live music, dance, food, and vendors at this annual festival. A family-friendly event with activities for all ages.
https://www.syracuseirishfestival.com
September 6–7
Golden Harvest Festival 🍂 All Day
Enjoy live music, crafts, food trucks, and nature activities at this family-friendly outdoor festival.
https://www.beaverlakenaturecenter.org/golden-harvest-festival
September 5
Baby/Toddler Storytime 📖 10:00 AM
A fun, interactive storytime with songs and stories for babies and toddlers, fostering early literacy.
https://www.visitsyracuse.com/events/baby-toddler-storytime
September 5
Jazz Night: E.S.P. 🎷 6:00 PM
Experience high-energy contemporary jazz blending funk and world music by local band E.S.P.
https://www.visitsyracuse.com/events/jazz-night-esp
September 5
The Strictly Hip Concert 🎸 8:00 PM
A tribute to The Tragically Hip with accurate renditions of their iconic songs, perfect for music fans.
https://www.visitsyracuse.com/events/strictly-hip-concert
September 7
Community Yoga in the Park 🧘 5:30 AM
Join a free, all-levels yoga session in a scenic park setting, promoting wellness and community.
https://www.syracusecityparks.com/events/yoga-in-the-park
September 10
A Day to Remember Concert 🎤 6:30 PM
Enjoy a high-energy rock concert featuring A Day to Remember at this popular outdoor venue.
https://www.asmsyracuse.com/events/a-day-to-remember
Oswego County
September 11
9/11 Memorial Events 🕊️ 8:40 AM
Honor and remember the lives lost on 9/11 with a community ceremony. https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/oswego/city-of-oswego-to-host-9-11-memorial-events-2/
September 5
Reading of The Rhinoceros 📖 5:00 PM
Theatre students perform scenes inspired by the Rhino World Order exhibition. https://events.visitsyracuse.com/events/view/reading-of-the-rhinoceros-by-eugene-ionesco/
September 5
Rhino World Order Opening Reception 🦏 6:00 PM
Opening for exhibition at SUNY Oswego addressing social issues through art. https://events.visitsyracuse.com/events/view/rhino-world-order-opening-reception/
September 6
Guided Nature Walk at Rice Creek 🌳
Explore nature with a guided walk at Rice Creek Field Station. https://calendar.oswego.edu/
September 6
Fresh Air, Fresh Start at Rice Creek 🌿
Enjoy outdoor activities to refresh and connect with nature. https://calendar.oswego.edu/
September 7
Oswego Drum Fest 🥁 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Day of drumming, dancing, workshops, and performances. https://iheartoswego.com/55630/2nd-annual-oswego-drum-fest.html
Mohawk Valley Region
September 5
Old Forge Farmers Market 🛒 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Shop for local goods at the weekly farmers market in Old Forge. https://www.herkimercountyny.gov/events/series/2267
September 6
Maddness on the Mountain Truck and Tractor Pull 🚜 1:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Competitive truck and tractor pull event for enthusiasts. https://www.herkimercountyny.gov/events/
September 5
Veggie Van - West Winfield 🥕 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Mobile market providing access to fresh produce in areas with limited options. https://mohawkvalley.today/events/veggie-van-west-winfield-2025-09-05/
September 6
Little Falls Farmers Market 🛒 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Local farmers market offering fresh produce and goods. https://mohawkvalley.today/events/little-falls-farmers-market-2025-09-06/
September 6
Gloversville Farmers Market 🛒 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Vendors selling local products at Gloversville market. https://mohawkvalley.today/events/gloversville-farmers-market-2025-09-06/
September 6
Cooperstown Farmers Market 🛒 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Market featuring local goods in Cooperstown. https://mohawkvalley.today/events/cooperstown-winter-farmers-market-2-2025-09-06/
September 6
Dolgeville Farmers Market 🛒 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Farmers market in Dolgeville with local vendors. https://mohawkvalley.today/events/dolgeville-farmers-market-2025-09-06/
September 6
Oneida County Public Market 🛒 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Public market with various goods in Oneida County. https://mohawkvalley.today/events/oneida-county-public-market-2025-09-06/
September 6
Oneonta Farmers Market 🛒 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fresh produce and products at Oneonta market. https://mohawkvalley.today/events/oneonta-farmers-market-2025-09-06/
September 6
Richfield Springs Farmers Market 🛒 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Local market in Richfield Springs. https://mohawkvalley.today/events/richfield-springs-farmers-market-2025-09-06/
September 8
Whitesboro Farmers Market 🛒 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Afternoon market in Whitesboro. https://mohawkvalley.today/events/whitesboro-farmers-market-2025-09-08/
September 8
Watercolor Painting Class 🎨 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Learn watercolor painting, no experience needed. https://www.wktv.com/community/calendar/?_evDiscoveryPath=/event%2F3216735-watercolor-painting-class
September 9
High Intensity Interval Training Class 🏋️ 5:15 AM - 6:00 AM
HIIT class at Elite Fitness Center. https://www.herkimercountyny.gov/events/series/1206
September 9
Herkimer County Public Health Immunization Clinic 💉 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Immunization services to promote community health. https://www.herkimercountyny.gov/events/series/1814
North Country
September 5
Homeschool Day 📚 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Educational day for homeschool families on the Adirondack Coast. https://www.goadirondack.com/events
September 5-6
The Falls Festival 2025 🎉 4:00 PM -
Family-friendly festival in Rensselaer Falls with music and activities. https://www.informnny.com/community/community-calendar/sept-5-6-the-falls-festival-2025/
September 5
Music of the Night – Andrew Lloyd Webber 🎭 7:30 PM
Performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's music. https://www.goadirondack.com/event/music-of-the-night---the-music-of-andrew-lloyd-webber
September 5
Pizza Fridays 🍕 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Enjoy pizza and community gathering. https://www.goadirondack.com/event/pizza-fridays-14
September 5
Primary Source 📖 5:00 PM
Event focused on historical sources. https://www.goadirondack.com/event/primary-source
September 6
Family craft event with cookies. https://www.goadirondack.com/event/cookies-and-crafts-4
September 6
Akwesasne Powwow 🥁 10:00 M
Cultural powwow celebration. https://www.goadirondack.com/event/akwesasne-powwow
September 7
Winter Wear Clothing Swap 👕
Swap winter clothing at North Country Now event. https://northcountrynow.com/calendar/day/when/2025-09-07/
Finger Lakes Region
September 5
Sunflower Fest at Pick'n Patch 🌻
Explore sunflower fields and harvest activities. https://www.visitfingerlakes.com/blog/post/september-events-in-the-finger-lakes/
September 5
Lord's Acre Corn Festival 🌽 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Festival celebrating corn and community. https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/events/lords-acre-corn-festival/
September 5
Live Jazz Feat. Bob Sneider & Christine Jensen 🎷 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Jazz performance in Rochester. https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/events/live-jazz-feat-bob-sneider-christine-jensen-3/
September 6
The Pat II Daily Cruises on Keuka Lake ⛴️ 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Scenic cruises on Keuka Lake. https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/events/the-pat-ii-daily-cruises-on-keuka-lake-2025-09-06/
September 6
Live Jazz Feat. Dan And Eric's Jazz Duo 🎷 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Jazz duo performance. https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/events/live-jazz-feat-dan-and-erics-jazz-duo-4/
September 6
Live Music, Stevie Tombstone with Amanda Rogers 🎸 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Live music event in Auburn. https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/events/live-music-stevie-tombstone-with-special-guest-amanda-rogers/
September 7
Great Batavia Train Sale 🚂 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Train enthusiasts' sale in Batavia. https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/events/great-batavia-train-sale-2/
September 7
St. Ayles Skiff Rowing Program 🚣 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Rowing program at Saunders Finger Lakes Museum. https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/events/st-ayles-skiff-rowing-program-with-the-saunders-finger-lakes-museum-4/
September 7
Arena Art Group Fringe '25 🎭 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Art and fringe event in Rochester. https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/events/arena-art-group-fringe-25/
September 9
Missing Fingers: The Geology and Geography 🗺️ 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Lecture on Finger Lakes geology in Naples. https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/events/missing-fingers-the-geology-and-geography-that-made-and-shrank-the-finger-lakes/
September 10
Suicide Prevention Class 🆘 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
September 10
Ventosa Live Music Wednesdays 🎶 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Live music at Ventosa in Geneva. https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/events/live-music-wednesdays-at-ventosa-2-2025-09-10/
September 11
Portrait Watercolor Painting with David Gardner 🎨 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Watercolor class in Penn Yan. https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/events/portrait-watercolor-painting-with-david-gardner-2/
September 11
The Pat II Daily Cruises on Keuka Lake ⛴️ 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
More scenic cruises on Keuka Lake. https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/events/the-pat-ii-daily-cruises-on-keuka-lake-2025-09-11/
Foodie Corner
Where to eat in the 315 this weekend
Rooster's
Rooster's in Utica is a charming, lesser-known spot that's gained a loyal following for its inventive American fare infused with local flavors. Specializing in comfort food with a twist, like their signature rooster burger made from grass-fed beef and topped with house-made pickles, or seasonal salads featuring produce from nearby farms, this eatery emphasizes fresh, sustainable ingredients. The cozy, rustic interior creates a welcoming atmosphere perfect for casual dinners or weekend brunches, where patrons can enjoy craft cocktails and community vibes. What makes Rooster's stand out is its commitment to supporting Mohawk Valley artisans through rotating specials and events, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a heartfelt, flavorful experience off the beaten path.
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Thank you to our sponsors for supporting our community!
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