The crisp scent of fallen leaves and the golden hues of autumn are officially here, transforming Central and Northern New York into a cozy fall wonderland. With shorter days and a hint of autumn chill in the air, it’s time to fully embrace the season as the countdown to Halloween begins. Whether you’re ready to carve pumpkins, sip hot cider, or get a little spooky, this week’s lineup of events across the 315 area code has something for everyone. From the vibrant energy of a Pumpkin Festival to the quirky charm of a Scarecrow Festival, a classic fall festival, several spooky-themed craft events, and perhaps the most thrilling of all, a witch, warlock, and cryptid-themed canoe paddle, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.

For music lovers, we’ve uncovered a diverse range of performances to keep your toes tapping. From laid-back rock ‘n roll gigs in local venues to the grandeur of full orchestral performances in Syracuse, there’s a sound for every soul. If you missed the lively Oktoberfest celebrations last week, don’t fret, more are happening across the region, complete with frothy brews, hearty food, and festive vibes. And for those seeking a moment of calm amidst the autumn bustle, we’ve found events that connect you to nature and inner peace. Picture yourself on a serene bird walk, immersed in a soothing sound healing experience, exploring the wonders of a mushroom festival, or marveling at the artistry of a bonsai exhibition. There’s even more waiting for you to discover!

As we dive into this vibrant season, we want to send a heartfelt thank you to our incredible subscribers, you make 315NY Weekly possible! If you’re new to our community, a warm welcome to you! We’re thrilled to have you here, exploring the best of what the 315 has to offer. Be sure to share these exciting events with your friends, family, and neighbors, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and even more local inspiration.

So, grab your favorite fall sweater, pour a warm drink, and let’s get into this week’s lineup of unforgettable events across Syracuse, Oswego County, the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, and the Finger Lakes!

Join the Friends of Lorenzo as they host an adventurous fundraiser filled with murder and mayhem! This event takes place at the Hampton Inn in Cazenovia. 

https://cnyarts.org/events/events/view/friends-of-lorenzo-fundraiser-murder-mystery-dinner/ 

Enjoy live music performed by blues singer/guitarist JW Jones at 443 Social Club in Syracuse.

https://443socialclub.com/event/jw-jones-10-3/ 

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the latest and greatest snowmobiles and motorcycles at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse. You can also enjoy vendors, live music, food trucks, obstacle courses, and an extreme motorcycle stunt show.

https://cnyarts.org/events/events/view/big-east-powersports-show-2025/ 

Don’t forget to wear your lederhosen to this all day event at Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse, featuring beer, bratwurst, vendors, polka music, and wiener races!

https://www.wolffsbiergarten.com/wolffsbiergartenoktoberfestsyracuse/?t=1759252347 

The Syracuse Orchestra welcomes Cirque de la Symphonie artists, including aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, and jugglers, for its performance at the Oncenter. 

https://syracuseorchestra.org/event/cirque-de-la-symphonie/?t=1759252471 

Enjoy high-octane jam-rock music live at Funk ‘N Waffles in Syracuse.

https://cnyarts.org/events/events/view/residual-groove-shapes/ 

Come admire beautiful bonsai trees at the Liverpool Public Library.  

https://cnyarts.org/events/events/view/bonsai-exhibition34281/ 

Learn all about mushrooms and join experts on guided hikes at this special event at Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville. 

https://events.onondagacountyparks.com/events/view/the-vince-oneil-wild-mushrooms-festival33914/ 

Get beautiful henna on your hands as you flip through thriller, supernatural, and mystery books to celebrate Spooky Season at Soule Branch Library in Syracuse. 

https://cnyarts.org/events/events/view/sk-henna-and-spooky-fun-book-tasting/ 

Design your very own beer mug to take home at this fun paint & sip event at Talking Cursive Brewery in Syracuse.

https://cnyarts.org/events/events/view/paint-my-pint-night34353/ 

Decorate clay ghosts during this fun adult craft night at the YMCA in Fulton.

https://cityoffultonny.gov/event/first-friday-craft-club-ghostly-decoupage/ 

Check out this live band at Lakeview Lanes in Fulton.

https://cityoffultonny.gov/event/dusty-bottle-band-at-lakeview-lanes/ 

Celebrate everything Fall this weekend at Washington Square Park in Oswego.

https://www.oswegony.gov/explore/community-events-calendar/ev-detail/cny-pumpkin-festival-1 

Build your own scarecrow at this fall-themed festival in Central Square.

https://iheartoswego.com/59732/2nd-annual-scarecrows-in-the-square.html 

Celebrate Spooky Season at this fun event at 114 Reserve in Fulton, featuring performances that blend theater, live music, and Halloween. 

https://iheartoswego.com/59734/late-night-latte-fulton.html 

Start your Sunday off with some relaxing stretch yoga at Brewerton Center for the Arts.

https://iheartoswego.com/56975/sunday-stretch-yoga-with-becca-s-brewerton.html 

Join the English and Creative Writing Department at SUNY Oswego to hear from Stu Krieger, author of Land Before Time, as well as several Disney Channel Original Movies.

https://cnyarts.org/events/events/view/living-writers-series-stu-krieger/ 

Enjoy live music, food, vendors, race cars, and race car drivers at this block party in downtown Oswego. 

https://superdirtweek.com/news/super-dirt-week-bringing-racings-biggest-block-party-to-downtown-oswego/ 

Join the Oswego County SPCA at the State Street Methodist Church for an evening of cats and cookies.

https://iheartoswego.com/57210/cats-cuddles-and-cookies-with-the-spca.html?pop=0 

Celebrate 25 years of the Munson Gallery in Utica with an artist panel and opening reception this week. The exhibition will extend through the end of October.

https://www.munson.art/25years-exhibition/?t=1759253309 

Come watch this Southern family drama at Munson in Utica. 

https://www.munson.art/timedevents/38157/?vrid=N2xYWDJYQT06OjUxNTk0YjljYjdmMjgzZjEyN2NiN2Y5NDNjZjU5Zjhm&showall=1&t=1759176738 

Don’t miss the last weekend of Oktoberfest at 1888 Biergarten in Utica - there will be a barrel rolling race and a sausage eating contest!

https://www.facebook.com/events/771126911974951/787844423636533/?active_tab=about 

This signature evening blends fine wine, exceptional cuisine, and curated auction packages at the Delta Hotel in Utica. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1649888325709638/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_custom_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D 

Join us at the Franklin Hotel in Rome for “Love...Or Best Offer”, a heartwarming romantic comedy by award-winning playwright Phil Olson.

https://cnyarts.org/events/events/view/loveor-best-offer-dinner-theater/ 

Celebrate New York cheesemakers and enjoy a plethora of vendors at this festival in Little Falls!

https://www.littlefallscheesefestival.com/?t=1759252664 

Enjoy an evening of live music at the Remsen Arts Center.

https://cnyarts.org/events/events/view/beth-and-fritz-and-friends-in-concert/ 

Join us at the Rome Art & Community Center for a delightful evening of creativity, relaxation, and socializing, all while enjoying snacks and drinks.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1298809058605038/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_custom_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D 

Head to the Herkimer Library to learn all about starting a beekeeping operation!

https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_87Budtk51vouH5Q?fbclid=IwY2xjawNJDQNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFneUVBaTJiZlZ1WThoSHhFAR7dxdaRaHMoWD0BVgEf3efNef4rhddpAtcPbmnbu2EawdQjPhTjgvgbx5xKfA_aem_EY164xtnbmyuBEelmeySSQ 

Join us at the Plant Stand in Utica for a frightfully fun Skull Planter Workshop, where you’ll craft your very own succulent arrangement in a chillingly cool skull planter!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1151153020368471/1151153023701804/?active_tab=about 

Another fall edition of grill and chill at the Beeches Manor in Rome! Come enjoy some great food, drinks, atmosphere, and live entertainment!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1278976556742981/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_custom_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D 

Gather at the Portofino Utica waterfront to witness this iconic boat’s arrival and celebrate 200 years of canal history. After the docking, head upstairs to Portofino’s banquet room and enjoy our delicious 1825 buffet for just $18.25 per person.

https://www.facebook.com/events/642791671952805/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_custom_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D 

Spice up your evening with some fun Latin rhythms that make you want to move! Beginning salsa lessons at the Canton Yoga Loft. No dance experience or partner needed. 

https://northcountrynow.com/stories/salsa-dance-lesson,326062 

The fall festival in Norfolk will be held over the weekend, featuring food trucks, vendors, face painting, and live music.

https://northcountrynow.com/stories/norfolk-fall-festival,326060 

Another weekend of haunted hay rides in Brasher - ticket purchases for non-scary rides start at 5:30 p.m. and start once the wagon is full. Scary rides begin at dusk. The last ticket to be sold will be at 10:00 p.m.

https://northcountrynow.com/stories/haunted-hayrides-in-brasher,322306 

Orchestra of Northern New York presents Star-Crossed at Hosmer Hall in Potsdam. 

https://northcountrynow.com/stories/star-crossed,325789 

Sarah Siesta, SUNY Potsdam biologist, and Eileen Wheeler, ICNC Board member, will lead a Fall Bird Walk at Indian Creek Nature Center in Rensselaer Falls.

https://northcountrynow.com/stories/untitled,323259 

The Iva Smith Memorial Gallery of Fine Art in Hammond will host its final concert of the season with folk musician Barb Heller and fiddler Gretchen Koehler.

https://northcountrynow.com/stories/harvest-moon-musical-celebration,324696 

Experience the calming sounds of Native American flute, frame drum, and cello in a restorative sound healing session with Caron Collins and Alisa Woods at the First Presbyterian Church in Potsdam.

https://northcountrynow.com/stories/sacred-sound-healing,323217  

Grab your broomsticks (or paddles) and join the Full Moon Witches, Warlocks & Cryptids Paddle, launching from Ives Park Boat Launch in Potsdam. Before setting out, participants will gather to share a communal "cauldron beverage," then head onto the water under the autumn moon.  

https://northcountrynow.com/stories/witches-warlocks-cryptids-paddle,325948 

SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music will feature a faculty chamber recital of Mozart's "Gran Partita," the Serenade No. 10 for winds and double bass at Snell Theater.

https://northcountrynow.com/stories/mozart-chamber-recital,326037 

Get into the Halloween spirit and come turn a porcelain doll into a new creation with a pumpkin head. All materials provided. 

https://northcountrynow.com/stories/pumpkin-head-dolls,326070 

Bri & Me Jammin' The Hits at LakeHouse Pub in Skaneateles.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2036722253798369/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_custom_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D 

During live music at Montezuma Winery in Seneca Falls, our tasting bar will be open for glasses of wine, cocktails, draft beer, and flights. Plus, enjoy bites from our kitchen! 

https://cayugawinetrail.com/events/winery/sips-sounds-fall-music-at-montezuma-winery-2 

Come and sip delicious wine, and soak up the sounds in a beautiful vineyard setting at Lucas Vineyards in Interlaken.

https://cayugawinetrail.com/events/winery/10-04-2025-1 

Join us for a great time for the whole family! A day filled with awesome animals and supplies at Finger Lakes Mall in Auburn.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1717240438815579/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_custom_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D 

Enjoy stand up comedy and musical entertainment at the Auburn Public Theater. 

https://cnyarts.org/events/events/view/an-evening-of-laughter-and-lyrics/ 

Try some new wines and enjoy some live music at Knapp Winery in Romulus.

https://cayugawinetrail.com/events/winery/10-04-2025 

Looking for the perfect Sunday vibe? We’ve got you covered! Come kick back, relax, and enjoy our mimosa buckets with your crew at Montezuma Winery in Seneca Falls.

https://cayugawinetrail.com/events/winery/09-21-2025 

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Prison City Brewing in Auburn with food trucks, live music, and beer!

https://www.prisoncitybrewing.com/oktoberfest-2025 

Join us at Fall Street Brewing in Seneca Falls for the opportunity to sample some of the best local foods that Seneca County has to offer!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1801849330724939/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_custom_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D 

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