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What’s Going On, 315!

Hello, Central and Northern New York! As October deepens, the days get shorter, the nights grow chillier, and the allure of a cozy evening in with a warm blanket and a hot drink is hard to resist. But hold off on hibernation, the 315 area code is bursting with vibrant events this week that will tempt you to bundle up and head out for some unforgettable fun! With Halloween just around the corner, the spooky season is in full swing, offering plenty of ways to embrace the eerie vibes. Gather your friends and dive into a chilling ghost tour through historic haunts, get sassy at a dazzling burlesque show, unleash your creativity at a witchy craft night, navigate the twists and turns of a haunted maze, or lose yourself in an eerie immersive art experience that’s as thrilling as it is unique.

Music lovers, you’re in for a treat! The 315 is alive with the sound of music this week, with performances spanning every genre to suit your mood. Tap your toes to the soulful rhythms of New Orleans-style jazz in Syracuse, sway to gritty blues in the Mohawk Valley, rock out to high-energy rock ‘n’ roll in Watertown, or kick up your boots to country tunes in Oswego County. For a more relaxed vibe, head to the Finger Lakes, where local wineries are hosting live music sessions amidst stunning vineyard views, perfect for sipping a glass of local wine while soaking in the autumn scenery. Whether you’re a fan of upbeat jams or mellow acoustic sets, there’s a stage waiting for you.

If you’re itching to try something new, this week’s lineup has plenty of unique experiences to spark your curiosity. Level up your gaming knowledge at RetroGameCon in Syracuse, where you can explore vintage and modern video games alongside fellow enthusiasts. Craving plant-based deliciousness? Vegtoberfest in the Finger Lakes is your chance to savor creative vegan dishes and learn about sustainable eats. Or, fire up your culinary skills at a barbecue workshop in the North Country, where you’ll master the art of smoking meat like a pro. From quirky festivals to hands-on learning, there’s no shortage of ways to step out of your comfort zone.

A huge shoutout to our amazing subscribers, you’re the heartbeat of 315NY Weekly! If you’re new to our community, welcome aboard! We’re thrilled to share the best of the 315 with you. Spread the word by sharing these exciting events with your friends, family, and neighbors, and keep up with all the latest happenings by following us on Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates, event highlights, and a front-row seat to the 315’s vibrant spirit.

So, grab your scarf, rally your crew, and let’s dive into this week’s lineup of spooktacular, soulful, and downright delightful events across Syracuse, Oswego County, the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, and the Finger Lakes!

Local Events

Syracuse Area:

Friday, October 10

Read to a Therapy Dog 🐶 3:30 - 5pm

Olive, an adorable terrier mix from Pet Partners of CNY, would love you to come read to her! Call or visit Soule Branch Library in Syracuse to sign up for a 10-minute visit.

Friday, October 10

Toronzo Cannon 🎷🎶 7pm

Chicago artist Toronzo Cannon fuses his muscular, rock-inspired blues guitar playing with his original, keenly detailed slice-of-life songs. Come enjoy some blues music at 443 Social Club in Syracuse. 

Friday, October 10 - Saturday, October 11

Thinning of the Veil 🔮🦇 7pm & 9pm

Thinning of the Veil is a guided walking tour where audience members are immersed in performance & visual art. Begin your spooky season with this spine-tingling production at St. Lucy’s Auditorium in Syracuse. 

Friday, October 10 - Sunday, October 12

RetroGameCon 2025 🎮 

It’s New York’s largest gaming event! RGC features special guests, hundreds of exhibitor tables, panel presentations from industry professionals, tournaments, and more. Come check it out at Syracuse’s OnCenter! 

Saturday, October 11

Rejuvenation: A Day Retreat at Delphi Falls 🧘 11:30am - 6pm

This is more than a retreat, it is a sacred space where like-hearted souls come together in community. Surrounded by the beauty of Delphi Falls, you are invited to step away from the noise of daily life and into a circle that nourishes your body, mind, and spirit.

Saturday, October 11

Salt City Burlesque Presents: Howl-A-Ween 🦇💃 7:30 - 10pm

Join us at CNY Jazz Central in Syracuse for a spine-tingling evening of tease, talent, and terror featuring SCB’s dazzling home troupe and electrifying regional guest artists.

Saturday, October 11

Vegtoberfest 🥕🍅 2 - 8pm

An Oktoberfest-inspired celebration — the vegan way! Join us for live music, vegan eats, and craft vendors at Harvey’s Garden in Syracuse  

Saturday, October 11

Mole Walk 🌳🍂 1 - 2pm

Come to the Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville to learn about how moles use their senses to navigate the world, then experience a guided “mole” walk where you will close your eyes and get in touch with sounds and smells of the forest.

Monday, October 13

Shakedown Citi 🎸🎶 7:30 - 10:30pm

Shakedown Citi seeks to channel the music and musicianship of the Grateful Dead without trying to copy them outright. Come enjoy the show at Funk ‘N Waffles in Syracuse.

Tuesday, October 14 - Wednesday, October 15

The Nighthawks 🎷🎶 7pm

Come get down to some blues music at 443 Social Club in Syracuse. 

Oswego County:

Friday, October 10

A Ghostly Evening at the Pratt House Museum 👻 6:30 - 10pm

Paranormal Investigator Vinny Carbone will lead us on a ghost investigation through the museum to see if any of our ghostly residents want to chat, and what they may have to tell us!

Friday, October 10

Fiddle Class 🎻🎶 10 - 11am

Bring your violin and join us for a lively fiddle class at the Fulton Public Library hosted by a local music teacher! Open to all skill levels, this program is perfect for those with some prior violin experience who want to learn new techniques, expand their repertoire, and have fun making music together.

Saturday, October 11

Halloween Bash at the Fulton Farmers Market 🎃 9am - 12pm

Join us at the Canalview Mall parking lot for pumpkin decorating, face painting, trick or treating, baked goods, and more!

Saturday, October 11

Oswego Food & History Tour 🍝🏛️ 10am - 2pm

For the foodies and the history buffs - take a trip back in time while enjoying delicious samples from local restaurants! Begins at St. Joseph’s Church in Oswego.

Saturday, October 11

Haunted Oswego Tour 👻🎭 8:30pm

‘Tis the season for spooky ghost tours! You will hear of the specters that haunt the streets, tunnels, homes, & businesses of Oswego on this 90 minute guided walk.

Sunday, October 12

Witch’s Tea Party 🔮🍵 11am - 2pm

Costumes are strongly encouraged at this spooky-themed tea party, where you’ll be making full size brooms, hats or wands! Come join the fun at Amethyst Reiki in Fulton.

Sunday, October 12

Fall Party in the Plaza 🍁 10am - 2pm

Support local! Come to the Three Rivers Plaza in Phoenix to enjoy a pancake party and take advantage of special deals being offered by local businesses. 

Wednesday, October 15

Spooky Fairy Garden Workshop 🧚🕸️ 6 - 7pm

The spooky vibes continue here at the Fulton YMCA with our upcoming Fairy Garden Workshop! Participants will be creating magical mini gardens with a spooky twist—perfect for fall creativity. 

Thursday, October 16

Cats, Cuddles, and Cookies 😺🍪 6 - 8pm

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

Mohawk Valley Region:

Friday, October 10 - Sunday, October 12

Life Sucks 🎭 2:30pm & 7:30pm

After a 2-year hiatus, Outcast is back to present the comedy “Life Sucks” at The Other Side in Utica. Superbly funny, smart, audacious and poignant, the play has been lauded by the critics.

Friday, October 10

Munson Film Series: The History of Sound 🎬 2pm, 7:30pm

Set in WWI and its aftermath, this romantic‑historical drama stars Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor. Come watch it at Munson in Utica!

Friday, October 10

Utica Comets Opening Night 🏒 7pm

Utica Comets are ready to start the season at the Utica Memorial Auditorium! With a fresh roster and a clean slate, don't miss a moment of the best show in town.

Friday, October 10

SLUG 25th Anniversary: A Fundraiser for the Stanley Theater 🎸🎶 7pm

SLUG returns to The Stanley Theatre on Friday, October 10, at 7 PM to celebrate 25 years of bringing their unique mix of jam band energy, roots rock, blues and bluegrass to Central New York

Saturday, October 11

Autumn Craft Fair 🍁 10am

Food and vendors galore! Join us at the Lake Delta Fire Department in Rome.

Saturday, October 11

Munson Concert in the Court: Tuba Skinny 🎺 7:30 - 9:30pm

Known for their dynamic street performances and vintage sound, this powerhouse ensemble brings history to life with soulful vocals, rich horn harmonies, and driving rhythms on instruments like cornet, clarinet, banjo, and tuba. Come enjoy some jazz music at Munson in Utica!

Saturday, October 11

Tunnels and Towers Tour 🏰 2 - 3:30pm

Come experience the tunnels and towers of the Oneida Community Mansion House on this in-depth tour, and learn more about the beliefs of the community who lived here.

Saturday, October 11

Haunted Maze Trail 😈 7pm

For those who have the nerve to explore our 5 acre corn maze, we are making it haunted for one-night only! Bring your friends to Timmerman Farms in Little Falls and trek through together, but watch your back...you never know what's out there! 

Saturday, October 11

Rock Valley Country Fest 🎶🎸 2pm

We’re turning Mill Street in Little Falls into a full-blown country party! Bring your friends!

Sunday, October 12

Peter Fletcher 🎶🎸 3 - 4:30pm

Peter offers an audience friendly, solo recital including repertoire that runs the gamut from the Renaissance Period through the 20th Century. Come check it out at Remsen Arts Center!

Sunday, October 12

Pokemon Go Community Day 🌞 2 - 4:30pm

Get ready to explore the zoo like never before with Pokemon Gyms, PokeStops, and the exclusive “Utica Zoo” Route in-game!

Thursday, October 16

Witch’s Brew: Ladies Night Paint ‘n Sip 🔮🍵 6:30pm

Gather your squad for a night of art, laughter, and good times! Whether you're an artist or just there for the fun, this evening is about making memories with great company. Join us at E98 Art Studio in Rome.

North Country:

Friday, October 10

Fish Fry 🦐 4:30 - 6:30pm

A fish fry will be held at Knights of Columbus in Ogensburg - come get your fried haddock, mac and cheese, fried clams, fried shrimp and more.

Friday, October 10

Boyden Brook Band 🎶 7 - 9pm

Come enjoy a live performance at the Meetinghouse Museum in Dekalb Junction.

Friday, October 10 - Saturday, October 11

Haunted Hay Rides 👻

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.

Friday, October 10 - Saturday, October 11

Morley Rummage Sale 🛍️ 8 - 4pm

The Morley Wesleyan Church will hold a fall rummage sale featuring fall and winter clothing, household items, books and much more. Fresh homemade donuts for sale!

Saturday, October 11

Meat Smoking & BBQ Workshop 🥩 9am

Join instructor Mike Morgan in Canton as he guides you through smoking techniques, equipment, and trimming. Each person will trim and season pork shoulder to take home!

Saturday, October 11

Shamanic Drumming Sound Journey 🧘🎶 2 - 3:30pm

Get calm and grounded during this sound journey at Maple City Yoga in Ogdensburg.

Saturday, October 11

Dinner, Comedy, and Magic 🎭🎶 5:30 - 9:30pm

Come check out this fun show at the Olde Dekalb Hotel - and enjoy an Italian dinner while you’re at it!

Saturday, October 11

Trail Quest Walk 🌲 2pm

Come to the Nicandri Nature Center in Massena and embark on this choose your own adventure style quest! Suitable for all ages. 

Tuesday, October 14

Maple Leaf Mosaics 🎨 7:30pm

Join artist Kris Rozelle for a fun workshop at the Maple Store in Norwood! craft a stunning 7-inch mosaic maple leaf using nippers, vibrant glass pieces, and grout. No experience is necessary; get ready to let your imagination soar!

Wednesday, October 15

Schine Theater Block Party 🎡 7:30pm

Join us in Downtown Massena for live music, food vendors and community activities.

Finger Lakes Region:

Friday, October 10

Let’s Get It On: The Marvin Gaye Experience 🎶🎸 8 - 10pm

“Let’s Get It On” is a celebration concert featuring the music of the late, great Marvin Gaye and other Motown artists at Del Lago Casino in Waterloo.

Friday, October 10

Forest Clay Creations 🎨 10am - 12pm

Take inspiration from myth, literature, and your own imagination to create works of art. During this program designed for ages 5+, we will sculpt tree spirits using our hands, natural clay, and other found materials at the Baltimore Woods Nature Center in Marcellus.

Friday, October 10

Sips and Sounds 🎶🍷 5:30 - 7:30pm

Join us in our tasting room at Montezuma Winery in Seneca Falls! During live music, our tasting bar will be open for glasses of wine, cocktails, draft beer, and flights.

Saturday, October 11

Fun Fall Day 🍁 12 - 5pm

Celebrate the Finger Lakes harvest season with some great wine, live music, and yummy Thai food at Lucas Vineyards in Interlaken!

Saturday, October 11

Harvest Fest 🍁 1 - 4pm

Join us at Hosmer Estate Winery in Ovid to celebrate fall! We’ll have live music from Ghost Train and food on-site from Blowin Smoke BBQ. Local vendors will be set up and we'll have Studio 119 doing flash tats and permanent jewelry! We’ll also have mimosas, local beer, tastings, slushies, and more!
https://cayugawinetrail.com/events/winery/10-11-2025-1 

Sunday, October 12

Fort Hill Cemetery Walking Tour 🪦 3 - 5pm

Join guides from the Cayuga Museum of History and Art each Sunday in October and become an expert in identifying the common symbols on graves and their hidden meanings while you explore the history of Fort Hill Cemetery, learning more about the people buried here.

Sunday, October 12

Broom Making Workshop 🧙 11am

Come to Serenity Wellness in Auburn to decorate your very own full-sized witch’s broom!

Sunday, October 12

Mimosa Buckets Sundays 🥂 9am - 6pm

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.

Sunday, October 12

Witches, Women, & Wine 🧙🍷 12 - 4pm

Who’s ready for a spooktacular day? Witches, women, and wine… what more could you want? Join us at Lucas Vineyards in Interlaken to celebrate Spooky Season.

Thursday, October 16

Paint & Sip - Halloween Mugs 🍻🎃 7pm

Come meet new friends at this fun mug painting event at Simple Roast Coffee in Auburn!

Foodie Corner: Connie’s Diner

If you’re venturing into the stunning Finger Lakes region, don’t miss the chance to step back in time at Connie’s Diner in Waterloo, a beloved retro spot that captures the essence of classic American dining. Established in 1989 by Connie Caratozzolo, who preserved the charm of a 1963 diner, this hidden gem has become a local favorite for its nostalgic atmosphere and hearty, comforting fare. Ranked #1 on Tripadvisor among Waterloo restaurants with a stellar 4.4/5 rating from hundreds of reviews, Connie’s is the perfect pit stop for travelers and locals alike seeking an authentic, feel-good meal.

The menu shines with all-day breakfast options, lunch, and dinner classics that emphasize fresh, filling comfort food. Highlights include the best French toast you’ll ever try, a crowd-pleasing buffalo chicken salad with homemade blue cheese dressing, and fresh haddock dinners on special. But what really steals the show are the famous loaded milkshakes, enormous, Instagram-worthy creations piled high with sweets and creative toppings. Indulge in flavors like cannoli, red velvet, or seasonal specialties such as pumpkin cheesecake, all presented with flair that makes them as fun to look at as they are to sip. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or a savory bite, the portions are generous, and the flavors are spot-on.

Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by quintessential Americana décor, complete with cozy booths, vintage vibes, and a warm, family-like service that makes every guest feel right at home. The staff’s friendliness and efficiency add to the inviting ambiance, turning a simple meal into a memorable experience. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 6 AM to 9 PM, it’s an ideal spot for early risers, late-night diners, or anyone in between.

For a taste of Finger Lakes nostalgia and indulgence, head to Connie’s Diner and discover why it’s a must-visit in the 315 area code. Check out their menu and more at https://connieswaterloo.com

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