What's going on, 315!

We're a full week into the new year, and we're already excited about all the fun stuff going on in the 315. Hopefully the post-holiday hangover is fading away - because there's so much to do! This week, Slick Rick is coming to Syracuse, Eric Scott is performing in Fulton, and Cam Caruso will be playing at Colloca Estate Winery. Plus, there's a Barn Bash at Lost Valley Brewing. Come let loose and dance to some music!

If you want to get more in touch with your artistic side, this week you have the chance to learn all kinds of crafty things - Palestinian embroidery, quilting, ceramics, and needle felting. There's also a couple of good old paint 'n sips, as well as a poetry event, a class on herbalism, and a cupcakes and cocktails masterclass! Plus, for the comedy fans out there, Jeff Dunham is bringing his "Artificial Intelligence" tour to Syracuse, and Richard Thomas is performing Mark Twain Tonight in Utica.

If you're not afraid of the cold, get yourself outside for a skiing lesson or a winter tracking outing. You can also celebrate the winter season indoors with sound baths, crystal healing experiences, and even a boozy pajama brunch to shake off that holiday hangover. And if you're a hockey fan, the Utica Comets are playing tonight with their heartwarming sock toss tradition!

Let's get into it…

Local Events

Syracuse Area:

Friday, January 9

Scars 'N Stripes Holiday Hangover 🎸🎶 8pm

Scars N' Stripes return to Middle Ages Brewing in Syracuse, bringing their hard-hitting rock energy to blast away the post-holiday slump.

Friday, January 9 - Sunday, January 11

Empire State RV Mega Show 🚌 9am - 7pm

Don't miss one of the biggest RV events of the season! Join us at the Empire State RV Mega Show, proudly presented by Meyer's RV, and explore over 100 RVs all under one roof.

Saturday, January 10

Dangerous Type 🎸🎶 8pm

Get ready, Syracuse! Dangerous Type is hitting the stage at Middle Ages for a night of pure rock energy you won't forget!

Saturday, January 10

Slick Rick 🎤🎶 8pm

Slick Rick has set the pace for rap's past, present, and future. Come check it out at Westcott Theater!

Saturday, January 10

Fiesta de Reyes Gala 🎶🇵🇷 7 - 11pm

Our annual celebration is back! Join us at the Marriott Syracuse for an unforgettable night of live music, delicious food, amazing energy, and cultural pride.

Sunday, January 11

Holiday Hangover Boozy Pajama Brunch 🥞🥂 10am - 2pm

Come comfy, and leave happy at this fun pajama event at Talking Cursive Brewing!

Sunday, January 11

Tantric 🎶🎸 6pm

Come enjoy live music at the Song & Dance in Syracuse!

Sunday, January 11

Hands-On Tatreez Workshop 🧵🎨 1 - 4pm

Join us at ArtRage Gallery for a hands-on workshop which introduces participants to the art of Tatreez, the traditional Palestinian practice of embroidery.

Monday, January 12

Dead & Friends 🎶🎸 7:30 - 10:30pm

Come enjoy some live music at Funk 'N Waffles!

Wednesday, January 14

Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence 😂 7pm

Come enjoy some live comedy at Syracuse's OnCenter!

Oswego County:

Friday, January 9 - Saturday, January 10

Quilting/Crafting Weekend 🪡🎨 10am - 4pm

You're not a quilter? It's ok! We invite and encourage anybody who does some type of a craft! Looking to connect with others? Come join us at Oswego Alliance Church.

Friday, January 9

Eric Scott from Dirtroad Ruckus 🎸🎶 7 - 10pm

Come to Lakeview Lanes to enjoy some live music!

Friday, January 9

Winter Medicine 🌿🍵 5 - 7:30pm

A beginner's class for anyone interested in herbalism and medicine making. We will talk through some herbs for the winter season and their benefits and end the class with your very own medicine to take home.

Saturday, January 10

Alcohol Inks on Ceramic Light Switch Tiles 🎨 9:30am - 12pm

Add a splash of color and creativity to your home with this exciting Alcohol Inks on Ceramics workshop at the Salmon River Fine Arts Center.

Saturday, January 10

On the Brink 🎸🎶 6 - 9pm

Enjoy some live music at Brandon's Pub and Grill!

Saturday, January 10

Open Poetry ☕✍️ 1pm

Get inspired in our cozy & welcoming atmosphere at Khepera Coffee for adults to share, recite, write and connect through poetry.

Sunday, January 11

Sunday Funday Live Music 🍷🎶 3 - 6pm

Come out to Colloca Estate Winery and enjoy a wine tasting and a bite to eat with live music from Cam Caruso.

Sunday, January 11

Needle-Felting Landscape 🪡🎨 10am - 12pm

Unwind and create something beautiful in this relaxing two-hour needle-felting landscape workshop at Salmon River Fine Arts Center in Pulaski.

Tuesday, January 13

Trivia Night 🤓 6 - 8pm

Gather your crew and head to Lorbird this Tuesday for our weekly Trivia Night! We've got challenging questions, cold drinks, and amazing food waiting for you.

Wednesday, January 14

Cocoa and Bookmarks ☕📚 4 - 6pm

Enjoy hot cocoa with fixin's (coffee or tea optional) in the Community Room at Oswego Public Library and create a personalized bookmark or two!

Mohawk Valley Region:

Friday, January 9

Utica Comets: Sock Toss 🏒 7pm

The most heartwarming blizzard of the year - fans toss socks onto the ice after our first goal for a great cause!

Friday, January 9

The Wind Circles a Carnivore 🎨 6 - 8pm

4 Elements Studio is proud to present a solo exhibition by sculptor Collin Blackmore. The public is invited to attend the free opening reception, where light refreshments will be served.

Saturday, January 10

2 Minutes 2 Midnight 🎶🎸 7 - 9pm

Enjoy an evening of acoustic music at Mulligan's in Rome!

Saturday, January 10

Barn Bash with Past Prime 🎶🎸 5pm

Beat those wintertime blues and kick off your shoes - let's dance! Join us at Lost Valley Brewing.

Sunday, January 11

Clear, Align, Manifest: Crystal Sound Bath 🔮🎶 1 - 2:15pm

Join us at In Bloom Yoga for a transformative healing experience.

Sunday, January 11

Sunday Brunch 🥞🥂 11:30am - 1:30pm

Join us at Delta Lake inn for our monthly brunch! Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet, meet our board members, stay informed about exciting upcoming events, and connect with other attendees in a friendly atmosphere.

Tuesday, January 13

Winter Cardinal Paint & Sip 🎨🍷 6pm

Celebrate the winter season at Rome Art and Community Center with a bit of fun, wine, and painting. It will be a delightful evening of creativity, relaxation, and socializing.

Tuesday, January 13

Richard Thomas in Mark Twain Tonight! 😂 7pm

Come see this uproariously funny one-man show at the Stanley Theatre in Utica!

Tuesday, January 13

January Business After Hours at The Portal 👥 5 - 7pm

This Business After Hours is a chance to connect, experience the environment, and discover how The Portal and CP Innovations support leaders and teams in creating healthier, more intentional organizational cultures.

Thursday, January 15

Cupcakes and Cocktails Masterclass 🧁🍹 6pm

Come have fun with some sweets and drink drinks here at Portofino Utica!

North Country:

Friday, January 9

Free Cheese of the Month Sampling 🧀 11am - 1pm

Join the Potsdam Food Co-op's FREE Cheese of the Month Sampling!

Saturday, January 10

Beginners Ski Lesson ⛷️ 1pm

A free cross country ski lesson for beginners with free ski rentals is being offered at Nicandri Nature Center in Massena.

Saturday, January 10

Pinecone Bird Feeders 🐦‍⬛🪺 2 - 3:30pm

Make pinecone bird feeders at Nicandtri Nature Center in Massena!

Saturday, January 10

Winter Tracking 🌲❄️ 10am - 12pm

A winter tracking outing will be held at Indian Creek Nature Center in Rensselaer Falls. Snowshoes will be provided if needed. The program concludes around noon, with an optional campfire lunch afterward.

Sunday, January 11

Living with Purpose Women's Group 👥 11am - 1pm

Come and join a diverse group for women to build friendships and connections through conversations, self-development, and growth.

Sunday, January 11

Sound Bath 🔮🎶 4 - 5:30pm

Join us at Trillium in Potsdam and enjoy a live world music sound bath featuring guitar, cello, sanza, Tibetan and crystal bowls.

Tuesday, January 13

Trivia Night 🤓 7 - 10pm

Try your hand at trivia at Bad Apple Social!

Wednesday, January 14

Pizza and Wings 🍕 4 - 8pm

Pizza night is back! Join us at the VFW in Ogdensburg.

Wednesday, January 14

Open Stage Night 🎭 6 - 8pm

Come enjoy some performances at Harmonny Performing Arts Community in Watertown.

Finger Lakes Region:

Friday, January 9

Tote Bag Paint & Sip 🎨 7pm

Come paint and sip at Cellar & Folly in Auburn!

Saturday, January 10

Live at Centrifico: DJ JustRoc 🎶🕺 9pm - 1am

Join us for live music at Del Lago in Waterloo!

Saturday, January 10

Breakfast with the Brothers Few 🥞☕ 8am - 12pm

Join us at the clubhouse for a made to order breakfast - open to the public.

Sunday, January 11

Books & Brews 📚🍻 2:30pm

Come enjoy wood-fired pizzas and craft beverages at Fall Street Brewing while discussing The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty.

Monday, January 12

Cardio Dance Workout 🎶🏋️ 5 - 6pm

The most fun of your week! Dance your way into confidence and joy, this is a cardio workout with a mix of Latin, K Pop, Afro beats, Country and radio favorites!

Monday, January 12

Magic Monday 🃏 7pm

Join us for our first Magic Monday! All formats of Magic play are encouraged. Come trade, duel, or just a casual game. New and returning players are welcome!

Tuesday, January 13

Community Luncheon 🥪 11am - 1pm

Come get your to-go lunch from the Federated Church of Port Byron!

Tuesday, January 13 - Thursday, January 15

West and Company Diamonds: A Buying Event 💎 10am - 5pm

Sell us your valuables! Our team of Estate Buying Specialists will meet with you and give you an honest and fair evaluation of your valuables.

Thursday, January 15

Witch Bells Workshop 🔮🎨 6:15pm

Join us for a magical hands-on workshop where you'll create your own Witch Bells — protective charms traditionally hung on doors to ward off negativity, invite blessings, and bring harmony into your home.

Foodie Corner

Auburn Diner (Auburn)

Looking for all-day breakfast at a great value? Check out Auburn Diner for old-school vibes, all-American favorites, and friendly service! This quintessential Finger Lakes diner has been a favorite among locals since opening its doors at 64 Columbus Street, earning a reputation as a warm, welcoming spot that feels like home.

Step inside and you'll be transported back in time with classic diner aesthetics - think nostalgic decor, comfortable booths, and that unmistakable community atmosphere where regulars are greeted by name. The staff, including beloved servers like Kim, Mary, Tiffany, and Donna, bring a unique mix of professionalism and humor to every visit, making even first-timers feel like part of the family.

The menu is extensive, featuring traditional American comfort food prepared with care and creativity. Breakfast lovers will be in heaven with options like fluffy omelettes served with country-style potatoes, savory sausage patties on biscuits smothered in rich gravy, golden pancakes, perfectly cooked hash browns, and home fries. Don't miss their signature Avocado Bowl - a massive portion filled with wholesome ingredients that's become a customer favorite.

The diner doesn't stop at breakfast. Lunch and dinner offerings include hearty sandwiches (the hot turkey sandwich with crispy fries is a local legend), generous club sandwiches, juicy burgers, and satisfying American classics. Every dish arrives hot, fresh, and in portions that provide excellent value without compromising quality or taste.

What sets Auburn Diner apart is the lightning-fast service - even during peak weekend hours, the hardworking staff keeps things moving while maintaining that personal touch. The restaurant is especially welcoming to families with kids, going above and beyond to ensure young diners are happy and comfortable.

Open daily from 6am-2pm (until 8pm on Thursday and Friday). Located at 64 Columbus Street in Auburn. Reservations recommended for larger parties on weekends. Takeout and delivery available!