Happy Friday, 315!
We did it - we're halfway through January! This month can feel super long and gloomy, but there's still plenty going on this week - namely, tons of live music! Guitarist Albert Lee is playing in Syracuse, there's an Elvis tribute in Oswego, the Rome Capitol Theatre will be hosting a night of Bon Jovi and Pat Benatar, and Potsdam Public Library will be having a punk show. Rock on!
Also in this week's lineup, we've got some wellness events - a couple of sound immersions, yoga and meditation classes, and a guided nature walk. You can also try out a skiing lesson, or a barn quilt painting workshop! Suffering from cabin fever? Step outside and climb aboard the Adirondack Train for a three hour journey!
For you foodies out there, check out the chili cook-offs happening in both Syracuse and Vernon, a wine pairing event at the Clayton Opera House, a whiskey tasting at Lit Actually Romance Bookshop, and an Italian wine and dine experience at Portofino in Utica. Plus, train enthusiasts won't want to miss the 45th Annual Train Show at Utica's Union Station!
Whether you love or hate winter, we've got plenty of stuff to keep you entertained this week. 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…
Local Events
Syracuse Area:
Friday, January 16 - Saturday, January 17
Matilda the Musical 🎭 7pm, 2pm
Come see STEAM High School's performance of Matilda at the Everson Museum!
Friday, January 16
New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs (NYSAAF) Convention 🌳👥 10am
Come join us for interactive workshops, seminars, and presentations — perfect for fair leaders, volunteers, and industry partners! This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow fair professionals across New York State.
Saturday, January 17
Chili Cook-Off 🥘 12pm
Join us for our Annual Chili Cook-Off at Performance Harley-Davidson!
Saturday, January 17
The Rollin' Rust & Ric Robertson 🎸🎶 8 - 11pm
Come enjoy some live music at Funk 'N Waffles!
Saturday, January 17
Spa Warming Party 🧘🎊 3pm
Come enjoy light refreshments, good energy, great company, and a peaceful sneak peek at the new spa!
Saturday, January 17
Late Night at the Dino ft. Anthony Saturno 🍖🎶 9 - 11pm
Live music is back at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Syracuse, and we're serving up the perfect combo of good food & great music every Saturday night.
Sunday, January 18
The Magic of You 🔮 4pm
Kick off 2026 by turning your visions into reality! Join tarot reader and educator Mystic Micha for an evening of magic, intention-setting, and hands-on creation at Olives Eatery.
Monday, January 19
Bog Brothers 🎸🎶 7:30 - 10:30pm
Come rock out with the Bog Brothers at Funk 'N Waffles.
Tuesday, January 20 - Wednesday, January 21
Albert Lee 🎸🎶 7pm
We're thrilled to welcome guitar legend Albert Lee back to 443 Social in Syracuse!
Thursday, January 22
Love Letter to Whiskey Tasting 🥃 6 - 8pm
Join us at Lit Actually Romance Bookshop! Whether you're a seasoned sipper or just whiskey-curious, this intimate, lightly educational, thoroughly delicious evening is crafted just for you.
Oswego County:
Friday, January 16
Elvis Tribute 🎶🕺 5 - 10pm
Get ready to rock and roll because the legendary Elvis Tribute is back at the Kallet Theater! Experience the magic of the King in person, with electrifying performances that'll have you shaking, raving, and singing along all night long.
Friday, January 16
Crazy Neighbors at The Hole 🎶🎸 8 - 11pm
Enjoy some live music at The Hole Tavern in Oswego!
Saturday, January 17 - Sunday, January 18
Hot Chocolate Hike ☕ 10am - 4pm
Do you need an excuse to take a winter hike? Come on down to Sterling Nature Center!
Saturday, January 17
Guided Nature Walk: Rice Creek 🌲❄️ 11am - 12pm
Rice Creek's naturalists will be your guides as you explore the forests, fields, wetlands, and waterways of Rice Creek Field Station, a 350-acre wildlife preserve dedicated to supporting research and education.
Saturday, January 17
Sound Immersion with Megan Hook 🔮🎶 6:30 - 7:45pm
Come to the Sterling Nature Center and join us in welcoming and blessing the New Year with musician and sound healer Megan Hook. The sound immersion features crystal bowls, gongs, drums, bells, and chimes, the tanpura, sacred mantra, crystal pyramid, and much more.
Monday, January 19
Mini Golf at the Library ⛳ 10:30am - 3:30pm
Mini golf is taking over the Oswego Public Library! An exciting course will be set up to wind throughout the library.
Monday, January 19
Trivia Night 🤓 7pm
Try your hand at trivia at Lakeview Lanes in Fulton!
Tuesday, January 20
Basswood Folk Arts Crafting Circle 🎨 10am - 12pm
Playing music, knitting, crocheting, macrame, and all kinds of needlework are welcome! Come meet new folks at the Oswego Public Library.
Tuesday, January 20
Virtual Reality Career Exploration 👩💻 11am - 1pm
Explore careers with Oswego County Workforce in Fulton!
Tuesday, January 20
Hatha Yoga Winter Series 🧘 9:30 - 10:30am
Come to Beaver Lake Nature Center to re-center with some yoga!
Mohawk Valley Region:
Saturday, January 17
Chili Fundraiser and Bake Sale 🥘 11am
Stop by for a chili dinner at Vernon Public Library.
Saturday, January 17
The Bon Jovi/Pat Benatar Experience 🎶🧑🎤 7:30pm
Come and join us for a great night at Rome Capitol Theatre!
Saturday, January 17
Horse Grave & Pals 🎶🎸 6:30 - 10pm
Enjoy some live music at the Polish Community Home in Herkimer.
Saturday, January 17
Uncle Charlie and The Meatballs 🎶🍖 7pm
Come out to Piggy Pat's Smoke and Ale House for some tunes and some BBQ!
Saturday, January 17
Cabin Fever Limited 🚂 12 - 3pm
Looking for a reason to get out of the house this winter? Climb aboard the Adirondack Railroad's Cabin Fever Limited for a 3-hour round trip from Utica to the Remsen Depot!
Saturday, January 17
Big Joe's Night with Uncle Charlie 🎶💃 4pm
Come to 1888 Biergarten for this semi-formal event with live music and a DJ!
Sunday, January 18
45th Annual Train Show 🚂 9:30am - 3pm
This exciting train show at Utica's Union Station features over 40 vendors from all over New York state as well as other states, with over 100 tables of trains and train related items.
Sunday, January 18
Tarot on Tap: "Baby It's Cold Outside" Edition 🔮 1 - 6pm
Come out to see what we are cooking up at Copper City Brewing company! Grab a brew (or two) and have a seat with one of us to see what 2026 has in store for you!
Sunday, January 18
Barn Quilt Painting Workshop 🎨 11am - 3pm
Join Sara from Little Red Farmette of Holland Patent and paint your own exterior barn quilt sign!
Thursday, January 22
Portal to Italy: Dine & Wine Pairing Journey 🍷🍝 6pm
Come to Portofino in Utica to enjoy a four course dinner meant to embody the flavors of different regions and cities of Italy. Wine will be paired with each dish!
North Country:
Friday, January 16
Joe Battles 🎶🎸 9pm
Enjoy dinner and live music at Bad Apple Social in Watertown.
Saturday, January 17
Wine Pairing 🍷 5pm
Join Certified Sommelier Julie Purpura and Chef Sarah Burns at the Clayton Opera House for some wine and Caribbean cuisine!
Saturday, January 17
Beginners Ski in Massena ⛷️ 2pm
Come join us at Nicandri Nature Center for a free cross country guided ski for beginners with free ski rentals!
Saturday, January 17
2nd Annual Powerlifting Meet 🏋️ 2pm
Track your annual progress at Stone and Steel Gym in Potsdam!
Saturday, January 17
New Moon Women's Circle 🌚 10:30am
Come to Italian Cosmetic and Beauty to drop in, share, and receive in whatever way feels right for you.
Saturday, January 17
Alex Bay Ice Fishing Derby 🎣 5pm
Love ice fishing? Come out to Alex Bay and win some prizes!
Sunday, January 18
Sunday Punk Show 🎶👩🎤 5pm
Enjoy some live music at Potsdam Public Library!
Tuesday, January 20
Trivia Night 🤓 7 - 10pm
Come out to Bad Apple Social in Watertown for trivia night! There will be food, drinks, and prizes!
Tuesday, January 20
Where the Stars Lead: Seasonal Zodiac Meditations 🧘 6 - 7pm
Join us at The Silver Cauldron to receive guidance on the subtle shifts of conscious awareness that arise as the zodiac wheel turns and we welcome in a new season.
Finger Lakes Region:
Friday, January 16
Tommy Connors 🍻 8pm
Tommy is back at the Lakehouse Pub in Skaneateles. Enjoy a beef sandwich, a couple pints and a few tunes with some of your friends.
Friday, January 16
Lunch Ladies 🎸🎶 7 - 10pm
Come out to Moondog's and enjoy some live music!
Friday, January 16
Petty Thieves Duo 🎸🎶 6 - 9pm
Enjoy some live music at Lunkenheimer Brewing in Weedsport!
Saturday, January 17
Winter Indoor Market 🛍️ 10am - 1pm
Come find something special at Auburn Public Theatre's indoor market!
Sunday, January 17
New Moon Sound Immersion 🌚🎶 3pm
Step into an evening of sacred sound and inner renewal with Serenity's New Moon Sound Immersion - a therapeutic sound journey designed to support deep restorative rest and rejuvenation.
Sunday, January 18
Succulent Terrarium Workshop 🪴🎨 2 - 3:30pm
Join us for a Succulent Terrarium Workshop at The Sherwood Inn! During this workshop, your host, Lindsay, will walk you step by step through building your own festive tabletop succulent terrarium!
Wednesday, January 21
Crock Pot vs. Instant Pot Meal Workshop 🍲 6 - 7:30pm
Want to learn about making soups and stews from scratch? Come join us at Seneca Falls Community Center!
Thursday, January 22
Snowbirds 🎨🐦⬛ 6:30pm
This cozy paint night at The Artist's Lounge is perfect for all skill levels. We'll guide you step-by-step as you sip, relax, and create this peaceful winter scene filled with soft blues, snowy textures, and heartwarming charm.
Foodie Corner
Crust Kitchen & Bar (Rome)
Come treat yourself to a fantastic sandwich at one of the Mohawk Valley's hidden gems! Crust Kitchen & Bar in Rome was born from what started as a joke - the owners fantasizing during morning prep about what their perfect restaurant would be. Turns out they were onto something special. Established in 2021, Crust is the result of countless "vent sessions," learning the hard way, and yes, plenty of bourbon.
The mission here is simple: bring customers amazing sandwiches, soups, salads, and more in a laid-back atmosphere. And they deliver on that promise in a big way. Every sandwich is hand-crafted with fresh, quality ingredients that you can taste in every bite.
The menu reads like a sandwich lover's dream. Try The Negotiator - a fried chicken cutlet loaded with provolone, roasted red peppers, smoked bacon, fresh basil, mayo, and spicy Calabrian chili spread, all drizzled with honey on toasted ciabatta. Or go classic Italian with The Caprese - prosciutto di parma, fresh mozzarella, tomato, lettuce, coarse sea salt, fresh cracked pepper, and balsamic glaze on crusty baguette. The Cuban features braised pulled pork, smoked pork loin, Swiss cheese, white wine dijon mustard, and pickles on toasted ciabatta.
Not just a sandwich shop, Crust also boasts a full bourbon bar with an impressive selection including E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel and James E. Pepper 1776. They take pride in curating the best selection they can get their hands on. Pair your sandwich with a craft cocktail or choose from their wine list featuring options like Chateau St. Michelle.
The team at Crust truly cares about what they do - and it shows. They've created an environment where great people make great food, and they exist to craft remarkable experiences for their community.
Open Monday-Friday 11am-9pm, Saturday 12pm-8pm. Closed Sundays. Located at 86 Hangar Road West, Suite 101, Rome, NY 13441. Phone: (315) 356-8000. Online ordering and delivery available!
