Hey there, 315!
How about that snowstorm? We hope everyone stayed warm, or at least got a good workout from shoveling! It's looking like the frigid temperatures are gonna continue this week, possibly with even more snow - so grab your warmest parka and bundle up, because we've got lots of winter fun in store!
The Syracuse Winter Fair kicks off this weekend at the fairgrounds with ice sculptures, fireworks, food vendors, crafters, and tons of entertainment running Friday through Sunday. If you're looking to embrace the cold, there's a community ski challenge at Higley trails in Colton, a snowman competition at Ives Park in Potsdam for Frosty Fest, and for the truly brave - the Skaneateles Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday!
Music lovers have some incredible options this week. Country fans won't want to miss Lee Brice's intimate acoustic tour at the Stanley Theatre on Friday. Saturday brings Big Time Rush to Syracuse for their "In Real Life Worldwide" tour, bringing all that Nickelodeon energy to the stage. And on Thursday, the legendary Yonder Mountain String Band brings nearly three decades of progressive jamgrass to the Stanley Theatre!
Saturday is a special day in Oswego - January 31st means it's 13126 Day (the city's zip code), and this once-in-a-lifetime calendar date won't happen again! Celebrate with the 13126 Day Local Market at The Foundry and the Shamrock Pub Crawl starting at Dutcher's Eastside Tavern. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy a Tour & Taste at Buttonwood Grove Winery, an award-winning Cab Franc flight at Lucas Vineyards, or a Wine & Fudge Pairing at Montezuma Winery. We've also got trivia nights across the region, the Phil Collins Story tribute at the Landmark Theatre, and if you need some laughter to combat the winter blues, Homebrewed Comedy at Prison City Brewery in Auburn is calling your name!
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 30
Double Tiger + The Emmanuel Washington Project 🎸🎶 8 - 11pm
Come enjoy some dancehall reggae music at Funk 'n Waffles in Syracuse!
Friday, January 30
Music Bingo Night 🎶🎰 7 - 9pm
Join us at Talking Cursive for Music Bingo, a fun, low-pressure night out featuring great tunes, cold beer, and friendly competition.
Friday, January 30
RuPaul's Drag Race Viewing Party 💃 7pm
Drag Race viewing hosted by Twigs Von'Du at The Song & Dance!
Friday, January 30
The Shylocks 🎶🎸 6 - 8pm
Come enjoy some acoustic blues at ONCO fermentations!
Friday, January 30 - Sunday, February 1
Syracuse Winter Fair ❄️🎆 3 - 9pm; 11am - 9pm; 11am - 5pm
Featuring a variety of food, entertainment, vendors, crafters, ice sculptures, fireworks and more - come take part in this tradition at the fairgrounds in Syracuse!
Saturday, January 31
Big Time Rush: In Real Life Worldwide 🎭 7pm
Big Time Rush is getting their PhD in performance - hitting the stage with the same energy, humor, and charm that made them fan favorites from their Nickelodeon days, will revisit their favorite moments from the show, plus many more surprises.
Saturday, January 31
January Jazzfest 🎶🎷 2 - 7pm
This annual fundraiser benefits the education programs of CNY Jazz! Continuous music all day for listening and dancing, jam session, food and drink, prize raffles, and more, at the Timber Banks Clubhouse in Baldwinsville!
Sunday, February 1
Tutus and Tiaras: A Fairytale Tea Party with Syracuse City Ballet 👑🧚 2 - 4pm
Join us at the Marriott, where guests will be welcomed into a whimsical tea party setting featuring sweet treats, specialty drinks, and interactive entertainment provided by Syracuse City Ballet.
Tuesday, February 3
The Phil Collins Story 🎶🎸 7:30pm
Featuring global talent, dynamic projections, intricate lighting, and state-of-the-art audio, this show at the Landmark Theatre delivers an unforgettable musical experience.
Wednesday, February 4
Westie Wednesday - West Coast Swing Dance Lesson + Social Dance 💃🎷 7 - 10pm
Join us for a night of West Coast Swing at The Syracuse Ukrainian National Home. No experience required! No partner required! Plus - your first time is free!
Oswego County:
Friday, January 30
Chili Cook-Off 🍲 4 - 6:30pm
Friends of Recovery is very excited to announce that we will be doing our first ever chili cook-off in partnership with OCO Clubhouse! Free to enter and free to taste.
Friday, January 30
Mike Place at Stick & Rudder 🎶🎸 6 - 9pm
Come rock out with us at Stick & Rudder in Sterling!
Saturday, January 31
Birdwatching for Science 🦅 9:30 - 10:45am
Whether you are just getting started, or are already experienced with birding, this program is a welcoming space to learn, enjoy, and contribute to science. Join us at Rice Creek Field Station in Oswego!
Saturday, January 31
13126 Day Local Market 🛍️❄️ 11am - 4pm
Celebrate all that is Oswego on 13126 Day at The Foundry! This is a celebration of hometown pride — a chance to shop local, sip something great, and spend the day surrounded by the people who make Oswego feel like home.
Saturday, January 31
13126 Shamrock Pub Crawl 🍺🍀 2 - 9pm
Join us for this historic, once-in-a-lifetime event! 2pm kickoff at Dutcher's Eastside Tavern in Oswego!
Saturday, January 31
Simply Dave 🎶 7 - 10pm
Take a break from the cold and snow - stop out to grab some food, a couple of drinks and live music at Lakeview Lanes.
Tuesday, February 3
Mini Job Fair 👥 11am - 1pm
Meet with a variety of local employers at the Oswego County Workforce Career Center in Fulton.
Tuesday, February 3
Crushed Glass Workshop 🎨 6pm
Pink Lemonades Crushed Glass Bar is coming to Cleveland! Come learn how to make your own beautiful piece that you hang in your window or anywhere you want to display it. Choose from several designs.
Tuesday, February 3
Trivia Night 🤓 6 - 8pm
Try your hand at trivia at Old City Hall Brewery!
Tuesday, February 3
Hatha Yoga Winter Series 🧘 9:30 - 10:30am
A complete body/mind/spirit experience! Each class will begin with centering allowing you to turn inward and focus on the experience of the body and breath. Join us at Beaver Lake Nature Center.
Mohawk Valley Region:
Friday, January 30
Lee Brice 🎶🤠 8pm
Lee Brice's Acoustic Tour offers a rare opportunity to experience one of country music's most powerful voices in an intimate, stripped-down setting at the Stanley Theatre.
Saturday, January 31
International Zebra Day Paint & Sip 🦓🎨 1 - 4pm
Join us for a wild experience of creativity and relaxation at the Utica Zoo! Our Paint & Sip event is the perfect way to unwind, socialize, and create a masterpiece surrounded by nature and wildlife.
Saturday, January 31 - Sunday, February 1
2026 Home Show at Nexus Center 🏡 9am - 4pm
Presented by New York Sash, the Home Show at Nexus Center is the largest regional showcase of home improvement products and services in the Mohawk Valley!
Saturday, January 31
Tunnels and Towers Tour 🏰 2 - 3:30pm
Join us at the Oneida Community Mansion House! The "Tunnels and Towers" experience takes visitors beyond the radical beliefs and practices of the Community and into the basement to discover the storage rooms, vaults, mechanical rooms, kitchens, and laundry facilities that supported the Community's unique lifestyle.
Saturday, January 31
Cabin Fever Limited: Adirondack Railroad 🚂 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!
Wednesday, February 4
Rome Young Professionals Exchange 👥 5 - 7pm
Join us at Copper City Brewing! Enjoy drinks, delicious appetizers, and great conversation with other local professionals.
Wednesday, February 4
Beeches Manor Trivia Night 🤓 6:30 - 8:30pm
Prepare to flex those brain muscles and enjoy an evening of delicious food, great company, and thrilling competition! Stage Time Trivia is excited to announce a brand new weekly trivia night coming to the beautiful Beeches Manor in Rome.
Thursday, February 5
Adult Night Skate ⛸️ 6 - 9pm
Join us at the roller rink in Rome for a relaxed, feel-good Adult Night Skate featuring great skating music all night long — the perfect mix to keep you rolling, grooving, and enjoying the floor.
Thursday, February 5
Music at the Manor: Isaac French 🎶🍸 5pm
Come for the music, stay for the food, drinks, and good vibes. No cover charge!
Thursday, February 5
Yonder Mountain String Band 🎶🎻 8pm
Yonder Mountain String Band, a driving force in roots music for nearly three decades and a key player in the progressive jamgrass movement, kicks off a new chapter with Nowhere Next. Join the fun at the Stanley Theatre!
North Country:
Friday, January 30 - Sunday, February 1
Community Ski Challenge ⛷️
Cross-country skiers of all ages are invited to log miles on Higley trails as part of a collective community effort. Participants will record daily mileage at the Higley Lodge in Colton.
Friday, January 30
Blood Drive 🩸 12 - 4pm
Make an appointment to donate at this blood drive in Gouverneur.
Friday, January 30
Trivia Night Fundraiser 🤓 6:30pm
Join us for a night of trivia at our Trivia Night Fundraiser hosted by SLC Arts in Potsdam! Gather your friends and form a team (1-4 people) for a chance to showcase your knowledge of any and all trivia!
Friday, January 30
Jazzercise Potsdam 💪🎶 5 - 6pm
Join us for Choreo Remix, a limited-edition Jazzercise pop-up that mixes our signature cardio, strength, and choreography into one full routine you'll master by the end of class.
Saturday, January 31
Frosty Fest: Annual Snowman Competition ☃️ 11am
Join us for our Annual Snowman Competition in Ives Park, Potsdam! Come to the gazebo to register and to begin building your snow sculpture! This free event is open to all ages and the whole community.
Saturday, January 31
Groundhog Day Stroll 🏃 9am
You're invited to the third annual Groundhog Day Stroll or Stride, a 5K(ish) indoor event at Heuvelton, Madrid-Waddington and Lisbon Central Schools. Participants can walk or run at their own pace. Attendees receive bibs, may wear school or Groundhog-themed attire, and are asked to donate one food pantry item to support local families.
Saturday, January 31
Slush Pond Ski ⛷️
A moderate ski outing along Slush Pond Road near Paul Smiths will be held; the route follows terrain shaped by Ice Age kettle ponds and covers about 6 miles round trip with minimal elevation change.
Sunday, February 1
Love Your Valentine Custom Cards ♥️ 10am - 2pm
Create three custom cards with surprise interior designs at The Gallery in Waddington. All materials provided; participants should bring lunch and drink.
Sunday, February 1
World Wetland Day 💧 10am - 4pm
Celebrate World Wetland Day with informational programs, outdoor activities, family friendly programs, and more at Nicandri Nature Center!
Thursday, February 5
Building a Business Basics - Webinar Series 👥 6 - 7:30pm
Join us online to learn about finances, accounting, and recordkeeping.
Finger Lakes Region:
Friday, January 30 - Sunday, February 1
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Buttonwood Grove with our Tour & Taste experience — a deeper dive than your traditional tasting.
Saturday, January 31
Award-Winning Cab Franc Flight 🍷 7 - 10pm
Calling all Cabernet Franc lovers! Come to Lucas Vineyards to taste our 2021, 2022, & 2023 vintages of Cabernet Franc paired with hard cheeses! Try these award-winning wines alongside our winemakers.
Saturday, January 31
Full Moon Sound Immersion 🎶🌝 3pm
Join us at Serenity Wellness in Auburn for a soul-nourishing journey where sound becomes your sanctuary.
Saturday, January 31
Galentine's Day Party 💗🥂 5 - 7pm
Join us at West and Company Diamonds in Auburn for a night of fun, finery, and local vendors! We have everything to celebrate Valentine's day, and the love in your life!
Saturday, January 31
Skaneateles Polar Bear Plunge 🐻❄️ 12:30pm
Come join us for the plunge!
Sunday, February 1 - Thursday, February 12
Wine & Fudge Pairing 🍷 5:30pm
Grab your valentine, bestie, or favorite partner in wine and indulge in our Wine & Fudge Pairing at Montezuma Winery. Enjoy three dreamy pairings of our dessert wines with homemade fudge.
Sunday, February 1
Patrick Young 🎶 1 - 4pm
Come enjoy some live music at Lunkenheimer Craft Brewing in Weedsport.
Thursday, February 5
Homebrewed Comedy 😂 6:30pm
The laughs are coming to Auburn when the Comedy Supper Club touches down in the speakeasy at Prison City Brewery!
Foodie Corner
Azteca Mexican Grill (Oswego)
Picture by: Jose Escobar
Looking for authentic Mexican flavors in Oswego County? Azteca Mexican Grill has been a beloved neighborhood favorite since 2007, when two sisters from Jalisco, Mexico opened their doors on East Bridge Street. Nearly two decades later, this family-owned gem continues to bring the bold, vibrant flavors of Mexico to Central New York.
Step inside and you'll find a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with colorful decor that transports you south of the border. The menu is packed with all your favorites - sizzling fajitas that come to your table still crackling on a hot plate, loaded burritos, crispy chimichangas, and street tacos that have earned a devoted following. But if you want to try something truly special, locals rave about the Quesabirria - tender, flavorful beef in a crispy cheese-wrapped tortilla served with rich consomme for dipping. Many regulars say it's one of the best things they've ever eaten!
The appetizers are just as impressive. Start with the queso fundido (addictively cheesy with chorizo), the fresh shrimp cocktail, or the house tortilla chips with pico de gallo - which many travelers say rivals any Mexican restaurant they've visited across the country. Hot sauces are available at every table for those who like extra heat.
Don't miss their famous margaritas! Thursday is the night to go - that's when you can score half-price margaritas, including delicious flavors like mango and spicy lime. The full bar also serves up cold beer and other refreshing drinks to pair with your meal.
The staff is known for being friendly and attentive, with server Charlie earning special mentions from regulars who find themselves coming back week after week. They also accommodate dietary restrictions well, with solid vegetarian options like mushroom fajitas and vegetarian burritos. Save room for the homemade tres leches cake!
Azteca has been named a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite every year from 2018 through 2023, and holds a 4.5/5 rating on Google with over 330 reviews. They also have a second location in Camillus for those closer to Syracuse. Open Tuesday through Saturday 11:30am - 9pm, closed Sunday. Monday hours are 4pm - 9pm. Located at 53 East Bridge Street, Oswego. Call (315) 341-7045 for reservations or takeout. Delivery available through DoorDash.
