Hi, 315!
Happy Friday the 13th, 315! Don't let superstition keep you indoors this week, because you'd be missing one of the most packed calendars we've had all year. This seven-day stretch manages to squeeze in Galentine's Day, Valentine's Day, Presidents' Day, Mardi Gras, and Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse) all in one run. That's five celebrations in five days starting today. Your social calendar just got a serious workout.
Valentine's Day lands on a Saturday this year, and the 315 is rolling out the red carpet. A romantic dinner train from Utica to Remsen, a candlelit wine pairing at Curtis Manor, a prix fixe evening at Sheldrake Point Winery, and the legendary Ronnie Leigh performing jazz and R&B at Syracuse's 443 Social Club. Looking for something less traditional? The Utica Comets are hosting a Valentine's dating mixer at the Adirondack Bank Center, and Britches Dance Bar in Auburn is throwing a "Lovers & Loners" party for anyone who'd rather be singing than sitting through dinner reservations.
Galentine's Day gets plenty of love too. Sip and shop events are popping up across the region, and Eleven Waters at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown is hosting a "Fork to Film" night with Eat, Pray, Love on screen while the chef recreates dishes from the movie in real time. The Utica Zoo brings back its Galentine's-themed painting and cookie decorating night, and over in Oswego, the Salmon River Fine Arts Center offers a couples art night for anyone who wants to get creative with their Valentine.
This week also marks the start of Canton Winterfest, the Adirondack WhiteOut Weekend across five North Country communities, and the return of the Syracuse Auto Expo at the Oncenter. Music lovers can catch a Bridgerton concert performed by Half Moon Orchestra at the Utica Public Library, a Vivaldi candlelight performance at Palladian Hall, and The Jess Novak Band at Lost Horizon. If you've been itching to try something new, there's a hands-on pasta-making class at Portofino Utica, a sourdough baking workshop at Caz Farm Brewery, and even a tea tasting at Fulton Public Library.
And if Friday the 13th is your thing, both Inkings Tattoo in Oswego and Moven Ink in the Finger Lakes are running flash tattoo specials all day. Pick your design, walk in, and walk out with some new ink. Not a bad way to kick off a wild week.
Let's get into it…
Local Events
Syracuse Area:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Candlelight: Vivaldi's Four Seasons 🕯️🎻 8:30 - 9:45pm
Discover the music of Vivaldi's Four Seasons at Palladian Hall at the Treasury under the gentle glow of candlelight.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Galentine's Day ❤️ 6 - 8:30pm
Join us at Eleven Waters in the Marriott Syracuse Downtown hotel for our first Fork to Film event! Watch Eat, Pray, Love while the chef curates the staple dining experiences from the movie and serves them in real time!
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Ronnie Leigh: A Valentine's Affair to Remember 💃 7pm
Join us at 443 Social Club for a romantic and memorable evening featuring the signature sounds of the legendary Mr. Smooth himself! Treat your special someone to the jazz, R&B, and soul stylings of one of the finest vocalists in CNY.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Syracuse Auto Expo 🚗
The Syracuse Auto Expo is back in 2026, bigger and better than ever at the Oncenter! Join us Valentine's Day weekend for four exciting days filled with the latest cars, trucks, and SUVs from top manufacturers.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
MCB Unplugged: Lonely Hearts Edition 🎶🍺 5 - 8pm
Join us at Meier's Creek Brewing in Cazenovia for MCB Unplugged: Lonely Hearts, an intimate, feel-good night of live, unplugged music, great beer, and even better company. Come on a date, come solo, come with your crew, or make new friends when you get here.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Harvey Gras in the Garden ⚜️🍹 2 - 8pm
Mardi Gras is taking over Harvey's Garden! Join us for live music, cocktails, beads, and good vibes.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
The Jess Novak Band 🎵🎸 6:30pm
Come enjoy some live music at Lost Horizon!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
CNY Ballet presents Peter and the Wolf 🩰 1, 2:30, 4pm
Come join us for Community Day as we present Peter and the Wolf at The Everson Museum of Art Hosmer Auditorium!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Sourdough Class: Valentine's Edition 🍞 12 - 3pm
Spend your Sunday getting down to rise at Cece's Sourdough Class, a hands-on sourdough experience set in The Cellar at Caz Farm Brewery. Whether you're brand new to sourdough or coming back for another round, this Valentine's Edition is full of love, learning, and fresh-baked goodness.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Spice Spice Baby 🤓 6pm
Come out to Twin Trees for this trivia event and seasoning show!
Oswego County:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Galentine's Sip & Shop 🥂🛍️ 6 - 9pm
Come to The Foundry in Oswego, where you can browse a curated lineup of local vendors, enjoy a delicious food menu, and pour from our tap wall featuring wines, cocktails, craft beer, and more.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Two Halves, One Heart: A Valentine's Couples Art Night ❤️🎨 6:30 - 8pm
Spend your Friday night at the Salmon River Fine Arts Center creating side-by-side in this relaxed, hands-on Valentine's-themed art experience designed for couples, friends, or creative partners.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Friday the 13th Flash Tattoo Event 💉🎨 12 - 8pm
Come to Inkings Tattoo for this walk-in only special event!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Celebrate Snow at Rice Creek Field Station ❄️ 11am - 2pm
Sip hot chocolate beside a fire, try snowshoeing, building snow people or learn more about snowflakes!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Valentine's Day Dinner at Curtis Manor ❤️ 5 - 9pm
A romantic dinner set in a beautiful rustic barn. This Valentine's Day, come to Curtis Manor for delicious food, live music and an intimate atmosphere.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Valentine's Day Wine Pairing Dinner ❤️🍷 7pm
Join us for this special wine pairing dinner event at Colloca Estate Winery in Sterling!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Murder Mystery Dinner 🎭 6pm
This fun evening at CNY Arts Center will unfold with a delicious three-course meal interspersed with "scenes" where the plot thickens, motives emerge, and accusations will fly. Interrogate other "guests," decipher clues, and try to throw a few red herrings of your own!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Winter Birding 🦅 11am - 1pm
Join us for a winter birding hike at Sterling Nature Center.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Cody's Famous Chicken BBQ 🍗 11am
Join us for our BBQ at Cody Volunteer Fire Department!
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Trivia Night 🤓 6 - 8pm
Try your hand at trivia at Old City Hall Brewery!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Steep Dreams: A Tea Tasting Experience 🫖 5pm
Jeff Cleary from "UNYtea" has been studying tea for over a decade with a passion to share knowledge and teas with people, providing an interactive educational look into traditional high-end tea. Join us at Fulton Public Library!
Mohawk Valley Region:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Valentine's Day Dinner Train ❤️🚂 6:30 - 9pm
Join us for a romantic dinner and round trip train ride from Utica's Union Station to Remsen.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Forever Seger: The Silver Bullet Experience 🎵🎸 8pm
Enjoy some live music at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Oneida!
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Bridgerton Concert 🎵💃 6:30pm
You are cordially invited to attend a Bridgerton Concert at the Utica Public Library, performed by Half Moon Orchestra.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Valentine's Day with the Utica Comets ❤️🏒 6pm
Two amazing ways to enjoy Valentine's Day at the Comets Game! The first is a little flirty: we have a dating mixer on the Stage at the Adirondack Bank Center.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Stranger Things Vecnatine's Trivia 80s Party ❤️🤓 7pm
Stage Time Trivia presents Stranger Things Trivia Night and 80's Party at the Burrstone Inn Grand Ballroom. Get ready for an evening of romance and terror as we celebrate "Vecnatine's Day"!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Puzzles and Pints Valentine's Day 🧩🍺 7 - 9pm
Grab your Valentine and let your love blossom over some friendly puzzle competition. Your dynamic duo team speed-puzzles for a free night of fun and beverages at Copper City Brewing in Rome.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Tarot on Tap: "Where is the Love" Edition 🔮❤️ 5 - 7pm
Did February 14th leave you without a Valentine? Are you still looking for love? Come to Copper City Brewing Company, drown your sorrows in a delicious brew from their huge selection and get a reading from their house psychics!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
February Sound Bath 🧗🎵 6:45pm
Promote healing on a molecular level. Come to Full Lotus Yoga in Rome.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Small Business Bingo 🎲 7 - 9pm
The chef and crew took a little time off to sponsor a night of Bingo! Join the fun at Copper City Brewing.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Portal to Italy: Pasta Edition 🇮🇹🍝 6pm
Roll up your sleeves and step into the art of fresh pasta making. In this interactive class at Portofino Utica, guests will learn how to create their own pasta dough from scratch, guided step by step through the process.
North Country:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Adirondack WhiteOut Weekend ❄️ 12 - 4pm
The community festival features free events in Cranberry Lake, Newton Falls, Oswegatchie, Star Lake and Wanakena, celebrating winter through art, music and outdoor recreation.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Lucky Night Market 🛍️ 6 - 9pm
This mid-winter evening market in Potsdam will feature local vendors offering art, jewelry, handmade goods, specialty foods, and unique finds. Perfect for Valentine's Day weekend shopping while supporting small businesses.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Cabaret and Dessert 🎭🍰 6:30pm
ONNY welcomes back eight talented singers and an acclaimed pianist for Cabaret Show with Desserts at St. Lawrence University's Eben-Holden Center.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Canton Winterfest ❄️ 3pm
This festive event in Canton will feature a wine and spirits tasting, a Valentine's-themed "Glow in the Snow" ice lantern walk, and sports events at Appleton Arena and Roos House.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Revolutionary Roots: Libertea 🍵🇺🇸 1 - 2:30pm
Come to the Ogdensburg Public Library to learn how people entertained themselves during the colonial era. Bring your favorite teacup to enjoy authentic tea and colonial treats.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Valentine Blooms Plus Brews 💐🍺 9am - 1pm
The Clover Patch Farm in Morristown will host this Valentine's-themed pop-up event at Sweet Emilie's Coffee & Ice Cream. The event will feature seasonal blooms and beverages for visitors to enjoy.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Tracking Wildlife in Canton ❄️🦌 10am
Come to Indian Creek Nature Center to look for wildlife! Snowshoes will be provided.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Massena Ice Show with 65 Skaters ⛄️ 1pm
Come to Massena Arena to watch the skaters showcase their skills!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Activating Your Online Presence - Webinar Series 💻 6 - 7:30pm
Want to learn more about websites, SEO, and social media? Attend this informative webinar.
Finger Lakes Region:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Tattoo Flash Sale 💉🎨 9am - 7pm
Celebrate Friday the 13th and Valentine's Day with a tattoo at Moven Ink!
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Singles Night at Prison City 🎶👩❤️👨 5pm
Take in some acoustic tunes while you find your match!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Valentine's Dinner at Sheldrake Point Winery 🍷❤️ 6 - 8pm
Join us for a romantic evening at the winery with a thoughtfully crafted prix fixe menu, designed to pair perfectly with our wines.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Lovers & Loners - Valentine's Day Night at Britches 🎶💃 8 - 11pm
Lovers & Loners is a high-energy Valentine's night built for couples, singles and friend groups who'd rather be out singing than sitting through dinner reservations. Come out to Britches Dance Bar in Auburn!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
A Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner for Couples ❤️🍝 4pm
Reserve your table for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner at New Hope Mills cafe in Auburn! Each lady will receive a rose and every couple will go home with a Polaroid photo to commemorate the night.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Sweetheart Brunch ❤️🥞 9:30am
Join us for our Sweetheart Brunch, a warm and welcoming way to spend time with the people you love most. It's perfect for kids, families, and loved ones of all ages. Stop by The Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
New Moon Ritual: Chinese New Year and Aquarius New Moon 🌕🏮 3 - 5pm
Join us at Alchemy Healing Arts in Skaneateles to kick off the beginning of a new cycle through movement, ceremony & community.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Grease Sing Along 🎶🍿 2 - 4pm
Come sing along to the original high school musical at the Smith Opera House in Geneva!
Foodie Corner
Karam's Middle East Bakery - Yorkville (Utica Area)
Image: Restaurant Guru
Some restaurants earn their reputation through marketing. Karam's Middle East Bakery, tucked away on Campbell Avenue in Yorkville, earned theirs one plate of hummus at a time. This family-owned Lebanese spot has been a fixture in the greater Utica area for years, and it's the kind of place where regulars outnumber first-timers on any given afternoon.
What started as a bakery with fresh-baked pita and Lebanese pastries has grown into a full-service restaurant with a menu that covers all the staples of Levantine cuisine. The hummus alone is worth the trip. Customers call it the best they've ever had, and more than a few have said it makes everything else they've tried taste like store-bought. The tabbouleh is bright and lemony, the baba ghanoush is smoky and rich, and the falafel comes out perfectly spiced with a crisp shell.
Beyond the classics, Karam's serves gyros over rice (both chicken and beef), chicken freedman (get it crispy), kibbe, grape leaves, meat pies, and spinach pies. The daily specials are worth asking about. The Friday M'Jedra (a lentil and rice dish) has a dedicated following. And don't leave without trying the baklava. It's made in-house and every bit as good as you'd hope.
The atmosphere is about as unpretentious as it gets. A few tables, no fancy decor, and owners Mary and Segean greeting customers by name. Multiple reviewers describe it as walking into a family kitchen. That warmth is part of what keeps people coming back for years. The prices are fair too, with most meals running $10-$20.
Karam's carries a 4.8-star rating on Google from over 800 reviews, sits at #3 out of 15 restaurants in Yorkville on TripAdvisor, and earned a 4.6 on Yelp. That kind of consistency across platforms doesn't happen by accident. If you love Lebanese food or you've never tried it, this is the place to start.
Address: 137 Campbell Ave, Yorkville, NY 13495
Phone: (315) 736-1728
Hours: Tue-Fri 9am-5pm | Sat 9am-3pm | Sun-Mon Closed
Price Range: $ - $$ (Most meals $10-$20)
Good to Know: Dine-in and takeout available. Wheelchair accessible. Cash and credit accepted. Party platters available with advance notice.
Website: karamsbakery.com
