Hi, 315!
Happy Friday, 315! Lent officially kicked off this week, and you know what that means: fish fry season is here. From the Lisbon Fire Department up in the North Country to the Oswego Elks, Friday fish dinners are back on the calendar through Easter. If you've got a favorite spot, now's the time to stake your claim before the line wraps around the building.
This weekend is stacked with live music. Celtic rock fans can catch Haggis X-1 (featuring members of Enter the Haggis) at Middle Ages Brewing, while Infinity brings 70s and 80s rock nostalgia to the same stage Saturday night. Down in Auburn, Grammy-nominated Professor Louie and the Crowmatix are performing at Auburn Public Theater. And if Irish heritage month is your thing, Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones are kicking it off Sunday at Five Points Public House in Utica. Country fans, mark Thursday for Brett Young's 2.0 Tour at the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse.
If you're looking to get out of the house and try something different, Utica's Five Points Public House is hosting an Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy on Friday and Saturday. Think period cocktails inspired by Poe's most famous stories in a dark, moody setting. Over in Rome, Copper City Brewing is throwing their 7th Annual Febtoberfest with beer, brats, and pretzels all day Saturday. And plant lovers should head to the OnCenter for the W26 Northeast Plant Show, where over 150 tables of houseplants, garden plants, and rare finds will be waiting.
Syracuse basketball is back at the Dome this Saturday with the Orange taking on North Carolina at 1pm. After the game, wind down with an agave-focused five-course tasting dinner at The Wedge, or check out the Yoga and Wellness Workshop at House of Artistry Beauty Lounge on Sunday. The North Country brings a Plein Air Painting Workshop in Pulaski and a live reenactment of the Battle of Ogdensburg, complete with cannon fire in the streets. And in the Finger Lakes, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail has winemakers dinners and cozy weekend soup-and-baguette lunches at Buttonwood Grove Winery.
There's also something happening midweek worth noting. Syracuse is hosting a community input session on Wednesday to help shape the future of Erie Boulevard East. If you live in the Hawley-Green, Near Eastside, Eastwood, or Salt Springs neighborhoods, this is your chance to weigh in. And for the creatively inclined, Petal Haus is running a paint and sip night at Roast & Toast in Auburn on Thursday, plus a book swap at Montezuma Winery for anyone looking for their next great read.
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Local Events
Syracuse Area:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Arty Lenin at The Freight Yard 🎶🎸 6 - 8pm
Guitar master, singer-songwriter and SAMMYs Hall-of-Famer Arty Lenin heats it up at The Freight Yard in Clay. Enjoy deep cuts, hot riffs, cold brews and a warm scene at this cozy spot.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Haggis X-1 ft. Members of Enter the Haggis 🎶☘️ 7 - 10pm
After 30 years of touring with acclaimed Celtic Rock band Enter the Haggis, Craig Downie knows how to entertain. Come enjoy the show at Middle Ages Brewing in Syracuse!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Infinity: Music of the 70s and 80s 🎶🎸 8pm
Get ready for a night of pure rock nostalgia as Infinity takes the stage covering the greatest hits from the 70s and 80s, including Journey, Foreigner, Toto, Loverboy, Styx, Bon Jovi, and many others! Come rock out at Middle Ages in Syracuse!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Syracuse University Men's Basketball 🏀 1pm
Cheer on the team as they play against North Carolina at the JMA Wireless Dome!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
W26 Northeast Plant Show 🌱 10am - 3pm
Houseplants, garden plants, and plant craft vendors! Over 150 tables full of the highest quality plants for our show including rares, uncommons, and commons! Join us at Syracuse's OnCenter.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Yoga & Wellness Workshop 🧗 11am - 1:30pm
Come to House of Artistry Beauty Lounge in Syracuse for a yoga flow, sound bath, wellness talk, and community connection!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
From Plant to Pour: An Agave-Focused Tasting Dinner 🥃 6pm
Join us at The Wedge in Syracuse for a deeply flavorful night exploring the incredible range and complexity of agave spirits through a five-course pairing dinner designed to showcase the many forms of agave.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Help Shape the Future of Erie Boulevard East 👥 5:30 - 7pm
Join us at the Syracuse Northeast Community Center to help facilitate community investment and improvement in the Hawley-Green, Near Eastside, Eastwood, and Salt Springs neighborhoods.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Brett Young: 2.0 Tour 🎶🎸 8pm
Come enjoy the show at Syracuse's Landmark Theatre!
Oswego County:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Shamrock Idol ☘️🎤 9pm
Stop by Shamrock Tavern and sign up to compete in our very first Shamrock Idol competition. We have a panel of local "celebrity" judges. Stop in and join the fun!
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Fish Dinner 🐟 5 - 7pm
Join the Oswego Elks for a fish fry!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Late Night Latte 🎭 7pm
Late Night Latte is a one-act stage play event set in local cafes. On this night we will have a comedy section, a one-act play, as well as hilarious performative short script reads! Stop by Coffee Connection in Oswego!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Black History Month Show ft. Julian Taylor & Crys Matthews 🎶 7:30pm
Come enjoy this show at Oswego Music Hall!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Winterfest at Colloca Estate Winery 🍷❄️ 1 - 7pm
Celebrate the magic of the season at Colloca Estate Winery's Winterfest. Join us for a cozy and festive experience featuring exceptional wines, seasonal flavors, and a warm winter atmosphere set among our beautiful vineyard and winery grounds.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Guided Nature Walk 🌲 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.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Rock 'n Roll Mondays 🎸 6 - 9pm
Enjoy rock 'n' roll and dancing with us at Volney Fire House in Fulton!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Sip 'n Learn Series 📚☕ 6pm
Inspired by TED Talks, Sip N' Learn offers an inviting space where guests can settle into cozy chairs, sip their favorite warm cafe beverages, and learn about new topics presented by local experts. Join us at 114 Reserve in Fulton!
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Trivia Night 🤓 6 - 8pm
Round up your friends and try your hand at trivia at Old City Hall Brewery!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Open Art Studio at Coffee Connection 🎨 10am - 2pm
Looking to have some fun making art with like-minded people? Come to this event at the Coffee Connection in Oswego!
Mohawk Valley Region:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Chris Jones and The Night Drivers 🎶🪓 7:30pm
The award winning bluegrass group, Chris Jones & the Night Drivers will perform at Barneveld's Unity Hall.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
OCMH/Liberty Tabletop Factory Tour 🏛️ 10:30am - 1pm
This two-part tour will begin at the Oneida Community Mansion House with a tour that focuses on the manufacturing history of the Oneida Community.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy 🐦🍸 8 - 9:30pm
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the dark and mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe. This exclusive speakeasy will transport you to a bygone era as you sip on expertly crafted cocktails inspired by four of Poe's most beloved stories. Check it out at Five Points Public House in Utica!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
100 Years of Comets Heritage 🏒 6pm
Join us at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica for a century of history celebrated in one spectacular night. Expect throwback jerseys, retro vibes, and a nod to legends of the past.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
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, FEBRUARY 21
Annual Febtoberfest 🍻 12 - 10pm
We take Oktoberfest to a new level in the CNY winter for the 7th year! Enjoy beer, brats, pretzels, and more at Copper City Brewing in Rome.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Winter Market ❄️🛍️ 9am - 1pm
Our winter market season is here! Stop by Union Station in Utica to shop the best of the best in locally grown foods, artisan goods, and handcrafted items!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones ☘️🎶 3pm
Fans of Irish music are in for an incredible afternoon of songs and stories as we once again kick off Irish heritage month with Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones. Join us at Five Points Public House in Utica!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Sunday Brunch 🥂🥞 10am
Join us for Sunday Brunch at Beeches Manor in Rome. From savory bites to sweet indulgences, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Music at the Manor: Shawn Smith 🎶 5 - 8pm
Shawn Smith takes the stage at Beeches Manor in Rome. Don't miss it!
North Country:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Gentle Yoga Bliss with Live Music 🧗 6:30 - 7:15pm
Come as you are, and leave feeling relaxed and calm. Join us at Canton Yoga Loft for the perfect Friday evening in the North Country.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Fish Fry 🐟 4:30pm
The Lisbon Fire Department Annual Fish Fry will be held every Friday through Lent! A fish dinner is $18 with haddock, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese or homemade fries and a homemade roll, coffee and lemonade.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Free Skating ⛄️ 1:45 - 2:45pm
Skate your way through winter break in Potsdam!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Plein Air Painting Workshop 🎨 1 - 4:30pm
Join instructor Kimberly Rossiter at the Salmon River Fine Arts Center in Pulaski to learn the why and how of plein air painting, including equipment selection, efficient setup, location scouting, safety considerations, and commonly used plein air methods.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Dekalb Junction Fire Dept. Chicken & Pork BBQ 🍗 12pm
Dekalb Junction Fire Dept will hold their annual winter Chicken and Pork BBQ! Cost is $15 and includes chicken or pork, potatoes, beans, roll and dessert.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Dumb It Down Trivia 🤓 6 - 10pm
"Dumb It Down" trivia and karaoke night with Cory will be held at Norwood American Legion.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Battle of Ogdensburg 💣 10:30am
The streets of the city will ring with gun and cannon fire Saturday and Sunday at the Battle of Ogdensburg. The event features a live reenactment of the historic attack on Ogdensburg during the War of 1812.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Lunar New Year Party 🏮🐴 1pm
Usher in the Lunar New Year at Potsdam Public Library. Shed 2025's "Year of the Snake" and gallop into 2026 with "The Year of the Fire Horse" with snacks and stories about how Lunar New Year is celebrated.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Crane Symphony Orchestra 🎻 7:30pm
The Crane Symphony Orchestra will perform at Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall. The concert features top student musicians performing a repertoire under the direction of Crane School of Music faculty.
Finger Lakes Region:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Murder on the Orient Express 🎥 7 - 9:10pm
Come watch this 1974 murder mystery film at Smith Center for the Arts in Geneva!
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Warm up from the inside out with our "Souper Simple Lunch", available every weekend. Enjoy a bowl of house-made soup with a baguette for only $8!
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Winemakers Dinner at Sheldrake Point Winery 🍷 6 - 8pm
Wine and dine alongside Winemaker Dave Breeden as we taste specially selected Sheldrake Point library wines alongside current releases, all grown and crafted on our estate. Enjoy a seasonally inspired, 3-course paired meal created by Executive Chef Chris Lotemple, showcasing the bounty of our region.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Professor Louie and the Crowmatix 🎶🎸 7 - 9pm
Grammy Nominated Professor Louie & The Crowmatix from Woodstock NY have been expanding the borders of the Americana, Roots & Blues genres since the early 2000's. Enjoy the show at Auburn Public Theater!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Crow Cawcus at Willard Chapel 🐦 12pm
Come to Willard Chapel in Auburn to enjoy chapel tours, light snacks and refreshments, fun crow trivia (with a chance to win a $50 BID Gift Card), and a crow themed bean bag toss. Stop by, learn something new, and have a little fun!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Sports Cards and Collectibles Show ⚾🏀 9am - 3pm
Come to del Lago in Waterloo for sports cards, memorabilia, Pokemon and much more!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Petal Haus Paint & Sip at Roast & Toast Bar 🎨☕ 7pm
We've teamed up with Nikki Biel Designs and Petal Haus for a cozy, art-filled paint & sip night. Paint your own flower vase, enjoy guided instruction, and an option to add a fresh floral bouquet to complete your beautiful creation. Join us at Roast & Toast in Auburn!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Bottles, Books, and Babbles: Book Swap at Montezuma Winery 📚🍷 5:30 - 7:30pm
Calling all book lovers! Searching for a new story to immerse yourself in this winter? Join us for a laid-back, cozy, and fun book swap! Bring a book (or a few) that you'd like to share with others to enjoy and come ready to discover your next read.
Scenic Root - Manlius
Scenic Root sits on Fayette Street in the heart of Manlius, right beside Swan Pond, and it's the kind of neighborhood restaurant that people wish existed in every town. Owner Mike McDonough opened the doors in 2016, and what started as a New American spot with a rotating menu has turned into one of the most reliable dinner destinations on Syracuse's east side.
The menu leans classic American with creative touches that keep things interesting. The eggplant parm is a regular favorite. The "Scenic Parm" chicken cutlets come in at around 10 ounces each. The maple salmon gets rave reviews, and the Root Burger with its root beer BBQ glaze has a loyal following. Appetizers like the fried meatballs, calamari with spicy dipping sauce, and steamed clams are all worth ordering. The kitchen also runs daily specials and rotates the menu seasonally, so there's always a reason to come back and try something new.
The space itself has multiple rooms, including a fireplace room that regulars try to snag on cooler evenings. In warmer months, outdoor seating overlooks the swan pond. The atmosphere is relaxed but polished. You can come in jeans after a Saturday afternoon, or dress it up a bit for a date night and feel right at home either way. The staff gets consistently high marks across every review platform. Servers are attentive, friendly, and happy to make recommendations.
Scenic Root also does lunch Wednesday through Friday (11:30am to 2:30pm) if you're looking for a midday option. The salmon BLT, heirloom chicken sandwich, and Turkey and Brie are all solid picks. Portions are generous enough that you'll likely be taking a box home. Prices are reasonable for the quality, and they offer catering and gift certificates too.
The restaurant carries a 4.3 rating on TripAdvisor (ranked #3 of 20 restaurants in Manlius), a 4.2 on Yelp with 120 reviews, and a 4.8 on Google. One reviewer called it "the best meal in Manlius," and based on what they're putting out, it's hard to argue.
Address: 301 Fayette St, Manlius, NY 13104
Phone: (315) 682-3000
Hours: Tue 4-8pm | Wed-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm & 4-8pm (Fri til 8:30) | Sat 4-8:30pm | Sun-Mon Closed
Price Range: $$ (Entrees $18-$30)
Good to Know: Walk-ins welcome. Reservations accepted for parties of 6+. Dine-in and takeout. Outdoor seating in season. Kids menu available. Catering and gift certificates offered.
Website: scenicrootmanlius.com
