Here are the confirmed events in Syracuse and Central New York this spring, with real dates, real venues, and real details. Every event on this list has been verified against the organizer’s website or official announcement.
April
Syracuse Wine Festival
Saturday, April 18 at the Oncenter Convention Center (800 S State Street). Two sessions: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ($30) or 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. ($35). VIP at 5 p.m. ($40). Unlimited sampling from 40+ vendors of wine, cider, spirits, and specialty foods. Includes paint-and-sip, photo booth, live DJ, and a commemorative wine glass. Must be 21+. Tickets on Eventbrite.
SASFest: Syracuse Independent Films
Sunday, April 19 at The Palace Theatre. A showcase of locally made independent films.
Broadway: & Juliet
April 21 through 26 at the Landmark Theatre. The touring Broadway production that reimagines what happens after Romeo and Juliet, created by the Emmy-winning Schitt’s Creek writer with pop anthems from Max Martin.
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert
Friday, April 25 at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater. Two showtimes: 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The Syracuse Orchestra performs John Williams’ score live while the full film plays on screen. Conducted by Sean O’Loughlin.
Mansion House Spring Clean Up
April 25 at the Oneida Community Mansion House. Volunteer opportunity. Raking, trash pickup, and garden path maintenance at the historic site.
John Legend
Monday, April 28 at the Landmark Theatre. Two decades of chart-topping music in an intimate concert setting.
May
Maker Faire Syracuse
Saturday, May 2 at the Micron Center of Progress Building, NYS Fairgrounds. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fifth annual Maker Faire, the largest STEAM event in Central New York. Robotics, 3D printing, traditional crafts, art, and engineering. Family-friendly with interactive exhibits.
Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl
Tuesday, May 5 starting at Wolff’s Biergarten.
Syracuse University Commencement
Sunday, May 10, 9:30 a.m. at the JMA Wireless Dome. Speaker: Mike Tirico ’88, NBC Sports broadcaster. First person to call the Super Bowl and host the Winter Olympics in the same year.
Ongoing Through Spring
Onondaga Creekwalk
Open for the season. Paved walking and biking trail connecting downtown Syracuse to Onondaga Lake Park. No major road crossings.
CNY Regional Market
The region’s largest farmers market at the NYS Fairgrounds. Open Saturdays year-round with seasonal outdoor vendors expanding through spring.
Downtown Farmers Market
Clinton Square, Tuesdays with live music. Seasonal start announced on the Downtown Syracuse Committee website.
THE SPRING CALENDAR
BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTIONS
VENUES TO KNOW
What to Know
- Wine Festival: April 18 at Oncenter, $30-40, 40+ vendors
- & Juliet Broadway: April 21-26 at Landmark Theatre
- Star Wars in Concert with Syracuse Orchestra: April 25, two shows
- John Legend: April 28 at Landmark
- Maker Faire: May 2 at Fairgrounds, largest STEAM event in CNY
- SU Commencement: May 10, Mike Tirico speaking
- Creekwalk and farmers markets open for the season
Hero photo: Armory Square Historic District, Syracuse (Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA). Sources: Visit Syracuse, Empire State Wine Events, Maker Faire Syracuse, Syracuse University Commencement.
