Mamacita's Spanish Fusion, which will have a stand on Restaurant Row at the New York State Fair this year, is just one of nearly 30 newcomers bringing their food and drinks to the 13-day festival. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/DOtuKh

At The Haven Resort in Chittenango, guests can stay in suites that feature private window walls overlooking an enclosed pen of either tigers or lions and, now, in glamping tents overlooking a savanna dotted with zebras, giraffes and other animals. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/KEF7y6

CNY Jazz in the City's final summer public health awareness concert will celebrate the cultural and economic contributions of our Hispanic community, Thursday, August 20 from 6-9 p.m. at La Casita on Otisco Street. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Final Jazz in the City concert moves to new location in Syracuse

CNY Jazz in the City finishes its summer concert series at a new location in Syracuse’s Near Westside district.

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Sad news about a great Syracusan: Mark Cass, the longtime leader of Syracuse’s Northside Learning Center, who helped build it into a home for New American families and a launchpad for young leaders, has died. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Syracuse mourns the man who mentored hundreds of New Americans and helped lift up the North Side

Mark Cass "was a reminder of how much more rich and interesting life can be when you get out of your little bubble.”

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800 pounds of butter have arrived in Syracuse to be shaped into this year's New York State Fair butter sculpture, which will be on display during the entirety of the fair. The design will be revealed next Tuesday, August 25, the day before the fair opens. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/5eEGdS

See photos from the Syracuse Latino Festival, which brought together the local Hispanic community for a full day of food, music, arts and cultural celebration at Clinton Square Saturday. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/LBBBw6

The Skaneateles Festival returned for its 47th season. The festival’s 2026 Emerging Artists in Residence, the Terra String Quartet, performs tonight, Monday, Aug. 17, at 6 p.m. at the Carriage House Theatre in Auburn. The season finale takes place Saturday. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/Z1I2lM

No big festivals this week, but plenty to do with Blueprint 15's block party, 315 Thursdays, CNY Jazz's Latin Night at La Casita, an early dance party for grown-ups, a Syracuse Urban Gardens Tour and more: www.thisiscny.com/things-to-do...

Indigo Girls, final ‘Bark in the Park,’ Anthony Rodia: 18 things to do this week in Central NY

A quieter week in Central New York offers a respite before the State Fair begins.

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@jaredpaventi.com didn't go to Brick House Billiards in North Syracuse to play pool. He went because it has built a not-so-quiet reputation for a certain pasta dish. The menu also includes hulking burgers, flatbread pizzas, salads and pub-style starters. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/hZNbO8

New restaurant Hangry Chicken has already received a very warm reception from customers, selling out multiple times. Their Hangry Clucker features two hot honey oil-dipped chicken tenders under a smash burger. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/Z0Gstw

“Carousel,” now onstage in an incandescent production at The Rev, holds a special place in theater history. The show runs through August 29 at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn. Critic Len Fonte found spectacular choreography, suburb performers and “sumptuous and spare” scenic design.

Auburn’s The Rev takes an emotional whirl on ‘Carousel’ (review)

Lovingly mounted and beautifully sung, The Rev’s “Carousel” is a fascinating take on a classic musical.

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Next week, Beak & Skiff opens its newest attraction, Apple Grove Adventure Park, a $1 million expansion with a giant farm slide, zipline, petting zoo, farm-themed playgrounds, jumping pillows and a retired fire truck. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/dct24b

Franklin Fry, executive director of Redhouse Arts Center since 2023, will be stepping away for personal reasons. Providing Central New York theatergoers with creative, accessible and affordable options has become the heart of Redhouse, Fry said. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/Mu8LvG

Every summer, tens of thousands of #NYSFair visitors willingly stand in one of the fairgrounds’ longest lines for something they could make at home: a $1 baked potato. Tully’s Good Times has been selected to take over the potato booth. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/OAyLio

Pompey Rod & Gun Club raised $47,000 through its 6th annual Clear Path 100 Trap Shoot. The funding helps Clear Path for Veterans provide direct services, peer support, wellness programs, and other resources that help veterans and their families thrive. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/SoBxa_

The culinary scene in Manlius continues to grow. After a year of work, Jeff Steigerwald has turned a former bank into Steigs Grillhouse, a restaurant, bar and butcher shop built around a family meat business. The restaurant opens Wednesday, Aug. 12. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/NXsJ4G

Two young entrepreneurs have grown a Kool-Aid stand into a small business with guidance from Curve the Curb, a nonprofit group that teaches children financial literacy and steers them away from negative influences. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/kp9huc

Check our weekly 'things to do' list for details about the Madison-Bouckville Antiques & Collectibles Show, celebrations of Latino and Jewish culture, performances by national and regional artists, four plays and musicals, a community art project and more. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/bYA_DE

Costco has a fervent fanbase and seems genuinely interested in seeking new ways to provide value to its customers. Perhaps nowhere is this better displayed than the food court, @jakepucci.bsky.social says. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/gvZs61

Colorful and customizable dirty sodas offer a fun alternative for people looking for drinks without alcohol or coffee. The craze has reached Central New York. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/eyMp4j

Is your house a star? 🎬 Producers of an independent feature filming in Syracuse are looking for a "mid-century-inspired residence with warm, natural elements to serve as the centerpiece of the film,” said the movie's location manager. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Syracuse film seeks mid-century home with ‘warmth’ as main location

Filming takes place from mid-September through October.

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Skaneateles has an independent bookstore for the first time in more than a decade: All My Friends Books opened July 31 on East Genesee Street. It is the second location for owner Haley Flannery; Cortland is the first. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/5Xjv9c

The Town of Camillus offers new and lifelong Central New Yorkers a strong, close-knit community with a rich history, family-friendly atmosphere, quaint village and wide range of recreation options. Explore it in our latest neighborhood profile: this-is-cny.visitlink.me/PE4vzd

The longtime president of the now-disbanded Syracuse Cinephile Society is launching a series of classic film screenings at The Palace Theatre. The first double feature is set for Sept. 27. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Syracuse’s Palace Theater will host new classic film series starting this fall

Gerry Orlando launches classic film double features at the Palace Theatre, replacing the disbanded Cinephile Society.

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By the second bite, Charlie Miller wasn’t wondering why Fair Deli Market puts pistachios on a turkey sandwich. He was wondering why more delis don’t. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/GnHMr6

Tonight (Thursday, Aug. 6, 5-9 p.m.) 315 Thursdays returns: free live music, local artists, great food and a summer dance party in Syracuse's Hanover Square. The line up tonight: DJ Joe Driscoll; Ashley Cox – Jagged: A Tribute to Alanis Morissette; The Seven Wonders – A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

Friday night, Brew at the Zoo goers can stroll @syracusezoo.bsky.social while sampling 100+ craft beers, wines, canned specialty cocktails and NA beverages. The annual event supports the zoo's mission to provide exceptional animal care and conserve wildlife. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/WrGQKf

Corey Bruce, who has been selling his baked goods at the Central New York Regional Market for a decade, suspected the Eastwood neighborhood was craving high-quality, handmade bread. By the looks of early foot traffic, he was right. this-is-cny.visitlink.me/2nJh0x

It had been nearly 20 years since Tori Amos last played Syracuse. Judging by the roar that greeted her Monday night at the Landmark Theatre, fans had been waiting every one of them. At a time when many artists write songs with viral moments in mind, Amos continues to build worlds instead.

After 20 years away, Tori Amos brought Syracuse fans to their feet with a performance that felt like coming home

After almost 20 years, the singer-songwriter returned to the Landmark Theatre.

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There wasn’t much planning involved. Within 48 hours, 15 musicians from bands across Central New York were shoulder to shoulder inside a Tipperary Hill landmark Sunday, joining a worldwide tribute to Glen Hansard. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Syracuse musicians got one text. 48 hours later, an Irish pub was singing together (video)

Musicians from different bands gathered Sunday in a surprise pop-up to pay tribute to Irish musician and actor Glen Hansard.

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