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.

thisiscny.com

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.

thisiscny.com

We’ve got another packed week of summer fun ahead in Central New York. Find the details on the CNY Scottish Games, Tori Amos, Cole Swindell, Fetty Wap, Shakespeare-in-the-Park, Towpath Day and more: www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Fetty Wap, Tori Amos, CNY Scottish Games: 20 things to do in Syracuse this week

The CNY Scottish Games return this weekend for their 83rd year.

thisiscny.com

At Isla Caribbean Cuisine, reviewer @jaredpaventi.com found the laid-back vibe and diversity of flavors provide a space where both a formal dinner and grazing from the shareable starters is acceptable.

From bacalaitos to mofongo, Isla Caribbean Cuisine rewards adventurous diners (Dining Out Review)

A menu built on Caribbean comfort dishes rewards curious diners

thisiscny.com

We share positive stories about the Central New York region and guides to living your best life here.

Yelp took a deep-fried dive into thousands of state fair reviews to identify the top 10 fairs across the country for festival food. The New York State Fair ranked No. 4 just behind three Midwest entries. This year’s New York State Fair runs Aug. 26 through Sept. 7. www.thisiscny.com/things-to-do...

The New York State Fair is one of the country’s best state fairs for food, new ranking says

The fair runs Aug. 26 through Sept. 7.

thisiscny.com

Tomorrow is expected to be dry and nearly 90 degrees in the Syracuse area, so why not visit a local beach for a refreshing dip? 🌊 We've rounded up more than 20 municipal, county and state parks with public access and all you need to know before you go. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Syracuse swimming guide: Find Central New York lakes and waterfalls open for public swims

Cool off at these parks, all within 60-90 minutes of Syracuse, offering public swimming in Central New York lakes and waterfalls.

thisiscny.com

Did you know green spaces in urban areas have been shown to improve mental well-being and enhance the social ties between neighbors? 🌳 James Pass Arboretum, the City of Syracuse's only official arboretum, has received internationally recognized accreditation after recent improvements were made.

More than a place to walk your dog, Syracuse park receives international recognition

James Pass Arboretum is officially the city's only accredited arboretum.

thisiscny.com

Reviewer Lily Byrne says Cortland Rep's "Annie" is one of those shows that even people who dislike musicals will like. The theater's choices in costuming and sets doubled down on the dreaminess of the plot. "Annie" runs through Aug. 14. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

‘Annie’ at Cortland Rep: Go see it tomorrow, tomorrow (theater review)

“Annie” is one of those shows that even people who dislike musicals will like.

thisiscny.com

Whether you need some fun in the sun, a place for kids to burn off energy or relief from a too-warm house, there are many pools, beaches and waterfalls within 60-90 minutes of Syracuse. See 10 public pools worth checking out when you need a refreshing dip on a sunny day.

Syracuse swim guide: Find Central New York pools open for public swimming

Cool off at these public pools in the City of Syracuse and nearby towns and villages. They are free to use or cost $10 or less per visit.

thisiscny.com

Charlie Miller continues his quest to spotlight special sandwiches around Syracuse. At Green Hills Farms Market in the Valley, he found a heck of a deal on a nearly 4-pound build-your-own panini. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Syracuse Sandwiches: I’m bad at math, but the Green Hills $16.99 panini makes no sense

The Valley grocery store turns a pound of chicken into nearly four pounds of lunch for the same price.

thisiscny.com

In honor of its 40th anniversary in 2027, syracuse.com | The Post-Standard Medallion Treasure Hunt organizers are looking for your favorite memories and funny stories about participating in the hunt. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Share Syracuse Treasure Hunt memories and receive an exclusive 40th anniversary sticker

The Post-Standard team will be at Salt City Market on July 29 from noon to 2 p.m. to collect memories from four decades of the beloved winter tradition.

thisiscny.com

Oompa Loompyas, which has made a name for itself on the local food truck scene for more than five years with its Filipino fusion menu, is working to open a ghost kitchen in Mattydale. www.thisiscny.com/food/2026/07...

Popular Syracuse food truck finalizing plans to open ghost kitchen in Mattydale

Oompa Loompyas has been dishing up Filipino fusion street food since 2020.

thisiscny.com

Pavone's Pizza has been serving slices at 349 S. Warren Street in downtown Syracuse for 46 years. Johnathan Croyle dug into the history of the five-story building, which has lived many lives since 1889. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

This downtown pizza shop building boasts 135 years of Syracuse history

The five-story building at 349 South Warren Street is one of downtown Syracuse's oldest retail buildings.

thisiscny.com

It’s hard to leave the New York State Fair empty-handed. Do you have State Fair memorabilia kicking around the house? We want to hear about them. The older or weirder the better. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Do you have great old New York State Fair stuff? We want to hear your best souvenir stories

We are looking for stories and photos about any old New York State Fair memorabilia you might have.

thisiscny.com

This week has two major concerts, featuring country music megastar Tim McGraw at the Amp Plus, the return of the Skaneateles and Macedonian festivals, events showcasing local artists, a history hike and more. www.thisiscny.com/things-to-do...

Usher and Chris Brown, Tim McGraw, Macedonian Festival: 15 things to do in Central NY

Concerts by Tim McGraw and Chris Brown and Usher highlight this week's list,

thisiscny.com

The Neat Whiskey Bar in Jamesville is a bar first, but small tweaks in the kitchen could make it an even stronger destination for people seeking bold flavors from both food and drink. Review by @jaredpaventi.com www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Potent Potables: Cocktails shine at Jamesville’s Neat Whiskey Bar (Dining Out Review)

A tucked‑away bar with serious cocktail ambition and a small but evolving menu.

thisiscny.com

Harborfest, which runs now through Sunday evening, is a music-filled, family friendly festival that is the heart and soul of summer in Oswego. But Harborfest also serves as something of a reunion weekend for this city of 17,000. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

After a long, snowy winter, Oswego is ready to party for Harborfest 2026

A beloved Oswego tradition kicked off from Franklin Square Park on Friday morning with giant puppets, a sea of strollers and countless kids dressed in red, white and blue.

thisiscny.com

“Art is spontaneous. Art is inspired. Art is a solely human endeavor.” www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

In this strange age of AI, Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival celebrates human artistry

From functional items to decorative fine art, handmade goods from artists and crafters hailing from 23 states and Mexico are on display.

thisiscny.com

One of CNY’s oldest businesses received a special honor. “Heid’s is a beloved local restaurant and a cultural landmark that has served generations of Central New Yorkers and visitors to the Onondaga Lake area for over a century,” Historic Business Preservation Registry's website said.

Heid’s of Liverpool added to New York’s historic business registry

The beloved hot dog stand dates to 1917.

thisiscny.com

“Sometimes it’s simply believing in the region and creating more opportunity. That’s our philosophy,” said Ray Halbritter, CEO of Turning Stone Enterprises and a representative of Oneida Indian Nation. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

See inside Turning Stone’s new hotel and fine dining restaurant, part of $400 million expansion

Ray Halbritter gave an early tour of the new hotel and restaurant, calling the expansion "our most ambitious."

thisiscny.com

Central New York is not exactly hurting for places to get pizza and wings. So if you’re going to open a new spot, you might as well do something different. Nick Ford, co-owner of CrisPi in North Syracuse, describes what they're serving as a Boston bar-style tavern pizza.

First Look: CNY didn’t need another pizza-and-wing shop. Then CrisPi opened

The new pizza shop opened Monday in what used to be Pies Guys.

thisiscny.com

Syracuse’s Puerto Rican Festival returns on July 24-25 for its sixth year, themed around Festival de las Flores de Aibonito, Puerto Rico’s flower festival. The family-oriented event is open to all. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Vibrant Puerto Rican Festival returns to Syracuse with flower festival theme

Syracuse’s Puerto Rican Festival returns with a flower theme, cultural performances, community events and activities for all ages.

thisiscny.com

Phish performed for an over-capacity crowd at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse on Tuesday night, marking the band’s third appearance at the venue. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Swimming with Phish: 18,000 fans dance at rainy Syracuse concert (review, photos, setlist)

When the rain started pouring down, everyone cheered.

thisiscny.com

Harborfest, which is free to attend, takes place in five locations in Oswego, with a carnival, live music, a water ski show, food and shopping, plus its famous fireworks display.

Oswego’s beloved 4-day festival, Harborfest, starts Thursday with new life, leadership

More than 30 bands will perform at festival known for its fireworks.

thisiscny.com

Proceeds from food and beverage sales at Clinton Square's free Friday night concerts support 727 Instrumental, a fund that provides music lessons and instruments to Syracuse students who can't buy their own. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Party in the Square: Free Syracuse concerts will help buy instruments for local kids

Free concerts will take place at Clinton Square to raise money to support Syracuse student music programs.

thisiscny.com

For those craving a cocktail dripping in cookies, candies, sauces and sprinkles, the wait is over. The Peacock bar and restaurant has reopened, now in Syracuse's Inner Harbor. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Syracuse’s Peacock Bar returns with outrageous cocktails, new Inner Harbor home

The original Cicero location closed in spring 2024.

thisiscny.com

Whispers about a mysterious “Bird Thawing Event” at Megaton Games circulated around Syracuse and on social media a few weeks ago. Hundreds of people from all over showed up for the odd but wholesome event Friday. www.thisiscny.com/living/2026/...

Yes, they thawed that bird in Syracuse today. Yes, it was weird

If you believe, He will be freed.

thisiscny.com