Liverpool - Annual Events

JUNE
A Taste of Syracuse
Everyone likes food and this two-day event allows you to sample cuisine from a number of local eateries - but all in one place! Over 50 restaurants and 15 wineries (Syracuse is the eastern anchor to the famed Finger Lakes winery district) participate and while you are nibbling and sipping, you can enjoy musical performances including national headliners as well as a nightly fireworks display.
Downtown Syracuse, Syracuse
Admission: A few pounds to get in, tickets strips for food and beverages.

MID JUNE
Hot Air Balloon Festival
For three days during the second weekend in June, Jamesville Beach Park serves as the host of this annual festival. Balloons are launched at about 6:00 am and 6:00 pm daily; in between there is continuous musical entertainment, food, and games. Hot air balloon rides are also available and for the more timid - tethered rides that lift you off the ground - but not too far!
Jamesville beach park, Jamesville (315) 451-PARK
Admission: $3/ £1.65 adults, kids <12 free

JULY
Great American Antiquefest
Set in beautiful Onondaga Lake Park, this antiques extravaganza is an annual event that features well over 200 dealers of antiques and collectibles. Entertainment and food available.
106 Lake Dr, Liverpool 315-457-6954

MID JULY
NYS Rhythm & Blues Festival
This annual music extravaganza is held in downtown. Multiple venues have national and North-east artists playing over 4 days.
Clinton Square, Syracuse
Admission: ~$40/ £21.76 for full pass.

MID JULY
Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival
Nearly 200 vendors selling a wide range of art and craft items. Continuous live entertainment and activities for kids.
Columbus Circle, Syracuse (315) 422-8284

AUGUST
The Great New York State Fair
Running from the end of August into the first week of September, this is the biggest local event. Top acts, fairway rides, farm animals, exhibits, rodeos, and more.
NY State Fairgrounds, Syracuse (315) 487-7711
Hours: 8am - midnight
Admission: $7/ £ 3.80 at the gate Homepage

OCTOBER
LaFayette Apple Festival
This is one of the grand-daddys of all apple festivals and is held just south of Syracuse every October on Columbus weekend. Central New York has the second largest apple harvest in the nation - and this festival celebrates that. Apple pies, cakes, and fritters - all washed down with, what else, apple cider, are the featured foods (you can still find hamburgers, hot dogs, etc.). You'll also find nearly 300 crafters. With over 100,000 visitors this is a BIG event and you can run into some traffic tie-ups. Consider arriving early or utilizing shuttles (there's even a train shuttle from Syracuse).
Cicero (315) 677-3644

DECEMBER
Dicken's Christmas
Just a short drive from Syracuse you'll find beautiful Skaneateles, located along the finger lake of the same name. Beginning on the Friday after Thanksgiving and occuring every weekend through Christmas, step back in time to the days of merry old England. Free street theater, free carriage rides - even free roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate - await you via this innovative way to celebrate the season and encourage visitors to do their Christmas shopping in local boutiques. Keep an eye out for Father Christmas, Scrooge and Mother Goose!
Skaneateles (315) 685-2268
Admission: Free

DECEMBER
Holiday Festival of Trees
Held at the Everson Museum of Art, this festival is a museum fundraiser. It showcases over 100 trees and wreaths decorated and donated by local businesses and artists. You'll find a mixture of the traditional and the way-out (a plastic-wrapped tree?) all for sale to the highest bidder. Lots of local entertainment - community choruses and budding performing artists - are on hand to provide a musical backdrop to the event. Check out the unique gift merchandise and special children's activities.
401 Harrison St., Syracuse (315) 474-6064
Admission: $3/ £1.65 adults, $2 children

DECEMBER
Lights on the Lake
Beginning Thanksgiving week and running through New Year's weekend, Onondaga Lake Park is decorated with a drive or walk-through holiday light display. A perennial favorite.
106 Lake Dr, Liverpool (315) 437-5627
Hours: 5pm - 10pm
Admission: $6/ £3.27 per car

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