Central New Yorkers have many great options of what to do with their time this Saturday. Monster Jam, Syracuse Wine Fest, International Taste Fest and three other entertaining events are all on the same day.
Monster Jam is a family-friendly event that features 12,000-pound monster trucks competing in competitions of speed and skill. Attendees can watch fan-favorites like Grave Digger, JCB DIGatron Megalodon and more complete in stunts, backflips, racing and head-to-head battles.
If you’re looking for something less intense than Monster Jam, there are two great festivals for food and drink. You can enjoy unlimited samples of wine, spirits and specialty food from throughout the state’s wine regions at the Syracuse Wine Festival. The International Taste Fest is taking place too. Try tastes and traditions from different countries and cultures while enjoying diverse, local entertainment. Each vendor has a $2 sample item.
Know of an event that you would like to see featured on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at features@syracuse.com
Monday
Grand Opening of Bash Potato
Try a baked potato whipped with butter, cheese and lots of other topping options at the newest restaurant in the Destiny USA food court. Bash Potato serves the one pound potatoes in custom options like a Philly steak and cheese or chicken parmesan, or you can build your own.
Where: 1 Destiny USA Drive
When: 11 a.m.
How much: $8 - $11
Local Author Showcase
Hear from a local panel of authors about their personal experiences as authors and the ins and outs of publishing during this showcase at Liverpool Library. After the panel discussion guests will have a chance to talk with the author’s individually. Sparkling cider and cake will be served.
Where: 310 Tulip St, Liverpool
When: 1 p.m.
How much: Free
Wednesday
The Celtic Woman
On their 20th Anniversary Tour, the Celtic Woman will entertain audiences with its blend of traditional and contemporary Irish music that echoes Ireland’s musical and cultural heritage. The group’s albums and DVD releases have been consistent multi-platinum best sellers and now locals can experience their talents at this concert. Click here to purchase tickets.
Where: 411 Montgomery St, Syracuse
When: 7 p.m.
How much: $45-$150
Pressed Flower Earring Workshop
Learn how to make a pair of real pressed flower earrings with different colors and flowers at the Sweat Bar & Bistro inside Elevate Fitness Dewitt. The host, Eliza, will walk attendees through the process. Each person will make two pairs of earrings. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Click here to buy tickets.
Where: 5791 Widewaters Pkwy, Syracuse
When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
How much: $37
Thursday
Pottery and Pour at the Everson
Create coil pottery using one of the earliest techniques for making pots from clay. In this age 21+ workshop participants will learn coiling techniques to make a unique piece of pottery. Snacks and light refreshments will be served and all materials are provided. No previous clay experience is required. Click here to register.
Where: 401 Harrison St, Syracuse
When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
How much: $50
Friday
The Folkus Project: Ruthie Foster
Listen to the versatile and expressive voice of Ruthie Foster, a Texas-based singer and songwriter whose work ranges from gospel, blues, jazz, folk and soul. Foster’s singing has drawn comparisons to greats like Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald. She has won multiple awards, four Grammy nominations and has 12 studio albums. Click here to purchase tickets.
Where: 3800 E. Genesee St, Syracuse
When: 8 p.m.
How much: $25
Saturday
Monster Jam
Come to this family-friendly event that features 12,000-pound monster trucks competing in competitions of speed and skill. Grave Digger, JCB DIGatron Megalodon and more will complete stunts, backflips, racing and head-to-head battles. There will also be driver interviews and an opening ceremony. Click here to purchase tickets.
Where: 900 Irving Avenue, Syracuse
When: Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
How much: From $40
Syracuse Wine Festival
Enjoy unlimited samples of wine, spirits and specialty food from throughout the state’s wine regions. There will also be three food trucks, dancing, chair massages, board game and the popular paint and sip art event. Each attendee will receive a wine glass for sampling that you keep afterwards. There are two sessions and discounted designated driver tickets available. Click here to buy tickets.
Where: 2100 Park St, Syracuse
When: (Session 1) 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Session 2) 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
How much: From $30 ($10 for designated driver)
International Taste Festival
Try tastes and traditions from many different countries and cultures including regions titled “Foods of the Americas,” “Asian Creations,” “Middle Eastern Cuisine,” “Pan African Treats” and “Tastes of Europe.” Every vendor will offer a $2 sample item, along with full priced items. There will also be local, diverse entertainment. Click here to buy tickets.
Where: Center of Progress Building, 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
How much: $5 for presale, $10 the day of event
Salt City Reptile Expo
Come see snakes, lizards, spiders, frogs and more animals at the reptile expo. There are dozens of vendors to explore and you can expect to find animals, reptile supplies, food, bioactive supplies, art and more. Click here to purchase tickets.
Where: 800 S. State St, Syracuse
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: $10 for adults, $5 for kids
Wild Animal Park Chittenango
Visit the lions, alligators, giraffes and many more animals at the season opening of the Wild Animal Park. There are over 40 different animals to view. Food and drinks are available at Jeff’s Jungle Snack Shack located on the grounds, as well as bouncy houses for kids. Click here for more information.
Where: 7621 Lakeport Rd, Chittenango
When: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How much: $20 for adults, $17 for kids 12 and under
Central New York Ballet’s Debut Performance
Watch the Central New York Ballet debut its first major performance ever at the Oncenter Carrier Theatre on Saturday and Sunday. The ballet will perform the iconic fairy tale of Swan Lake Act II and the bold and contemporary Bolero. Click here to purchase tickets.
Where: 411 Montgomery St, Syracuse
When: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
How much: $53
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