Start your week off by gathering your most musically inclined friends for Rock & Roll Bingo Music Trivia on Monday. Then head down to the Landmark Theatre on Tuesday to experience the music of Jimi Hendrix.
Need some good laughs? On Thursday, see stand-up comedy from Nate Jackson, then on Sunday catch actor and comedian Tom Green. A number of theatrical performances take place on Friday to kick off a full weekend, only made sweeter with maple syrup-focused celebrations.
Lean into your fandom at the Syracuse Collectors Con, take in a film-in-concert by The Syracuse Orchestra honoring a successful native son of Syracuse, put wings on and head down to Ithaca for Fairy Fest and go for the arts and crafts at Greystone Castle and stay for the dungeon tour.
The bar at Bullfinch Brewpub, Syracuse, NY (Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gmail.com)Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gma
MONDAY
Rock & Roll Bingo Music Trivia
Want to test your rock music knowledge? Bullfinch Brewpub has just the thing for you: DJ Topher from The DJ Company brings you four games of all-audio-clue music trivia each Monday night and it’s free to play.
Where: 306 Hiawatha Boulevard W., Syracuse
When: Monday, March 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Central Rock Gym in Syracuse's Franklin Square boasts 16,000 square feet of climbing terrain on walls up to 45 feet tall.SYR
TUESDAY
Womxn’s Climbing Night
Central Rock Gym hosts Womxn’s Climbing night on the last Tuesday of every month and it’s open to all women and non-binary individuals. Climbers at any level of experience are welcome to join a chill bouldering session and meetup. This is a non-instructional event, so first-timers are encouraged to sign up for an Intro to Belay class before attending.
Where: 600 N. Franklin Street, Syracuse
When: Tuesday, March 25, from 7-8 p.m.
How much: Free for members, $25 for non-members as part of the price of a day pass. $8 for equipment rental (harness, shoes and a belay device). Sign up through Central Rock Gym’s website.
‘Experience Hendrix’
A touring multi-artist concert celebrating the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix makes a stop in Syracuse at the Landmark Theatre Tuesday. Covering The Jimi Hendrix Experience songs and sprinkling in tunes by other blues artists, a lineup of all-star musicians channels the energy and soul of the late star’s work. Performers include Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Marcus King, Devon Allman, Dylan Triplett, Orlando Wright and more.
Where: 362 S. Salina Street, Syracuse
When: Tuesday, March 25 at 8 p.m.
How much: $30 to $231. Tickets available online.
Vanessa Collier played a sold-out show at the 443 Social Club in Syracuse in October. Photo by Neil DaleySYR
WEDNESDAY
The Barndogs
The Barndogs, one of CNY’s favorite classic rock bands, takes the stage at The 443 Social Club & Lounge. The four-piece band plays ‘60s and ‘70s tunes by Cream, The Doors, The Allman Brothers and more at venues all across the region. Must be 18+ to attend.
Where: 443 Burnet Avenue, Syracuse
When: Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
How much: $17.79, includes online fee. Tickets available online.
The Hops Spot at 116 Walton St. in Syracuse's Armory Square.Don Cazentre
Trivia night at The Hops Spot
Put together a team or head down solo to The Hops Spot for a night full of trivia. Test your knowledge while enjoying some good food and drinks. Orange Trivia hosts in the game room each Wednesday, which also happens to be the night the restaurant features $1.50 duck wings.
Where: 116 Walton Street, Syracuse
When: Wednesday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m.
How much: Free to play.
THURSDAY
SU Senior Fashion Show
View apparel designs by future tastemakers at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse Thursday. Seniors in the Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts fashion design program will showcase their collections to an open audience for the first time.
Where: 350 W. Fayette Street, 7th floor, Syracuse
When: Thursday, March 27 at 3 p.m.
How much: Free. Reserve your spot on Eventbrite.
Nate Jackson: Super Funny World Tour
Nate Jackson, who has exploded as one of the fastest growing comedians through his viral content and remarkable engagement on TikTok, is bringing his jokes and crowd work to the Crouse Hinds Theater Thursday. Jackson has appeared on “Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ’N Out” (MTV), “All Def Comedy” (HBO), Kevin Hart’s “Hart of the City” (Comedy Central). Must be 16+ to attend.
Where: 411 Montgomery Street, Syracuse
When: Thursday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m.
How much: $33 to $128. Tickets available for purchase online.
Drinks at The Gilded Club, Syracuse, N.Y. (Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gmail.com)Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gma
Cocktails & Crafts Workshop
Join Right Mind Syracuse for a cocktail-making class at Gilded Club Thursday. Pick up some fun facts about the history of the Irish Coffee Martini as you learn to make it. While you’re sipping on your hand-crafted cocktail, a host artist will guide you through a craft workshop to paint a ceramic shamrock trinket dish. Must be 21+ to attend.
Where: 415 S. Clinton Street, Syracuse
When: Thursday, March 27 from 6 to 8 p.m.
How much: $46. Tickets available online.
The tasting room at ONCO Fermentations, 397 State Route 281, near the Tully exit off Interstate 81. The brewery plans to open March 16.
Pints & Poses
Instructor Susan Marie leads a flow and restore yoga session at ONCO Fermentations’ tasting room Thursday evening. The class is meant for all levels and includes a drink of your choice afterward or you can take a can home. Spaces are limited, and attendees should bring their own mat (and blocks if possible).
Where: 397 NY Route 281, Suite O, Tully
When: Thursday, March 27 at 5:30
How much: $16. Register in advance.
FRIDAY
‘Shakespeare in Hollywood’
You don’t have to wait until summer to see Syracuse Shakespeare In-The-Park, with performances of Ken Ludwig’s “Shakespeare in Hollywood” starting Friday at Jazz Central. The play drops two of the bard’s most famous fairies, Oberon and Puck, onto the set of the 1934 Warner Brothers film “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The comic romp won the Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical in 2004. Runs through April 6.
Where: 441 E. Washington Street, Syracuse
When: Friday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m.
How much: $32.90 for general admission, $27.70 for seniors and students (high school/college), $22.50 for those affiliated with or attending Syracuse University; prices include online fees. Tickets available online.
‘What the Moon Saw, or ‘I Only Appear to Be Dead’’
Explore the past through the lens of fairytales in the Friday night preview of SU Department of Drama’s latest show. Inspired by the work of Hans Christian Andersen, this play examines the aftermath of 9/11 with contemporary, urban takes on five of the writer’s classic stories. Performances run through April 6.
Where: 820 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse
When: Friday, March 28, at 8 p.m.
How much: $25 for adults, $15 for college students and children 18 and younger. Purchase tickets in advance online.
‘Beyond Therapy’
The thespians of CNY Playhouse take on this farce on a Friday opening night. The show’s plot centers around two neurotic Manhattanites searching for love and sanity, with the questionable help of their offbeat therapists. When the play, written by Christopher Durang, opened off-Broadway in 1981, Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Collins played the leads; when it moved to Broadway a year later, Dianne Wiest and John Lithgow starred. CNY Playhouse’s production runs through April 5.
Where: 116 W. Glen Avenue, Syracuse
When: Friday, March 28 at 7 p.m.
How much: Adult general admission $22, children 12 and under $15, seniors 65+ $17. Purchase your tickets online.
SATURDAY
Syracuse Collectors Con
Professional actors, voice actors, wrestlers, comic book artists and a stuntman will appear at the Center of Progress Building at the NYS Fairgrounds this weekend for CNY’s largest show featuring comics, toys, gaming, collectibles, art and pop culture. Browse 90-plus vendors, play in the gaming area, watch live wrestling, take photos with anime race cars and a Jurassic Park jeep, enter the cosplay contest or splurge on time with the celebrity guests. The show continues Sunday, March 30.
Where: 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse
When: Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: One-day adult general admission $20, two-day adult general admission $30, one-day military general admission (must show military ID or proof of service), children 12 and under free with paid adult. Purchase tickets at the Con’s website.
Central New York natives and American Songbook Competition winners Nick Ziobro and Julia Goodwin will channel some of the great performers of the past, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole, when they join Symphoria for “De-Lovely” Feb. 13.Submitted photo
Jimmy Van Heusen – Swingin’ in Hollywood with Frank and Friends
The Syracuse Orchestra, with guest vocalists Nick Ziobro and Julia Goodwin, will bring the songs of Jimmy Van Heusen to life at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater Saturday evening. Van Heusen, a Syracuse native and Oscar-winning songwriter, was a fighter plane test pilot, created some of the most beloved melodies of the Great American Songbook and had a long, fruitful musical partnership with Frank Sinatra. Blending film clips with live performance, the show will tell the story of Van Heusen’s life. The performance will last approximately two hours, including a 20-minute intermission.
Where: 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse
When: Saturday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
How much: $24-$80. Visit The Syracuse Orchestra’s website to choose your seats.
Canastota's Greystone Castle will be hosting its Outdoor Summer Festival on June 3-4, 2023.
Spring into Arts and Crafts & Dungeon Tours
Greystone Castle will host its annual arts and crafts fair this weekend. Explore three floors of artisans and have farm-to-truck fare from Brake from the Grind food truck. The first two floors of the castle are accessible, the top floor and dungeon tour are accessed by stairs. Cash only at the door; show continues Sunday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 201 N. Main Street, Canastota
When: Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: General admission $5, seniors (65+) $4. The dungeon tour is $3 for adults and $2 for kids under 12.
Samples of maple syrup sit on the window sill of Critz Farms' sugar house in Cazenovia, N.Y. in March 2012. Frank Ordonez | The Post-Standard
Maple Syrup Celebration
A sure sign of spring? Maple syrup events such as Critz Farms’ celebration Saturday. Take a wagon ride through the trees to the maple sugarbush and an informational tour of the Sugar House to learn about the process. Sit down to the breakfast buffet between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and let your kids play in the children’s areas. The Critz Farms Brewing and Cider Co. Tap Room will be open and serving seasonal drinks and year-round favorites. Check their website for additional dates.
Where: 3232 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia
When: Saturday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How much: Free to attend. All-you-can-eat breakfast buffet: $4.95 for children 3-7, $8.25 for children 8-12, $11.95 for adults and children over 12.
Maple syrup produced by FFA students was a highlight of the school's annual Maple Weekend pancake breakfast and tour at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School, Verona, N.Y. Gary Walts | gwalts@syracuse.com
VVS FFA Maple Weekend
Head to the Vernon Verona Sherrill High School gym Saturday to celebrate local agriculture and taste the hard work and dedication that high school students put into producing pure maple syrup. Enjoy freshly made pancakes topped with VVS Future Farmers of America’s very own maple syrup, a variety of maple products, pancake art demonstrations and guided tours of the maple sap house to see the syrup-making process in action. A highlight of the weekend is the official 2025 Tree Tapping Ceremony on Sunday, March 30, at 11 a.m.
Where: 5275 State Route 31, Verona
When: Saturday, March 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the breakfast, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for tours and open house
How much: $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and children under 12, free for kids 5 and under.
Dutch Hill Maple Weekend
The Dutch Hill Maple Sugarhouse will host an open house this weekend. Take a “Storybook” self-guided tour, enjoy treats such as maple cream donuts, maple cotton, maple coffee and more, and purchase your favorite maple items. Raffles and a food drive will benefit the Food Bank of Central New York. There will be demonstrations if time allows. The open house continues Sunday, March 30 during the same hours.
Where: 1275 Woodmancy Road, Tully
When: Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Kitten Shower
Join Girl Scout Troop #10006 in volunteering at the CNY SPCA Saturday. Help make fun DIY toys for kittens, donate much-needed items from their registry, and learn about fostering kittens. CNY SPCA provides a safe haven for animals and offers resources to pet owners.
Where: 5878 E. Molloy Road, Syracuse
When: Saturday, March 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How much: Free. The donation wish list is online.
GROW exhibit opening
Be one of the first to experience the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology’s newest exhibit on its opening day Saturday. GROW looks at agricultural science and food systems in Central New York, with themes of sustainability, food production and nutrition. Interactive components include a pretend farmers market, tactile crop field showcasing the “three sisters,” and a tractor and trailer. The exhibit will expand this summer.
Where: 500 S. Franklin Street, Syracuse
When: Saturday, March 29. Museum is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Admission is just $1 to celebrate the grand opening. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on site.
Fairy Festprovided photo
Fairy Fest
Celebrate the magical in downtown Ithaca Saturday. This is the fourth year of the family-friendly event, with more than 30 local businesses and nonprofits hosting different activities such as face painting, circus classes and scavenger hunts, as well as craft sessions to make wands, paper dolls, potion mixes, flower crowns and more. Restaurants and bakeries will have specials and a Faerie Market with local makers takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Buffalo Street Books. All ages are welcome, and attendees are encouraged to dress as a fairy, elf or woodland creature — there will be a cosplay contest hosted by Riverwood Toys. Event will take place rain/snow or shine.
Where: Multiple locations, start at Cayuga and Green streets, Ithaca
When: Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How much: Most activities are free; others may have a small fee.
The Schweinfurth Art Center, left, and the Cayuga Museum of History and Art, right, are joining to offer emerging Central New York artists a unique opportunity to have exhibitions in both institutions simultaneously. The collaboration is part of the West End Arts Campus, which is included in Auburn's $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
SUNDAY
Ukrainian Embroidery Workshop
The Cayuga Museum of History & Art will host a workshop Sunday that explores the basics of a Ukrainian embroidery style called kolodocky. Confident beginners and more experienced artists will learn stitches, tips and techniques as they work on a flower design framed in a wooden hoop. Reservations are required and supplies will be provided.
Where: 203 Genesee St., Auburn
When: Sunday, March 30 from 1 to 4 p.m.
How much: $40 for general admission, $35 for museum members. Register here.
Torrance Jackson doing his stand-up comedy routine at the Funny Bone nightclub at Destiny USA mall in Syracuse.
Clash of the Comics
The Funny Bone is hosting a competition for local aspiring comedians Sunday. Support contestants competing for a cash prize and a possible place in the comedy club’s host rotation. Must be 21+ to attend and have a valid ID.
Where: 10301 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse
When: Sunday, March 30 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m.
How much: $10. Purchase tickets online.
Tom Green Live Comedy Tour
Put your bum on a chair for this Sunday evening show starring Tom Green at the Hangar Theatre. Canadian comedian Green is best known for his unpredictable “The Tom Green Show” on MTV and several early 2000s comedies. Ithaca-based comedian Kenneth McLaurin will open. McLaurin performs across Upstate New York, teaches stand-up and funny storytelling, and performs with his vocalist wife, SingTrece, as Singing Notes and Slinging Jokes.
Where: 801 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca
When: Sunday, March 30 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.
How much: $40. Purchase tickets in advance online.