NY State Fair continues, Foreigner, SU football returns: 13 things to do this week in Central NY

The New York State Fair enters its full week of attractions, entertainment, and food. If you have not made it out to the Fairgrounds yet, there is still plenty of time to see what all the buzz is about. Legendary rock group Foreigner is playing at the Amphitheater at Lakeview on Saturday as part of their farewell tour. Singer and songwriter Noah Kahan takes the stage on Friday. Away from the Fairgrounds, the Syracuse University football team returns for the 2023 season, kicking off against long-time local rival Colgate. Reggae group The Wailers performs at the Earlville opera House, Circus on Ice arrives at the Palace Theater, and the Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department holds their annual Field Days.

Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at [email protected].

A large prize is carted around during opening day of the New York State Fair, Geddes, N.Y., Wednesday, August 23, 2023Scott Schild | [email protected] Scott Schild | [email protected]

The first full week of the New York State Fair gets underway on Monday. Special Fair Days this week include Law Enforcement and Maple Day on Monday, Beef and Fire and Fire Rescue Day on Tuesday, Wednesday is Women’s Day, Dairy and Armed Forces Day is Thursday, and Friday is Native American Day. Free concerts this week include performances by Ludacris, REO Speedwagon at Suburban Park and Herman’s Hermits, Bret Michaels, and Tommy James and the Shondells at Chevy Court. Purchase your tickets and parking ahead of time at nysfair.ny.gov. Follow all our Fair coverage at www.syracuse.com/statefair/.

Where: 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse

When: The Fair opens everyday through Sept. 4 at 9 a.m.

How much: Admission is $6 for adults. Children 12 and under and seniors 65 and over are free.

The Utica Zoo opens its gates to everyone on Monday for free from 4 to 7 p.m. Stroll their walkways, see the amazing animals, and visit information booths about Utica-area opportunities and organizations. The gift shop and concession stands will be open, but they will charge as normal.

Where: 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica

When: Monday from 4-7 p.m.

How much: Free

The Palace Theater on James Street hosts two performances of Circus on Ice on Monday. Great for families, these shows combine circus acts with beautiful ice skating featuring some of your favorite characters. There will be a meet and greet during intermission for photos. Doors open an hour early before the 4:30 and 7 p.m. shows. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.

Where: 2382 James Street, Syracuse

When: Monday at 4:30 and 7 p.m.

How much: Tickets start at $18.90.

Enjoy live music featuring Walrus, a farmer’s market, food vendors, classic cars, and more at Dr. West Park on Tuesday. The free event starts at 5 p.m. and runs until 8. The fun continues each Tuesday until Sept. 12.

Where: 222 Genesee Street, Chittenango

When: Tuesday from 5-8 p.m.

How much: Free

The final Hanover Thursday of the year features music guests Dark Hollow and Stroke. There will also be a Wildflower vendor village and beer and sandwich stand by Buried Acorn. It starts at 5 p.m.

Where: Hanover Square, Syracuse

When: Thursday at 5 p.m.

How much: Free to attend.

Syracuse’s Gilded Club is hosting a Salsa Night Latin Dance Party on Thursday night. Come strut yourself on the club’s hardwood dance floor from 8 p.m. to midnight. DJ G.I. will be playing music. Entry is $15 at the door. You can also sign up for a Salsa New York Dancy Style class with Geraldo Iglesias at 7 p.m. for $15. You can Venmo the club or Iglesias early to save $5 for either the class or the dance. Must be 18 years and older to enter and 21 and older to drink. Get details on their Facebook page.

Where: 415 South Clinton Street, Syracuse

When: Thursday from 8 p.m. to midnight. Class is 7-8 p.m.

How much: $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

FILE - In this Feb. 6, 2005 file photo, Bunny Wailer performs at the One Love concert to celebrate Bob Marley's 60th birthday, in Kingston, Jamaica. Wailer, a reggae luminary who was the last surviving original member of the legendary group The Wailers, died on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, in his native Jamaica, according to his manager. He was 73. (AP Photo/Collin Reid, File)AP

The legendary reggae group The Wailers will be performing on Friday evening at the Earlville Opera House. “This is your chance to witness the magic of their timeless classics and incredible cuts from Bob Marley’s vast repertoire in a set that is truly unforgettable.” Tickets for the 7 p.m. concert can be purchased at www.earlvilleoperahouse.com. Tickets start at $60. A Pre-show Party Bash, for $40 extra, features food, drinks, and more. It runs from 4-6 p.m. You must be 21 or over for the Party Bash.

Where: 18 East Main Street, Earlville

When: Friday at 7 p.m. Party Bash starts at 4.

How much: Tickets start at $60. Party Bash is $40 more.

Noah Kahan performs on stage at Brooklyn Steel on March 1, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jacqueline Romano/Getty Images)

A few tickets remain for singer and songwriter Noah Kahan’s concerts at the St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview on Friday night. His opening act is Ruston Kelly who takes the stage at 8 p.m. A portion of every ticket sold will support Kahan’s mental health initiative, The Busyhead Project. Tickets can be purchased at Live Nation.

Where: 490 Restoration Way, Syracuse

When: Friday at 8 p.m.

How much: Tickets start at $95, plus fees.

Auburn’s annual Pub Crawl, the State Street Run, is back for another year on Friday. All are welcome to participate in this Auburn tradition. Starting at Parker’s Grille and Tap House at 5 p.m., the crawl continues to 15 bars on or near State Street. T-shirts for $15 are available at Parker’s starting on Monday. For more details, see the event’s Facebook page.

Where: 129 Genesee Street, Auburn

When: Friday at 5 p.m.

How much: Prices vary.

Syracuse Orange defensive back Garrett Williams (8) celebrates after making a tackle for a loss versus N.C. State at the JMA Wireless Dome Oct. 15, 2022. Dennis Nett | [email protected]

The Syracuse University football team kicks off its 2023 season at the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday against longtime CNY rival Colgate. The game starts at 4 p.m. The all-time series between the two schools is deadlocked at 31 wins a piece. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.

Where: 900 Irving Avenue, Syracuse

When: Saturday at 4 p.m.

How much: Ticket prices vary.

Guitarist Luis Carlos Maldonado switched to bass during 'Cold As Ice' at the New York State Fair in 2022. (Charlie Miller | [email protected]) Charlie MillerCharlie Miller

Known for their 1970s and ‘80s hits like “Feels Like the First Time,” “Hot Blooded,” “I Want to Know What Love Is,” and “Cold as Ice,” rock group Foreigner brings its farewell tour to the St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview on Saturday. Last year, at Chevy Court, the fan performed in front of 38,000 fans, one of the biggest New York State Fair concert crowds of all-time. Loverboy is the opening act. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Live Nation.

Where: 490 Restoration Way, Syracuse

When: Saturday at 7 p.m.

How much: Tickets start at $36, plus frees.

Celebrate the 190 years of service of the Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department this weekend at Austin Park. The annual Field Days includes amusement park rides, pickleball classic, kids’ fun run, classic car show, chicken BBQ, and more. The event ends on Sunday with fireworks at 10 p.m. Visit the department’s Facebook page for more details.

Where: 1 East Austin Street, Skaneateles

When: Saturday and Sunday until 11 p.m.

How much: Free to attend.

The Syracuse Thunderbirds Aero Radio Society will be hosting its 44th annual Model Airshow on Saturday in Pennellville. All are welcome but open flying can only be done by AMA members. There will be a demo hour at noon, 50/50 and prize raffles, and food and drink concessions. Overnight and RV space will be available camping. Email [email protected] or call (315) 457-3674 for more information.

Where: 649 County Route 12, Pennellville

When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The rain date is Sunday.

How much: Free to attend. A $5 per car parking donation is requested.

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