Looking to get out of the snow and cold a bit this week?
We have got you covered. Our list features concerts, indoor dinosaurs, and an inside taste of that most cherished summer Central New York State ritual, the New York State Fair.
The New York State Fairgrounds will have Jurassic Quest at the Center of Progress Building this weekend and also, a short walk away, the Syracuse Winter Fair, which includes rides, food, and fireworks.
A musical portraying the life at Tina Turner will be rocking at the Landmark Theatre.
And if you want to brave the elements, there is a Plant ID hike at the Great Swamp Conservancy and “Stroller Safaris” at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.
Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at features@syracuse.com.
Monday
Classical piano
Inelda Caushaj is a classical pianist from Albania with two Masters degrees and a Certificate in University Teaching. She is currently working at Syracuse University and has her own piano studio. She will be playing pieces from all periods of classical music at the Fayetteville Free Library. Come and enjoy the delightful sounds of the piano at 11 a.m.
Where: 300 Orchard Street, Fayetteville
When: Monday at 11 a.m.
How much: Free
Tuesday
“Tina – The Tina Turner Musical”
Written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Katori Hall, “Tina” tells the triumphant story of the “Queen of Rock and Roll,” Tina Turner, set to a soundtrack of her most beloved songs. Turner’s journey “against all odds” will be told all week at the Landmark Theatre, and how she became one of the world’s most beloved artists of all time. The New York Times raves, “It possesses a seismic power! I’ve rarely heard an audience with this mighty a roar.” And The Guardian cheers, “It’s a celebration of triumph over adversity.” The performances are recommended for ages 14 and up. Click here to purchase your tickets.
Where: 362 South Salina Street, Syracuse
When: Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday also has a 2 p.m. matinee.
How much: Tickets start at $39.90.
Wednesday
Syracuse Orchestra celebrates the Lunar New Year
Guest conductor Ho-Yin Kwok and The Syracuse Orchestra welcome in the Year of the Snake and celebrate the Asian community of Central New York on Wednesday night. Experience the unique melodies, instruments, and arrangements of some of the oldest and most complex music in the world. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit SyracuseOrchestra.org. The concert begins at 7 at Inspiration Hall.
Where: 709 James Street, Syracuse
When: Wednesday at 7 p.m.
How much: $29-$34; students $5/ID; under 18 free with adult.
An Evening with Robin Wall Kimmerer
Scientist, professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Robin Wall Kimmerer, will be reading from her new book, “The Serviceberry” on Wednesday evening at Syracuse’s May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society. She will also her thoughts on current events. There is no fee for the talk, which starts at 7 p.m., bot donations are encouraged to support the Onondaga Nation Volunteer Fire Department.
Where: 3800 East Genesee Street, Syracuse
When: Wednesday, from 7-9 p.m. Doors open at 6.
How much: Free, donations encouraged.
Salt City Books & Brews – Meet and Greet
Do you love books and beer? Then check out this new reading group at Taking Cursive Brewing Company. The first meeting of “Salt City Books & Brews” is Wednesday at 6 p.m. A meet and greet will give an opportunity to get to know each other, discuss favorite reading genres, and help decide their first book. They will meet each month afterwards on the last Wednesday of each month. will be partnering with Parthenon Books in Downtown Syracuse to make their Book of the Month easily available for purchase. Click here to join the group.
Where: 301 Erie Boulevard West, Syracuse
When: Wednesday at 6 p.m.
How much: Free to join.
Friday
Syracuse Winter Fair
Looking to beat the chill of winter with warm memories of the New York State Fair? The Syracuse Winter Fair this weekend might do the trick. Now in its sixth year, the Winter Fair features three days of rides, food, entertainment and vendors at the Expo Center at the New York State Fairgrounds. Unlimited rides tickets are $25 for all day, per day. Parking is free. Fireworks will be outside the Expo Center on Friday and Saturday nights at 8:45 p.m. On Saturday, attendees will be able to take pictures with the Winter Fair Reindeer. There is no charge. The reindeer are from Hanggi’s Farm. And on Sunday there will be Winter Fair Hoops where attendees donate $5 to shoot free throws and win prizes. Donations go to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse. Throughout the event, Syracuse University Athletes will be meeting and greeting attendees, including Lawrence Moten, Rob Drummond, Roosevelt Bouie and more. For a complete list of food and entertainment choices and to purchase advance tickets, click here.
Where: 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse
When: Friday from 3-9 p.m., Saturday from 11 to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 to 5 p.m.
How much: Advance tickets are $5 for adults, and $3 for teens and seniors. Children 10 and under are free. There will be a small fee added. Tickets can be purchased online. Tickets purchased at the Box Office at the show will be $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and teens.
Dinosaurs will once again be taking over the New York State Fairgrounds this weekend as Jurassic Quest comes to town.Provided Photo
Jurassic Quest
While at the Fairgrounds this weekend, you can also take a step back in time to when the dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The Micron Center of Progress Building will be hosting Jurassic Quest this weekend, offering adorable baby Dinos, fossils to be excavated, raptors to be trained, and sky-scraping Spinosaurus and the fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex. Click here to choose the window you want to attend on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. You may enter the venue any time after your arrival time begins. All guests ages two and up must have a ticket.
Where: 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse
When: Friday from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $22, plus fees. Higher priced tickets get more access.
Ultimate Legends of Rock
Sharkey’s Event Center in Liverpool will be shaking on Friday as tribute bands of two of the 1980s biggest hair metal groups perform. Completely Unchained, the number one Van Halen tribute act in the country, will deliver hits like “Runnin’ With The Devil,” “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” “Panama,” “Jump.” Joining the show is Don Jovi, a New York-based tribute act of Bon Jovi. The doors open at 6 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets.
Where: 7240 Oswego Road, Liverpool
When: Friday night. Doors open at 6.
How much: Tickets start at $25.
Saturday
Winter Plant ID Walk
Join Dr. Kevin Bliss on Saturday morning at the Great Swamp Conservancy in identifying flowering and non-flowering plants in the winter from their stalks, bark, seeds, buds, and dried leaves. It costs $4 per person. It starts at 11 a.m.
Where: 8375 North Main Street, Canastota
When: Saturday at 11 a.m.
How much: $4
Stroller Safari
Young adventurers are invited to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s Monthly “Stroller Safari” on Saturday morning. kids aged 5 and under, along with their adult companions, will embark on a fun-filled exploration of the animal kingdom. Together, we’ll stroll through the zoo discovering amazing animals, engaging in interactive activities, and enjoying captivating stories about wildlife. Each stop on our safari is packed with sights and sounds that will spark curiosity and wonder. This month’s theme is “Playful Primates.” Please register here.
Where: 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse
When: Saturday from 10:45 to noon
How much: $15 per child/adult pair
Syracuse Wedding Expo 2025
Are there wedding bells in your future. Engaged couples can connect with top local wedding experts from 11 a.m. to 2:30 at the Oncenter Convention Center. Guests will also indulge in delectable hors d’oeuvres and treats, immerse themselves in the latest fashion and decor trends, and leave with an informative gift bag and the opportunity to snag some amazing prizes. Click here to register. Only one member of a wedding party needs to apply. The one ticket will get all members in.
Where: 800 South State Street, Syracuse
When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2:30
How much: Free but you must register.
Author talk
Local authors Jonathan C. Ashline and Jeremy Sawyer will be discussing their novel “Frigid Whispers” on Saturday at the Oswego Public Library. It begins at 2 p.m. In their gripping tale the authors tell the story of a string of grisly murders by a cunning serial killer through the once-quiet frontier town of Augury, Colorado.
Where: 120 East 2nd Street, Oswego
When: Saturday at 2 p.m.
How much: Free
Childcare centers open house
Learn As You Grow childcare centers in Solvay and Cicero will be having open houses on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at both locations. There will be open interviews, center tours, a dance party led by their teachers, Valentine’s crafts to make and take home, and a chance to meet their administrators and educators. There will be an opportunity to receive up to a $750 credit and free registration during the open houses.
Where: 120 North Orchard Road, Solvay and 3831 Elta Drive, Cicero
When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at both locations.
How much: Free
Sunday
Collectorsfest #96
Expect up to 50 tables of sports cards, sets, wax, graded cards, autographs, memorabilia, supplies, non-sports cards, toys, comics, Funko Pops, Pokemon, action figures and a whole lot more on Sunday at the Quality Inn and Suites on Old Collamer Road. Early buyers get in at 9 a.m. for $20. General admission is $5.
Where: 6555 Old Collamer Road, East Syracuse
When: Sunday. Early access begins at 9 a.m. General admission starts at 9:30. Show ends at 3.
How much: Early buyers pay $20. General admission is $5. Children 12 and under are free.
Central New York Orchid Society
Larry Nau of the Bergen Water Gardens will share details of his recent trip to Bangkok and Chaing Mai, Thailand at Sunday’s meeting of the Central New York Orchid Society. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. at Baldwinsville’s St. Augustine Church parish building. There will be an assortment of orchids to purchase.
Where: 7499-7301 Obrien Road, Baldwinsville
When: Sunday at 2 p.m.
How much: Free
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.syracuse.com ’
