SYRACUSE — Festivals finally returned to downtown Syracuse this summer after the COVID-19 pandemic wiped them out in 2020 and delayed their return this year as well. Festivals are a big deal because they attract new visitors to downtown and showcase it, while boosting the urban lifestyle for downtown’s growing population. Kicking things off was […]
SYRACUSE — Festivals finally returned to downtown Syracuse this summer after the COVID-19 pandemic wiped them out in 2020 and delayed their return this year as well.
Festivals are a big deal because they attract new visitors to downtown and showcase it, while boosting the urban lifestyle for downtown’s growing population.
Kicking things off was the 50th anniversary edition of the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival, held July 23-25, along E. Onondaga, E. Jefferson, and Montgomery Streets. It was the first festival held in downtown Syracuse since 2019.
Throughout the weekend, attendees were able to shop and browse a variety of contemporary arts and crafts, including ceramics, sculptures, photography, painting, woodwork, and jewelry. The festival drew about 130 artists, representing 23 U.S. states. Strolling musicians, performers, and summer refreshments were also part of the festival.
“The traffic was constant. People were so happy that the festival was able to happen,” says Merike Treier, executive director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc., which puts on the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival. “I think people were definitely in the mood to spend because all of the artists and all the vendors did well during that weekend. People were just so thankful to have that return to normalcy.”
Other festivals that followed in forthcoming weeks included the Bacon Festival in Clinton Square, Aug. 13-14; the Syracuse Irish Festival Sept. 10-11, also in Clinton Square; and Festa Italiana Syracuse, held near City Hall Sept. 17-19.
Another key event that brought pop-up entertainment to downtown Syracuse for seven weeks was the new Salt City Summerfest, put on by CNY Jazz Central. Stretching from July 23-Sept. 11, the event brought street entertainment across the downtown area. That included Wednesday lunch-hour concerts at noon for downtown residents and workers in Perseverance Park at South Salina and Fayette streets. Jazz evenings on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown’s patio were also part of the event. And on Fridays and Saturdays, strolling musicians would serenade sidewalk dining areas in Hanover Square and Armory Square.
“So there are these smaller moments of just music for patrons and visitors to downtown to enjoy,” says Treier.
A new offering this year was the Shop Small Sunday event in the Salt City Market parking lot, the fourth Sunday of each summer month. More than 40 small-businesses — including antiquers, crafters, and creators — would display and sell their wares.
“There’s definitely a trend toward some of these smaller popup events in lieu of some of larger festivals that have not been able to happen because of restrictions. You’re seeing the popularity of some of these small popup events where people enjoy the opportunity to get out and support the local businesses and local artists,” says Treier.
Another key downtown event was the Party in the Square, held every Wednesday late afternoon/evening in Clinton Square from early July through the end of September. Live local music, food, and drinks were the calling cards of this party.