Syracuse suspends permitting for large festivals, public events through the fall

SYRACUSE — The City of Syracuse on July 1 announced that it has suspended permitting for large-scale gatherings and events through the summer and fall of 2020 due to COVID-19 and its impact on city operations. 

“The pandemic has placed the City in a tough situation financially. These events and programs are labor intensive for city workers, so we need to consider the reduced size of our staff which helps to coordinate many of these events and the fact that COVID-19 is still present in our communities. Making the decision to suspend permitting for these events is difficult, but it is the right thing to do,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said in a statement. “We look forward to next year with hope that the many programs that contribute to the fabric of Syracuse can return.”

Staff members of the City’s Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs department have notified organizers of festivals, parades, walks, and runs conducted annually in the city. 

The impacted events include:

• Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival – July 24 and 25

• Arts & Crafts Festival – July 24, 25, and 26

• Latino Festival – Aug. 8

• Bacon Festival – Aug. 14 and 15

• Valley Nature Run – Aug. 22

• Citrus in the City – Aug. 29

• Irish Festival – Sept. 11 and 12

• Northside Festival – Sept. 13

• Festa Italiana – Sept. 18, 19, and 20

• CFA Cat Show – Sept. 18, 19, and 20

• Light the Night Walk – Sept. 24

• Strathmore Parks Run – Sept. 20

• Westcott Festival – Sept. 27

• Inner Harbor 5K – Oct. 4

• Eastwood Run – Oct. 18

• Syracuse Half Marathon – Nov. 10

In accordance with COVID-19 public gatherings guidance from New York State, permits for gatherings of 50 people or fewer on city property are still being accepted and reviewed. Organizations and groups with small- to mid-sized scheduled public events should contact Britney Farmer, special events coordinator, by email at bfarmer@syrgov.net.