Free events in Onondaga County, NY

Created for children from birth through age five attending with a caregiver, this storytime offers stories, songs, and familiar nursery rhymes. When the reading wraps up, there is open play and a chance to socialize. The program is free and advance registration is not needed.

Experience a lively neighborhood farmers market at Westcott Community Center, featuring fresh produce, local honey, handmade goods, and tasty food. Browse offerings from vendors such as Southwick, Brady Farm, and Bonita’s "Good Stuff", plus two new additions, Syracuse Honey and Mom’s Diner. The market takes place no matter the weather and offers a simple way to support local farmers, makers, and small businesses while connecting with the community.

For students in grades 6 through 12, Maxwell Library offers an easygoing afternoon designed for connection and choice. Spend time with friends, meet new people, or enjoy some quiet time on your own in a welcoming, inclusive space. Each week brings a different activity or craft set out for teens, and there are plenty of options if you prefer to do your own thing... play games, listen to music, draw, read, or simply relax. You do not need to stay the whole time, and snacks are available. Free with no registration required.

Enjoy an evening of West Coast Swing at The Syracuse Ukrainian National Home, with the dance held on the third floor. The night begins with check-in, continues with a welcoming Newcomer Crash Course to get everyone comfortable, and then transitions into open social dancing. No partner or prior experience is needed, and first-time attendees are free. Returning dancers contribute on a sliding scale of $1 to $5, payable by cash or Venmo. Food and drinks are available from the bar on the second floor. This gathering takes place every other week, with updates shared on Facebook and Instagram.

This free interactive game show lets you compete solo or team up with others to guess the most popular answers to poll questions. The format is reminiscent of Family Feud, only no family team is required. The action takes place at Electrik Karma on the mall’s third floor, directly above The Cheesecake Factory.

At Maxwell Library, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers can explore and play while parents and caregivers connect with other adults. Designed for families with children ages 0 to 5, this friendly meetup is free and requires no registration.

Decorate a vehicle trunk or set up a table to hand out treats to kids. Hot dogs and juice will be provided. Donations of candy or other treats for the kids are accepted and can be dropped off at the VFW.

Receive free legal guidance for low income clients at a debt clinic focused on helping you complete court forms to contest debt. Assistance covers credit card debt, medical bills, student loans, car loans, lines of credit, and charge accounts. Please bring a photo ID and any court papers or other documents you have received about the debt or lawsuit. Financial eligibility requirements may apply.

Explore 10U softball through a free tryout that highlights the advantages of the Empire Program. Participants can expect a focus on quality coaching and guidance, more than 70 hours of indoor training, and a comprehensive development path that includes membership to an indoor facility. The session showcases what sets the Empire program apart.

Prepare for labor, birth, and the early days with your newborn in a welcoming, in-person class series designed for pregnant patients and their partners or support people, especially those who are 28 weeks along or beyond. The program is free to attend, registration is optional, and walk-ins are welcome. You may bring your own water and snacks. The classes run on a monthly rotation in a flexible, drop-in format, so you can attend any topic in any order based on your schedule, transportation, and child care needs. Topics cover what to expect in the final weeks of pregnancy, how to recognize labor, and what happens when you arrive at the hospital. They also explore the childbirth process with comfort measures, partner support, vaginal birth, and immediate recovery. Another session focuses on common medical interventions, induction, and cesarean birth, and includes a tour of the Labor and Delivery and Postpartum areas. The final topic centers on postpartum recovery, newborn care, mood changes, and breastfeeding education. Bringing a support person is encouraged. If you received an education book from your OB provider titled Your Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting, bring the spiral-bound, five-chapter book with you.