This weekend in Syracuse, NY

This monthly babywearing meetup in Syracuse takes place at Betts Branch Library - Onondaga County Public Libraries. Attendees can ask questions and get support, test a carrier they have not used before, and connect with other babywearing parents.

Explore the expressive side of figure drawing in a hands-on workshop focused on gesture. Using ink with unconventional, extended tools such as dowels and brushes, participants practice loose, full-body mark making while working from live or reference figures. Expect a fast pace as you create a series of lively studies that highlight movement, posture, and the character of the human form. After the initial sketches, refine selected pieces with layered ink techniques to build tone, shape, and a sense of depth. All levels are welcome, and no experience is required, only a willingness to experiment. Instruction is led by Everson Teaching Artist Greg Lendeck. Fee: $45 for non-members and $36 for members.

Join the Taco & Margarita Festival at the Syracuse Inner Harbor for a fun day of tacos and Rancho La Gloria margaritas, plus live performances and fireworks. The festival runs for two days, with this specific session happening on August 8.

BRAWLAPALOOZA 2 is an all-ages outdoor rock and rumble festival with live music on a big stage and cage fighting combat sports action. The event runs from early afternoon into the evening, and it’s held under a covered pavilion, so it goes on rain or shine. Doors open at 2:30 PM.

Part of the Loading Dock Series at Middle Ages Brewing Company, this free outdoor event features Mojohand, a New Jersey-born, Brooklyn-based band known for energetic, melodic rock and roll with ginger soul and Jersey twang. Seven years of playing bars, backyards, and basements across the country have honed their crowd-pleasing sound. The band recorded its third studio album, Dungarees, live to tape on a vintage four track at Business District Recording in Johnson City, capturing the feel of late nights onstage and long miles together. The first single, Santa Fe, is a laid back road story that blends classic country rock and southern soul into catchy hooks. Presented by Visions Federal Credit Union. No tickets are required.

An immersive gathering honoring the Lion’s Gate focuses on blessings and abundance through ceremonial cacao, sacred tobacco Hapé, and a sound journey. This three hour ceremony invites reflection on gratitude, courage, and the light of the heart, weaving prayer, meditation, sacred medicines, and intentional ritual to support transformation, connection, and remembrance. Participants may share heart opening cacao, and those who feel called can receive an optional, respectfully offered Hapé to encourage clarity, grounding, and intention. Guided meditations draw on the symbolism of the Lion’s Gate, the radiant sun, and the story of Isis, a thread of healing, devotion, resilience, and bringing what has been scattered back into wholeness. Reflection and intention practices highlight the blessings already present and the abundance ready to be cultivated. A 20 minute immersive sound journey with crystal singing bowls, gong, drums, chimes, voice, and other sacred instruments supports deep relaxation, integration, and inner renewal. The circle also co creates a collective blessing inspired by reciprocity, adding flowers, seeds, herbs, and written blessings to weave a shared expression of gratitude, hope, and abundance. This experience points inward rather than outward, inviting open hearts, honoring blessings, releasing what no longer serves, and stepping forward with trust, gratitude, and intention. It welcomes those seeking clarity, healing, inspiration, connection, or simply a peaceful space to reconnect with self. Attendees are encouraged to bring a water bottle, comfortable clothing, and a journal if desired, along with an open heart. Mats, blankets, bolsters, and pillows are provided for comfort. Doors close at the start of the ceremony to honor the container. All sales are final.

Funk N Waffles hosts a debut night of feel-good reggae featuring MSJR alongside The Reggaelar People. MSJR brings a reggae fusion sound from Pittsburgh, paired with the easygoing New York vibe of The Reggaelar People for a lively blend. Tickets are on sale now.

City Market brings a lively mix of urban creativity and reuse to the Community Plaza beside the Everson Museum of Art. The open-air market showcases vintage and antique finds, handmade goods from local creators, live music, and food trucks. Guests can also head inside the museum for complimentary docent-led tours and art activities. It welcomes curious city dwellers, collectors, and bargain seekers who enjoy uncovering unique pieces in a vibrant setting.

Create a personalized tote while learning a simple, at-home silk screening method in this hands-on workshop. Participants build their own screens with embroidery hoops and mesh, apply designs using screen-filler techniques, then print onto tote bags with ink and squeegees. Along the way, you will cover screen printing fundamentals, make a DIY screen from accessible materials, explore positive and negative space, practice layering and stencil building, and finish with a functional, custom bag. Instruction is led by Everson Teaching Artist Cohort teaching artist Ashe Martin. Cost is $45 for non-members and $36 for members.

This monthly rhythm and roots party at The 443 Social Club spotlights Los Blancos. The regular menu steps aside so the kitchen can focus on nachos, praised by Max Eyle as the best he has had. The bar will be serving spicy Bloody Marys, margaritas, and mimosas to complement the live music.

Enjoy a relaxed outdoor gathering at no cost. Tickets are not required for entry, and the event is presented by Visions Federal Credit Union.

Presented by Jubilee Homes, this free community concert series brings live music, family activities, and neighborhood spirit to Spirit of Jubilee Park all summer. Each Showcase Sundays event highlights local and regional talent across R&B, soul, gospel, and more, with food trucks, bouncy houses, face painting, and other family friendly fun available throughout. Guests are welcome to relax in lawn chairs and enjoy performances in a welcoming setting. This edition celebrates Gospel Sunday with Marissa Jones as mistress of ceremony along with performances by Foundation and The Celebration Ensemble. Admission is free and open to the public, with support from CNY Arts, Wegmans, and the Downtown Syracuse Foundation.

Nascar Aloe and Jasiah bring the Capital Punishment Tour to The Song & Dance in Syracuse, presented by After Dark Presents. Special guests Next April, Dirtybutt, and Jacuh are also on the lineup. Admission is 16 and over with a valid ID, and attendees younger than 16 may enter with a parent or legal guardian.

Head to Funk 'n Waffles for an 18+ open mic night hosted by Attamizk and friends. Doors open at 6:00 PM EDT, and the open mic runs from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Tickets are limited to 10, with eTickets available for entry.

After Dark Presents presents NASCAR ALOE + JASIAH: Capital Punishment Tour, featuring NASCAR Aloe and Jasiah with special guests Next April, Dirtybutt, and Jacuh. The show is for ages 16 and up, with entry required with ID. Tickets are delivered digitally about 2 days before the event.