Syracuse Winterfest 2024

What a Party! Can you imagine anything better in the middle of a (checks temperature outside) yep, COLD and (looks out window, sees flakes falling) SNOWY winter day than a PARTY! Not just a party, but a 10 day party, from February 15-25, and every single day there will be something fun, filling, and fabulous to do. And you’re invited – whether you’re 5 or 105!

Take a look at just some of the fun you can have – and start making plans now!

Food: 

You can taste some of the best Syracuse has to offer as you roam the city streets and stop in for a bite of this, a gnosh of that – and then try to figure out what you liked best. Get your tickets for the Sandwich Stroll, the Culinary Cruise and the Wing Walk at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, then visit participating vendors for a taste of their very best! Tickets available at the Onondaga Street entrance of the hotel, or at participating restaurants!

Drinks: 

Visit our website for a full list of vendors, and then come out and try your favorite mixed drinks from a range of Margaritas, Sangria, Martinis, Bloody Mary’s and Cosmopolitans and of course, Beers! You and your crew can argue the fine points of mixology and brewing while you delight in your favorite beverages served in a variety of delightful downtown ambiance.

Things to do: 

From fireworks to Human Dogsled races – bring the family and prepare for a great time as you explore the downtown and Inner Harbor, and give CNY a reason to love Ol’ Man Winter!

Hammond Jammin’ XVIII

Sunday, February 25, 12-5pm

Upstairs at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

What better way to complete your experience of Winterfest than with a stop at the one and only (here in Syracuse, that is!) Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Fill up a plate and come on upstairs for the rock and rhythm sounds of the classic Hammond Organ – played to accompany some of the most famous names in CNY music! This instrument has a storied history in rock, jazz and RnB music, and as faithfully preserved and presented by Gerry Testa. As part of the band Organ Donors, he will be playing with vocal artist Shelly Harris in one set of the five acts to be featured at the 2024 Hammond Jammin’ event at Winterfest. All the acts are centered around the Hammond Organ, and you’ll be entertained by CNY celebrity performers and bands!

Bands: Dead Bachelors, Organ Donors, Monkey Fever, Menage A Soul, Katalyst

When Testa first started the Hammond Jammin’ event at Syracuse Winterfest, he expected it might be for one or two seasons – but it has continued on for 18 (that’s XVIII !!) terrific years!

Just For Kids (Of All Ages!)

Sunday, February 25, 11am-4pm

Marriott Syracuse Downtown

One of the best things about Winterfest is that you can plan your experience for one, a couple, a gathering of friends, or the whole family – and have a great time no matter the size and age of your group! But you’re going to want to make sure the young – and young at heart – be at Marriott Syracuse Downtown on Sunday, February 25, 11am-4pm, and catch the fun with Checkers the Inventor!

Described by the performer (Joey Hamilton) as “a crazy, madcap, frantic and fun” character who leads the kids on adventures of fun. He takes routine magic tricks and turns them into inventions – or is it the other way around? Either way, there will be comedy, variety, juggling, unicycling, and a giant balloon stunt! Kids can watch, participate, look around, and come back for more all afternoon long!

Kids can also enjoy face painting and balloon twisting near Checkers the Inventor – so your family can watch, participate, look around and come back for more all afternoon long!

There’s lots for kids to enjoy at the Syracuse Winterfest – not limited to the food, fireworks and ice sculptures, and so much more.

Action!

Around Town

Maybe you’re someone who likes to get out and get active? Syracuse Winterfest has a few suggestions for you. If walking around downtown and the Inner Harbor from venue to venue, watching the fireworks, and taking in the entertainment isn’t quite enough for you, how about this?

Ice Skating: There will be open skating in Clinton Square on Thursday, February 15, 6-8pm. Free!

Human Dogsled Race: Get your team together, design and build a dogsled, and then “mush” your way to a championship.

Treasure Hunt: Get started on the very first day of the Syracuse Winterfest if you hope to win the prize. Somewhere in Onondaga County (that’s open to the public) a 1.5” plastic Treasure Hunt medallion lies hidden, and waiting. Your job is to follow the clues – which will be strategically located in a variety of locations like:

• syracuse.com/treasure-hunt

• The Post-Standard and the ePost-Standard

• Twitter @syracusedotcom (look for #syrtreasurehunt)

• Facebook at facebook.com/syracuse

• Snapchat at syracusedotcom

The Treasure Hunt is sponsored by the Countryside Federal Credit Union and presented by The Post-Standard. It begins with the opening of the festival, on Thursday, February 15, and ends when the medallion is found, or the Winterfest concludes, February 25. Be the team to locate it and you take home $2000!

www.syracusewinterfest.com

February 15-25, 2024

Check the website every day before and during the Winterfest for updates and new additions!

Nancy Roberts