Summertime in CNY
School’s out, vacation plans are in full swing, and we’re all trying to squeeze every drop of sunshine out of each and every day for our personal enjoyment. Summer. It’s fleeting, ain’t it? So, now’s the time to get out, grab a brewski and not miss a single second of fun – read onwards for several exciting beer-related events happening around the area this season!
July 7, 14, 21, & 28 – Friday Nights at the Harbor – Inner Harbor, 425 Solar Street, Syracuse. Held every Friday from 4-8pm in July, the Inner Harbor hosts rotating local arts and crafts vendors, breweries, food trucks, family friendly arts and crafts classes, and live music, with a portion of proceeds going to benefit the United Way of CNY! There is even a weekly cornhole tournament with prizes for winners! Event admission and parking are both free. More information can be found on Facebook, in their posted weekly events. 
July 28-29 – Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival – Clinton Square, Downtown Syracuse. Okay, sure, it might not be a “beer destination,” but I love me an especially cold, dry white on a steamy summer day! I’m sure many Brew Time readers enjoy wine just as much as beer. In addition, listening to some tunes outdoors is always a good time – bring a lawn chair or a picnic blanket and make an afternoon or evening of it! Free to attend, beverages for purchase. Performer and event details can be found at: www.nejazzwinefest.org
July 29 – Drink Like a Girl 5k & Lake Fest – Geneva, NY. There’s a 5k Run/Walk, a 1k Beer Walk, and a beer festival with 30+ breweries participating! This event is women and brewery-focused, with all beer sold at the festival coming directly from the breweries themselves, not a wholesaler. In addition, a portion of all sales and all donations will be given to the Young Women’s College Prep Foundation. What’s a better way to spend a summer Saturday than running or walking and day-drinking for a good cause?! Several ticket options and packages can be found right on their website: www.drinklikeagirl5k.com
August 4 – Brew at the Zoo and Koalas, Too! – Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse. Personally, this is my favorite event of the summer season, and I NEVER miss it! There are over 100 beverage tastings (beer, wine, seltzers and ciders), a varied selection of food trucks, live entertainment, a silent auction, and DUH, the ANIMALS! This is a sell-out event every year with proceeds directly benefiting the zoo and its programs. Advance sale tickets are $43 for zoo members and $45 for non-members, with other options available. More info can be found directly on the zoo’s website www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org
August 6 – Middle Ages 28th Anniversary Party – Leavenworth Park, Syracuse. Hosted by Syracuse’s oldest operating brewery (est. 1995) and always a great time, this annual event runs from 2-8pm and boasts a laid-back atmosphere held rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, canopy tents, picnic blankets and come hang-out for the day! Coolers and bags are allowed, but folks are advised against bringing any outside alcohol beverages or glass containers, as you may be subject to search. Several musical acts partake in the festivities and this year’s lineup includes: Dark Hollow, Brown Skin Band, Rollin’ Rust, and Transient Kicks. Several varieties of Middle Ages brews will be available for purchase all afternoon and food trucks parked on-site. See the Facebook event page for further details.
August 12 – CNY Scottish Games & Celtic Festival – Long Branch Park, Onondaga Lake, Liverpool. An all-day cultural extravaganza to behold! You’ll be able to grab an Irish Stout, Scotch Ale, or another traditional UK-originating brew and watch many different types of games and competitions, peruse the Celtic arts vendors, eat traditional food, pet farm animals, hear all the bagpipes and see all the kilts! Tickets are required, ranging in price from $8-12 each, and parking is free. It’s a lively and fun experience for the whole family! www.cnyscottishgames.org
July 14 & 21, August 4, 18 & 25, September 8 & 22 – Syracuse Mets Craft Beer & Fireworks Fridays – NBT Bank Stadium, Syracuse. In what’s become a summer-classic, the Hops Spot Beer Garden is once again in full-swing during Friday home-games throughout the summer. Located underneath the Metropolitan Club, on the lower concourse on the 1st base side of the stadium, the Beer Garden has different beers on tap every Friday and they also showcase a pretty extensive selection of canned craft beer to choose from. For just $25, fans 21 and older will receive a 200-level ticket to the game and (2) craft beer vouchers. For $27 fans will receive a 100-level ticket to the game and (2) craft beer vouchers. (And did I mention fireworks after the game?!) So much relaxing fun to be had on Fridays this summer and really, no better way to end the grind of the work-week. Tickets can be found on the Syracuse Mets website: www.milb.com/syracuse
Additionally, check out weekend happenings at all the local breweries and cideries in the greater CNY area! There are typically lots of beer-release events, tons of live music, trivia events and loads more that occur all season long. Cheers to a sunny and fun-filled summer ahead!
