Taste of Summer

Outdoors galore is what’s happening all over the area  —parks come to life with children, dogs, bikes and skates, dining al fresco is the norm, and anyone who loves live music can enjoy it on a lawn, amphitheater or at events like the Taste of Syracuse and Jazz Festival this month. Right after Memorial Day weekend, June takes over and continues the festivities for all to enjoy. Beer drinkers have plenty of options in June to enjoy the weather, partake in the local community and get out of the house!

Here are but a few Syracuse gems for beer lovers to enjoy in June:

Starting June 1st and weekly on Thursdays from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Willow Rock Brewing Company (115 Game Rd., Syracuse), enjoy the rodeo —the Food Truck Rodeo, that is!  The brewery is partnering with the Syracuse Food Truck Association for a weekly food and beer show that’s guaranteed to entice all palates. With trucks like Chicken Bandit and Toss ‘n’ Fire Pizza, head over to eat and stay for a few craft beers!

Every day you can find fabulous barbecue and craft beer on tap at the Dinosaur BBQ (246 W. Willow St., Syracuse). On Wednesday June 7th from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. grab a beer (or two) and head to the Upstairs at Dino for “The Stage of Nations, Fashion and Sound” for $10 admission. It’s a sneak preview of the upcoming July Stage of Nations festival in Hanover Square and features a fashion show, concert with local acts, Haudenosaunee artists and dancers.

Every day you can find fabulous barbecue and craft beer on tap at the Dinosaur BBQ (246 W. Willow St., Syracuse).

On June 8th and every Thursday this summer, head over the Block Party at Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub (100 S. Lowell Ave., Syracuse). Sip on a Guinness or other fine Irish beer as you boogie to live music from bands like Mere Mortals, Noisy Boys and Dark Hollow.

On Saturday, June 10th from 10:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., The Evergreen (125 E. Water St., Syracuse) is hosting a fundraiser for Friends of Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter. Bring your pooches at 10:45 a.m. for a downtown doggie walk followed by the fundraiser from noon to 3:00 p.m. For $20 admission you get one beer chip, food and a chance to win some great stuff! Not only will you feel good about helping out the shelter, your thirst will be quenched! You can purchase pre-sale tickets at store.theevergreen.co.

If you feel like going for a short drive, Good Nature Farm Brewery (1727 State Route 12B, Hamilton) and its Tap Room (8 Broad St., Hamilton) are waiting for you! With its newly opened facility, the Farm Brewery offers a farm-to-table restaurant, Sunday brunches, brewery tours and a beer garden with outdoor grill. Perfect for a beautiful June day!

Over in Utica at the F.X. Matt Brewing Company (830 Varick St., Utica), beer and music go hand in hand on Saranac Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Listen to live music from artists like The Crazy Fools and Enter the Haggis and enjoy the evening. In its 14th year, Saranac Thursdays is a happy hour, concert and fundraiser —a portion of its proceeds go to the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area.

Saranac Thursdays at the F.X. Matt Brewing Company is a happy hour, concert and fundraiser — a portion of its proceeds go to the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area.

On Saturday, June 10th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., the New York Craft Brewers Festival will also take place at F.X. Matt in Utica. Now in its 3rd year, this event by the New York State Brewers Association will have up to 30 breweries from the state such as Rooster Fish Brewing, Moustache Brewing Co., Brown’s Brewing Co., Strong Rope Brewery among many others!

All of these happenings and many more are yours to explore in the month of June. Don’t let them slip away because before you know it, the 30 days will be gone! Now is a perfect time to step away from the norm, drop the normal happy hour routine and discover new beers, venues and experiences. See you at the food truck and beyond!  Cheers!

Jess LaCelle