The rain held off today in what became for me a four-hour walk around the M & T Bank sponsored Arts & Crafts Festival in Syracuse, New York.
Food trucks, free give aways and many, many artisans and craftsmen selling their wares under white tents on and around Columbus Circle make up this fabulous festival. There is a lot to see – it can be a serendipitous stroll full of impulse purchases or, like me, you will manifest something you have been longing for.
I finally bought the oak charcuterie board lazy susan I have been coveting for three years. Carrying it back to the car was not fun because it was so heavy – I recommend that you have a plan in place for how you will maneuver your cash and carry purchases.
The Onondaga Historical Association was open too (321 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, New York 13202) and about 1/4 of my time was spent in there.
I will highlight four ceramic artists this year –
- Smokepail Studios
2. Greg Parizek Ceramics
3. Diane Sullivan Design
3. Peter Valenti Studios
2025 Festival Dates:
Friday, July 25: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday, July 26: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, July 27: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
The spectacular three-day festival is centered in Downtown Syracuse and will showcase talented artists, craftspeople and entertainers. The festival provides opportunities for visitors to experience the vibrancy of Downtown Syracuse through a presentation of visual and performing arts that demonstrate diverse art forms and cultures.
Arts & Crafts – The Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival will feature around 140 artists and crafters. Visitors can shop and browse among the art and craft exhibits showcasing an exceptionally wide selection of contemporary arts and crafts, from functional to decorative.
Performing Arts – The festival showcases the performing arts. Attendees can enjoy free daily strolling entertainment between including a variety of music entertainers, open hand legacy puppets, hooping and much more! The Syracuse Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will present mini-organ recitals over the course of the festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons at Plymouth Congregational Church.
Family Activities – Families are integral to the success of the event, and participatory activities are designed with them in mind. Interactive projects provide young attendees with opportunities to create three-dimensional masterpieces. Join the Everson Museum of Art for a collaborative mural activity inspired by Nancy Friedemann-Sánchez’s exhibition Dream Map and Cornucopia, on view at the Everson through October 19th. Participants are invited to paint or illustrate a native flower, plant, or animal of their choosing, and contribute to our mural featuring flora and fauna of Central New York. Artmaking supplies and tools provided.
Syracuse Art Trail – A collaborative project between CNY Arts and local arts & culture organizations. The Trail builds connections and promotes collaboration amongst organizations & individuals in our local arts community. We aim to bring Syracuse residents together in a creative, meaningful way to support the arts! More information here!
Stay Fresh Chalk Jam – Over 50 artists will take to the sidewalks on Saturday, July 26th to create beautiful works of art all done in chalk! (Rain date – July 27th).
Summer Refreshments – Food vendors will be on-site to serve a diverse mix of summer favorites.
A Community Festival – Area businesses participate by hosting open houses and various activities, such as family-friendly art activities and the popular sidewalk art competition, Chalk Jam. Many of these initiatives are organized in collaboratiion with the Everson Museum of Art, the Onondaga Historical Association, the YMCA – Downtown Writers Center and the Montgomery Street Collective crafts show. Thousands of visitors are expected to attend these events, establishing this as Syracuse’s signature cultural event of the summer!
The Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival was ranked 11th best Contemporary Craft Show in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine.
