Please note: Mistakes happen. To confirm event details, call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website.
Friday, August 30
New York State Fair. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (exhibits); through Sept. 2. The fair features thousands of animals, hundreds of commercial attractions, scores of rides and innumerable unusual, exotic and fried foods. Also see the works of New York artists and crafters. New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse. Admission: $10/general; free/age 12 and younger. $1/Sept. 2. Parking: $5. (800) 475-FAIR. nysfair.org.
Saturday, August 31
New York State Fair. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (exhibits); through Sept. 2. See August 30 listing.
Sunday, Sept. 1
New York State Fair. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (exhibits); through Sept. 2. See August 30 listing.
Monday, Sept. 2
Labor Day
New York State Fair. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. See August 30 listing.
Tuesday, Sept. 3
First Steps. 9:30-10 a.m.; also Sept. 10, 17 & 24. Children who are good walkers, up to age 3, can with a caregiver take part in a program with music, movement, crafts and more. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374.
Baby Storytime. 10:30-11 a.m.; also Sept. 10, 17 & 24. Babies, up to age 2, and caregivers can share rhymes, songs, stories and signs in this language-building program. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374.
Kids Tech Time. 3-5 p.m.; also Sept. 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 & 26. Kids can build and create with a rotating variety of toys such as Cubelets, Magnatiles and SnapCircuits. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184. nopl.org.
Teen Tuesday. 4-5 p.m. Young people in grades 6-12 can take part in escape room fun. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.
Wednesday, Sept. 4
Teen Writer’s Guild. 4-5 p.m.; also Sept. 11, 18 & 25. Students in grades 6-12 can take part in writing workshops, receive criticism, and brainstorm with others. All genres of creative writing are welcome. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. fflib.org. (315) 637-6374.
Teen Anime Night in Liverpool. 6-8 p.m. Teens can come and talk about anime. Cosplay is okay, but library staff must approve. Presented by Liverpool Public Library. Bloom, Gather, Grow, 305 Vine St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Thursday, Sept. 5
See Ongoing Events
Friday, Sept. 6
See Ongoing Events
Saturday, Sept. 7
Golden Harvest Festival. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; also Sept. 8. Highlights of the festival include: arts and crafts, live music, storytelling, puppet and magic shows, and a petting zoo. Homemade seasonal foods and beverages for sale. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Admission: $5/adult; $1/ages 6-17; free/age 5 & under. (315) 638-2519.
Trading Card Game Players. 10-11 a.m. Kids age 12 and up can play trading card games such as Pokemon and Magic with an expert from TCGPlayer. Mundy Branch Library, 1204 S. Geddes St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3797.
STEM Program. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Kids can listen to a story about Johnny Appleseed and then build an orchard using model logs and trees. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5320.
Paws to Read. 10:30-11:30 a.m.; also Sept. 14, 21 & 28. Children can read to a friendly dog from Paws of CNY Inc. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free.
(315) 457-0310.
Central New York Tomatofest. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Join the celebration of tomato season’s end—with crafts for sale, activities for kids, and more. Music in various locations downtown, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Children’s entertainment located at Auburn Public Theater, 8 Exchange St. Proceeds benefit local food pantries. Free admission; fee for some activities. cnytomatofest.org.
Grandparents Day Storytime. 2-3 p.m. Children can listen to stories about grandparents, then make a card for a special person in their life. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310.
Sunday, Sept. 8
Golden Harvest Festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See Sept. 7 listing.
Monday, Sept. 9
Special Needs Gaming. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; also Sept. 16, 23 & 30. Adults with special needs can play on the Wii and with various board games; caregivers must remain in the room. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.
Doula Speed Dating. 6-7:30 p.m. Meet several doulas in 15-minute sessions to see who you and your partner connect with. Ask questions about labor support, postpartum doula services and more. CNY Healing Arts, 195 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse. Free. Registration recommended: (315) 707-8097.
STEAM Challenge. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Using provided materials, kids ages 7-12 can design and build a sturdy tower. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184. nopl.org.
Homeschooling 101 for Parents. 7-8:30 p.m. Homeschooling parents can learn what paperwork to save, what to put in a portfolio, and how to schedule their days. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. (315) 457-0310.
Tuesday, Sept. 10
See Ongoing Events
Wednesday, Sept. 11
Teen Tabletop Games. 6-8 p.m. Teens can hang out, play board games and eat snacks. Presented by Liverpool Public Library. Bloom Gather Grow, 305 Vine St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310.
Thursday, Sept. 12
Young Artists. 3-5 p.m. Young people age 10 and up can learn about artists and movements from ancient civilizations. At this session, participants learn about the Byzantine period. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727.
Girls Who Code. 6 p.m.; first of 10 weekly sessions. Girls ages 10-18 can learn about computer science and how to code in a fun environment. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727.
Friday, Sept. 13
Music & Stories with Donna B. 10:30 a.m. Children of all ages will enjoy dancing and singing with Donna Butterfield as she plays guitar. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration requested: (315) 492-1727.
La Festa Italiana. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; through Sept. 15. Celebrate Italian culture, including food, music and bocce. In front of Syracuse City Hall, Washington and Montgomery streets, Syracuse. Free admission. festaitaliana.bizland.com.
Teen Dungeons and Dragons. 4-5 p.m.; also Sept. 27. Young people ages 11-18 can play (or learn to play) with a teen Dungeon Master. Players must bring: a full Character, a players handbook, and a dice set. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.
Taste of David’s Refuge Fundraiser.
7-10 p.m. An evening of food and drink raises money for the nonprofit that devotes itself to “caring for the caregiver.” RedBarn20, Windridge Estate, 2527 Route 20, Cazenovia. $125/person. davidsrefuge.org.
Saturday, Sept. 14
Pups ‘n Pages. 11 a.m.-noon. Read to a member of the Canine Caring Angels, or just hang out together. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.
Rice Creek Rambles. 11 a.m.; also Sept. 21 & 28. Explore trails, woods and wetlands with a naturalist on a family-friendly hike. Those under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Rice Creek Field Station, SUNY Oswego, Thompson Road, 1 mile south of Route 104, Oswego. Free. Call day of to check trail conditions: (315) 312-6677. oswego.edu/rice-creek/rice-creek-rambles.
La Festa Italiana. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; through Sept. 15. See Sept. 13 listing.
Young Artists. 2-4 p.m. Young people age 10 and up can learn about artists and movements from ancient civilizations. At this session, participants learn about the Byzantine period. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727.
National German Language Day. 2-3 p.m. Young people ages 12-18 can try German snacks, learn some words in German by playing Bingo, and discover books by German authors. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.
Sunday, Sept. 15
STEM Storytime. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that sparks the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. $5/child. (315) 425-9068. most.org.
La Festa Italiana. Noon-7 p.m. See Sept. 13 listing.
Monday, Sept. 16
Homeschool Family Fun. 1-2:30 p.m. Homeschooling parents and kids can take part in a casual hangout with games and crafts. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. www.maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.
Teen Minecraft. 3-4:30 p.m. Young people in grades 6-12 can play on the library’s Minecraft server. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524.
Tuesday, Sept. 17
Homeschool STEAM Club. 1:30-3 p.m. Homeschooling children ages 5-11 can learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math through hands-on activities on the Dinosaur Garden Lawn. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310.
Tuesday Crafternoons. 3:30-7 p.m.; also Sept. 24. Children from age 3-10 and caregivers can drop in to make a craft. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. www.maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
Peppa Pig Live. 6 p.m. In this show, based on characters from the Nick Jr series, Peppa goes on a camping trip with George and her school friends. Crouse Hinds Theater, Oncenter, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $42.50-$148 (plus fees). ticketmaster.com.
Teen Video Game Night. Presented by Liverpool Public Library. Bloom, Gather, Grow, 305 Vine St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
College 101. 7-8:30 p.m. Parents of prospective college students can learn about financial aid and more with a staffer from College Assistance Plus. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Registration required: (315) 682-6400.
Thursday, Sept. 19
Trail Tales. 1 p.m. Children ages 3-5, accompanied by an adult, can hear two stories and then head out on a hike led by a naturalist. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4/vehicle. (315) 638-2519.
Friday, Sept. 20
Wings of the Night. 6 p.m. Learn all about bats, then accompany a naturalist on a walk to look for some. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $2/person. Preregistration required: (315) 638-2519.
Saturday, Sept. 21
Fall Migration Festival. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Festival features birds of prey, interactive nature tables, crafts, a bird walk, games, a chicken barbecue and more. Great Swamp Conservancy, 8375 N. Main St., Canastota. Admission: $4/adults; $1/age 12 & under. (315) 697-2950. greatswampconservancy.org.
Canine Carnival. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Hundreds of animals available for adoption (dogs, cats, horses), animal demonstrations, horse carriage rides, music, and food for sale. Jamesville Beach Park, Apulia Road, Jamesville. Free admission. (315) 435-5252.
International Red Panda Day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Listen to keeper chats at the red panda exhibit, visit a biofact station, and enter a raffle for a red panda plush; help support red panda conservation in the wild. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $9/adult; $5/senior; $5/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and under. (315) 435-8511.
Fayetteville Festival. Noon-4 p.m. Family event includes displays by local organizations; music; and children’s activities. Beard Park, South Manlius Street, Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-9864. fayettevilleny.gov.
Teen Trading Card Games. 1-3 p.m. Young people in grades 7-12 can play Pokemon, YuGiOh and Magic with a staffer from TCGPlayer. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.
Kids Classics and Pizza. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Children age 7 and up can discuss this month’s selection, Matilda by Roald Dahl. They can also eat pizza and watch the movie made from the book. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Registration required: (315) 682-6400.
Early Autumn Paddle. 4 p.m.; also Sept. 28. Go on a paddle with a naturalist. Snack on cheese, crackers and cider. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $25/canoe, including rental. Registration required: (315) 638-2519.
Sunday, Sept. 22
Petit Book Sale. 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Thousands of books, music CDs, DVDs and audiobooks will be on sale, most for $2 or less each. Bring your own bag. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. (315) 435-3636.
Westcott Street Fair. Noon-6:30 p.m. The neighborhood puts on its 28th annual festival, starting with a parade at noon and followed by live music and dance performances, crafts for sale, and a chance to learn about local nonprofit organizations. Children’s performances and activities take place at the Petit Branch library on Victoria Place. Westcott Street between Concord and Dell streets, and on side streets, Syracuse. Free. (315) 313-5447. westcottstreetfair.org.
Monday, Sept. 23
Autumnal Equinox
Tuesday, Sept. 24
Teen MOPS. 5-7 p.m. Young mothers, ages 13-21, with children under 6 enjoy a faith-based program with fun, food and activities while their children are cared for by the childcare program. Liverpool First United Methodist Church, 604 Oswego St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 569-2542.
Wednesday, Sept. 25
Teen Trading Card Night. 6-8 p.m. A staffer from TCGPlayer will guide participants in playing Pokemon, YuGiOh and Magic. Teens are encouraged to bring their own decks. Presented by Liverpool Public Library. Bloom, Gather, Grow, 305 Vine St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Thursday, Sept. 26
Family Storytime. 10:15-11:15 a.m. Stories, songs and activities for children age 5 and under and their families, plus a session of playtime afterward. Presented by Liverpool Public Library. Studio B Dance Company, 318 First St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310.
Sharing Nature with Your Child. 1 p.m. Children ages 3-5, accompanied by an adult, can take part in outdoor and nature-related activities. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $7/session; $20/3 monthly sessions. Registration required: (315) 638-2519.
Friday, Sept. 27
Time for Tots Playgroup. 9:30-10:45 a.m. Education playgroup for children ages 18 months-5 years and their caregiver. Stories, songs, arts and crafts, and more. Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 8131 Soule Road, Liverpool. $3/family. Registration recommended: (315) 622-2843. NYCrossofChrist.org/Tots.
Apple Festival. 5-9 p.m.; through Sept. 29. Annual event features rides and food (only) on the first day. Other days of the festival include live demonstrations, a DJ, an apple pie contest—and rides and food. Presented by the Lioness Club of Central Square. Brewerton Speedway, 154 Route 11, Central Square. Admission: $5 per carload. (315) 675-8232. www.centralsquareapplefestival.com.
Front Row Players Fundraiser. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Local artists perform acts. Wine, beer, appetizers and desserts will be served. A benefit for the program that welcomes performers of all abilities. Eastern Hills Bible Church, 8277 Cazenovia Road, Manlius. $50. frontrowplayers.org. (315) 663-8390.
Harry Potter Interactive Movie. 6-8:30 p.m. Participants will receive a bag of snacks, props and prompts to turn a Harry Potter movie into an interactive event; for children in grade 3 and older. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Registration required: (315) 682-6400.
Moth March. 6 p.m. Learn about the habits of moths; then spread some fruit-and-molasses mash on tree trunks, and see what insects come to feed on it. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $2/person. Admission: $4/vehicle. Registration required: (315) 638-2519.
Saturday, Sept. 28
Apple Festival. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; through Sept. 29. See Sept. 27 listing.
Paws and Books. 10:30-11 a.m. Children ages 5-12 can read to Cooper, a certified Canine Good Citizen, and make a dog-related craft. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.
Sportsmen’s Days. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; also Sept. 29. Visitors of all ages can try their hands at outdoor pursuits including skeet shooting, turkey calling, archery, fly fishing, BB gun, canoeing and more. Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery, 1672 Route 321, Elbridge. $5/vehicle. (315) 689-9367.
Be the Scientist. Noon-4 p.m. Explore the activities of an anthropologist. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Museum admission: $12/adults; $10/seniors and ages 2-11. (315) 425-9068.
Chocolate Train Wreck Tours. 2:30 p.m.; also Sept. 29. Take a bus tour to the historic site of the 1955 chocolate train wreck. Festival activities include live music, children’s activities and more. Good Nature Farm Brewery and Restaurant, 1727 Route 12B, Hamilton. www.goodnaturebrewing.com.
Sunday, Sept. 29
Apple Festival. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. See Sept. 27 listing.
National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk. 9:30 a.m. (registration); 10:30 a.m. (walk). At the annual event, individuals with Down syndrome along with their friends and families promote acceptance and advocacy with a two-mile walk; picnic lunch and festivities follow. T-shirts available for purchase. Event is now sponsored by GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse. Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Free. Preregistration recommended: (315) 288-7529.
syracuse@gigisplayhouse.org.
Sportsmen’s Days. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. See Sept. 28 listing.
Chocolate Train Wreck Tours. 2:30 p.m. See Sept. 28 listing.
Monday, Sept. 30
Family Movie. 10-11:30 a.m. Children of all ages will enjoy The Secret Life of Pets 2. Free popcorn! Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. fflib.org. (315) 637-6374.
ONGOING EVENTS
Horseback Riding. Sept. 6-Oct. 28: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See Highland Forest on an hour-long guided horseback ride; age 5 and up. Highland Forest Park, Route 80, 3 miles east of Fabius. $35/hour. Reservations required at least 24 hours in advance: (315) 289-3775.
Downtown Syracuse Farmers’ Market. Tuesdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; through Oct. 8. Farmers and produce dealers offer vegetables, fruit, nuts, flowers, baked goods and more for sale. Clinton Square, Syracuse. (315) 422-8284. downtownsyracuse.com.
Weekend Walks With a Naturalist. Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. Nature discovery hike with different topics each weekend. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4/vehicle. (315) 638-2519.
Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Hiking trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk. Interpretive Center open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Sundays. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. (315) 673-1350.
