Family Times Events Calendar: See what's happening in August 2018

Please note: Mistakes happen. To confirm event details, call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website.

Friday, July 27

Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; through July 29. More than 160 artists, entertainers and craftspeople make their mark on Columbus Circle in Syracuse. (315) 422-8284. downtownsyracuse.com.

Stage of Nations EcoFest. 6-10 p.m.; also July 28. Native American music, dance and crafts. Also sustainability exhibits highlight eco-friendly practices and products. Hanover Square, Syracuse. Free. bluerainecofest.org.

Saturday, July 28

Syracuse New Times and Family Times Street Painting. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (drawing and judging). (Rain date: July 29.) Artists of all ages decorate squares of sidewalk with chalk and compete for prizes. Chalk provided, but bring your own for the best availability of color choices. Montgomery Street near City Hall, Syracuse. Free for spectators. Day-of registration: $15/age 17 and younger; $25/age 18 and older.

Everson Family Day. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See the Lego design display, observe ceramics being fired, or check out a Lego demonstration. Admission to the galleries and activities are free. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 474-6064. everson.org.

Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; through July 29. See July 27 listing.

Northeast Jazz and Wine Scholastic Fest. Noon-2 p.m. Part of the weekend-long jazz festival, the Scholastic Fest focuses on young local jazz musicians, with the Stan Colella Parks & Recreation All-Stars (noon) and the Katz Pajamaz Big Band (1 p.m.). Clinton Square, Syracuse. Free. (315) 479-5299. nejazzwinefest.org.

Be the Scientist. Noon-4 p.m. Explore the activities of a marine biologist. 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.

Stage of Nations EcoFest. Noon-10 p.m. See July 27 listing.

The Little Mermaid. 12:30 p.m. In the Magic Circle Children’s Theatre presentation, children in the audience can help the Little Mermaid get her voice back and win the Prince’s heart. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $6. Reservations recommended: (315) 449-3823.

Sunday, July 29

Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See July 27 listing.

Monday, July 30

Puppets with Pizazz. 6:30 p.m. Puppeteer Nancy Sander performs “Little Red Riding Hood,” a show for ages from pre-K on up. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Bongo Joe. 2-3 p.m. Participants can get hands-on with many types of percussion instruments and will learn to make their own shakers. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184.

Tuesday, July 31

Harry Potter Birthday Celebration. 2:30-4 p.m. Come in costume if you wish, and celebrate with crafts, cake and more. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1940.

Wednesday, August 1

First Steps. 9:30-10 a.m. 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. fflib.org.

Baby Storytime. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Babies 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. fflib.org.

Fun for All Storytime. 11 a.m.-noon; also August 8 & 15. Children ages 3-7 can enjoy stories, interactive rhymes, songs and a craft. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.

Unicorn Party. 12:30 p.m. Children in pre-K-grade 5 can share stories, make crafts and have a snack on the party’s theme. Horn wearing is optional. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Tie Dye on the Lawn. 1-2:30 p.m. (Rain date: August 2.) Bring a cotton item and use provided materials, equipment and dye to color it. Play clothes are recommended. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Chess for Kids. 1:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, through August 22. Kids ages 6-14, whether brand-new to the game or beginning players, can learn the rules, opening moves and simple tactics from Anton Ninno. Four consecutive sessions. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Dinosaurs. 2-2:45 p.m. See a variety of fossils, including a mammoth tooth, an oreodont skull, a triceratops tooth, and more. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. Free. (315) 676-7484. nopl.org.

Young Naturalists. 2 p.m.; also August 8 & 15. Young people in grades 3-8 can play games and observe the local environment. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Life-Sized Game Day. 2-4 p.m. Stop in for a day of giant Pac-Man, checkers and Jenga. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

Teen Anime Night. 6-8 p.m. Teens can watch and discuss anime; cosplay is acceptable if costumes are deemed appropriate by library staff. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Thursday, August 2

Musical Storytime in the Garden. 10:15-10:45 a.m.; also August 9, 16 & 23. Songs, stories, rhymes and movement for all ages in on the Dinosaur Garden Lawn (or in the Children’s Room if it rains). Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Summer of Science Social. 2-6 p.m. A video gaming truck, moon crater demos, interactive moon activities and more. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST). 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Outdoor activities are free. (315) 425-9068.

Symphony of Magic. 2:30 p.m. Magician David Moreland packs music, comedy, puppetry and more into this 45-minute show, followed by a 15-minute magic workshop. For kids entering pre-K-grade 5. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration requested: (315) 454-4524.

Community Playdate. 4:30-7 p.m.; also August 9 & 16. Child-led activities in the park, based on the Anji approach to early childhood education; wear messy clothes and bring a water bottle. Event may be cancelled if there is severe weather. Clay Central Park, 4821 Wetzel Road, Liverpool. Free. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org/playdate.

Friday, August 3

Craft Drop-In. 2-3 p.m. Make a duct tape lanyard, a frog puppet, and more. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184.

Shakespeare in the Park. 5:30 p.m.; through Aug. 12. See a performance of William Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, a comedy featuring the scheming Sir John Falstaff. Shows feature actors in period costume. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Presented the Syracuse Shakespeare Festival. Thornden Park amphitheatre, entrances at Ostrom Avenue and Madison Street, South Beach Street, Ackerman Avenue, Syracuse. Donations. (315) 476-1835. ssitp.org.

Peter and the Starcatcher. 7 p.m.; through August 5. Redhouse theatrical students act in the origin story of Peter Pan, with characters from marauding pirates to unlikely heroes. Redhouse Arts Center, 400 S. Salina St., Syracuse. $5. Advance tickets: (315) 362-2785. theredhouse.org.

Ukulele and Ice Cream Therapy. 7-8 p.m. Join a fun sing-a-long with Salt City Ukulele. Bring a chair or blanket. Gannon’s Isle, 4800 McDonald Road, Syracuse. Concert free; charge for treats. saltcityukulele.org.

Saturday, August 4

Upcycling. 10-11:30 a.m. Participants age 10 and up can learn how to make a supply holder from a tissue box and toilet paper rolls. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. Registration required: lpl.org.

Paper Making. 10 a.m.-noon. Children in preschool and up can make paper sheets or sculptures from recycled paper pulp. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

Toddlers’ Tango. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Toddlers and preschool-aged children, accompanied by an adult, can take part in this music and movement class. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524.

Paws to Read. 10:30-11:30 a.m.; also August 11 & 18. Kids can read to a friendly dog from Paws Inc. of CNY. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Treasure Island. 11 a.m. The Hampstead Stage Company presents the story of young Jim Hawkins as he is taken in by a crew of pirates searching for buried treasure; best for age 5 and up. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Syracuse Bavarian Oktoberfest. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; also August 5. Live music and more. Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Free admission. germanamericanscny.com.

Sacred Heart Basilica Parish Festival. Noon-7 p.m. Enjoy Polish food and live music, children’s games, raffles, an Elvis impersonator, and more. Syracuse Academy of Science, corner of Lakeview and Park avenues, Syracuse. Free admission. (315) 422-2343.

The Little Mermaid. 12:30 p.m. See July 28 listing.

Sciencenter Showtime. 2 p.m.; Saturdays. Weekly interactive experience has a different theme each week; this month topics include space research and the science of baking bread. Sciencenter. 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/general admission, ages 2-64; $7/seniors; free/under 2. (607) 272-0600. sciencenter.org.

Shakespeare in the Park. 5:30 p.m.; through August 12. See August 3 listing.

Peter and the Starcatcher. 7 p.m.; through August 5. See August 3 listing.

Sunday, August 5

Syracuse Bavarian Oktoberfest. Noon-7 p.m. See August 4 listing.

Peter and the Starcatcher. 2 p.m. See August 3 listing.

Shakespeare in the Park. 2 p.m.; through August 12. See August 3 listing.

Monday, August 6

Monday Funday. Noon-1 p.m.; also August 13, 20 & 27. Children ages 5-10 can make a craft. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Gaming for Adults with Special Needs. 1:30-3 p.m. Adults with special needs can play Wii games and board games; caregivers must remain in the room. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Multiple Moms Mingle. 6:30 p.m. Monthly meeting of mothers and expectant mothers of multiples. Twin Trees Too, 1029 Milton Ave., Syracuse. For more details and to reserve if you wish to attend: multiplemomsmingle.com.

Bubble Pop Concert. 6:30 p.m. Dough “Bubbleman” Rougeux performs an interactive show with bubbles of all sizes, and familiar tunes with new lyrics; for prekindergartners and older. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Tuesday, August 7

Storytime & Book Bike in the Park. 10:15-10:45 a.m.; also August 14 & 21. Kids and caregivers can walk from the library to Onondaga Lake Park, near the Wegmans playground. There they can enjoy stories and songs, and check out books and DVDs from the Book Bike. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Maker Lab Day. 2 p.m. Kids of all ages can explore the library’s maker lab kits. White Branch Library, 763 Butternut St., Syracuse. Free. (15) 435-3519.

DIY Ice Cream Sundaes. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Students going into grades 6-12 can make ice cream and ice cream sundaes, and play games. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Register: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.

DIY Day. 2:30 p.m. Kids ages 5-12 can make spin drums. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.

Didgeridoo Down Under. 7 p.m. Audience members of all ages can enjoy an Australia-themed show that combines music, culture, puppetry and comedy. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Wednesday, August 8

Let’s Build. 1-3:30 p.m. Kids ages 5-14 can make their own creations with blocks, Magna-Tiles, Lego bricks and other materials. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. Free. (315) 676-7484.

Summer STEAM Club. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Children ages 5-10 can learn through hands-on activities and experiments on the Dinosaur Garden lawn. Caregivers and siblings are welcome. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Game Day. 2-3 p.m. Kids ages 8-12 can enjoy life-size Jenga and Kerplunk, or play Operation, Twister and other games. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184.

Video Game Truck. 2:30 p.m Celebrate the end of summer reading by visiting Games on a Roll, the video game truck, and enjoying snacks. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.

The Bubbleman. 6-7 p.m. See and experience the science of bubbles with Doug Rougeux. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Teen Geeks. 6-8 p.m.; also August 15. Teens can play board games in the first session of the month and video games in the second. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Thursday, August 9

Ukulele and Ice Cream Therapy. 7-8 p.m. Join a fun sing-a-long with Salt City Ukulele. Bring a chair or blanket. Big Dip, 216 N. Main St., North Syracuse. Concert free; charge for treats. saltcityukulele.org.

Friday, August 10

Toddler Dance Party. 10:30 a.m. Children age 18 months to 5 years, accompanied by caregivers, can dance, play musical instruments and enjoy bubbles. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Mythological Forest Escape Room. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids age 10 and up and families can join a team to unravel clues, solve puzzles and escape a forest filled with creatures and mythological lore. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. Registration required: lpl.org.

Shakespeare in the Park. 5:30 p.m.; through August 12. See August 3 listing.

Saturday, August 11

Breakfast Canoe Tour. 7:30 a.m. Go on a guided paddle around the lake in search of wildlife. Stop in the middle of the excursion for a campfire pancake breakfast. Beaver Lake Nature Center, East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $5/adult; $3/child; $10 additional/canoe rental. $4/vehicle. Registration required: (315) 638-2519.

Scottish Games & Celtic Festival. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. See pipes, drums, dance and athletic competitions. Shop for Celtic goods and food. Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Gate tickets: $10/adult; $7/seniors; $4/children; free/under 5. cnyscottishgames.org.

Music with Donna B. 11 a.m. Donna Butterfield’s show uses interactive storytelling, music and movement, with face painting afterward. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Towpath Day. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. This festival celebrates canal history with a series of narrated vignettes along a section of the canal. There’ll also be live music, demonstrations of old-fashioned crafts, and more. Camillus Erie Canal Park, 5750 DeVoe Road, Camillus. Free admission. (315) 391-7020. eriecanalcamillus.com.

The Little Mermaid. 12:30 p.m. See July 28 listing.

Shakespeare in the Park. 5:30 p.m.; through August 12. See August 3 listing.

Sunday, August 12

Shakespeare in the Park. 2 p.m. See August 3 listing.

Star Party: Perseid Meteor Shower. 8:30-11 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to lie back and watch for meteors. Through a telescope, see the Milky Way galaxy and views of Saturn. (Backup date: Aug. 13.) Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. (315) 673-1350. Register: baltimorewoods.org.

Monday, August 13

Ithaca Physics Bus. 3-7 p.m. Kids from kindergarten to grade 5 will enjoy this mobile exhibition of upcycled appliances that showcase physics phenomena. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Shaving Cream Marbled Paper. 3:30-5 p.m. Kids age 7 and up can use shaving cream and food coloring to make marbled paper. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

Homeschooling 101 for Parents. 7-8:30 p.m. Learn about filing New York state-approved individual home instruction plans. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Tuesday, August 14

Floats and Coloring with Book Exchange. 1-2 p.m. Enjoy a cold float, color, and bring a book you’ve read to trade for one you haven’t; for the whole family. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org

Wednesday, August 15

Indoor Pool Party. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children from infants to age 6 can play in a kiddie pool/ball pit, make ocean-inspired crafts, and more. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Games on a Roll. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Young people ages 5-18 can play in the truck filled with video games. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Thursday, August 16

Lego Robotics. 1:30-3:30 p.m.; also August 17. Learn to use computer programs to move Lego structures you build. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. Registration required: lpl.org.

Craft Time. 2 p.m. Kids in grades K-5 can craft with rocks, making necklaces, a game, and more. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Compassionate Cesarean. 6-7:30 p.m. Learn the reasons for cesareans and how to create a family-centered cesarean, including recovery from cesarean. Presented by CNY Doula Connection. CNY Healing Arts, 195 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse. Free. Registration recommended: (607) 483-8284.

Family Book Bingo. 6-7 p.m. The whole family can come play Bingo and win books for all ages. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.

Family Film Under the Stars. 7:30 p.m. (pre-show activities); dusk (film). See the 1968 Walt Disney movie The Love Bug, about a magical car with mind of its own. Help paint a mural before the movie begins. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 474-6064. everson.org.

Friday, August 17

Teen Overnight. 8 p.m.-8 a.m. Students entering grades 6-12 can play games, watch movies, eat pizza and more. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Online registration and parent permission slip required: fflib.org. (315) 637-6374.

Saturday, August 18

Butterfly Tea Party. 10-11:30 p.m. Sample teas, eat tasty treats, and grab a net to catch a butterfly. For age 3 and up. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. (315) 673-1350. Register: baltimorewoods.org.

Asian Elephant Extravaganza. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This celebration combines wildlife conservation education with the culture and heritage of the native countries of Asian elephants. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $8/adult; $5/senior; $4/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and under. (315) 435-8511.

The Little Mermaid. 12:30 p.m. See July 28 listing.

Sensory Friendly Time. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Staff turn down the noise, turn off flashing lights, and shut off air compressors so people with sensory processing challenges can enjoy the museum. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST). 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Museum admission: $5. (315) 425-9068.

Sunday, August 19

See Ongoing Events

Monday, August 20

SAT Practice Exam. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Students entering grades 10-12 can take an official-length proctored practice exam. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Online registration required: fflib.org. (315) 637-6374.

Tuesday, August 21

Redhouse Rock Camp Performance. 6:30-8 p.m. Audience members of all ages can watch the culminating performance by camp participants ages 10-13. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. fflib.org. (315) 637-6374.

Wednesday, August 22

New York State Fair. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (exhibits); through Sept. 3. The fair features thousands of animals, hundreds of commercial attractions, scores of rides and countless styles of deep fried food. Also see the works of New York artists and crafters. New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse. Admission: $10/general; free/age 12 and younger. $3/Thursdays. $1/August 22 & Sept. 3. Parking: $5. (800) 475-FAIR. nysfair.org.