Summer is in full swing, Central New York — and your library card is about to get a serious workout! 📚 Libraries across the region are kicking off their 2026 Summer Reading Programs this week, all built around this year’s theme, “Unearth a Story” (which will be a hit, especially if you’ve got a dinosaur fan!). But that’s not all we’ve got for you — with the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday right around the corner, we’re also giving you a first look at fireworks, fairs, and festivities worth planning for now.
In this week’s article:
📚 Summer Reading kicks off — NOPL’s joint Summer Reading Kickoff hits North Syracuse on June 29, while Liverpool Public Library holds its own kickoff this Saturday, June 27. Oswego and Pulaski libraries are opening registration soon too — scroll down to find your library’s start date.
🎆 Start planning for the 4th — between DeWitt’s America’s 250th Birthday Celebration on July 1, the Syracuse Mets’ Independence Day Weekend, and Fort Stanwix’s 18th-century-style festivities in Rome, this year’s holiday lineup has a little something extra to celebrate America’s 250th.
🎡 County fair season is here — the Oswego County Fair kicks things off July 1–5 with a “Farm. Family. Freedom.” theme, and we’ve rounded up dates for other notable county fairs on the calendar this summer.
🕌 Don’t miss these events — the St. Elias Middle Eastern Festival runs Thursday through Sunday, and the Strides for Sight 5K brings the CNY community together Saturday morning at Onondaga Lake Park for a meanigful cause.
Scroll down for this week’s lineup of can’t-miss events, plus more helpful articles and resources!
Celebrate Independence Day in CNY
🎆 DeWitt’s America’s 250th Birthday Celebration
📍 Carrier Park, 1033 Kinne Street, East Syracuse
📅 Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | Farmers Market 3–7 p.m. | Family Fun 5–9:15 p.m.
Kick off America’s 250th anniversary with an evening of food, fun, and fireworks at Carrier Park. Kids can enjoy inflatables, face painting, and photo ops with Kylee’s Kreations, while Kona Ice and Trapper’s Concession Stand keep everyone fed and cool. Live music from the ESM Community Wind Ensemble and Mood Swing rounds out the evening before a fireworks show, sponsored by Canandaigua National Bank, lights up the sky.
📍 Carrier Park, 1033 Kinne Street, East Syracuse
📅 Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | Farmers Market 3–7 p.m. | Family Fun 5–9:15 p.m.
Kick off America’s 250th anniversary with an evening of food, fun, and fireworks at Carrier Park. Kids can enjoy inflatables, face painting, and photo ops with Kylee’s Kreations, while Kona Ice and Trapper’s Concession Stand keep everyone fed and cool. Live music from the ESM Community Wind Ensemble and Mood Swing rounds out the evening before a fireworks show, sponsored by Canandaigua National Bank, lights up the sky.
🎆 Syracuse Mets Independence Day Weekend
📍 NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse
📅 July 2–6, 2026
Fireworks after every game that weekend, with the largest fireworks show in CNY history following the Friday, July 4 game vs. the Worcester Red Sox. Sunday, July 5 also features a 250th Birthday of America Celebration with a Hawaiian shirt jersey giveaway.
📍 NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse
📅 July 2–6, 2026
Fireworks after every game that weekend, with the largest fireworks show in CNY history following the Friday, July 4 game vs. the Worcester Red Sox. Sunday, July 5 also features a 250th Birthday of America Celebration with a Hawaiian shirt jersey giveaway.
🎖️ Independence Day the 18th Century Way — Fort Stanwix National Monument
📍 Fort Stanwix National Monument, 112 E. Park St., Rome
📅 July 4, 2026, starting 9 a.m.
A ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldiers, cannon and musket salutes, and Declaration of Independence readings. Visitors can sign a replica Declaration, make tricorn hats, and try on a soldier’s uniform.
📍 Fort Stanwix National Monument, 112 E. Park St., Rome
📅 July 4, 2026, starting 9 a.m.
A ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldiers, cannon and musket salutes, and Declaration of Independence readings. Visitors can sign a replica Declaration, make tricorn hats, and try on a soldier’s uniform.
🛥️ July 4th Yacht Rock Party & Fireworks Show
📍 Bellamy Harbor Park, Rome
📅 July 4, 2026, 5-10 p.m.
A waterfront party with a yacht rock theme, followed by fireworks. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and claim your spot early!
📍 Bellamy Harbor Park, Rome
📅 July 4, 2026, 5-10 p.m.
A waterfront party with a yacht rock theme, followed by fireworks. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and claim your spot early!
🎇 50th Annual Ronald A. Russell Jr. Fireworks Display
📍 East Syracuse Elementary School field, 230 Kinne St., East Syracuse
📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026 (rain date July 12)
Free concert 6:15–9:15 p.m., with fireworks following around 9:30 p.m.
📍 East Syracuse Elementary School field, 230 Kinne St., East Syracuse
📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026 (rain date July 12)
Free concert 6:15–9:15 p.m., with fireworks following around 9:30 p.m.
For more events near you, check out our CNY Events Calendar!
Summer Fairs in CNY
🎡 Oswego County Fair: “Farm. Family. Freedom.”
📍 Oswego County Fairgrounds, 291 Ellisburg St., Sandy Creek | July 1–5
📍 Oswego County Fairgrounds, 291 Ellisburg St., Sandy Creek | July 1–5
🎡 Cortland County Junior Fair
📍 4849 Fairgrounds Drive, Cortlandville | July 7–11
📍 4849 Fairgrounds Drive, Cortlandville | July 7–11
🎡 Boonville-Oneida County Fair
📍 Boonville Fairgrounds, Boonville | July 28–August 2
📍 Boonville Fairgrounds, Boonville | July 28–August 2
🎡 Onondaga County 4-H Youth Fair
📍 NYS Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse | July 29–August 3
📍 NYS Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse | July 29–August 3
🎡 Chenango County Fair
📍 168 E. Main St., Norwich | August 12–16
📍 168 E. Main St., Norwich | August 12–16
🎡 Wayne County Fair
📍 300 W. Jackson St., Palmyra | August 10–16
📍 300 W. Jackson St., Palmyra | August 10–16
🎡 Trumansburg Fair
📍 Trumansburg Fairgrounds, 2150 Trumansburg Rd., Trumansburg | August 20–25
📍 Trumansburg Fairgrounds, 2150 Trumansburg Rd., Trumansburg | August 20–25
Can’t Miss Events
🕌 St. Elias Middle Eastern Festival
📍 St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church, 4988 Onondaga Rd., Syracuse
📅 Thursday, June 25 – Sunday, June 28, 2026
Sample shawarma, falafel, and baklava, watch traditional Dabke circle dancing, get henna art at the mini “souk” marketplace, and take a church tour. Free admission.
📍 St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church, 4988 Onondaga Rd., Syracuse
📅 Thursday, June 25 – Sunday, June 28, 2026
Sample shawarma, falafel, and baklava, watch traditional Dabke circle dancing, get henna art at the mini “souk” marketplace, and take a church tour. Free admission.
🦖 Dino Dollar Days at the MOST
📍 Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (the MOST), Syracuse
📅 Starting Friday, June 26, 2026
The popular Dino Zone exhibit, presented by M&T Bank, reopens this week — and the MOST is celebrating with $1 admission all day long. A budget-friendly way to let the kids roam with the dinosaurs before summer gets even busier.
📍 Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (the MOST), Syracuse
📅 Starting Friday, June 26, 2026
The popular Dino Zone exhibit, presented by M&T Bank, reopens this week — and the MOST is celebrating with $1 admission all day long. A budget-friendly way to let the kids roam with the dinosaurs before summer gets even busier.
🏃 2nd Annual Strides for Sight 5K Run/Walk
📍 Willow Bay at Onondaga Lake Park, 3858 Long Branch Rd., Liverpool
📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
AURORA of CNY and the Baldwinsville Lions Club team up for this inclusive 5K supporting programs for those who are blind, Deaf, visually impaired, or hard of hearing. A free Children’s Strides for Sight Run (ages 0–5) and a post-race Activity Zone with games and crafts make it a great family outing.
📍 Willow Bay at Onondaga Lake Park, 3858 Long Branch Rd., Liverpool
📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
AURORA of CNY and the Baldwinsville Lions Club team up for this inclusive 5K supporting programs for those who are blind, Deaf, visually impaired, or hard of hearing. A free Children’s Strides for Sight Run (ages 0–5) and a post-race Activity Zone with games and crafts make it a great family outing.
Looking for more to do near you? Visit our events calendar to discover more upcoming events! Easily find activities, festivals, concerts, and more based on date, location, and mile radius.
Family Fun on a Budget
📚 Free Passes from Your Local Participating Library
📍 Your local CNY library branch | All summer long
Did you know your library card may get your family free or discounted admission to local museums, parks (check out the Explore Outdoors Pass!), and attractions? Visit your local branch to see what’s available this summer!
🎉 Summer Kick-Off Party at WonderWorks Destiny
📍 WonderWorks, Destiny USA, 9090 Destiny USA Dr., Syracuse
📅 June 25–29, 2026
BOGO admission at the door all week long.
📍 WonderWorks, Destiny USA, 9090 Destiny USA Dr., Syracuse
📅 June 25–29, 2026
BOGO admission at the door all week long.
🎟️ Tykes Tuesday at Destiny USA
📍 Destiny USA, 9090 Destiny USA Dr., Syracuse
📅 Every Tuesday, June 30 – August 18, 2026 | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
📍 Destiny USA, 9090 Destiny USA Dr., Syracuse
📅 Every Tuesday, June 30 – August 18, 2026 | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
A different theme every week, with exclusive discounts for attendees each week.
🌱 ICG Drop-In Discovery Days
📍 Ithaca Children’s Garden, 121 Hector St., Ithaca
📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
Free, drop-in hands-on exploration and crafts for kids.
📍 Ithaca Children’s Garden, 121 Hector St., Ithaca
📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
Free, drop-in hands-on exploration and crafts for kids.
Looking for more budget-friendly options? Check out our full guide on family fun that won’t break the bank!
Library Corner: Summer Reading Programs
Summer Reading Programs Are Here! This summer’s theme is “Unearth a Story.“
📚 NOPL Summer Reading Kickoff
📍 NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse
📅 Monday, June 29, 2026 | 2–4 p.m.
Families are invited to this free joint kickoff event. Registration opens for the 2026 summer reading program, and kids can decorate a library-provided tote bag to hold their summer books.
📍 NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse
📅 Monday, June 29, 2026 | 2–4 p.m.
Families are invited to this free joint kickoff event. Registration opens for the 2026 summer reading program, and kids can decorate a library-provided tote bag to hold their summer books.
📚 Liverpool Public Library Summer Reading Kick-Off
📍 Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool
📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
📍 Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool
📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
📚 Oswego Summer Reading Program
📍 Oswego Public Library, 120 E. Second St., Oswego
📅 Registration opens June 29, 2026
📍 Oswego Public Library, 120 E. Second St., Oswego
📅 Registration opens June 29, 2026
📚 Pulaski Summer Reading Program
📍 Pulaski Public Library, 4917 N. Jefferson St. Pulaski
📅 Registration opens July 6, 2026
📍 Pulaski Public Library, 4917 N. Jefferson St. Pulaski
📅 Registration opens July 6, 2026
More Helpful Resources for Summer Learning:
For the Grown-Ups
Because parents deserve a night (or day!) out too!
🚲 Beers, Bikes, and Barges
📍 Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Boulevard East, Syracuse
📅 June 25 – September 10, 2026
Get tickets here
📍 Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Boulevard East, Syracuse
📅 June 25 – September 10, 2026
Get tickets here
🧠 Nature Trivia Night at the Woods
📍 Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd., Marcellus
📅 Friday, June 26, 2026
📍 Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd., Marcellus
📅 Friday, June 26, 2026
🎶 Live Music at the 1911 Tasting Room with Michael Centore
📍 Beak & Skiff’s 1911 Tasting Room, 2708 Lords Hill Rd., LaFayette
📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
📍 Beak & Skiff’s 1911 Tasting Room, 2708 Lords Hill Rd., LaFayette
📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
Check out our events calendar to search more events near you!
Upcoming Events
💙 Big Hearts Big Fun Day
📍 Clay Town Park, 4821 Wetzel Road, Liverpool
📅 Sunday, July 19, 2026
A free, all-abilities event and resource fair.
📍 Clay Town Park, 4821 Wetzel Road, Liverpool
📅 Sunday, July 19, 2026
A free, all-abilities event and resource fair.
🎷 Syracuse International Jazz Fest — 40th Anniversary
📍 Syracuse University (National Veterans Resource Center & Hendricks Chapel) and Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, LaFayette
📅 July 9–12, 2026
📍 Syracuse University (National Veterans Resource Center & Hendricks Chapel) and Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, LaFayette
📅 July 9–12, 2026
More Family Resources
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