Syracuse NY Best Food and Drink Festivals 

Nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region, Syracuse, New York, stands out not only for its cultural richness and natural beauty but also for its thriving festival scene. Beyond historic landmarks and scenic vistas, Syracuse plays host to a diverse range of events dedicated to food, wine, and craft beer. Let's look at a few!

Central New York Brewfest: January

The largest indoor beer sampling festival in New York State draws thousands of craft beer enthusiasts to the NY State Fairgrounds' Horticulture Building. The Central New York Brewfest features over 120 breweries offering more than 300 craft beers, hard ciders, and seltzers for sampling, including local favorites like Middle Ages Brewing Company, Empire Brewing, and Willow Rock Brewing Company. Food vendors serve hearty fare perfect for beer sampling, including wood-fired pizzas, gourmet pretzels, locally-made sausages, and artisanal cheese plates.

Live music keeps the energy high throughout the event, with performances by local favorites The Mere Mortals and The Old Main on dual stages. The festival accommodates approximately 2,000 attendees across two tasting sessions, with each session lasting three hours. Special features include a dedicated New York State craft beer section, exclusive brewery releases, meet-and-greet opportunities with local brewmasters, and a complementary commemorative sampling glass for each attendee.

Syracuse Crawfish Festival: May

A celebration of Louisiana culture transforms Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse into the largest crawfish festival in the Northeastern United States, drawing over 5,000 attendees each spring. The Syracuse Crawfish Festival features 35 local and regional vendors, including popular spots like Bear Creek, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and Salt City Market serving up traditional Louisiana-style crawfish boils alongside Central New York fusion dishes. Live Cajun and zydeco music fills the air with performances from premier bands like C'est Bon and The Crawdaddies on two separate stages throughout the weekend.

Festival-goers can enjoy craft beer selections from local breweries Middle Ages and Empire, while sampling signature crawfish étouffée, jambalaya, and po' boys. Activities include crawfish eating contests, cooking demonstrations from local chefs, and a dedicated kids' zone with face painting and carnival games. The historic Clinton Square fountain provides a perfect backdrop for the festivities, with covered seating areas and a dedicated dance floor where attendees can learn traditional Cajun dance moves from professional instructors.

Taste of Syracuse: June

This annual two-day summer food festival features over 40 local restaurants and food vendors showcasing signature dishes from across Central New York in downtown Syracuse's Clinton Square. Area favorites like Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Pastabilities, and Twin Trees serve up their most popular menu items alongside newer establishments eager to make their mark on the local food scene. The festival's famous "$1 Sample" offerings allow visitors to taste small portions from multiple vendors, making it possible to experience a wide variety of cuisines in a single visit.

Averaging 75,000 attendees annually, the event has become one of the largest food festivals in upstate New York, complemented by two stages featuring continuous live music performances by regional bands. Local breweries and wineries set up tasting stations throughout the square, offering samples of craft beers and Finger Lakes wines. Beyond food and drink, the festival includes cooking demonstrations by local chefs, a dedicated kids' zone with activities, and special appearances by local celebrities and community leaders.

Festa Italiana: September

This cherished cultural gathering has become a cornerstone of central New York's summer festival season. The 3 day event, in downtown Syracuse, features over 40 food vendors, including local favorites like Angotti's Italian Imports, Luigi's Restaurant, and Biscotti Cafe, serving everything from arancini and homemade pasta to traditional Italian pastries and gelato. Thousands of visitors typically attend to enjoy live entertainment from Italian singers and bands performing on two stages, with past performers including Italian tenors and local accordion players.

The festival grounds transform into a lively Italian village atmosphere complete with traditional folk dancing demonstrations, a bocci tournament, and cooking demonstrations where local chefs share their family recipes. Special features include a dedicated wine and beer garden serving Italian varieties, carnival games for children, and an Italian heritage museum display showcasing Syracuse's rich Italian-American history. Festival organizers work closely with the Italian American Heritage Association to ensure authentic cultural representations through every aspect of the celebration.

Syracuse Wine & Chocolate Festival: November

Wine and chocolate enthusiasts gather annually in Central New York to celebrate the finest selections from across the state. The Syracuse Wine & Chocolate Festival, hosted at the New York State Fairgrounds, typically welcomes over 3,000 attendees who sample artisanal chocolates and local wines from more than 50 vendors. Notable participants include Chocolate Pizza Company, Sweet on Chocolate, Finger Lakes wineries like Dr. Konstantin Frank and Wagner Vineyards, alongside regional chocolatiers and confectioners.

Live music performances throughout the day feature local jazz ensembles and acoustic artists from Central New York, creating a relaxed atmosphere for tasting and mingling. The festival features unique offerings like chocolate-making demonstrations, wine and chocolate pairing workshops, and an artisan marketplace where visitors can purchase their favorite discoveries. Special features include a VIP lounge area with exclusive tastings, complimentary wine glasses for attendees, and educational seminars led by master chocolatiers and sommeliers.

Syracuse's food and drink festivals promise an enjoyable adventure to quench your taste and thirst. So, gather your friends, bring your appetite, and set forth on a journey through the heart of Syracuse, where every bite and sip is a celebration of taste, passion, and community.