22 things to do in CNY this week – This is CNY

Take a break from your spring cleaning this week and have a fun afternoon or evening with friends at one of these Central New York-area events.

If you’re a cinephile, you’re in luck with three different film festivals happening this week. “Geeks” will find fun with a Dungeons & Dragons improv comedy event and the Geek/Art CONfluence, while fashionistas can take in top local talent at the spring edition of Syracuse Fashion Week. An assortment of live performances, a popular car show, and community events round out the calendar.

Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at features@syracuse.com.

Monday, April 13

Improvised Dungeons & Dragons

Calling all D&D fans: Syracuse Improv is presenting an interactive comedy show with a Dungeons & Dragons twist, hosted live at downtown Syracuse’s The Song & Dance Monday evening. The high-energy fantasy game will involve crowd interviews, live rewrites and plenty of laughs. Seats are limited, so secure your spot in advance. This event is for 18+.

Where: 115 E. Jefferson St., Syracuse

When: Monday, April 13 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

How much: $15.66; tickets available here.

Tuesday, April 14

Friends of the Central Library Author Series: Jodi Kantor

New York Times bestselling author Jodi Kantor will speak at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater Tuesday, part of Friends of the Central Library’s 31st season. A prize-winning investigative journalist, she broke the story with Megan Twohey of sexual allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Their book, “She Said,” came out in 2019. Kantor also wrote a book about the Obamas and her current work focuses on the Supreme Court.

Where: 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse

When: Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m.

How much: $53.75, purchase your ticket online.

Wednesday, April 15

Invasive Plant Pulling

Beginning this week, join naturalists at Beaver Lake Nature Center every Wednesday morning to help remove invasive plants. If you have been looking for a quick way to help the environment, Stewardship Wednesdays are an hour-long volunteering opportunity. Helping the community’s native plant species may require getting a bit messy, so thick gloves and long pants are recommended. Volunteers receive free park admission for the day.

Where: 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville

When: Wednesday, April 15 from 8 to 9 a.m.

How much: Free; more information here.

Thursday, April 16

Federico Solmi: ‘Adrift’

Visual artist Federico Solmi is joining publisher and “Brooklyn Rail” artistic director Phong Bui at the Everson Museum of Art for a chat about Solmi’s satirical multimedia exhibition, which closes Sunday. “Adrift” exposes excesses and contradictions of power across history and contemporary culture, looking at figures from Christopher Columbus to Elon Musk. After the discussion, the group will head to the Plaza outside as Urban Video Project projects Solmi’s “American Circus” on the museum’s facade.

Where: 401 Harrison St., Syracuse

When: Thursday, April 16 from 6 to 7 p.m.

How much: Pay-what-you-wish admission; more information here.

‘The Defiant Requiem’

In partnership with the Jewish Federation of CNY, The Syracuse Orchestra is presenting “The Defiant Requiem” Thursday evening at Crouse Hinds Concert Theater. During World War II in the Terezin concentration camp, conductor Rafael Schächter taught 150 fellow prisoners Giuseppe Verdi’s choral and orchestral “Requiem” after grueling days of forced labor. In an act of bravery, this group kept art alive by performing the “Requiem” 16 times for fellow prisoners.

Where: 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse

When: Thursday, April 16 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

How much: $18-$36, depending on seating; tickets available here.

Tempest

Featuring all its original members, folk-rock band Tempest will perform at historic Night Eagle Cafe, which now operates out of the Lansing Area Performance Hall. Hailing from San Francisco’s Bay Area, Tempest fuses Scottish, Norwegian, Irish and other global elements into their lively performances. Since forming in 1988, Tempest has played a mix of folk, rock, ballads and other genres, and has released 18 albums thus far.

Where: 1004 Auburn Road, North Lansing

When: Thursday, April 16 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

How much: $28.52 for general admission seating; online tickets available here. $30 at the door.

Killer Queen – A Tribute to Queen

The United Kingdom’s famous Queen tribute, Killer Queen, is coming to Syracuse’s Landmark Theatre Thursday as part of their 2026 world tour. The first tribute group to have a residency in London’s West End, award-winning Killer Queen features Patrick Myers at the helm as Freddie Mercury. Myers is known for his uncanny representation of Mercury.

Where: 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse

When: Thursday, April 16 at 8 p.m.

How much: $26.50-$108.30, depending on seating; tickets available here.

Reel Stories: CFAC Film Festival

Community Folk Art Center is hosting a film festival Thursday through Saturday. Opening with Afrofuturist science fiction hybrid documentary, “Space to Breathe,” set in a future world without prisons or police, the weekend will highlight films that explore history, culture, activism and community voices. A variety of short films will be shown Friday night and Saturday will feature a double-header. The festival is open to all and made possible with support from CNY Arts.

Where: 805 E. Genesee St., Syracuse

When: Thursday, April 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.

How much: Free, reserve your spot for any of the screenings online.

Friday, April 17

Supportive Queer Craft Circle

Parthenon Books in downtown Syracuse is hosting a queer craft circle on Friday. Guests may either bring their own materials, or use paper crafts provided by Front Porch Collective, a professional grief support collective for adults experiencing loss. The free event does not require registration; participants are encouraged to make a purchase at the bookstore or cafe.

Where: 333 S. Salina St., Syracuse

When: Friday, April 17 from 5 to 7 p.m.

How much: Free; more information here.

NYS Baroque

Now in its 37th season, NYS Baroque presents “Resurrexit,” a performance of 17th-century Italian music for voice and cornetto. Composers featured include Monteverdi, Schutz, Cozzolani and Cazzati. On Friday, the concert will be held at Syracuse’s Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church, and the show moves to Ithaca’s First Unitarian Society on Saturday. Tickets may be used for either location.

Where: 5299 Jamesville Road, Syracuse

When: Friday, April 17 at 6:45 p.m.

How much: $32 for general admission, $10 for students and limited income audiences, students in grades 3-12 admitted for free; tickets available here.

Syracuse Fashion Week Gala

Syracuse Fashion Week takes to the runway again with its gala Friday night at Mohegan Manor in Baldwinsville. SFW is returning to the restaurant for their annual evening of high fashion, spotlighting 11 featured designers. Price of admission includes coffee bar access and dessert at intermission; there is also a cash bar. Ticket proceeds benefit the Food Bank of CNY. All ages are welcome.

Where: 58 Oswego St., Baldwinsville

When: Friday, April 17 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

How much: $22.94 for children, $55.05 for general admission; tickets and information about additional SFW events this week available here.

Five Families Ensemble

On Friday, Oswego Music Hall will host Monk Rowe’s Five Families Ensemble for the season’s final Jazz by the Lake performance. The group adds the human voice to the four instrument groups of a traditional chamber ensemble and performs a range that includes classical music, traditional jazz and experimental blues. The event is open to all ages. Online sales end at 1 p.m. on the day of the show, but tickets will be available at the door.

Where: 41 Lake St., Oswego

When: Friday, April 17 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

How much: $19.98 general admission, $23.18 VIP seating, $10.91 students with ID; tickets available here.

Saturday, April 18

Record Store Day at The Sound Garden

Syracuse’s 2026 Record Store Day festivities will begin on Saturday morning at The Sound Garden. Record Store Day has celebrated independent record stores across the country since 2008. It’s a way to honor staff members, artists and music lovers across the nation. Customers will be let into the shop on a first come, first served basis.

Where: The Sound Garden at 310 W. Jefferson St.

When: Saturday, April 18 at 9 a.m.

How much: Bring your wallet to shop.

Canal Clean Sweep

Join Madison County’s Great Swamp Conservancy in cleaning up the Erie Canalway Trail in Canastota. All materials, including gloves and garbage bags, will be provided by the conservancy. This cleanup is great for students or families looking for community service opportunities, as the event is open to ages 6 and up.

Where: 7585 North Court St., Canastota

When: Saturday, April 18 from 9 to 10 a.m.

How much: Free to attend; please register here.

Cavalcade of Cars Syracuse

The Cavalcade of Cars is expanding into the NYS Fairgrounds’ Exposition Center for its return this weekend. This show is tailored to local motorcycle and automobile enthusiasts. Stroll through and admire high quality hot rods, custom vehicles, classic cars, race cars and motorcycles. The event will include swap meets, pinstriping, live music, local vendors, a pin-up contest and more.

Where: 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse

When: Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How much: Adults are $13.96/day in advance, $15/day at door, weekend pass is $24.31 for adults, kids 12 and under are free; tickets and more details available here.

Cayuga Film Festival

Whether your tastes lean experimental or narrative, the 5th annual Cayuga Film Festival at Auburn Public Theater will have something for you to enjoy. The festival is a place for original work by emerging and established local artists and students to be celebrated and appreciated by the community. The event also provides a networking opportunity for those in the arts. This festival is open to all ages, with two viewing blocks and an afternoon Q&A with the films’ directors.

Where: 8 Exchange St., Auburn

When: Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

How much: Free; reserve your spot here.

Get on the Beat! Community Health Fair

The second Get on the Beat! Community Health Awareness Fair and Summit will be held in Destiny USA’s first floor common space Saturday. The fair aims to promote public health and connect the greater Syracuse community with wellness resources. Guests will meet local hospital representatives, healthcare professionals and leaders of public health organizations, and can hear short presentations. This event is free and open to the public.

Where: 1 Destiny USA Dr., Syracuse

When: Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

How much: Free

Solar Viewing Party

See our planet’s closest star detailed and up close through Green Lakes State Park’s specially filtered solar telescopes Saturday. The sun is nearing the conclusion of an 11-year peak cycle, so viewers should expect to see plenty of sunspots and magnetic disturbances. There may be a chance to see Venus as well. This event will be held outside the Environmental Education Center. In case of cloudy skies, the backup date is Sunday, April 19.

Where: 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville

When: Saturday, April 18 from 1 to 3 p.m.

How much: Free; more information here.

George Birge

Rising country star George Birge is bringing his Cowboy Songs Tour to Kegs Canalside Event Center in Jordan Saturday. Known for hits like “Mind on You,” Birge is a Billboard-charting artist who has toured with Luke Bryan. Country trio Highway Home opens.

Where: 7 N. Hamilton St., Jordan

When: Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m.

How much: $34.02-$63.02, depending on seating, with pit upgrade available for $28.22; tickets available here.

Sebastian Maniscalco Live

One of the most imitated comedians working today, Sebastian Maniscalco is stopping by Turning Stone Resort Casino’s Event Center for a Saturday night standup performance. He draws large crowds for his big-time energy, old-school storytelling and real-life observations; tickets are going fast. Maniscalco earned the #1 Comedy Tour of 2025 in Billboard’s Midyear Boxscore report.

Where: 5218 Patrick Road, Verona

When: Saturday, April 18 at 8 p.m.

How much: $93.20-$181.30, depending on seating; tickets available here.

Sunday, April 19

Oswego Bookmobile Breakfast

Join Oswego Bookmobile and Friends of the Oswego Public Library for their annual Pancake Breakfast benefit at Christ the Good Shepherd Church. Dig into home fries, eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon, coffee and juice. Raffle prizes include a homemade quilt, diamond necklace, scratch-off board and plenty of gift cards. Breakfast and raffle tickets will be available at the door. To reserve your tickets in advance, stop by the Oswego Public Library.

Where: 133 E. 4th St., Oswego

When: Sunday, April 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

How much: $12 for ages 9 and up, $7 for children ages 2-8.

Geek/Art CONfluence

The annual Geek/Art CONfluence will be held Sunday at Syracuse University’s Schine Student Center Goldstein Auditorium. This local comic con is open to the public and caters to people who love to collect art and connect with fellow community members. The event features panels, gaming, presentations and cosplay in a diverse, inclusive environment that emphasizes disability awareness within geek culture.

Where: 303 University Place, Syracuse

When: Sunday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How much: Free; more information here.

SASFest 2026

More than 20 CNY-produced movies will premiere at Syracuse Actors Studio’s first SASFest, being held at the Palace Theatre Sunday. SASFest is a film festival spotlighting Syracuse’s rising independent cinema scene. This public event is intended for local residents who are interested in the art of moviemaking, from producing and writing to directing and acting. There will be Q&A opportunities after each screening.

Where: 2384 James St., Syracuse

When: Sunday, April 19 from noon to 9 p.m. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

How much: Free, but donations are requested for SAS and the theater; register here.