Spring is here and so are the spring nature events. From nature sketching to volunteer clean-ups, there are many outdoorsy activities to choose from.
But if the spring allergies are keeping you from going out, there are still many indoor events to enjoy, from live music to “Star Wars: A New Hope” to a Birthday Bash Drag Show.
Here are 30 things to do in CNY this week.
Monday, April 20
Beaver Lake BioBlitz
For the iNatters and nature lovers, Beaver Lake Nature Center is hosting a BioBlitz where participants can document species living within Beaver lake’s diverse ecosystems. Help support scientific research and learn about different species. Participants must be members of the Beaver Lake BioBlitz Spring 2026 project and have an iNaturalist account.
Where: 8477 East Mud Lake Rd., Baldwinsville
When: Sunday, April 19 and Monday, April 20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: Free with park admission, which is $5 per vehicle.
Community Writing Workshop: Hand-Me-Downs
Join Katherine Nikolau in a casual writing workshop at the Community Folk Art Center. The theme is hand-me-downs, discussing different tangible and intangible inheritances.
Where: 805 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Monday, April 20 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
How much: This event is free.
The Greenhouse
Join ESFMemes in partnership with Salt City Food Not Bombs & Syracuse Immigrant and Refugee Defense Network for a student-led benefits show at Thornden Park Amphitheater, featuring local artists, vendors and bands. This is an 18+ event.
Where: Thornden Park Drive, Syracuse
When: Monday, April 20 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $15, available here.
Tuesday, April 21
Special Collections Research Center Lecture and Exhibition Reception
Syracuse University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) presents “American Protest Music” in Bird Library’s Peter Graham Scholarly Commons. Dr. Corey Hunter, the James P. Wilmot Distinguished Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Rochester and Eastman School of Music, discusses the placement of music in protest and advocacy within the United States. Following the lecture is the exhibition reception for “We Demand! A Legacy of Activism in America.”
Where: 222 Waverly Ave., Syracuse
When: Tuesday, April 21 from 3-6 p.m.
How much: This event is free, but registration is required here.
‘& Juliet’ at the Landmark
The Landmark’s latest Broadway series offering “&Juliet” asks what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including “Since U Been Gone‚” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “That’s The Way It Is,“ and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”
Where: Landmark Theatre at 362 South Salina St.
When: Tuesday, April 21. Runs through April 26.
How much: Ticket prices vary.
Tatsuya Nakatani, Trillium Free Music Group and Poetry from Bee at ArtRage Gallery
Enjoy an evening of exploration with Tatsuya Nakatani, Trillium Free Music Group and Bee at ArtRage Gallery. From Nakatani’s distinctive drums and bowed gong style music to CNY-based Trillium Free Music Group’s debut performance of improvisational electro-acoustic to Bee’s poetry about identity, Black aliveness, queerness and DIY punk, this is bound to be a night of unique and thoughtful entertainment.
Where: 505 Hawley Ave., Syracuse
When: Tuesday, April 21 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
How much: $10-20 donation.
Wednesday, April 22
CNY Artist Initiative: Gallery Talk with Ann Clarke
The Everson Museum of Art presents a gallery talk with Ann Clark on her special exhibition, “Under the Canopy.” Part of the museum’s CNY Artist Initiative series, her exhibition features multimedia fibre, paint and printing arts.
Where: 401 Harrison St., Syracuse
When: Wednesday, April 22 from noon to 1 p.m.
How much: Pay what you wish.
Trash to Treasure: Earth Day Upcycling Workshop
Create your own crafts with Beaver Lake Nature Center in their hands-on upcycling workshop. From rain chains to bird feeders, learn how to make new creations from reused everyday items and about creative ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. All materials are provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own.
Where: 8477 East Mud Lake Rd, Baldwinsville
When: Wednesday, April 22 from 6 to 7 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $20 for members and $22 for nonmembers. Tickets include park admission and all materials.
Earth Day Wine Dinner
The restaurant Touché will host a five-course tasting menu celebrating the richness of foraged ingredients and wild game. Each dish highlights thoughtfully sourced elements from forest and field, bringing forward bold, earthy flavors and unexpected textures. The experience is complemented by a curated selection of natural wines, each pairing designed to enhance and elevate the menu’s wild character. This collaborative dinner is presented with Spore to Fork and Wild Harvest Table.
Where: Touché, 309 West Fayette St., Syracuse
When: Wednesday, April 22 at 6 p.m.
How much: $100 per person. Limited seating, reservations required.
Thursday, April 23
Hot Pepper Shakespeare
Celebrate William Shakespeare’s birthday with a spicy recitation exercise: eat a hot pepper and recite a Shakespeare sonnet or monologue. Anyone is welcome to participate or watch. Participants can sign up for a timeslot here and available peppers are of varying spice levels.
Where: SUNY Oswego, Oswego
When: Thursday, April 23 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: This event is free.
Nature Sketching: Wildflowers and Ferns
Enjoy nature’s beauty with this sketching class hosted at the Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Learn sketching techniques in proportions, shading, texture and colors during this guided sketching workshop. All sketching material is provided, but bring a portable camping chair if you have one. Space is limited and online pre-registration is required.
Where: 4007 Bishop Hill Rd., Marcellus
When: Thursday, April 23 at 10 a.m.
How much: General admission is $15 and admission with membership is $10, available for purchase here.
Why It Matters: Animal Transportation
Learn about animal ownership, transport and the ins-and-outs of moving zoo animals from place to place with the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Alongside provided snacks and refreshments, participants will learn directly from animal care specialists about the efforts taken for care and conservation.
Where: 1 Conservation Place Syracuse
When: Thursday, April 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
How much: General admission tickets cost $50, available for purchase here.
Friday, April 24
Book Sale and Bottle & Can Drive for Haiti
Join the Church of St. Michael and St. Peter for a used books and baked goods sale, alongside a bottle and can drive, where all proceeds will help support the church’s twin parish in Haiti. The book sale will be held in the church basement and the bottle drive will be in the church parking lot.
Where: 4791 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse
When: Friday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
How much: Admission is free.
‘A Bad Year for Tomatoes’ by Oswego Players
Oswego Players presents their spring production of “A Bad Year for Tomatoes,” written by John Patrick and directed by Inez Manor Parker. In this hilarious production, Myra Marlowe, a starlet sick of fame, moves to a small New England town to write her autobiography. Trying to avoid her gossiping neighbors, Marlowe spins a web of lies about living with her homicidal sister. But this tactic quickly backfires when her church-going neighbors instead try to save her fake sister’s soul and a local handyman falls in love with her.
Where: 32 Barbara Donahue Dr., Oswego
When: Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 26 at 2 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students and senior citizens, available here and at the box office.
Open Mic with Larry Kyle
The Oswego Music Hall presents an open mic with host Larry Kyle. With provided sound and stage, this open mic with cabaret-style seating brings artists together for an intimate night of performance. The open mic is open to all ages and skill levels.
Where: 41 Lake St., Oswego
When: Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. Sign-ups begin at 6:30 p.m.
How much: Suggested donation of $2.
Saturday, April 25
Autism Acceptance Walk
The “One Step at a Time” Autism Acceptance Walk is about visibility, inclusion and support for our CNY Autism community. T‑shirts will be available for purchase for $5. All money raised will assist efforts to expand recreational and educational programming here in the Central New York area.
Where: Jamesville Beach Park 3992 Apulia Rd., Jamesville
When: Saturday, April 25 at 10 a.m.
How much: Registration is free. Donations are encouraged.
‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ with Syracuse Orchestra
Enjoy John William’s Oscar award-winning score performed live with The Syracuse Orchestra’s special pops concert. Conducted by The Syracuse Orchestra’s Principal Pops Conductor, Sean O’Loughlin, watch the fan-favorite film with immersive soundtrack and acoustics at Crouse Hinds Theater at the Oncenter.
Where: 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, April 25 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Doors open an hour before concert starts.
How much: General admission ticket prices are $40-85, depending on seating. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Birthday Bash Drag Show
Celebrate Ivanna Michaels’ and Ginger ‘GiGi’ Diamond’s birthdays with this Birthday Bash Drag Show. Featuring Ivanna, Ginger, Glory Hellelur Serell, Veronica Grace and Sassy Ann Grace and live DJ music by DJ Adam Paradise, this evening bash is bound to be entertaining. This drag performance is PG-13 friendly, and a cash bar is available with alcoholic and nonalcoholic refreshments.
Where: 8 Exchange St., Auburn
When: Saturday, April 25 at 9 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $20, available for purchase here.
Dead in the Shed
A Grateful Dead Tribute show called Dead in the Shed takes place on April 25 in the F Shed at the CNY Regional Market. First band will be Half Past Dead and the headliner will be Dark Hollow.
Where: 2100 Park St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, April 25 from 5-11 p.m. Doors open 4:30 p.m.
How much: Presale tickets are $5. Tickets at the door are $10.
T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Waste Land’
Join John Morello, actor from PBS’s “Stories From the Stage,” in his performance of T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land” at Auburn Public Theater. In this hair-raising performance, Morello effortlessly transitions from character to character, voice to voice for a performance that discusses the human condition.
Where: 8 Exchange St., Auburn
When: Saturday, April 25 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $20, available for purchase here.
The Cadleys at Steeple Coffee House
Enjoy food and drink alongside live music by The Cadleys at Steeple Coffee House. Known for their powerful blend of new acoustic, traditional bluegrass and original songs, The Cadley’s are an award-winning group whose music and musicianship offers a special night of storytelling.
Where: 310 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville
When: Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.
How much: This event is free, but donations are encouraged. Suggested donation of $15-25 in cash includes drinks.
Syracuse Chorale: Songs of Transformation
The Syracuse Chorale presents their spring concert, “Songs of Transformation: We Can Mend the Sky,” at Holy Cross Church. Featuring works by Jake Runestad, Morten Lauridsen, Stephen Paulus and Elain Hagenberg, this program builds an uplifting and healing environment.
Where: 4112 E. Genesee St., DeWitt
When: Saturday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $15 for general admission and free for those under 18-years-old. They can be bought at the door or online here.
An Evening with Tom Rush, accompanied by Brendan Cleary
Enjoy live performance by renowned folk musician Tom Rush, accompanied by Brendan Cleary, at Oswego Music Hall. Known for his distinctive guitar style and gentle voice, Rush’s musical storytelling left its mark on the American music scene, and he is known as a major voice within the folk revival of the 1960s.
Where: 41 Lake St., Oswego
When: Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m.
How much: General admission tickets are $35 and VIP tickets are $40, available for purchase here.
Downtown Earth Day Clean Up
Participate in a city-wide Spring Cleaning and join others in maintaining our world and environment through this volunteer Earth Day Clean Up. Organized by the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, this yearly beautification activity invites residents to appreciate the earth and city, starting with cleaning at Armory Square, then Clinton Square and finally ending at Downtown East. Gloves, T-shirts and trash bags are provided.
Where: Armory Square, Syracuse
When: Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to noon.
How much: This event is free.
Schiller Park Earth Day Cleanup
Celebrate Earth Day by picking up trash at Schiller Park. This event happens rain or shine. Trash bags and a limited number of trash tongs/grabbers will be provided. Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear and bringing your own work gloves. Water bottles and granola bars will be available, donated by Price Rite.
Where: Schiller Park, Syracuse (Meet at the Rugby/Oak Street entrance, park by the Schiller Pool)
When: Saturday, April 25 at 10 a.m.
How much: Free to volunteer.
Onondaga Art Guild Annual Spring Show and Sale
Featuring a variety of mediums and styles, this art showcase at St David’s Episcopal Church is the perfect opportunity to support the local arts scene. With over 25 local artists presenting and selling their works and wares, this Spring Show and Sale is free and open to the public.
Where: 14 Jamar Drive, Fayetteville
When: Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: Admission is free.
Sunday, April 26
‘Women Composers’ with Syracuse Chamber Orchestra
Celebrate women creatives across history with the Syracuse Chamber Orchestra’s concert in Park Central Presbyterian Church which features works by women composers. From Princess Anna Amalia’s Military March No. 2 to Emilie Mayer’s Symphony No. 2, this concert has a variety of music to enjoy.
Where: 504 E. Fayette St., Syracuse
When: Sunday, April 26 at 3 p.m.
How much: This event is free.
I’ll Follow the Sun: Songs of Lennon & McCartney
Marissa Mulder, a Syracuse native and New York City jazz cabaret vocalist, will perform songs by Lennon and McCartney at the Sherwood Inn for the CNY Spring Cabaret. Enjoy busy jazz alongside food and drink with a full bar and menu for additional charge.
Where: 26 W. Genesee St., Skaneateles
When: Sunday, April 26 from 5-6:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $30 presale, available here, and $35 at the door.
Spring Pops Concert with SU Brass Ensemble
The United Church of Fayetteville presents a spring pops concert with the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble (SUBE) in support of the Syracuse Immigrant and Refugee Defense Network. The program consists of a variety of music, such as “Golden Gate,” John William’s “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” music from “Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring I25th anniversary,” Louis Prima’s arrangement of “Sing! Sing! Sing” and more.
Where: 310 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville,
When: Sunday, April 26 at 3 p.m.
How much: The concert is free, but audiences are encouraged to donate to SIRDIN.
Israel/Pellman Prize Winners Concert
The Society for New Music presents works by Ignacio Rosado and Edward Lu, the winners of the 2025 Israel/Pellman music composition competition. A competition which celebrates young New York State composers, this concert provides a unique opportunity to listen to new and exciting compositional works. In addition to new works by Rosado and Lu, the program features the Harpsichord Concerto by Armando Bayolo, performed by Ryan Chan.
Where: 310 Montgomery St., Syracuse
When: Sunday, April 26 from 4-6 p.m.
How much: Tickets cost $25 for general admission and $20 for senior citizens, available for purchase here.
