Links to: Event Map, Entertainment Schedule and More…
Syracuse, NY – This Friday, July 26, Columbus Circle and surrounding streets will come alive with artists, craftspeople, street performers, strolling musicians and summer refreshments as the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. and M&T Bank partner to present the 53rd annual Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival.
The free, three-day, family-friendly festival kicks off Friday, July 26 and continues through Sunday, July 28. Centered at the intersection of East Onondaga, East Jefferson and Montgomery Streets, visitors are encouraged to stop by the Information Booth, which will be positioned in front of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Map), for full festival information.
Throughout the weekend, attendees will be able to shop for a variety of contemporary arts and crafts, like ceramics, sculptures, photography, painting, woodwork, jewelry, clothing and much more. The M&T Bank Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival features almost 150 of North America’s most talented artists, representing 20 states, Canada and Mexico. A list of the participating artists and a preview of their work can be found on the event website here, as well as an entertainment schedule here.
The M&T Bank Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival is the longest-running festival in Downtown Syracuse. It is recognized as the most prestigious show of its kind in Central New York and has earned national accolades several times over, including most recently in 2023 when Sunshine Artist Magazine recognized the festival as #11 in its list of 200 Best Shows in the country! This honor is especially meaningful because it comes from participating artists who vote for their favorite shows based on a variety of factors including potential revenue, amenities, attendance, management, overall quality and hospitality.
“Artists and families alike anticipate this festival each year, often citing it as one of their favorite summer traditions,” said Merike Treier, Executive Director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, “We encourage everyone to take full advantage of the festival by spending the day in Downtown. This weekend presents an ideal opportunity to discover everything Downtown Syracuse has to offer.”
The Downtown Committee is grateful for the support of our presenting sponsor M&T Bank and their continued dedication to this region’s success.
“We can’t wait to celebrate the 53rd annual Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival,” said Steve Gorczynski, CNY Regional President of M&T Bank. “This event really showcases the vibrancy of our community and all that it offers from an arts and culture perspective, and we are so excited to be able to support events that highlight our thriving city center.”
There is something for everyone in the family to experience with the Everson Museum of Art for their Take and Make art event inspired by Alphabet City Chronicles—Manuel Matias’ exhibition at the Everson Museum. The Take and Make boxes will provide an opportunity for participants to create their own memory-inspired artworks. Everson staff and teaching artists have designed these boxes to replicate the miniature artworks created by Matias. Participating guests will be invited to sit and create using the materials found in their boxes, as well as communal art tools like scissors and glue. Everson staff and teaching artists will be available on site for technical and creative guidance. This takes place on Friday and Saturday and is free of charge.
A must see of the festival is the Corning Flame Working Demonstration at the Corning Museum of Glass booth where professional flame worker Eric Goldschmidt will construct intricate art from fire and glass! Using a 4,000°F torch, Eric will melt glass rods into a red-hot molten mass and shape them into impressive works of art. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn about the process as Eric narrates his techniques, the science behind them, and the evolution of flameworking from the wax-fueled flames of the 15th-century Venetians to the eruption of new innovations and applications in the modern day. This will take place on Sunday and is free of charge.
You will also find great live entertainment including the Syracuse Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will provide mini-organ recitals during the Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival at Plymouth Congregational Church and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. A total of eight organists from the Central New York area will perform on Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the afternoon, giving visitors a chance to take a break and relax inside one or both churches.
And making a comeback this year, the Open Hand Theater Legacy Giant Puppet with Redhouse will make an appearance on Sunday afternoon.
The Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival runs from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Friday, July 26, and from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28.
For more information about the 53rd annual Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival, please visit SyracuseArtsandCraftsFestival.com.
