Sure, you could stay home this month and next, moping around about slush, shoveling and low temperatures. (Sounds boring to me.)
Or you could go out, explore and enjoy all there is to do across Central New York, even in the dead of winter.
We’ve gathered up 22 of the biggest, most well-attended events during January and February, listed here in chronological order so you can mark your calendars.
Save the dates of these festivals, polar plunges, concerts and plays, then make plans to get out of the house for once.
Do you have a large holiday event to share with hundreds of people expected to attend? Email Katrina Tulloch at ktulloch@syracuse.com. We’ll have a separate round-up of late winter/early spring events publishing in mid-March.
January events
Salmon River Winter Festival
Prepare your taste buds for a winter weekend feast at the Salmon River Winter Festival from Jan. 16-18. The village of Pulaski will host live music, an indoor cornhole tournament and a mac-and-cheese challenge Friday, followed by a wing walk Saturday and a chili cook-off Sunday. Nearby, Selkirk Shores State Park will offer horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides, along with snowshoeing. The town of Richland will also join the festivities with a craft show and a cornhole tournament.
Where: Pulaski, N.Y.
When: Friday, Jan. 16 through Sunday, Jan. 18
Meier’s Creek Chili Fest
Meier’s Creek Caz Farm Brewery will host Chili Fest, a week-long celebration (Jan. 21-25) of bold chili flavors and community, perfectly paired with Meier’s Creek brews. The brewery will serve chili and chili cheese fries all week, plus daily specials like chili dogs, chili mac and chili cheese poutine.
Where: 33 Rippleton Rd., Cazenovia
When: Wednesday, Jan. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 25.
The Great Sportsman’s Expo
The Great Sportsman’s Expo at the New York State Fairgrounds’ Expo Center showcases the latest in products, travel and entertainment for hunters, anglers and everyone who loves being outdoors. More than 200 vendors are expected. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at Eventbrite.
Where: 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse
When: Friday, Jan. 23 from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Adults (ages 13 to 64) $15, seniors, military, police & children (ages 6-12) $13, children (6 and under) free.
Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic
Syracuse’s annual Pond Hockey Classic returns to the skating rink at Clinton Square on Saturday, Jan. 24. Sixteen three-person teams will start competing at 10 a.m. on two reduced-size rinks. Final round competition begins at 6 p.m. with the championship slated for 7. Fans can watch the action for free, while enjoying food and drink throughout the day. Find more information on syracusepondhockeyclassic.com.
Where: Clinton Square, Syracuse
When: Saturday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. The title game is at 7.
How much: Free to attend.
Chilly Chili 5K Run/Walk
The 21st annual Chilly Chili 5K Run/Walk will be Sunday, January 25. After the race there will be a party with chili samples, live music, raffles and a silent auction inside the Caz Middle School gym. All proceeds from the Chilly Chili benefit Cazenovia Children’s House, a nonprofit daycare serving the community for over 50 years. Packet pickup at Fleet Feet Syracuse on Jan. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: The 5K starts at Cazenovia High School.
When: Sunday, Jan. 25. The Snowflake Sprint will begin at 11:30, followed by the 5k starting at noon.
How much: Registration will be online only. No paper or cash accepted.
Syracuse Winter Fair
Enjoy a taste of summer at the Expo Center at the New York State Fairgrounds, as the Syracuse Winter Fair returns for its 7th year with carnival rides, games and plenty of fair food. There will be live music, dance performances, visits from reindeer, martial arts demonstrations, a fashion show and more. Fireworks are scheduled for Friday and Saturday night at 8:45 p.m. A complete guide and schedule can be seen at nyswinterfair.com.
Where: 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse
When: Friday, Jan. 30 from 3-9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Advance sale tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for teens and seniors, and children 10 and under are free. (Advance ticket purchases come with small fees.) At the door, tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and teens. Parking is free.
CNY Brewfest 2026
The longest-running Brewfest in Central New York is back for its 29th year at the Horticulture Building at the NYS Fairgrounds on Saturday, Jan. 31. Visitors can try samples and pours of 150+ including craft beer, hard ciders, canned cocktails, seltzers and mocktails. Live music and games will be available.
Where: 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Jan. 31. Come for session one from 1-4 p.m. or session two from 6-9 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $50.
Oswego hosts ’13126 Day’
Oswego officials have announced a once-in-a-century community celebration set for Jan. 31, 2026, a date that mirrors the city’s 13126 ZIP code. Mayor Robert Corradino and the Common Council organized “13126 Day” to highlight local landmarks, businesses and Oswego community spirit. The event will include various activities and promotions throughout the city.
Where: Oswego, N.Y.
When: Saturday, Jan. 31, all day.
Skaneateles Polar Bear Plunge
Skaneateles Polar Bear Club hosts its popular Polar Plunge on Saturday, Jan. 31 at Clift Park, continuing the village’s 15-year tradition. Over a hundred people from local businesses, nonprofits and schools plunge into the chilly waters of Skaneateles Lake. The Polar Plunge is a traditional part of Skaneateles Winterfest, the annual village celebration which features ice sculptures, scavenger hunts and food samples from local restaurants. It’s hosted by the Skaneateles Sunrise Rotary Club.
Where: Clift Park, Skaneateles Lake.
When: Saturday, Jan. 31
2026 B’ville Big Chill
In its 19th year, the B’ville Big Chill is a winter celebration hosted by the Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Baldwinsville. Starting at 11:30 a.m., a heated tent houses the “Best in Bowl’ competition, where local eateries serve samples of their food. Then at noon, teams of people start plunging into the icy Seneca River, competing to raise money and receive cash awards for their favorite charities. WT Brews will also have a cash bar inside the tent.
Where: Mercer Park, North Street, Baldwinsville
When: Saturday, Jan. 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
How much: Free to attend. For $5 per person, you can sample food from area restaurants and eateries.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides at Highland Forest
CNY Carriage Company offers sleigh or wagon rides through Highland Forest in Fabius on Saturdays and Sundays this winter. Rides last 20 minutes and cost $10 per person. Private rides for $100 are also available. You can register here.
Where: 124 Highland Park Road, Fabius
When: Saturdays and Sundays through mid-March.
How much: $10 per person for the individual ride share, or $50 for couples on an exclusive ride.
Masterworks ‘Brahms and Debussy’
Stilian Kirov, a candidate for The Syracuse Orchestra’s music director job, will conduct The Syracuse Orchestra on Jan. 24 in a Masterworks concert and again Feb. 28 and March 1 in Casual series performances. The concert program opens with Claude Debussy’s “Pagodes,” the first of three pieces in which the young French composer tried to convey, on the piano, the sound of Asian gamelan music, performed on woodwinds and bowed instruments along with gongs, marimbas, drums and rattles.
Where: The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater, 421 Montgomery St.
When: Saturday, Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $17. Free for 18 and under; $5 with a college/university ID.
February events
‘Relentless’ at Syracuse Stage
See this knockout new play by Rae Binstock about loyalty and legacy at Syracuse Stage. Monique Jeffries was poised to be one of the greatest professional boxers in history, but years after her career has ended, she is right back where she started: running her childhood gym, training finance bros with delusions of grandeur and taking directions from her former coach Johnny. As the Golden Gloves amateur tournament approaches, Monique receives a surprising offer from one of her “white collar” boxing clients. Get tickets online at syracusestage.org.
Where: 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Feb. 4-22. Various times and dates available.
Liverpool Public Library Winter Carnival
Enjoy family-friendly fun on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Liverpool Public Library’s Winter Carnival. There will be winter games, temporary tattoos, giveaways, crafts, library iSpy, and more. The event is free. Children can also get their own library card at the carnival.
Where: 310 Tulip St., Liverpool
When: Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
How much: Free.
Cazenovia Winter Fest
Cazenovia hosts its annual Winter Fest from Friday through Sunday. Visit cazenovia.com/winter for a complete schedule of events which include snowshoeing, a book sale, snow and ice sculptures, live music, a “cocoa crawl” on Feb. 7 and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Where: Village of Cazenovia.
When: Friday through Sunday, Feb. 6-8.
How much: Free to attend.
‘The Music Man’ at Landmark Theatre
Oh yes, there’s trouble in River City, with a capital “T.” Catch this classic musical comedy follows Harold Hill, a fast-talking traveling salesman, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa. But his plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the town’s librarian, who aims to turn him into a respectable citizen. This family-friendly production features the classic songs “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Trouble,” “Pickalittle” and “Gary, Indiana.”
Where: 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Feb. 10-14. at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Feb. 14.
How much: Tickets start at $43 and are available online at landmarktheatre.org/event/the-music-man.
Syracuse Auto Expo
One of the five oldest auto shows in the country, the Syracuse Auto Expo returns to the Oncenter for its 117th edition from Feb. 12-15. There will be hundreds of vehicles spread out through two buildings and three floors. See the latest in automotive technology, efficiency, safety, comfort, and more from Thursday through Sunday, which is “Family Fun Day” with a special $20 admission for families of four. Parking is free at the Oncenter Garage and the State Street Parking Lot. For more info, visit, autoexposyracuse.com. The celebration begins with a charity preview night on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
Where: 800 South State St., Syracuse
When: February 12–15. Thursday and Friday from 3-8 p.m., Saturday noon to 8 p.m., Sunday from noon to 5.
How much: $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $3 for children ages 6-12, kids five and under are free.
CNY Boat Show
The Expo Center and Exhibit Building, close to 200,000 square feet of space, at the New York State Fairgrounds will be filled this weekend with 400 all-new models of power and sail boats, including cruisers, sports boats, pontoons, personal watercraft and docks. Visit cnywinterboatshow.com for more information.
Where: 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse
When: February 19-22. Thursday and Friday from 1-8 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $12 for adults. Children 16 and under are free.
Super Couch Potato 5K
The 16th annual Super Couch Potato 5K returns on the “flattest course in town” at Onondaga Lake Parkway. Before the 11 a.m. run, meet pre-race at Cobblestone Ale House in Liverpool. Post-race activities also at Cobblestone, including homemade soup and other refreshments. Form a group with friends or family. The cost is $25 for the 5K, custom Super Couch Potato hat and entry into the raffle.
Where: 400 First Street, Liverpool
When: Registration begins at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8. Race is at 11 a.m.
How much: $25
Syracuse Winterfest
The city’s annual Winterfest celebration takes place over 10 days around downtown Syracuse, featuring fireworks, culinary events, open ice skating at Clinton Square, a chili and chowder cook-off, a pub crawl and the annual syracuse.com | The Post-Standard Medallion Treasure Hunt.
Where: See syracusewinterfest.com for details on locations, times, etc.
When: Feb. 12 – 22.
How much: Most events are free to attend.
Valentine’s in the Forest
One of Central New York’s most unique Valentine’s Day celebrations returns to Highland Forest Park in Fabius next month. The annual Valentine’s in the Forest, features a welcome cocktail, four course meal, DJ & dancing, photo booth, cash bar and a horse drawn sleigh ride on Feb. 13 and 14 from 6-9 p.m. Catering is by CopperTop Catering. All proceeds from this event will go to Highland’s volunteer Nordic Ski Patrol, which provides search and rescue and first aid services to park visitors
Where: 124 Highland Park Road, Fabius
When: Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13 and 14.
How much: The adults-only event is $100 per person and tickets are now on sale online at OnondagaCountyParks.com or over the phone at (315) 683-5550. Availability is limited.
Sweet Treats at the zoo
Visit the Rosamond Gifford Zoo on Sunday, Feb. 15 for their Valentine’s “Sweet Treat” event, where animals receive Valentine-themed enrichment gifts all day long. Each gift is specific to the animal receiving it, and zoo keepers will provide context to visitors. Some of their most popular animals, such as the Humboldt penguins and Asian elephants will be featured throughout the day in this event. Visit the Zoo’s website to see the full schedule.
Where: 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse
When: Sunday, Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: Free with admission.
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