Salt City Arts Sites
Your guide to live music, art, dance, theatre, and fashion around the Syracuse area.
By Nat Bono and Tessa Maddaloni
Photo by Nat Bono
MUSIC:
The Garden
Established in the fall of 2021, this student-run concert space is essential for any music lover in Syracuse. Professional grade sound gear, lighting, and performers transform the adorably decorated space into an intimate concert venue with close interaction between artist and audience. To keep up with their upcoming events, follow their IG: @the.garden.syr and read our article Standing Room Only: Anish Gosh and Studio89 fill The Garden for a taste of one of their concerts.
Photo Nat Bono
Funk’n Waffles
Not only is this funky venue the place to get unusual waffles, but its live music scene is just as fun as some of its chicken and waffle pairings. Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri in 2015, the restaurant has become a staple of Armory Square and a must-visit in downtown Syracuse. With an active social calendar, getting tickets ahead of time is a must! Keep up with all of their events on IG: @funknwaffles and their website: https://funknwaffles.square.site/
Image: @funknwaffles
The Harrington
A seemingly normal house on the Eastside of Syracuse, this basement is home to some amazing live music. The house is rented by students working with The Summit, a group of promoters who organize underground concerts in Syracuse. Favoring an edgier and more grunge look, the Harrington is decorated with purple and green string lights, have fun reading the graffiti-covered walls. Check out their upcoming basement concerts on their IG: @theharringtoncuse
Photo Nat Bono
The Westcott Theater
Located in the Westcott neighborhood of Syracuse, the Westcott Theater is a live music venue. With themed nights and a focus on diversity, the Westcott Theater has a show for everyone. Upcoming events include Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo night on 9/23 and Snakehips on 10/1. Check out their website: https://thewestcotttheater.com
Image: thewestcotttheater.com
The Fitz
Looking for a classy night with fun live music? The Fitz is the place for you! Located at Oh My Darling on Salina Street, every Thursday to Saturday, enjoy a chic night of elegant drinks and fun music with a 1950s-60s feel. Looking to perform? The first Monday of every month is a cabaret night, where you can sign up to partake on their website https://darlingsyr.com/the-fitz
Image: @thefitzsyr
Al’s Wine and Whiskey
What could be better than live music and the “widest selection of wine and whiskey from around the world?” Located in downtown Syracuse, Al’s offers meats and cheeses to pair with your wine, and sandwiches with your craft beers. Shoot some pool, relax on the couches or enjoy some great live music. For more information, visit Al’s website http://www.alswineandwhiskey.com
Image: @alswine.whiskey
ART:
Everson Museum of Art
Home to over 10,000 pieces, the Everson Museum of Art takes a modern approach, focusing on breaking barriers in traditional art forms and highlighting less common mediums including video and graphics. It also has one of the largest collections of ceramics in the nation. As well as their more modern pieces, the Everson has a large mix of traditional paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Visit their website to learn more and plan your trip: https://everson.org/about/
Photo Nat Bono
Wildflowers Armory
Shop local artisan items at this cute location in the historic McCarthy Mercantile building in downtown Syracuse. You can find everything from handmade soaps, to beautifully crafted jewelry, and unique wall art in this space that used to be a Dunkin Donuts. Step down into the basement to explore a hidden trove of thrifted treasures, vintage items, and one of the cutest coffee shops you will ever see. With events happening many times a month, follow their IG: @wildflowers_syr for updates and visit their website https://wildflowersarmory.com/ to learn about the artists featured at the store.
Photo Nat Bono
Light Work
A non-profit organization supporting artists since 1973, this photo gallery and lab are free to the public. Step into the small galleries to see stunning works of art from artists around the world. Located in a part of Watson Hall on the Syracuse University campus, the hours of operation can be affected by the university schedule. If you have class in Watson or are just passing by, make sure to stop by and see some stunning photos and pick up a postcard or two. Keep up with their exhibitions on their website: https://www.lightwork.org/ or on IG: @lightworkorg
Photo Shelby Rodger
Syracuse Antiques Exchange
If you love thrifting or antiquing, clear your schedule to get lost in this three-story treasure trove of trinkets. Every inch of the building is filled with unusual items from local vendors. Bring your friends to help you uncover the perfect additions to any apartment, dorm room, or house, and stop by Stella’s Diner next door for some sustenance before going back for more. Follow their IG: @syracuseantiques
Image: @syracuseantiques
Community Folk Art Center
The Community Folk Art Center is a non-profit cultural and artist hub committed to the artists of the African diaspora. As part of Syracuse University’s African American Studies department, CFAC has many opportunities for students of all ages. Keep up with all of their fantastic events and exhibitions on IG: @cfacsyracuse and their website: https://communityfolkartcenter.org/
Photo Nat Bono
THEATRE & DANCE:
Syracuse Stage
A professional theater staging plays, musicals, and original productions since 1974, Syracuse Stage is a staple in the Syracuse theater scene. Also home to the acting department at Syracuse University, there is always something to see in their three theaters. Each year, their schedule features first-class productions and prioritizes diverse playwrights and casting. See this year’s lineup on their website: https://www.syracusestage.org/ and follow their IG: @syracusestage
Image: @syracusestage
Redhouse Arts Center
An independent arts complex in downtown Syracuse, Redhouse Arts Center is the place to see theater, film, music, and fine arts all year round. This year’s schedule of four classic shows features Angles in America, A Christmas Story, By the Way Meet Vera Stark, and Bridges of Madison County. Get your tickets on their website: http://www.theredhouse.org/ and follow their IG: @redhousearts
Image: @redhousearts
Landmark Theater
Listed on the United States Park Service National Register of Historic Places, the Landmark Theater in downtown Syracuse is an example of stunning architecture from 1928. A well-known stop for famous acts from around the world, the historic theater lights up S Salina street. Catch the national tour of Annie this October and see what else they have planned on their website: https://landmarktheatre.org/ and on IG: @syrlandmark
Photo Nat Bono
Syracuse City Ballet
Dubbed Central New York’s professional ballet company, Syracuse Ballet, founded in 1996, is a wonderful dance organization providing opportunities for dancers in the community. Dedicated to providing fine arts performances to all people, this company has grown with the community. See some ballet performed with Onondaga lake in the background or watch the iconic Nutcracker in winter. See their upcoming performances on their website: https://www.syracusecityballet.com/ and on IG: @syracusecityballet
FASHION:
Fashion and Design Society
The Fashion and Design Society of Syracuse University is an organization created for fashion students to have opportunities to explore outside of their major. They are career-oriented, giving those involved real-world experience along with general meetings, model training, design meetings, shows, and photo shoots. With different positions and levels of involvement, FADS can be whatever you make of it. To learn more or to get involved, visit their website, https://fashiondesignsociety.com/aboutus or reach out to their email syracusefads@gmail.com
Image: @fashiondesignsociety
African Student Union
Focusing on promoting Africa’s diverse cultures on Syracuse University Campus, one of the African Student Union’s specialties is fashion shows. Their most recent show, Rip the Runway: A Royal Affair featured elegant gowns that paid homage to traditional African culture. Each show is extravagant and open to anyone who would like to participate. For more information, check out their Instagram: @su_asu
Photo Nat Bono
Syracuse Fashion Week
Spanning five days in early April, Syracuse Fashion Week combines fashion with food insecurity by partnering with the Food Bank of CNY to raise funds and awareness. These five days focus on any designer, boutique, artist, musician, and restaurant in CNY that wants to participate, with each day having a different theme and location. Check out more specifics on their website: https://www.syracusefashionweek.com
Image: @syrfashionweek