First-Timers Guide to Taste of Syracuse 2025

New to the Taste of Syracuse? You’re in the right place!

Whether you’re here for the music, the food, or just the good vibes, this guide will help you make the most of your first visit to Central New York’s biggest food and music festival. We’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow sections so you can know what to expect, where to go, and how to enjoy every bite (and beat).

Let’s dig in! 👇

Festival Overview📅

Dates & Times:

June 6th: 11:00 AM- 10:00 PM

June 7th: 11:00 AM-10:00 PM

Location: In and around Clinton Square in Downtown Syracuse, NY

Admission: Free for all attendees, just bring cash/card for food vendors & drinks!

The festival features local foods, businesses and music. Treating yourself to the $2 samples from a variety of local restaurants while you make your way around to the 3 different stages for live music.

Entertainment & Activities🎉

Live Music: Enjoy performances on three stages featuring local bands and artists. Check out the full schedule here!

Youth Talent Showcase: Highlights talented kids on VisitSyracuse.com Erie Stage. The show will occur on Saturday from 11:00 am - 1:00pm.

Beverage tents: Come thirsty! We have several beer ticket booths and beverage tents around the festival! Ice cold beer, white claws, Surfside Lemonade or Tea and more! Beverage tickets are required for all alcoholic drinks (except wine products). 1 Beverage = 1 Ticket

$2 Dollar Samples: While walking around the festival, check out the many vendors offering $2 dollar samples of some of their best foods. Click here for the updated list!

Getting There & Parking🚘

Parking: There is a lot of street parking around the festival. There is also many parking lots that you can park at, use this guide if you need help finding a parking lot; https://www.downtownsyracuse.com/get-around-park/parking

Tips For First-Time Attendees👍

Arrive Early: Beat the crowds by arriving at the opening time of 11:00 am on Friday and Saturday.

Plan Ahead: Review the map of the festival to find the foods that you want to try (check out the digital guide here). Our Information Booth is located at the corner of Water St & Clinton St, there we can answer any questions you have & you can pick up a map too!

Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water before arriving to the festival or you can purchase drinks throughout the festival.

Dress Comfortable: Wear shoes and clothes that are comfortable for walking around!