27th Taste of Syracuse has the food, music, and crowds

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — More than 100 food options, music from 30 bands, and crowds of thousands are expected both days of the event described as Central New York’s largest food and music festival. The Taste of Syracuse is again set for the area in and around Clinton Square on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7. The event is officially known as The Summit Federal Credit Union Taste of Syracuse, presented by Tops Friendly Markets. The festival, now in its 27th year, will include food vendors and nonstop live music from 30 bands and more than 100 local musicians in total. Steven Page, formerly founding member and lead singer of the group Barenaked Ladies, will be the headliner on Saturday evening on the Sweet Grass Main Stage, per the announcement from Galaxy Media. On Friday evening, national touring act Sophistafunk will perform on the VisitSyracuse.com Erie Stage, and the popular Youth Talent Showcase returns Saturday to the Erie Stage from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., “highlighting the region’s rising stars.” Those attending can sample signature bites from dozens of local restaurants and vendors, with over 100 selections available — many for just $2. Attendees can look forward to the return of fan favorites, alongside several new participants joining the 2025 lineup, Galaxy Media said. “Whether you come for the music, the food, or the family fun, we truly have something for everyone,” Carrie Wojtaszek, COO of Galaxy Media, said in the announcement. “We’re especially proud to spotlight the incredible local talent and to raise funds and awareness for such meaningful causes.” This year’s Taste of Syracuse will debut “Art in the Park” at Perseverance Park at the corner of Washington and South Salina Streets. It’s described as a showcase for local artists and will also feature an interactive chalk-art station. The charitable partners for this year’s Taste of Syracuse are David’s Refuge and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York. The Summit, Tops, and additional sponsors and vendors will support fundraising efforts throughout the weekend, with proceeds from activities at The Summit and Tops tents going directly to these organizations. “Tops is proud to once again partner with Taste of Syracuse,” Kathy Allen, senior manager of community relations at Tops Friendly Markets, said in the announcement. “We invite everyone to visit our tent, enjoy a delicious variety of local favorites, and spin the Tops Prize Wheel to support David’s Refuge and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York — two wonderful organizations making a real impact.” “As your local credit union committed to supporting Syracuse and Central New York, we love to sponsor events such as this that make our region so special and unique, which is why The Summit has been the title sponsor of the Taste of Syracuse since 2017,” Twanda Christensen, VP of marketing and community engagement for The Summit Federal Credit Union, said. “If you stop by our tent, you not only have the chance to meet the people that serve you in our branches, but you can also enjoy fun activities and contests. All money raised goes directly to support caregiving families in Central New York.”