Art in Syracuse: Celebrate Creativity at the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival

Calling all artists, art lovers, and urban explorers—Syracuse is about to come alive with color, creativity, and community! As proud sponsors of this year’s Stay Fresh Chalk Jam, The Art Store is thrilled to shine a spotlight on the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival, happening July 25th, 26th & 27th in Downtown Syracuse!

 

Whether you’re hunting for your next favorite handmade mug or watching the streets turn into a living mural, this is the cultural event of the summer you won’t want to miss.

 

Now ranked 11th Best Contemporary Craft Show in the U.S. by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival is a three-day celebration of visual and performing arts, community spirit, and creative expression.

 

Arts & Crafts Galore
Over 140 artists and craftspeople from around the region and beyond will line the streets with booths offering everything from functional pottery to stunning mixed media pieces. You’ll find jewelry, textiles, woodwork, metal sculpture, and more—all one-of-a-kind, all inspiring.

 

Live Performances
Expect a vibrant mix of free, daily entertainment—think live music, whimsical puppets, hooping, and pop-up performances throughout the festival grounds. Don’t miss the mini-organ recitals hosted by the Syracuse Chapter of the American Guild of Organists at Plymouth Congregational Church each afternoon.

 

Family-Friendly Art Activities
Families are warmly welcomed! The Everson Museum of Art will be leading a collaborative mural activity inspired by Nancy Friedemann-Sánchez’s exhibition Dream Map and Cornucopia. Kids (and kids at heart) can illustrate native plants or animals to contribute to a large, living work of community art.

 

Grab your chalk and get ready to hit the pavement—Chalk Jam is back!
On Saturday, July 26th from 9AM–4PM, the 200 Block of Montgomery Street transforms into a sidewalk canvas for over 50 artists of all ages.

 

Whether you're a seasoned chalk artist or just love to doodle, this is your moment to shine.

 

Kids: $12
Adults: $20

All participants receive:

Register now at the Stay Fresh Website

Our very own Jojo, Creative Coordinator at The Art Store, will be at St. Paul’s Downtown Church (210 East Fayette Street)  on Sunday, July 27th from 11AM–1PM serving cool water, access to restrooms, and respite from the July HEAT! Take a break from the vestival and come marvel at breathtaking stained glass windows (ask Jojo to show you the Tiffany & Co.) historic architecture, and yes- flying buttresses- on the corner of Montgomery & Fayette. A must-see for art history buffs! 

 

Of course, what’s a festival without summer treats? A wide array of local food vendors will be serving up your favorite eats—perfect for a picnic on the plaza between gallery stops and live performances.

 

From sidewalk art to stained glass, interactive murals to modern crafts, the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival is a beautiful reminder that art lives in our streets, our stories, and our shared spaces.

As a Studio Society member, we encourage you to attend, participate, and soak in the creative energy. You might even spot a few of our team members browsing the booths or chalking up the pavement!

We’ll see you downtown!

 

XOXOX,

Your Friendly Neighborhood Art Store