Good morning, Syracuse.

This weekend, Central New York hosts several local events, including the Cazenovia Winter Festival with family activities, Valentine’s Markets at cafe Kubal and City Hall Commons, and the 16th annual Super Couch Potato 5K at Onondaga Lake Park (check local updates).

On Friday, Feb. 6, Northeast Grocery and Garelick Farms donated 7,000 milk cartons (part of the Giving Cow program) to the Food Bank of Central New York for families during the upcoming school break; the cartons will be distributed across 11 counties to support school pantries and child nutrition programs.

A new board (led by president Marcie Marshall) now oversees the Central New York SPCA after the previous leadership resigned amid staff walkout and animal neglect allegations.

The board vows to restore transparency and rebuild trust with staff, volunteers, and the community.

The Salvation Army distributed anonymously donated hand warmers & space heaters this Saturday morning to help vulnerable residents cope with rising utility costs.

Officials said the supplies are vital for those with drafty homes and limited heat.

State inspectors found smoked salmon stored at unsafe temperatures during inspections from April 2025 to January 2026 at an Aldi on Brewerton Road near North Syracuse, and New York officials filed a Jan.

30 motion in Supreme Court to keep the store closed until it passes two consecutive sanitary inspections.

Syracuse.com has launched its quarterly Syracuse Playlist featuring local music in genres like rock, country, rap and jazz.

Visitors can stream songs on Spotify and local artists are invited to submit their music (via email) to showcase Central New York talent.

Local Syracuse restaurants celebrate Italian heritage as the Olympics open in Milan by serving traditional Italian dishes and hosting watch parties through Feb.

22 — many business owners share longstanding family culinary legacies that connect global events to everyday local dining.

Syracuse University unveiled its Marley Education Center Esports Auditorium + Production Control Room on Friday, debuting a state-of-the-art facility for competitive gaming.

The space will serve students and local esports fans as part of its Esports Communications and Management Program.

The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority released its 2025 Annual Report last Friday, revealing 2.8 million passengers and outlining a 20-year master plan (including new parking and a cargo facility).

Director Jason Terreri noted that Southwest’s departure reduced totals and that the airport aims to boost capacity for Micron’s semiconductor project.

On Wednesday, Upstate University Hospital’s emergency room sheltered 28 homeless individuals seeking refuge from historic cold (fewer sought shelter on Thursday).

Local officials have coordinated with community groups to provide extra services and warming centers as temperatures fall further this weekend.

Last March, Syracuse’s athletic director set conditions that head coach Adrian Autry must win meaningful games in March 2026 to keep his job—Syracuse now struggles with a 13-10 record as it faces four tough Quad 1 matchups.

Syracuse University men's lacrosse will host St. Joseph’s at the JMA Wireless Dome at noon Saturday.

The game marks the first meeting between the two teams this season as both bring notable talents, including SU’s rising stars & St. Joe’s head coach Scott Meehan making his debut.

Jazz Jam

3–5 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of live jazz music in a cozy atmosphere.

Anthony Martinelli Live Show

8-11 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Free entry — Experience the unique pop-rock sounds of multi-instrumentalist Anthony Martinelli.

Candlelight Concert: Vivaldi's Four Seasons

6-7 p.m. — Palladian Hall at the Treasury — Tickets required — Immerse yourself in a candlelit experience featuring Vivaldi's timeless masterpiece performed by a string quartet.

Lake Effect Half Marathon

8:30-11:30 a.m. — Lewis Park — Registration fees apply — Participate in the 15th annual Lake Effect Half Marathon and associated racing events.

Pearly Baker's Best Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Five Guys — Tickets starting at $13.07 — Experience a Grateful Dead tribute with a diverse song catalog and a captivating performance.

2026 Central New York Boat Show

Feb 19-22 — CNY Boat Show — Admission details not specified — Explore the latest in boat and yacht accessories, alongside interactive exhibits and expert insights.

North Carolina Tar Heels at Syracuse Orange Basketball

1-3 p.m. — JMA Wireless Dome — Tickets available — Catch the thrilling college basketball rivalry between the Tar Heels and Orange.

Jazz Jam Night

7-11 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — 18+ entry — Enjoy an open mic night hosted by Attamizk and friends with soulful Americana vibes.

Brett Young Concert

7-10 p.m. — Landmark Theatre — Tickets required — Experience a night of live music featuring Brett Young's latest album 2.0.

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show

6 PM — Mohegan Manor Restaurant & Lounge — Ticket includes dinner and show — Uncover the comedic mystery while dining in an interactive atmosphere.