Good morning, Syracuse.

FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. will host a free forum on Friday, July 24 from noon to 1 p.m. where local panelists discuss plans to improve transportation in Onondaga County and the city, and residents can join in person or via Zoom (advance questions welcome).

Central New York is hosting a busy week with local events ranging from free community concerts and art workshops to guided historical tours and family fairs.

Highlights include a tribute to Grease in Verona today, pet-friendly happy hours in Syracuse, and the Oswego County Fair beginning Wednesday at Sandy Creek.

Local vegan eatery Strong Hearts Cafe, a popular spot for students and theater patrons, announced Monday that it will close its Syracuse location after 18 years.

The final day is set for Saturday, Jul. 18 due to rising costs and personal strain, the owners said on social media.

Taphouse on Walton (formerly Blue Tusk) closed permanently over the weekend at 165 Walton St in Armory Square after serving its final customers.

The bar, which opened in March 2024, faced challenges including an unresolved dispute with city officials over an entertainment license.

Weird Al Yankovic will perform on Friday, July 10 at Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse with special guest Puddles Pity Party opening at 8 p.m. as part of his Bigger & Weirder tour and tickets are available on Ticketmaster.

Onondaga Nation leader Sid Hill (75) said decades of mudboils have erased sacred traditions along Onondaga Creek.

The creek, clogged with sediment from past salt mining, may soon benefit from planned studies and beaver dam projects to restore its cultural and natural value.

AAA WCNY reported lower gas prices in Syracuse at $4.24 per gallon (down 11 cents) as drivers prepare for a busy Independence Day travel weekend.

Prices also decreased in Batavia, Buffalo, Elmira, Ithaca, Rochester, Rome, and Watertown.

Syracuse city pools are now open for summer use with hours Monday to Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m.; Wilson Park Pool is closed for routine maintenance and children must be supervised with a deep-water swim test required.

Onondaga County records from June 14 to 20 showed 20 real estate sales.

A commercial property at 170 Seymour St. in Syracuse (benevolent sale) sold for $50,000 when Swimming Dog LLC sold it to Mohamed Soliman.

The Empire Super Sprints Speed Week starts today at Weedsport and will run Tuesday to Saturday at tracks including Can-Am and Utica-Rome + racers compete for cash prizes and fireworks will light the events.

Abdramane Siby, a 7-foot freshman+international basketball prospect, joined Syracuse after playing in Europe and is expected to guard the rim for the Orange.

Coach Gerry McNamara said he will receive playing minutes as he develops his game.

A private group is in early talks to build a pro soccer stadium at Syracuse Inner Harbor and a tournament complex with 10 fields.

Led by former U.S. Soccer Federation chief Ryan Mooney, the plan is in preliminary stages with no franchise or funding details confirmed.

Skilla Baby Live Concert

9:00 – 11:30 PM — Westcott Theater — Tickets starting at $149 — Experience an unforgettable night with Skilla Baby in Syracuse.

2026 Official Syracuse 4th of July Bar Crawl

5-11 p.m. — Wolff's Biergarten — Free entry — Experience a lively bar crawl with themed drinks and festive vibes in celebration of the Fourth of July.

Vince Gill: 50 Years From Home

7:30-9 p.m. — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate Vince Gill's musical journey in an unforgettable concert experience.

Syracuse Jazz Fest at Beak & Skiff Orchards

2:30 p.m. — Beak & Skiff Apple Hill Campus — Free entry — Celebrate 40 years of jazz in a scenic orchard setting with world-class performances.

59th Annual Syracuse Gem, Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Center of Progress Building — Admission details to be confirmed — Explore a dazzling array of gems, minerals, fossils, and jewelry.

NAPA Syracuse Nationals 2026

8 a.m. — New York State Fairgrounds — Free entry — A celebration of automotive culture with car enthusiasts gathering for an exciting showcase.

Syracuse Nationals Classic Car Show

8 AM – 6 PM — New York State Fairgrounds — Admission details to be confirmed — Enjoy a day filled with classic cars and community spirit.

Embassy Suites Destiny USA Clambake

4-8 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA — $65 at the door — Enjoy delicious clams and good vibes at this fun-filled community event.

Paws & Poses: Yoga for a Cause

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Sky Yoga Studios — Suggested Donation: $25 — Enjoy a relaxing yoga session while supporting homeless animals.

Hardwired: A Metallica Tribute

7-11 p.m. — Westcott Theater — Cost info not specified — Experience an electrifying tribute to Metallica from Hardwired.