Good morning, Syracuse.

Paladino Farms and Heritage Hill Brewhouse are hosting the Cheers to 180 Years Festival from today to Oct.

5—live bands, hot air balloon rides, a haunted house and fall treats will please families as announced by Dan Palladino in Pompey.

Wingstop, the national chain known for its chicken, will open its first Onondaga County restaurant soon at 3528 W.

Genesee St. in Camillus+ the shopping plaza is in the former GameStop space and the Camillus planning board approved the project last month.

Eight haunted attractions in Central New York bring spooky fun this October with haunted houses, hayrides and trails—some events are not for young children.

Visitors should check event details for times and ticket prices.

Dara and Ken Harper met during a harsh ice storm in Louisville and have built a 23-year love story that brought their family to Syracuse University.

Ken serves as an associate professor at Newhouse School while Dara leads communications at Hendricks Chapel—together they raise two children and contribute to campus life.

La Casita Cultural Center hosted the Arts as Mindfulness art therapy project where Latino community members shared their personal stories and built healing bonds; the Corpórea exhibition opened on Sept.

12 and remains on view until April 18. The center will offer free weekly art workshops for adults starting on Oct. 2—welcoming anyone 18 or older to join.

Syracuse University’s Office of Research has launched the Good to Great Grant Program to boost sponsored project awards and help faculty improve their proposals — six research projects have already received grants between $15,000 and $20,000 — while applications will be accepted until Oct. 15.

Onondaga Community College opened its 3,000 square foot cleanroom simulation lab—developed by Micron—in the Whitney Applied Technology Center, where more than 300 semiconductor program students gained hands-on training with equipment similar to that in Micron plants.

The lab prepares students for internships and future career opportunities at Micron’s chip fabrication facility in Clay.

Syracuse University has partnered with SPD — using metal detectors and ID checks — to keep the campus safe during Pete Buttigieg’s talk today.

The safety measures come after rising concerns over political violence and are meant to protect all guests at the event.

City officials said that a state transportation department placed a brown noise monitor on a tree near City Hall, which led to its evacuation and street closures after a report called the box suspicious—police later used a drone and a robot to check the device.

The monitor collects baseline noise data for work on the Interstate 81 viaduct project that will continue through 2028.

Syracuse educator Will Staton, 38, from Hampshire Road launched his independent bid today to challenge Rep. John Mannion for the 22nd Congressional District seat in Central New York in the 2026 election — he aims to offer an alternative to the two-party system.

Onondaga County Legislature will hear public comments on a proposed 2026 budget at 5 p.m. today — this is the only public hearing before a vote on the $1.6 billion spending plan amended by the Ways and Means Committee.

Over 60,000 drivers received warning tickets in Syracuse school zones during the new grace period that began with fall school start.

City spokesperson Sol Muñoz said drivers reached speeds of up to 78 mph in 25 mph zones and fines could total $3 million after Nov. 2—traffic cameras will run only during school hours with red-light cameras operating at all times.

Free drive-thru flu shots will be available Monday, Oct.

6, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the NBT Bank Stadium parking lot at 1 Tex Simone Drive in Syracuse; adults 18+ can register online and receive the vaccine at no cost.

The Maxwell School’s X Lab, the VA Medical Center and Instacart have partnered to study if medically tailored groceries improve veteran health as part of the VA’s Food is Medicine effort.

Researchers are using a randomized control trial with 600 veterans, including 250 who will receive $100 monthly Instacart vouchers—targeting conditions such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes.

Community Side by Side Concert with the Syracuse Orchestra

7:30-8:30 p.m. — The Carrier Civic Center Theaters — Ticket prices vary — Experience a unique collaboration between local musicians and the Syracuse Orchestra highlighting famous movie themes and classical favorites.

New York Power Authority Contracting & Procurement Outreach Exchange

5:30-7:30 p.m. — 350 W Fayette St, Syracuse, NY — Free entry — Explore business opportunities and network with NYPA and Canal Corporation teams during this outreach exchange.

Anella Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Westcott Theater — Tickets starting at $75 — Experience an unforgettable performance from Anella in Syracuse.

Amy Grant Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Ticket information available — Enjoy an evening with the iconic Queen of Christian Pop, Amy Grant.

Eddie Balduzzi & The Bon Vivants Live

8-11 p.m. — Asil's Pub — Cost info not provided — Experience Americana Rock with local legends covering classic hits from The Grateful Dead and more.

Bad Sneakers: A Tribute to Steely Dan

8-11 p.m. — Middle Ages Brewing Company — Ticket pricing not specified — Enjoy a night of Steely Dan classics performed by a talented local 13-piece band.

Candlelight: Best of Hip-Hop

8:30 p.m. — The Palace Theatre — Tickets selling fast — Enjoy a magical concert experience with Halloween-inspired hip-hop classics under candlelight.

Swan Lake

7-8:30 p.m. — The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters — Check event page for ticket details — Experience the enchanting ballet of love and magic with Swan Lake.

Artist Talk: Emptiness Works by Abisay Puentes

6:30-8 p.m. — Community Folk Art Center — Free entry — Explore the fusion of visual art and sound in a discussion with multimedia artist Abisay Puentes.

Back and Forth - Tribute to Foo Fighters

8 PM – 12 AM — Westcott Theater — Tickets available — Celebrate Foo Fighters' music with electrifying performances from an acclaimed tribute band.