Can’t-Miss Memorial Day Weekend and Early Summer Events in Upstate New York

Memorial Day 2022 will be the first holiday celebrated at The Cove at Sylvan Beach, and we can’t wait for you to join us. Memorial Day Weekend is also the official kick-off for summer and the beginning of a season packed with fun-filled events. If you’re planning a Memorial Day or early summer stay at The Cove, consider adding a few of these can’t-miss events to your vacation plans.

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Local Memorial Day Parades

To honor the meaning of Memorial Day and remember those who gave their lives in service to the U.S., make a local parade or ceremony part of your visit. These events are a great way to explore some of the small towns and villages throughout the region, where you’ll find hidden gems like museums, historic sites, shopping and more. Complete the day by grabbing lunch at a local eatery or bringing a picnic to enjoy at a park. For suggestions on nearby Memorial Day parades, just stop by guest services – our team will be happy to share their best local tips.

Celebrate Commemorate in Waterloo

Did you know Memorial Day was created right here in Upstate New York in the village of Waterloo? Celebrate Commemorate continues the town’s proud tradition with a parade on Saturday, May 28, plus music, games for kids and arts and crafts shows. Visitors can grab a bite to eat at a chicken BBQ in the park, then learn more about life in a Civil War camp thanks to historical reenactors. Living history presentations include speeches from President Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, as well as demonstrations on cooking, crafts, military training, artillery with cannon fire and more.

Photo Credit: Celebrate Commemorate

Baseball Hall of Fame Classic Weekend in Cooperstown

Baseball is America’s pastime, and the Baseball Hall of Fame Classic Weekend offers a way for fans of all ages to share a love of the game. Kids ages 7 – 12 can get hands-on training from former major league baseball stars at the Cooperstown Classic Clinic, held at Doubleday Field from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, May 27. Saturday kicks off with the annual legends game, bringing together stars past and present from all 30 MLB teams. That evening, fans can attend the Night at the Museum meet-and-greet to get up close and personal with their favorite living legends as the Hall of Fame comes to life.

Photo Credit: Jean Fruth/National Baseball Hall of Fame

Bikes at the Beach in Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach roars into action on Tuesday nights with Bikes at the Beach, a summer-long gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts on Main Street. Bring your bike to join in on the fun (parking is free), or simply take in the motorcycles on display. While there, you can grab dinner from local restaurants and enjoy live musical performances for the perfect summer night out.

Oz-Stravaganza in Chittenango

Follow the yellow brick road to Chittenango on June 3 – 5 for Oz-Stravaganza, a celebration of all things Wizard of Oz in the birthplace of author L. Frank Baum. The festival welcomes guests with vendors selling Oz-themed items, rides and games for the kids, a silent auction and live entertainment, plus fireworks on Friday night. Colorful Oz characters make their way through the streets, while the most dedicated fans can compete in a costume contest as Dorothy, the Tin Man or the Wicked Witch herself.

Photo Credit: Oz-Stravaganza

Great New York Food & Wine Festival in Clayton

Ready for a taste of New York? The Great New York Food & Wine Festival on June 10 – 12 makes it easy to savor flavors from every region in the state, including Upstate. The festival includes vendors offering maple syrup, apple cider, cheese, ice cream and so much more. It’s also a great time to sample Finger Lakes wine – be sure to take note of your favorites so you can plan a wine tour during your stay at The Cove as well! To make a day of it, visit the Antique Boat Museum, where you can see more than 320 unique boats, take a speedboat ride, see a working skiff livery and more.

Photo Credit: Great New York State Food & Wine Festival

New York State Blues Festival in Syracuse

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of the New York State Blues Festival, which will be held from June 16 – 18 at the New York State Fairground’s Chevy Court. While the 2022 lineup has yet to be announced, past acts include Dickey Betts & Great Southern, Little Feat, Buddy Guy, Robert Randolph and The Family Band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Larkin Poe and many more greats of the genre. The venue offers plenty of space to plant your lawn chair, kick back and enjoy a day or two of music, and you’ll find food and drink vendors on-site offering delicious eats throughout the event.

Photo Credit: Savas Mallotides/New York State Blues Festival

 Antique Car & Motorcycle Show in Sylvan Beach

If you’re celebrating Father’s Day at The Cove, take Dad back in time at Sylvan Beach’s 47^th annual Antique Car & Motorcycle Show on June 19. Visitors will see cars from a variety of eras, and all are welcome to bring their classic rides to show off on the Village Green off Main Street. There will also be a DJ spinning tunes to make the day even more fun.  

Fans of vintage cars can also enjoy Sylvan Beach’s Classic Car Cruise each Thursday night. This weekly event is free to attend and hosted throughout the summer just off the beach.  

Summertime Events, Lakeside Fun and More at The Cove

Will you be joining us at The Cove this year to check out some of Upstate New York’s Memorial Day Weekend and early summer events? Guests who book a weeklong stay can enjoy all the region’s best events, plus use of a pontoon boat and dedicated boat slip for fishing, water sports and cruising on Oneida Lake. Book before March 31 with the Get a Jump on Summer Package, and you can get a $250 activity credit for Sylvan Beach Supply Co. to use for rentals, fishing tackle, snacks and drinks and more.