Annual & SPECIAL Events
There’s so much to do in downtown Auburn- with live music options galore. For even more info, visit the event listings on our Facebook page.
First Fridays March - December
Held monthly, museums, breweries, restaurants, and shops host open houses with free live music, art exhibits, and refreshments. Downtown BID venues can include The Armory @ Prison City Pub & Brewery, Auburn Public Theater, Evolve CBD, Melody’s Coworking & Event Space, Moondog’s Lounge, Office of NYS Senator Rachel May, Regenerations, Reuse Refuge, Roast & Toast, Seward House Museum, Shepherd’s Brewing Co., Wild Flower NY & more!
Brave Brews March 7 - 8
Join Auburn’s City-wide celebration of women in craft beverage with a weekend of special events, live entertainment, programs & more. First Friday tour the historic & cultural sites, breweries and restaurants for themed art exhibits, music and food and beverage specials.
Visit the website.
Fire & Ice Fest @ Prison City North Brewery
Saturday, March 8 from 4 – 8 PM the festival features women in craft beverage tastings, vending, food trucks, live music, plus performers, games, ice bar & sculptures, bonfire & fireworks. Visit the website.
2025 Flower Power Fundraiser May 2
Attend Flower Power on First Friday from 7 – 9 PM at Auburn Public Theater. Join us for a groovy night filled with beautiful blooms, good vibes, and music performed by the Prison City Rockers. In Stage Right's cabaret space, enjoy light bites, a cash bar with specialty cocktails, and a floral-themed backdrop and fun props for taking photos. Facebook event
Double Public Art Unveiling
Before the event, attend an unveiling celebration at 6:30 PM as BID celebrates the Space Between in the green space on William Street behind the Hadley Building. This sculpture, created by Audrey Iwanicki, marks the BID's last DRI-funded installation. Then, cross the street and unveil Radiance of Wellness: Unifying Diversity, the Heart of a Thriving Community, a mural/mosaic created by Jonathan Cantrell and Jesse Kline. This public artwork was commissioned by East Hill Medical. Facebook event
City & BID Memorial Day Celebration
Monday, May 26 @ 11AM - 3PM
Holiday parade @ 11 AM, followed by Veterans Memorial Park wreath laying ceremony. For lunch, check out Auburn Downtown BID's Food Truck Rodeo on Market Street. Participating vendors include Between Your Buns, Leo's Donuts, Poppy's Ice Cream Truck, Real Pit BBQ, Rosalie's Cruisin' Cucina, Silver Street Kettle Corn, and Tonzi's Catering Company. In addition, Knights of Columbus will be grilling hot dogs for purchase, and CIAO will be selling their famous pizza frittes. If it's a cold adult beverage you're in the mood for, Shep's Brewing Co. will have just the thing.
Bring a chair and enjoy your lunch with live music performed by the band Ménage A Soul from 12:30 PM - 2:45 PM under the Market Street Park band shell. This CNY high-energy dance band offers a blend of soulful vocals, a dynamic horn section, and a rock-solid rhythm section. Visit the Facebook event.
From 1 PM – 2:30 PM, the Duck Derby sponsored by TomatoFest, Onondaga Coach, and the Ancient Order of the Hibernians happens at Market Street Park as well. Tickets can be purchased for $5 at downtown locations including Auburn Bagel Co., Auburn YMCA-WEIU, Hairlooms, NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center, Lyons National Bank, Knights of Columbus, Silbert Optical, Speno Music, and Wild Flower NY. There will be ticket booths on Genesee Street & Loop Road and merchandise tables in and around Market Street Park, plus children’s activities.
Considering the recent flooding and heavy rains, for safety the ducks will not be released into the Owasco River. The derby tickets will all be combined into a large bin, and the prize winners will be hand-selected by City Councilor Ginny Kent at 2:30 PM. Ten cash prizes ranging from $100 - $1500 will be awarded. Event proceeds will help feed local families via food pantries located all over Cayuga County. Visit the Facebook event.
Music on the Mall @ 7 - 10PM
June - September, enjoy free outdoor live music one Friday a month under the State Street Bandshell. After that show, Moondog’s Lounge will host the afterglow party with music from 10 PM – Midnight. The show dates are June 13, July 11, August 8, and September 5 with Pocket Bandits, inspired by instrumental dance bands like Soulive and Snarky Puppy. Other performers TBA soon. Open container waived; bring your friends. Visit the Facebook page and website.
Auburn’s PRIDE Celebration
The City, Equal Rights Heritage Center, and Auburn’s Historic & Cultural Sites Commission organizations present LGBTQIA events, programs & activities. Attend the 2025 Pride Rally + Queer Market on June 7 in the courtyard of NYS ERHC. This year features a family-friendly drag show at 12:30 PM, plus City of Auburn Pride Month proclamations. Support local vendors from the LGBTQIA+ community. The rally will feature DJ Adam Paradise and performances by Honey Chew Chew, Ivanna Michaels, Ginger Gigi Diamond, and Rhea Listic.
Later, attend the full performance at Auburn Public Theater at 7 PM. Come celebrate Diversity, Love, and Pride Month live on APT's Main Stage. The performers include Ivanna Michaels, Honey Chew Chew, Ginger Gigi Diamond, Samantha Vega, Angelo Valentino, Rhea Listic, Veronica Grace, Aria Vee, and Hemayde Malik, plus DJ Adam Paradise. Afterward, attend the Britches Dance Bar after party with Ivanna Michaels, 11 PM – 2 AM. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. Visit the website.
Juneteenth Celebration
Join a City celebration honoring the legacy of freedom with activities, music, live entertainment & programming at Auburn’s historic & cultural sites and Booker T. Washington Community Center.
Downtown Saturday Market @ ERHC
June 28 - August 23 @ 9AM - 1PM
The Saturday Market in the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center courtyard creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses to thrive, educates the public about the impact of buying local, and provides a community-building experience in an accessible location. This event is produced in partnership with the Taste NY Market/Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County, the Auburn Downtown BID, and the City of Auburn.
The Market features live music, children’s activities & entertainment, food & beverage producers, artisans, crafters, and more. The market runs rain or shine, with two hour free parking in the City Garage upper levels. There is no market held on Saturday, July 5, due to the holiday weekend.
June 28 – Sweet Treat Trail Takeover
July 12 – Acoustic Duo Jim Van Arsdale & Connie Patti
July 19 – Sue Alexander & Bob Nodzo & The REV Theatre’s Rumpelstiltskin: Unspun
July 26 – Perform 4 Purpose Senior Showcase
August 2 – Jim Scala Solo Acoustic
August 9 – Founder’s Day (9 AM – 4 PM) Honky-Tonk Hindooz
August 16 – Bob Piorun Instrumental Jazz Trio
August 23 – Michael Houston & Dave Kuykendall
Vend for Free @ ERHC
Applications are open, and vending is free. For more info call, 315.258-9820, or email Courtney Rae Kasper courtney@equalrightsheritage.com.
Visit the website. Visit the Facebook page.
City Summer Concert Series
June 24 – August 13
Come relax in the beauty of nature on Tuesdays @ Hoopes Park with free live music 6 - 8:30 PM. On Wednesdays, June 25 - August 13, check out our new grassroots family-friendly music, art, and wellness activities in State Street Event Plaza 5:30 - 7:30 PM. Offerings include a drum circle, yoga, massage, art-making & more in store! Visit the website.
A.T. Walley’s Seafood Festival & Local Whiskey Release
Saturday, June 28 from 11 AM – 9 PM come to the State Street Event Plaza for a variety of delicious seafood menu offerings, plus live music from 1:30 - 4:30 PM by 8Traxx, and by Scars N’ Stripes from 6 – 9 PM. Visit the Facebook event.
Walley’s is also hosting Cellar & Folly Whiskey Co.’s Auburn Reserve Blended Whiskey Release Party on the Patio on Wednesday, July 16 at 6 PM. Visit the Facebook event.
City Summer Movie Series July 7 - August 18
Monday Movie Mania happens weekly in various parks & playgrounds. BYO blankets, chairs & popcorn. Family-friendly movies begin @ 8:30 PM/dark. Visit the website.
Founder's Day Festival August 8 - 9
Friday night kick off the weekend with Music on the Mall on State Street. Saturday, attend the City’s annual celebration featuring 4 bands on the Genesee Street showmobile stage. Visit the website. Visit the Facebook page.
A.T. Walley Italian Fest September 13
@ 11AM - 9PM
Walley’s patio & State Street Event Plaza entertainment starts at 1PM with a comedy Show, meatball eating contest, and two live music acts. The lunch menu features steak & cheese, Italian sausage, eggplant sandwiches & meatballs. Plus, Italian pastries - cannoli, creme puffs, eclairs & fried dough.
Visit the Facebook page.
Prison City Riot Run September 20
This event is presented by Prison City Pub & Brewery and Great American Brewery Runs. Event is a 5K run with awards, prizes and after party with games and music in the band shell. Visit the Facebook page.
Small Business Saturday, November 29
Shop local and support your downtown businesses. Find unique holiday experiences, discounts, deals & specials at Adonia Salon & Spa; A.T. Walley; Auburn Bagel Company; Auburn Public Theater; Café 108; Combgrown Mead; Evolve CBD; Hairlooms; Moondog's Lounge; Moro’s Table; NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center; Parkers 129; Petal Haus FLX; Prison City Brewing; Regenerations; Reuse Refuge; Roast & Toast; Sam’s Shoe Service; Shep’s Brewing Co.; Speno Music; and Taste NY Market. Click here for details.
City Tree Lighting Saturday, November 29
NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center Courtyard
Ring in the holidays downtown with family and friends. Activities include visits with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, the City's Tree Lighting Ceremony, family fun, and live entertainment. Visit the Facebook event.
Holiday Traditions Sunday, December 7
Start at the Equal Rights Heritage Center, then tour Auburn’s historic & cultural sites, museums & churches for free exhibits, musical performances, programs & refreshments from Noon - 5PM. Visit the website.
A.T. Walley's Santa Con Saturday, December 20
At 5PM come dressed in a holiday theme, and join a pub crawl that starts at Walley’s and makes various bar stops with snacks & drink specials. Event ends at Walley’s with DJ music at 8PM, suggested $15 donation to benefit a local charity. Visit the website.
