April 23, 2026
April 23, 2026. Rochester, N.Y. – Central New York’s largest food and music festival returns for its 28th anniversary on Friday, June 5th, and Saturday, June 6th, 2026, in and around Clinton Square from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. both days. Admission is free.
Sponsored by The Summit Federal Credit Union and presented by Tops Friendly Markets, Taste of Syracuse will feature over 30 bands and more than 100 local musicians across two days of non-stop music. Headlining on the Main Stage on Saturday is nationally acclaimed rock band Fuel, known for hits like “Shimmer” and “Hemorrhage (In My Hands).” The festival’s popular youth talent showcase will return on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Paige’s Butterfly Run will also return, taking place Saturday morning ahead of Taste of Syracuse. The annual run/walk brings the community together in support of Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund, whose mission is to fund childhood cancer research and patient care at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. The Run provides a meaningful and energetic kickoff to the day’s festivities.
Festival-goers can sample delicious dishes from local eateries for just $2 per item. Several new restaurants and vendors will join the 2026 festival lineup, alongside many returning fan favorites.
Art in the Park will return once again to Perseverance Park, featuring a curated market of local artists, makers, and creators. This vibrant space will showcase unique handmade goods, artwork, and interactive experiences, giving festival attendees the opportunity to explore and support the region’s creative community.
Since 2017, The Summit, Tops, along with other sponsors and vendors have raised nearly $150,000 for area non-profits. In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, Taste of Syracuse will raise funds for two charitable organizations: Feed Our Vets and Honor Flight Syracuse. Proceeds from activities at The Summit and Tops tents will benefit these organizations, helping provide food, support, and memorable experiences for local Veterans.
Since 2009, Feed Our Vets has provided free food assistance to over 73,000 U.S. Veterans and their families, distributing more than 5.4 million pounds of food. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Feed Our Vets fights Veteran hunger through community pantries, gift cards, essential goods, and public outreach, serving Veterans and active-duty members in 43 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. With 93% of expenditures going directly to those in need, the organization addresses a critical issue: one in three homeless Americans is a Veteran, and nearly four million Veterans and their families face food insecurity each year. Feed Our Vets relies on public support to continue honoring those who have served our country.
Honor Flight Syracuse is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring America’s Veterans by providing all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. Since its founding, the organization has helped hundreds of local Veterans, including World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans, experience this meaningful journey. By giving these heroes a chance to reflect, connect, and be celebrated, Honor Flight Syracuse ensures that their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.
“The Summit has been supporting our communities for 85 years, and community is at the core of Taste of Syracuse. That shared value, and the fact that Taste is a signature event not just for Syracuse, but the entire region, is why we have supported this event since 2017,” said Twanda Christensen, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement for The Summit Federal Credit Union. “Over the past nine years, in collaboration with Tops Friendly Markets, we have raised nearly $150,000 for area nonprofits. Stop by our tent to join us in honoring America’s 250th Birthday and supporting two incredible organizations that serve Veterans in Central New York.”
“We’re thrilled to kick off the summer festival season once again in Downtown Syracuse,” said Carrie Wojtaszek, Taste of Syracuse spokesperson. “From music to food, there’s something for everyone at Taste of Syracuse. We’re also proud to raise awareness and funds for Feed Our Vets and Honor Flight Syracuse. Thanks to The Summit Federal Credit Union, Tops Friendly Markets, and our other sponsors, we can bring this amazing event to the CNY community!”
For more information visit www.tasteofsyracuse.com