Bottle Bank

Beauchamp Branch Library 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse , NY, United States

Use a recycled bottle and a variety of craft supplies to create a piggy bank to bring home. For ages 5 and up.

Believe in Syracuse Arts and Culture Festival

Rosamond Gifford Zoo One Conservation Place , Syracuse , NY, United States

Event will feature 15 free international food samples and guests can explore art exhibits from several local arts organizations be. $20 for one ticket, $35 for two.

$20 – $35

Taste of Sankofa

Eat to Live Food Cooperative 2323 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY, United States

The Eat to Live Food Cooperative will hosts a community-focused engagement festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 19, in the heart of the Sankofa Business District at 2323 S. Salina St.

15th Annual Mary Nelson Back-to-School Youth Day BBQ

Corner of S. Salina Street and Wood Avenue 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY, United States

Mary Nelson organized the first Back-to-School Barbecue 15 years ago as part of an effort to reduce violence in her neighborhood. Besides the school supplies, she treated children and their families to a full scale outdoor barbecue. In 2002, the first year the event was held, there were 850 youths and their parents in attendance. Every year thereafter, the event has grown in record numbers. In 2016, over 26,000 youths and their families attended. School supplies, backpacks and clothing will be given away to all youths who attend from grade levels Pre-K to College. Event will open with a youth parade.

Free

Zoo to You

Betts Branch Library 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY, United States

Zoo to You is back for the 2017 summer reading program. The world of reading comes alive with this fun and educational program that will bring you face-to-face with exciting zoo animals. Get hands-on with the zoo’s one-of-a-kind animal artifacts, ask a professional zoo educator your animal questions, and learn how you can make a difference to wildlife. Made possible in part by a state grant secured by Senator John A. DeFrancisco.

Marshmallow Launchers

Beauchamp Branch Library 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse , NY, United States

Create your very own launcher and then come outside, weather permitting, to shoot mini marshmallows at your friends! For ages 5 and up.

STEM Activity: Candy Engineering

Beauchamp Branch Library 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse , NY, United States

Always wondered how engineers and architects make skyscrapers? Design your own building or structure using toothpick and gumdrops! For ages 5 and up.

Family Movie Matinee

Beauchamp Branch Library 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse , NY, United States

Enjoy a newly released family film. Free popcorn provided while you watch. For ages 5 and up.

Funk Fest 2k17

New York State Fairgrounds 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse, NY, United States

Funk Fest 2k17 will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. Sept. 2 at the New York State Fair at the Experience Stage and will feature Steve Arrington, former lead singer of Slave. Event is free with paid admission to the NYS Fair and will include additional performances by regional artists.

Stretching Food Dollars

Central Library 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY, United States

Nutrition educator Holly Adams from the Food Bank of Central New York will present a program on healthy eating on a budget, easy ways to eat more produce and meal planning. This program will take place at Central’s first-floor Community Room.