Connecting people, arts, and community across Central New York

Cortland County offers a creative scene that feels both welcoming and easy to explore, where arts, history and community come together in approachable and engaging ways:

• In and around downtown, arts and entertainment show up in ways that invite you to linger, from performances at the Cortland Repertory Theatre to festivals and music events held throughout the year at Courthouse Square.
• Nearby, SUNY Cortland adds cultural energy through its theater offerings, its Gospel Choir and its college-community Orchestra and Choral Union.
• Local history and exhibitions can be explored at places like the Suggett House Museum, galleries like Cinch Art Space invite visitors to discover regional creativity, and the Cortland Corset Building offers a creative buzz as a repurposed home for artist and business incubator spaces.
• An intact collection of Victorian commercial architecture anchors downtown Cortland, creating a walkable setting where historic storefronts, cultural venues and gathering spaces add character and charm to the arts experience.

Herkimer County invites visitors to slow down and explore a region where creativity, history and local character are woven into everyday experiences:

• Visitors can step into the area’s past through places like the Herkimer County Historical Society, which offers insight into early settlement, transportation and local life within a historic downtown setting.
• Seasonal events and festivals, such as the Garlic & Herb Festival in Little Falls, showcase the county’s strong sense of community while highlighting local makers, artisans and performers.
• Those seeking hands-on creativity will find opportunities at spaces like the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, where exhibitions, classes and workshops make the arts approachable for visitors of all ages.
• Throughout the county, scenic stretches of the Mohawk River and Erie Canal corridor provide a backdrop for cultural exploration, historic sites and community gatherings that invite visitors to experience the region at an easygoing pace.

• Madison County invites visitors to slow down and enjoy a blend of scenic landscapes, charming villages and creative experiences that feel rooted in place and easy to explore:
• Natural attractions like Chittenango Falls State Park and other outdoor spaces highlighted throughout the county offer opportunities for hiking, sightseeing and connecting with the region’s landscapes.
• The village of Cazenovia and surrounding communities provide a welcoming backdrop for browsing local shops, dining experiences and seasonal events that showcase small-town charm.
• Art and culture are woven into the landscape at destinations such as Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, where visitors can experience outdoor sculpture and creative expression alongside nature.
• Local history and heritage can be explored through museums and historic sites featured across the county, offering visitors a deeper look at the stories and traditions that have shaped Madison County.

Oneida County invites visitors to slow down and discover a place where deep history and small-city creativity come together:

• Downtown Oneida reflects a rich past shaped by the Erie Canal, the utopian Oneida Community and generations of commercial growth that still give the area its character today.
• An intact collection of historic buildings sets the scene for a walkable downtown filled with legacy businesses alongside newly opened restaurants and retail shops.
• The Kallet Civic Center anchors the cultural landscape as a welcoming gathering place for concerts, musicals and live performances throughout the year.
• Just beyond downtown, visitors can explore the Oneida Community Mansion House, enjoy the entertainment offerings at Turning Stone Resort and Casino or unwind at Oneida Lake and Verona Beach State Park nearby.

Onondaga County offers a cultural landscape that feels rich, energetic, and deeply rooted, where a vibrant downtown core anchors a region known for creativity, history and year-round experiences:

• Nationally recognized venues like the Landmark Theatre, the Everson Museum of Art, and the Erie Canal Museum invite visitors to experience live performance, architecture and American art in a compact, walkable setting.
• The performing arts scene spans theater, music, comedy and large-scale events, with spaces such as the Redhouse Arts Center, Syracuse Stage and the Oncenter hosting performances throughout the year.
• Museums and cultural institutions add depth and context – from the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology and the Onondaga Historical Association, to historic districts and public spaces like Armory Square, Clinton Square and Hanover Square that regularly host festivals and gatherings.
• Educational and creative energy flows through the county via colleges, universities and community-based arts organizations, supporting galleries, literary programs, public art and a dining and nightlife scene that keeps the area lively well beyond the daytime hours.

Oswego offers a creative experience shaped by its waterfront setting and a downtown that blends history, arts and walkability:

• In and around downtown, performing arts invite visitors to settle in and enjoy the scene, from productions by the Oswego Players at the Civic Arts Center to concerts and performances at SUNY Oswego’s Waterman Theatre and local venues throughout the city.
• Along Lake Ontario and the Oswego River, museums like the H. Lee White Marine Museum, the Richardson Bates House Museum, and the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum connect visitors to Oswego’s maritime history and powerful stories of the past.
• Art and creativity are easy to encounter through spaces like Riverside Artisans, the Art Association of Oswego, and Tyler Art Gallery at SUNY Oswego, where exhibitions, classes and locally made work add texture to the city’s cultural life.
• Seasonal festivals and gatherings bring the community together – from Harborfest and waterfront events to summer concerts and farmers markets that turn public spaces into lively places to explore, relax and connect.