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 Auburn Public Theater, Evolve CBD, Melody’s Coworking & Event Space, Moondog’s Lounge, Office of NYS Senator Rachel May, Prison City Brewing, 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 – 8PM 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 - 2:30PM
Holiday parade @ 11AM, followed by Veteran’s Memorial Park wreath laying ceremony. Market Street food truck rodeo & grilling by the Knights of Columbus; plus craft beer beverage vending. Local band performance under the Market Street Park band shell 12:30 - 2:30PM. The Duck Derby begins at 1PM. Visit the Facebook event.
Music on the Mall @ 7 - 10PM
Enjoy free outdoor live music one Friday a month under the State Street Bandshell. Open container waiver; bring friends. Rain location is Moondog’s Lounge. 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. 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. Visit the website.
Downtown Saturday Market @ ERHC
June 28 - August 30 @ 9AM - 1PM
The Saturday Market at the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses to thrive, it 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.
Vend for Free @ ERHC
Be part of the Saturday Market at the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center. Applications are open; 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 12
Free live music 6 - 8:30PM, come enjoy the fun on Tuesdays @ Hoopes Park, and Wednesdays in State Street Event Plaza 5:30 - 7:30PM. Visit the website.
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 @ 8:30PM/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 and the YMCA-WEIU Downtown Mile @ 7PM. 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.
