What Happened To The “Good Old” Utica Festivals?

Bring back the outdoor events that make Utica great!

As the weather gets better, people start to reminisce about the incredible festivals and outdoor events we used to have in the Utica area.  From Utica Monday Nite, to Utica Symphony and other concerts at Hanna Park, to "A Good Old Summertime" festival in the middle of Genesee Street, there was always something to do, hear, taste and see.

Do you remember the crazy contests during "A Good Old Summertime"?  The mattress race?  The waiter & waitress competitions?  And everywhere you go, you're surrounded by the smell of sausage and peppers, salt potatoes and beer.

The concerts at Hanna Park - local groups and touring groups have shared that stage, and helped folks relax and unwind during a lot of beautiful summer nights in the city.  They still happen but not as frequently as they used to.

Always music around the streets of Utica - it's amazing to hear the sound of a band echoing around the plaza in front of the State Office Building.  Whether it was a part of the Utica Monday Nite series, Good Ole Summertime or any number of events, downtown streets were always alive with the sound of music.

We're trying to bring new events to the area, and it all starts this Saturday with Utica Brews & Barbecues.  Barbecue to sample from area food trucks, ice cold beer including the Central New York debut of a new brew, from New Belgium Brewery, and live music from Squirrel Murphy and The Weight Band.  You can still get advanced tickets at a discounted price of just $10.