Syracuse Inner Harbor Fest: A New Event in Support of Clear Path For Veterans

Posted on September 20, 2023

Syracuse Inner Harbor Fest

SYRACUSE INNER HARBOR FEST: A NEW EVENT IN SUPPORT OF CLEAR PATH FOR VETERANS

A 3-day festival at Syracuse’s Inner Harbor, packed with excitement for all ages

Friday, September 29th – Sunday, October 1st, 2023

Syracuse, NY – In an exciting collaboration, COR Development Company, along with Empower Federal Credit Union, Equitable Advisors, and Limp Lizard present the inaugural Syracuse Inner Harbor Fest, a three-day festival that includes dragon boat racing, live music, food, fireworks, carnival rides, a 5K run, crafts and games, to bring our community together on the water at the Inner Harbor. This event is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Clear Path for Veterans, a local nonprofit organization committed to supporting veterans, service members and military-connected families.

Highlights of this family-friendly festival include:

  • Dragon Boat Eye Doting Ceremony
  • Dragon Boat Races on the water (Presented by Equitable)
  • Food Trucks
    • Blueberries & Lace, Limp Lizard, Baga Bowls on the Go, Pit Stop Taco Shop, The Baked Potato Express, Kiki’s Authentic Greek Food, Oompa Loompyas, Saucy Sandwich 
  • Craft Beers & Wine Slushies with Ashley Lynn Winery
  • Live Musical Entertainment 
  • Carnival Rides, Treats, & Games with Main Event Amusements
  • Fireworks over the Harbor (Presented by Rapid Response Monitoring Services, Inc.)
  • Craft Vendors
  • Yard Games
  • Inner Harbor 5K & 2K Peace Run for Brexi (Presented by It’s About Childhood and Family, Inc.) 

"Our goal goes beyond providing a memorable experience. Syracuse Inner Harbor Fest is a true testament to the power of collaboration and community engagement. This festival exemplifies the best of our city – bringing together diverse talents, local businesses, and the community for a meaningful cause. We invite everyone to mark their calendars and join us for three days of fun, camaraderie, and giving back to those who have bravely served our country” said Merissa Lynch, Marketing Manager for COR Development.

"At Clear Path, we are all about community and connection.  This event happens to coincide with our 12-year anniversary in service to the veterans, service members, and military-connected families of Central New York.  We can think of no better way to commemorate this milestone than to join our friends from COR Development, Empower, Equitable, and Limp Lizard in celebration of the community we all love."  said Chris Flaherty, President and Chief Executive Officer for Clear Path for Veterans.

Event Details:

WHERE:

Syracuse Inner Harbor

425 Solar Street

Syracuse, NY 13204

WHEN:

Dragon Boat Team Practices

Wednesday, September 27th – Friday, September 29th

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Note: Press and the public are welcome to stop by the Inner Harbor during these practice sessions to witness the dragon boat teams in action as they prepare for the festival.

Festival Schedule

Friday, September 29th

4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

  • 6:00PM: Dragon Boat Eye Dotting Ceremony followed by a traditional Lion Dance with Syracuse Kung Fu: What's the Eye Dotting Ceremony, you ask? A captivating ritual where we awaken the spirit of our majestic dragon boats, ensuring safe and successful races on Saturday September 30th.
  • 7:00PM – 9:00PM: Live Music by Walking Buddy
  • 9:30PM:  Fireworks at the Harbor (Presented by Rapid Response Monitoring Services, Inc.)

Saturday, September 30th

8:30 AM – 10:00 PM

  • 9:00AM: Opening Ceremonies  
  • 9:00AM – 4:00PM: Dragon Boat Races on the water 
  • Live Music Lineup: JP Shaggy / Born to Run Band / Scars and Stripes
  • All Day: SU Football Vs. Clemson Watch Party

Sunday, October 1st

11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  • 9:00AM – 11:00AM: Inner Harbor 5K & 2K Peace Run for Brexi   
  • Noon – 4:ooPM: DJ Skip Clark with 92.1 The Wolf
  • 4:30PM – 7:00PM: Frank + Esce
  • All Day: Buffalo Bills Vs. Miami Dolphins Watch Party

PARKING:

Free On-Street Parking: Destiny USA Pink Lots: Sponsored by Destiny USA, additional free off-street parking is available in the pink lots ensures hassle-free access to the event.

TICKET INFORMATION:

General Admission Presale Tickets: Available now at https://thesyracuseinnerharbor.com/

At the Gate: Tickets will also be available for $5.00 at the gate.

Carnival Rides: Please note that carnival rides are available at an additional cost.

Be a spectator (Free): You do not need a general admission ticket for the dragon boat races. We invite the community to join us as spectators, free of charge, for a thrilling day of dragon boat racing and entertainment to support Clear Path for Veterans.

For more information about the festival at the Syracuse Inner Harbor, please visit: https://thesyracuseinnerharbor.com/

Please email [email protected] to participate.

Contact Information:

COR Development – Merissa Lynch | [email protected]

Clear Path for Veterans – Ashley Sullivan | [email protected]

Other Network News

 Oneida Indian Nation leadership, elected officials and business and tourism leaders usher in a new state of luxury travel and hospitality in Upstate New York.
July 20, 2026

Oneida Indian Nation Celebrates the Arrival of the First Phase of the $400 Million Turning Stone Evolution – Grand Opening of Luxury Hotel, The Crescent, and Fine-Dining Restaurant, SALT

Oneida Indian Nation leadership, elected officials and business and tourism leaders usher in a new state of luxury travel and hospitality in Upstate New York.

Excellus BCBS logo
July 20, 2026

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recognizes 2025 Circle of Excellence Award winners

Excellus BCBS has announced the recipients of its 2025 Circle of Excellence Awards, recognizing healthcare organizations that have demonstrated exceptional performance in clinical quality and outcomes

July 20, 2026

Oswego Health Announces New Board Leadership and Welcomes Four New Members to Board of Directors

Peter Cullinan has been elected Chair of the Oswego Health Board of Directors. Joining him in officer roles are Katie Toomey Zaryski as Vice Chair, Ron Tascarella as Treasurer and Lynne Eggert as Secretary.

Solvay Bank Announces Caitlin Wynn’s Appointment to UnitiEast Executive Committee
July 15, 2026

Solvay Bank Announces Caitlin Wynn’s Appointment to UnitiEast Executive Committee

Solvay Bank, the oldest community bank in Onondaga County, is pleased to announce the appointment of Caitlin Wynn, Banking Officer & Retail Operations Leader, to the Executive Committee of UnitiEast.

Solvay Bank Announces $50,000 to Local Non-Profit Organizations In Partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
July 15, 2026

Solvay Bank Announces $50,000 to Local Non-Profit Organizations In Partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York

Solvay Bank announced a combined $50,000 financial boost to the CNY community by awarding individual $3,125 grants to 16 area non-profit organizations distributed through the FHLBNY SBRG Program.

Bent Ear Technologies
July 14, 2026

Bent Ear Technology Partners Recognized on MSP Summit's 2026 MSPs to Watch List

Prestigious recognition highlights the company's operational excellence, innovation and commitment to helping businesses navigate an AI-driven technology landscape.

Ghyra Cannon
July 13, 2026

Christopher Community Welcomes Ghyra Cannon as Director of HR Operations

Christopher Community, Inc. (CCI), is pleased to announce the appointment of Ghyra Cannon as its new Director of HR Operations.

July 10, 2026

Choosing the Right Contract Laboratory Partner: Strategic, Operational and Financial Points to Consider

In this virtual session, David Kudla and Sarah Ptach will walk innovators through the critical considerations that should guide partner selection.

Eastern Security Services Group Photo
July 10, 2026

Eastern Security Services Celebrates 50 Years of Protecting Central New York

Last month, local security provider Eastern Security Services celebrated 50 years of protecting homes and businesses across Central and Western New York.