Oneida County is heating up this July with two of the summer’s most exciting happenings: Boilermaker weekend and the launch of the first ever Oneida County Restaurant Week. Whether you’re lacing up your sneakers, grabbing a fork, or here to soak up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone this month.
Oneida County Restaurant Week: July 13–24
What better way to refuel after a race (or a busy day exploring) than with incredible local cuisine? Oneida County Restaurant Week is happening from Sunday, July 13 to Thursday, July 24, featuring over 50 restaurants across the region.
From upscale dinners to comfort food classics, this is your chance to try something new, revisit old favorites, and support the culinary scene that makes our community so deliciously unique. Participating restaurants will offer special menus at various price points — and you’ll even have a chance to earn points, win prizes, and discover surprise giveaways along the way.
Visit the What’s Upstate website for the full list of participating restaurants.
Boilermaker Weekend & Events Across Oneida County
As thousands of runners descend on Utica for the Boilermaker Road Race on Sunday, July 13, our area is buzzing with excitement and community pride. Here’s what’s happening before, during, and after race day:
Thursday, July 10
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- Dino Nights at the Utica Zoo – Extended hours, live music by Isaac French, food, and dinosaurs starting at 5 PM!
- Clinton Farmers’ Market – Browse produce, fresh breads, handmade goods, and local treats from 10 AM–4 PM on the Village Green.
- Classic Car Cruise Night at Sylvan Beach – A nostalgic night of chrome, music, and good vibes on beautiful Oneida Lake.
- Boilermaker Pre-Race Party at Saranac Brewery – Kick off Boilermaker weekend at the 1888 Biergarten & Tavern from 4-8 PM. Enjoy delicious beer, grab a bite to eat, snap a photo with the iconic Boilermaker cans and enjoy a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Racers can show their registration to get $3 draft pints all night!
Friday, July 11
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- Art as Healing Exhibit – Opening reception from 6–8 PM at The Other Side Gallery in Utica featuring local artist Jennifer Krawiec. The exhibition runs through July 19. The gallery will also be open July 12 from 3–8 PM to welcome Boilermaker visitors.
- Friends Annual Book Sale – Happening July 11-13 at the Clinton Village Green, stop by this event to browse thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, and rare finds. Proceeds benefit the library.
Saturday, July 12
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- Goat Yoga at Spring Creek Lavender – Yoga, goats, and lavender fields? Sign us up! Event begins at 9:30 AM. If goat yoga isn’t your thing, Spring Creek Lavender (located in Remsen) is a great spot to unwind. Pick lavender to take home, visit with the goats & grab a treat in their shop.
- Oneida County Public Market – Fresh and local produce, artisan goods, and live music from 9 AM–1 PM at Union Station in Utica. Check out our guide to the market here!
- Munson Arts Festival & Car Show – The area’s longest-running summertime celebration of arts kicks off July 12-20 with the Munson Community Car Show & Fountain Elms Invitational. The festival brings nightly concerts, food vendors, and a community art show to downtown Utica. The car show features classic and luxury cars across the Munson campus, plus coffee and food vendors from 9 AM–3:30 PM.
- Utica Blue Sox Home Game – Cheer on the Blue Sox as they take on the Oneonta Outlaws at Murnane Field in Utica. Family-friendly fun under the lights. Game starts at 6:45 PM.
- Christmas in July at the Utica Zoo – Celebrate the magic of the holidays in the heart of summer during Boilermaker weekend. Meet Santa, see the dinosaurs, play holiday games & enjoy Christmas-themed activities for the whole family. Save $1 on admission when you show your Boilermaker bib! Event begins at 11 AM.
Sunday, July 13
- Boilermaker Road Race – One of the nation’s premier 15Ks, followed by the legendary post-race party.
- Restaurant Week Begins! – Refuel post-race with a prix-fixe feast and celebrate the kickoff.
Bonus July Experiences: U-Pick & Trails
If you’re extending your stay or have down time, there’s plenty more to experience. U-pick season brings a variety of activities perfect for everyone. We have a blog highlighting all U-pick experiences, plus a few ideas here:
U-Pick Lavender & Blueberries
- Lavender Season at Spring Creek Lavender in Remsen continues through July.
- Blueberries are ripe and ready at local farms like Candella’s (Marcy), North Star Orchards (Westmoreland), Heywood’s (Remsen), and Savicki’s (Clinton).
Trails Worth Tasting and Trekking:
- Heart of NY Beverage Trail – Sip local craft brews & delicious wines. Bonus – many locations on this trail offer frequent entertainment.
- CNY Cheese Trail – Say cheese with local artisan producers.
- Discover Utica Trail – Explore Utica’s restaurants, coffee shops, attractions and more.
- Harvest Oneida County Agritourism Trail – A flavorful journey through farms, fields, and farm stands.
