How to take advantage of Syracuse fall nightlife before first snowfall

Syracuse is known for its long, treacherous winters, leaving just a few months between where residents can enjoy comfortable temperatures and outside scenery. With summer over and fall sweeping in, the city’s residents are scrambling to find new spots to attend before the winter shuts them in.

Thankfully, nightlife peaks during late August to early November, according to city influencer Mike O’Leary. With the fall’s gloomy atmosphere and colder climate, event promoters like the 33-year-old Syracuse resident have to be creative when curating events that appeal to young adults.

“If you keep digging into this nightlife thing, there’s a yearning for community in the city,” O’Leary said.

For those preparing for a night out in the city during the fall, there are a few things to keep in mind before exploring.

How much are ticket prices & drinks?

Sales on ticket vendors like Eventbrite and POSH range anywhere from $15-40. Some events do early registration for free and some bars don’t have cover fees for entrances. Major event prices, however, increase closer to the event date.

One of the growing trends to save money is “pregaming,” according to a recent Wall Street Journal survey. Young adults grab drinks at the bar or cheaper alcohol at a nearby liquor store instead of spending money on drinks at the actual events.

“The range [for an event] can be from $20-$50, which is the average you’d pay for a door charge and a couple drinks,” Keith Kyewalabye, a DJ for AfroCuse Events, said.

What’s the best way to get there?

Most of the lounges and outside spots like rooftop bars and clubs are located in downtown Syracuse, O’Leary said. However, with the colder weather, standing on a roof or waiting outside in line for long periods of time may not be that appealing. Among the destinations O’Leary listed were Benjamin’s [on Franklin], Margaritas and Sassy-Cuse Saloon, blending casual vibes with nightclub atmosphere.

Residents living further away have to account for transportation. Most spots are within walking distance, but with alcohol likely being involved, that may not be the best practice at night.

The simplest option is Uber or Lyft, Kyewalabye said. The average price for a 15-minute ride ranges from $15-25, which rises on transporting back.

How should you dress?

Dress to impress, but most destinations aren’t strict. Barry Sevalia, a local independent DJ, said there’s generally no dress code. Most spots advise “smart casual” attire, a mix of formal clothing with casual pieces. But Sevalia said even that’s a stretch for what’s generally acceptable.

“If it’s a regular night out, you can just put on whatever,” Sevalia said. “Sometimes, I just go out with some sweatpants and Jordans. For specific events, I’ll try to dress it up like I’m going to a party, where you probably gotta do a little shopping at the mall for an outfit.”