The Sound of Syracuse: Five Local Venues That Define the City’s Music Scene
Nearly 250 miles from New York City, Syracuse is an unlikely candidate for a music city. However, if you take a quick glance, you’ll find music on nearly every corner and established and up-and-coming artists alike. Syracuse is home to over a dozen venues featuring performing arts, concerts, and community events that bring the city to life, but several stand out as being the favorites of SU students and musicians and a frequent place of gathering for music fans from all corners of campus.
Funk ‘n Waffles - 307-13 S Clinton Street Syracuse, NY
Located in the heart of Downtown Syracuse, Funk ‘n Waffles is serving up creative gourmet waffles with a side of local student and professional music. From their junior year at Syracuse, Kyle Corea and Adam Gold began to throw parties full of live music and give out free homemade waffles to their attendees- but quickly realized partygoers were coming for the waffles just as much as the music and decided to make their love for the two permanent with their own storefront. Since its inception, Funk n’ Waffles’ culinary creations have been featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” in 2014 and again in 2025 with their signature Thanksgiving Waffle. Today, Funk n’ Waffles features a rotating assortment of student bands, open mic nights, tribute bands, and up-and-coming performers, making it a mainstay in Syracuse’s culinary and music scene.
The Song and Dance - 115 East Jefferson Street Syracuse, NY
Despite being only 2.5 years old, The Song and Dance in Downtown Syracuse has established itself as a musical and cultural hub in Syracuse. This 400-person venue was opened in July of 2023 by Dennis Ferry and Eric Binion of After Dark Presents, Upstate New York’s largest independent concert promoter. Named after the 1974 classic “Song and Dance Man” by Johnny Paycheck, the venue has deep roots in music culture but also hosts unique events like karaoke nights, bubble raves, drag shows, and theme nights like K-Pop night, Emo Night, and even “Heated Rivalry” night. But most notably, The Song and Dance hosts a variety of exciting and upcoming student and professional artists because of its nightclub-style format and prime downtown location. With an emphasis on innovation, excitement, and fan experience, The Song and Dance is the place to go for new music and a great night out.
The Westcott Theater - 524 Westcott Street Syracuse, NY
The Westcott Theater is nothing new to the Syracuse community, but since its construction in 1919, the experience has evolved to fit 21st century needs. Originally built as a movie theater, The Westcott Theater served as a cinema until 2007, when it was first renovated to be reimagined as a live music venue to serve the historic Westcott neighborhood. In 2019, the venue was renovated again to equip it with the most up-to-date equipment and design to best serve the needs of artists and fans alike. The theater hosts an array of events from DJs to tribute bands, to Syracuse events, and is even home to its own pizza operation run by the venue’s owner, Fat Boy Pizza Co.
The Oncenter - 800 South State Street Syracuse, NY
The Oncenter serves as one of Syracuse’s largest venues and hosts just about every type of event, from musicals to music to sports. The Oncenter comprises the Upstate Medical Arena, The Oncenter Carrier Theater, The Oncenter Course Hinds Theater, and The Oncenter Convention Center, each hosting unique public and private events. With over 7,000 seats, the arena has been home to the Syracuse Crunch (AHL) Hockey Team since 1994 and hosts large-scale concerts and events like A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Nate Bargatze, WWE, and John Mulaney. The Oncenter is the place for the most notable acts coming to town and is certainly not a place to miss for events everyone will love.
The Landmark Theater - 362 South Salina Street Syracuse, NY
The most historically significant venue in Syracuse, The Landmark Theater, has been in Syracuse since 1927, with its ornate architecture and valuable art, earning it a place on the National Register of Historical Places. This theater focuses primarily on theater and hosts national tours of Broadway shows like & Juliet and Hamilton, but also hosts a variety of musicians, with the historic setting standing out among more informal venues in the city. Just this Spring, The Landmark Theater will host the likes of John Legend, Anne Wilson, and Jason Mraz, featuring legendary music in a beautiful setting.
