Night Life

Central New York’s after-dark culture defines winding down. Brews, food and entertainment make the perfect combination for ending the day on your trip.

Immerse yourself in Brew Central, America’s Craft Brew Destination, where many tasting rooms transform into entertainment venues after hours in addition to spectacular craft pubs that are perfect for kicking back or dancing to live music.

Water Street (Binghamton), Green Wolf (Middleburgh) and Roots (Oneonta) brewing companies are just a handful of popular downtown spots. Escape to the countryside at Good Nature Farm Brewery in Madison County. Owera Vineyards near Cazenovia and Pail Shop Vineyards near Cooperstown are among the area’s most scenic wineries open for an early evening glass.

F.X. Matt Brewing Co. hosts the popular Saranac Thursdays weekly concerts. Brewery Ommegang near Cooperstown also hosts numerous musical performances throughout its Summer Concert Series.

Dig into Central New York’s rich agricultural heritage by getting your hands (or fork or knife) on local fare at many restaurants throughout the region. A CNYFresh locavore trail will take you to our top spots, like the The Tailor & The Cook in Utica, the Copper Turret in Morrisville or The Table at Fort Plain.

Set the mood for romance with an evening at the show. The historic Stanley Theater in Utica hosts fantastic performances and the unique Earlville Opera House, a quaint 1892 space, offers live performances as well as art galleries and workshops for the culturally inclined couple.

Spend your nights under the lights at any of Central New York’s many sports venues. Binghamton has a rich tradition of competition, including Rumble Ponies baseball, Bulldogs basketball, Black Bears hockey and a variety of NCAA Division I sports at Binghamton University. Utica is home to Blue Sox baseball, Comets hockey and the Utica City Football Club. Catch a SUNY Oneonta Red Dragons contest or take in a Oneonta Outlaws ballgame at historic Damaschke Field, opened in 1906.

Dance or lounge the night away at Exit 33, a collection of more than a half dozen after-dark destinations housed in the Turning Stone Resort Casino of Verona. Feel free to wager while you’re there, but that’s not the only “game” in town. Place your bets on horses at one of the premier stakes events at the Vernon Downs Harness Racing and Casino.  Play for fun at BBG’s Beers, Bites and Games near Utica, the ideal setting to grab a bite, have a drink and play some old-school arcade faves.

Virtually every venue – brew, food, sport or performance – will complete your Central New York journey filled with beverage trail road trips, epic outdoor adventure and one-of-a-kind history experiences.