SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- In Central New York, entering August means we're only a few weeks away from the New York State Fair. But don't worry, there are plenty of ways to keep entertained until then.

Fulton Idol

Kids ages 10 to 15 will work with coaches for four evenings before the competition takes place Friday night. Call 315-592-2707 or email fultonidol@yahoo.com to register.

Where: First United Church of Fulton, 33 S. Third St., Fulton, N.Y., 13069.

When: Monday, August 1 to Friday, August 5, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

How much: Free.



Sencho Mihajovski grills during the St. George Macedonian Ethnic Festival at St. George Macedonian Orthodox Church in Onondaga, N.Y., Friday, July 31, 2015.

Macedonian Ethnic Festival

Learn the culture, music, dance and the food of the Macedonian culture at the St. George Macedonian Orthodox Church's Macedonian Ethnic Festival, now in its 14th year. The three-day festival is highlighted by a pig roast on Saturday.

Where: St. George Macedonian Orthodox Church, 5083 Onondaga Road, Onondaga, N.Y., 13215.

When: Friday, August 5, from 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, August 6, from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday, August 7, from noon to 7 p.m.

How much: Free admission and parking.

Brew at the Zoo...and Wine Too fundraiser was a sold out event at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, N.Y., Friday, August 2, 2013.

Brew at the Zoo

Who said the zoo was just for children? This adults-only evening brings craft beer, wine, food, live music and animal exhibits together to showcase the best the zoo has to offer. A free shuttle to the zoo from the MOST in Armory Square at 5 p.m.

Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse, N.Y., 13204.

When: Friday, August 5, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

How much: Tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the gate. Advance tickets may be purchased online at rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Hairspray

The popular musical combines colorful, goofy antics with racial integration, discrimination and other more decidedly serious aspects of life in the 1960s.

The Baldwinsville Theatre Guild production of the show will be directed and performed by youth from across the Syracuse area. Part of the show's proceeds will go toward the Brady Faith Center, a non-profit organization that benefits residents of Syracuse's southwest side.

Where: First Presbyterian Church, 64 Oswego St., Baldwinsville, N.Y., 13027.

When: Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6, at 7 p.m. Sunday, August 7, at 3 p.m. Check baldwinsvilletheatreguild.org for the full schedule.

How much: Tickets range from $12 to $18 and are available at the box office or online.

Jim Breuer

The former Saturday Night Live cast member (and big New York Mets fan) is bringing his comedy to Central New York for a night at the Turning Stone Showroom.

Where: Turning Stone Resort and Casino, 5218 Patrick Road, Verona, N.Y., 13478.

When: Friday, August 5, at 8 p.m.

How much: Tickets range from $20 to $25 and are available at the box office or online through Ticketmaster.

Eastwood Market Day

Search for antiques, crafts and other hidden gems from more than 50 vendors. Food will also be available for purchase.

Where: Pomco Parking Lot (at the corner of Grant Boulevard and James Street), Syracuse, N.Y., 13206.

When: Saturday, August 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

How much: Free admission.

Cortland Arts and Wine Festival set up in Courthouse Park.

Cortland Arts and Wine Festival

Sample wines from 16 New York wineries and browse the works of more than 40 artists, all while enjoying live music, food and the car show.

Where: Courthouse Park, Cortland, N.Y., 13045

When: Saturday, August 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How much: Tickets for the show/wine tasting are $16 in advance or $20 at the gate. Advance tickets may be purchased online at cortlandartsandwine.org. Guests who spend $20 at an artist will receive a $5 refund off the ticket price.

The Great Syracuse Oktoberfest at Longbranch Park, organized by the German American Society of Central New York. The Edelweiss Schuhplattlers dance group from Utica performs.

The Great Syracuse Bavarian Oktoberfest

October is coming early for Central New York. The annual gathering of German food, drink, music and fun, organized by the German American Society of Central New York, is celebrating its 56th year. For the full entertainment schedule, check germanamericanscny.com.

Where: Long Branch Park, 380 Long Branch Road, Geddes, N.Y., 13209.

When: Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

How much: Free admission and parking.

All-City Summer Musical: 13

Students from six Syracuse city schools are coming together for their performances of 13, a coming-of-age story with an all-teenage cast. The show is part of the Syracuse City School District's annual All-City musical series.

Where: Corcoran High School, 919 Glenwood Ave., Syracuse, N.Y., 13207.

When: Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, August 7, at 2 p.m.

How much: Tickets are $5 in advance, or $8 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite.

Coming to shore after the first leg Iron Girl Syracuse Women's Triathlon at Oneida Shores. The Triathlon is a 600 meter swim, 30k bike and a 5k run. Aug. 2, 2015.

Iron Girl

Triathletes will complete a 600 meter swim, 30K bike ride and 5K run, or opt for just the bike ride and run. Awards are given for the top finishers in each age group. For more information, visit their website at irongirl.com/Events/Syracuse.



Where: Oneida Shores Park, Bartell Road, Brewerton, N.Y., 13029.

When: Sunday, August 7, at 7 a.m.

How much:Registration is $130 for the triathlon, or $120 for the bike and run. Registration fee does not include USA Triathlon membership.

Joe LeMay & Sherri Reese with Jim Stout performing at Bill Knowlton's 43rd Annual Bluegrass Ramble Picnic in 2015.

Bill Knowlton's 44th Annual Bluegrass Ramble Picnic

The oldest bluegrass festival in New York returns for another year of great music. Seventeen bands are scheduled to perform at the free picnic. Food, beverage, crafts, band merchandise and other items will be available for sale.

Where: Dwyer Memorial Park, Preble, N.Y., 13141.

When: Sunday, August 7, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

How much: Free admission.

The Syracuse Scottish Pipe Band performs with members of other bands at the Middle Ages Brewing 20th Anniversary Party in Leavenworth Park in Syracuse, August 2, 2015.

Middle Ages Brewing Company 21st Anniversary Celebration

As if we needed another reason to celebrate great, local beer. The brewery's anniversary party will include live music, food and drink from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Limp Lizard, The Mission Restaurant and Recess Coffee, and of course, beer.

Where: Leavenworth Park, (Wilkinson Street and Park Avenue) Syracuse, N.Y., 13204.

When: Sunday, August 7, at 2 p.m.

How much: Free admission.