Downtown Auburn will roar to life this Memorial Day weekend with a jam-packed lineup of music, food, and family-friendly festivities that promise to draw crowds from across Cayuga County.
The celebrations begin Friday night, May 23, with Music on the Mall, a free outdoor concert at the State Street bandshell. From 7 to 10 PM, the Pocket Bandits will deliver a funk-infused set inspired by Soulive and Snarky Puppy. The band features Joe Massa on electric guitar, Simom Bjarning on drums, and Samuel B. Lupowitz on Hammond organ and synthesizers. Moondog’s Lounge will host an after-party with Psychedelic Sushi from 10 PM to midnight.
The City of Auburn will waive the open container ordinance for the night and close State Street to traffic, encouraging attendees to enjoy food and drinks from local restaurants and breweries. The concert is organized by Auburn Parks & Recreation, local sponsors, and the Auburn Downtown BID.
The city’s official Memorial Day Parade takes place Monday, May 26, starting at 11 AM along Genesee Street. Marchers will include veterans’ groups, school bands, government representatives, and EMS vehicles. A wreath-laying ceremony will follow at noon at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Food lovers can head to the Food Truck Rodeo on Market Street from 11 AM to 3 PM. The lineup features Between Your Buns, Leo’s Donuts, Poppy’s Ice Cream Truck, Real Pit BBQ, Rosalie’s Cruisin’ Cucina, Silver Street Kettle Corn, and Tonzi’s Catering Company. The Knights of Columbus will serve grilled hot dogs, while CIAO will sell its popular pizza frittes. Cold drinks will be available from Shep’s Brewing Co.
Live entertainment continues with Ménage A Soul playing under the Market Street Park band shell from 12:30 to 2:45 PM. The high-energy group blends soul, horns, and rhythm with performers including Ariel Bryant, John Saltamach, Luis Molina, Michael Davis, Dave Frateschi, Clayton Morgan, Dickie Cappotto, Dan Malarik, and Rock Carbone.
The afternoon wraps up with the Duck Derby, sponsored by TomatoFest, Onondaga Coach, and the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. The race will run from 1 to 2:30 PM at Market Street Park. Due to recent flooding, ducks won’t hit the Owasco River this year. Instead, City Councilor Ginny Kent will draw winners from a bin at 2:30 PM. Tickets cost $5 and are available at downtown businesses and booths during the event. Ten cash prizes between $100 and $1,500 will be awarded, with proceeds going to local food pantries.
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