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The 315's NYE Parties, Beef & Bird Opens in Bagg's Square, and More in the 315

The 315's NYE Parties, Beef & Bird Opens in Bagg's Square, and More in the 315

NYE fireworks, Gatsby galas, and a fresh opening at Bagg’s Square. Inside: Your full schedule of events from Utica to Syracuse through Jan 5th.

Arthur Mucitelli
December 30, 2025

As 2025 comes to an end, I want to personally thank everyone who subscribed and stuck around through the newsletter’s growing pains. I appreciate all of you.

I want to wish everyone a safe and happy New Year’s. I’ve listed a ton of NYE parties going on in the 315 this week. I’d love to hear about your year and special places or events you found in the area (bonus points if we helped you find them).

I’ve got plans to amp up the newsletter in 2026 and be your favorite local media source.

In today’s newsletter:

New Year’s Eve parties in the 315 to help bring in 2026
Big funding is going to local library projects
New Restaurant opens in Bagg’s Square

Featured in the 315 this Week

New Year’s Eve is coming up, and we found a few of the best celebrations you shouldn’t miss. Here’s a list of some of the area’s best New Year’s Eve parties to bring in 2026 with a bang.

Bank of Utica’s New Year’s Eve Party: There’s plenty to do, see, and eat at Utica’s New Year’s Eve party at 222 Genesee St. Gates open at 6:30 PM. Enjoy coffee or beer, local specials, and live music, including Grit N’ Grace. Stick around for the midnight fireworks display.

New Year’s Eve at the Harp: Looking for something more adult to do? The Celtic Harp, on Varick St., is your place. Enjoy music by DJ Roscoe Red and MDub on the Beats. At midnight, partake in the champagne toast during the balloon drop in the heated tent.

The Silk Gatsby Gala: Silk Utica boasts the most elevated and elegant New Year’s Eve party in the area. From signature welcome drinks to gourmet bites and charcuterie boards. Enjoy a champagne toast as the ball drops at midnight.

Turning Stone New Year’s Eve Party: Head to one of the area’s staple New Year’s Eve parties. Explore Exit 33, multiple food options, and more. See the ball drop at Exit 33. Enjoy seeing the 10-foot champagne bottle, Syracuse Ballet, or the cabaret.

Funk N’ Waffles New Year’s Eve Party: Looking for something around Syracuse? Funk N’ Waffles New Year’s Eve party might be your place. Doors open at 8 PM. There’s plenty of live music, as you’d expect from Funk N’ Waffles, including SOPHISTAFUNK.

New Year’s Eve Party at Harvey Gardens: Staying in Syracuse, Harvey’s Garden is kicking off the new year with an open bar, pizza buffet from Toss & Fire Pizza, music, and more. Doors open at 9 PM.

New Year’s Eve at the ECK: One more in Syracuse for you. The Emerald Cocktail Kitchen’s New Year’s Eve party is one for the ages. Craft cocktails, gourmet bites, dancing, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Party starts at 9 PM

📰 The 315 Community Chronicles

Three local libraries (Utica Public Library, Dunham Public Library, and Huntington Memorial Library) were recently awarded significant New York State construction grants. These funds will support essential infrastructure projects, including building improvements and porch restoration, ensuring these vital community hubs remain safe, modern, and accessible for all residents.

The Mohawk Valley Health System has set a February 2, 2026, deadline for redevelopment proposals for the former St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica. The project aims to transform the campus into a residential neighborhood featuring market-rate housing and green space while preserving the site’s historic character.

The Mohawk Valley is receiving a significant financial boost as Senator Joseph Griffo announced over $560,000 in state grants for local public libraries. These funds will support critical construction and renovation projects, including HVAC upgrades and roof repairs, ensuring these community hubs remain modern and accessible for residents.

📈 315 Business and Restaurant News

Beef & Bird has officially opened in Utica’s historic Bagg’s Square, offering a fresh dining option downtown. Located at 20 Main Street, the restaurant specializes in dishes like roast beef sandwiches and fried chicken. This new addition contributes to the area’s ongoing revitalization, providing locals with a delicious new neighborhood spot.

🗓️ Events happening this week in the 315!

Sunday 1/4
Breath Work to Open the Portal | Delavan Studios, Syracuse | 10 AM
Utica University Mens Hockey | ADK Bank Center, Utica | 5 PM

Monday 1/5
Sit & Stitch | New Hartford Public Library | 12:30 PM

Check the event link. Some events have a fee. We only post beginning times.

To have your event added, contact us at [email protected]

Submit your event to be added to the list. 🥳

The deadline for inclusion is the Monday before your event for our Tuesday newsletter.

🌮 It’s Good to be a Foodie in the 315

Sunday 1/3
Sunday Brunch | Meier’s Creek Inner Harbor, Syracuse | 11:30 PM

To have your foodie event added, contact us at [email protected]

🎸 Live Music & Entertainment in the 315 this week

Tuesday 12/30
Dovetones | Woods Valley Ski Area, Westernville | 1 PM
2025 Year in Review Trivia | Nibsy’s Pub, Syracuse | 7 PM

Monday 1/5
J and the Tie Dyers | Funk N’ Waffles, Syracuse | 7:30 PM

To get your gig on the list, email us at [email protected]

🤝 Get Involved with Your Community

The Rescue Mission of Utica recently opened a new Community Resource Room at its West Street apartments. This free facility provides residents with vital technology and one-on-one assistance for job searches, housing applications, healthcare enrollment, and educational programs, effectively removing barriers to essential services for those in need.

To get your community event in the newsletter, email us at [email protected]