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Haudenosaunee performers show their artistry during last year’s Stage of Nations Blue Rain ECOfest in downtown Syracuse. The event returns this Friday and Saturday.

Celebrating the region’s growing reputation for environmental stewardship, the Stage of Nations Blue Rain ECOfest returns to downtown Syracuse’s Hanover Square this year during Syracuse Artsweek, Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27.

The event, sponsored by the Onondaga Nation, Syracuse University, National Grid and J.W. Burns & Co, is a public outreach element of the region’s overall effort to remediate and look after natural resources.

It’s the largest festival in the northeast, merging Haudenosaunee values and environmental stewardship with eco-friendly vendors and educational opportunities, complemented with Native American crafts, food and entertainment.

Visitors can observe the artistry of the Haudenosaunee through demonstrations, live music and dance, and exhibitions by the Haudenosaunee Singers and Dancers. There will be an exhibition of eco-friendly products and services and history and lore to share.

The festival is produced by CNY Jazz Central, the Syracuse New Times and H.A.W.K. Productions, and held in conjunction with ArtsWeek.

The Stage of Nations Blue Rain ECOfest fits with the other festivals populating downtown Syracuse this weekend—the Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival, an international jazz event, and the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival, an outdoor juried arts show.