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Posts from May 2026

American Roots Music Festival

Get your sunscreen ready… it’s music festival season in New York State! From jazz to blues to indie rock to classical to country, there's a festival to satisfy every music taste.

Saranac Lake

Ordinarily quiet streets suddenly buzz with energy, patios of local cafes fill with visitors, world-renowned amphitheaters welcome premiere performances, and once frozen lakes now sparkle beneath

Bright red, white, and blue fireworks decorate the sky over east river
Credit: @clickforthekingdom on Instagram

Festivals, parades, and air shows, oh my! There’s so much to do in New York State this summer. Try delicious new foods, jam out to live music in beautiful outdoor amphitheaters, take a spin on midway rides, celebrate rich culture and community, watch hot air balloons take flight, and more, all season long. Mark your calendars. Here are some Empire State events you don’t want to miss! 

SPAC Lawn Seating

From iconic amphitheaters to hidden gem outdoor theaters, New York State is home to an amazing array of outdoor performance venues. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away on the original site

A charming, historic stone and wood house with blooming pink flowers framing the scene. Colorful tulips and fresh greenery enhance the springtime feel.

June 20-21 marks Path Through History Weekend in New York State, coinciding with Juneteenth and the ongoing commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. It’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in

Colorful fireworks light up the sky over Niagara Falls

If you’re wondering how to plan the seemingly endless things to do in New York State in the summer, look no further. We’ve planned your weekends for you, allowing you to sample the best of everything New York State has to offer, from surfing, hiking, and camping to festivals, fireworks, and live outdoor theater. Make your summer an unforgettable one in New York. 

A parade features characters resembling those from "The Wizard of Oz" walking joyfully at Oz-Stravaganza. Dorothy leads with a basket, followed by the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion.

Kick off the summer season in New York State with an exhilarating blend of cultural, historic, sporting, and foodie events.

A woman in a flowing yellow skirt and white shirt twirls with a red cloth in her hand in front of the backdrop of a red boat and the Statue of Liberty in the distance

From dramatic Shakespeare performances to electric dance celebrations, New York State is home to the world's most renowned art festivals. Attend the northeast’s largest blues event, dive into arts and culture at the Chautauqua Institution, or witness a star-studded film festival, where you may just bump into celebrities like Robert De Niro! What are you waiting for? Your New York artistic adventure awaits! 

A little boy with headphones on listening to an exhibit at Bethel Woods

New York State offers travelers the opportunity to explore places where the pursuit of freedom unfolded. Across small towns, historic villages, and cultural landmarks, abolitionists, freedom seekers, and Black communities helped shape the nation’s journey toward liberty.

family of four on maid of the mist boat tour

Summer travel for Black families is more than a vacation, it's layers of connection. Cultural landmarks invite reflection. Parks and waterfronts encourage exploration. Black-owned restaurants and