I Love New York Blog

Summer in New York State is a feast for the senses, packed with food, music, and unforgettable celebrations! Cheer on elite athletes in the Adirondacks, soak in the sounds of bluegrass in the Catskills, and marvel at dazzling hot air balloons soaring over the Chautauqua-Allegheny region.

No one celebrates the Fourth of July like New York! Get festive with fireworks over dazzling castles, sprawling shorelines, and mountain vistas, or watch patriotic parades march down charming main streets. For those looking to take a more historic route, you’ll find Declaration of Indepence readings and reenactments at historic sites throughout the state, like Fort Ticonderoga, which is hosting a living history weekend this year leading up to the 250th Commemoration. Wear your red, white, and blue and get ready to “ooh” and “ahh” with these festive celebrations across the state. And if you’re looking to get ahead on planning for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, be sure to check out the calendar to discover events like the Big Sail 4th of July Celebration. 

County fairs came about in America in the 18th century and were a place for farmers to show off their livestock, merchants to sell their wares, and homemakers to prove they made the best blueberry…

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

Pride is always an exciting time in New York, and 2025 is bringing a jam-packed lineup of meaningful and fun events all across the state. Highlights include the iconic NYC Pride March, illumination of Niagara Falls in Pride colors, and Pride Night with the Syracuse Mets.

The Erie Canal turns 200 in 2025! This monumental anniversary presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the engineering marvel that transformed the nation. Whether you’re looking to kick off canal season with a lively festival, paddle through towering locks, or catch the Seneca Chief replica canal boat on its journey from Buffalo to New York City, lock in all kinds of fun for everyone all season long! Read on for your guide to celebrating the Erie Canal Bicentennial and be sure to visit the Erie Canalway website for a full calendar of events. ​…

Bask in the best of New York State with the I LOVE NY Experience, going on tour this summer and making stops at some of the season’s hottest events in New York and beyond!…

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! …

From food lovers and birdwatchers to motorcyclists, music enthusiasts, and even pirates, May brings an array of unforgettable experiences for all in New York State.

New York is a great place to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. From visiting a treasured Buddhist temple in the Catskills to feeling the peace and wisdom of nature at a Hudson Valley Japanese stroll garden to enjoying Burmese cuisine in Buffalo, here are ways to learn about, appreciate, and experience Asian Pacific American culture and history in New York State! …