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Category - Summer

An aerial view of the bustling Erie County fairgrounds at sunset with colorful tents, food stands, carnival rides, bright lights, and crowds of people.

Back-to-school season is here, but there’s plenty of summer fun still to be had! Make time for more adventures before the kids head back into the classroom and the summer sun sets. Savor seasonal summer foods, catch a flick at the drive-in, get your adrenaline pumping at thrilling amusement parks, and lots more throughout New York State! 

Travers Stakes At Saratoga Race Course

Get ready for an unforgettable month of music, culture, history, food, and the arts in the Empire State.

A building in the shape of a duck on Long Island, known as the Big Duck

Looking for a safe and fun New York road trip close to home? Check out these great New York State roadside attractions! With a variety of offbeat destinations, ranging from the artistic to the curious, from goofy to downright mysterious, there’s something to delight everyone

Uncle Sam Boat Tours sails along the St. Lawrence River past an island covered in fall foliage on a getaway to the Thousands Islands-Seaway

Sit back, relax, and soak up spectacular scenery on a boat cruise in New York State! Home to two Great Lakes, thousands of miles of rivers, the Atlantic Ocean, and historic Erie Canal (celebrating its 200th anniversary this year!), the opportunities to get out on the water are endless. Search for the gentle giants of the sea on a whale watching cruise in Montauk, navigate through locks on the tranquil waters of the Erie Canal, or explore the depths of the St. Lawrence River on a boat with a glass bottom. Put the wind in your sails and don’t miss the boat on these 12 summertime water tours and cruises in New York State. 

Fireworks light up the night sky at Oswego Harborfest

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.

A man does a canonball off a diving board into the swimming hole at Robert H. Treman State Park

As the summer sun blazes over New York State, it’s never been cooler to chill out. From taking a refreshing dip into the crystal clear waters of the Finger Lakes, to uncovering underground caverns

Plates of oysters, lobster,  and other food on a white table

No place does summer quite like the Empire State! With new attractions, restaurants, exhibits, and hotels opening in all corners of the state, summer 2025 is sure to be one to remember.

Macys 4th July 2015 - Photo by Barry Schwartz

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

A county fair at sunset.

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

A wine glass stands on a wooden table with a green lawn and tents in the background at the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival

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