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Category - Summer

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.

The Empire State Building lit up in rainbow colors for Pride

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.

Bannerman Castle at sunset

Spend some island time in New York State! Whether you prefer an island with a mysterious history, beachfront ambiance, or an elegant castle fit for royalty, New York’s islands are waiting for you to explore.

Green tree-lined mountain ranges lining the glimmering river within the Adirondacks on a sunny day

Trust us, if you don’t plan ahead, summer will be over in the blink of an eye. Be sure to make the most of the gorgeous weather and longer days. We’ve rounded up everything for your most adventurous and memorable summer to-do list, from beaches to county fairs to music festivals, and plenty of getaways into the beautiful outdoors.

A girl and a dog sit at the top of Whiteface Mountain

From magnificent mountain peaks to spectacular city skylines, there’s no place like New York State in the summer! If you’re looking to impress with some amazing photos, we’ve got you covered. Your photographic expeditions may lead you to luxurious Gold Coast mansions, fields of bright yellow sunflowers, or to the top of New York’s fifth-highest peak.