NEWSLETTER
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. Whether you're jamming at SummerStage in Central Park, swaying to bluegrass at Grey Fox, or dancing lakeside at Ithaca Reggae Fest, New York’s summer festival scene delivers great music in scenic venues for every taste and vibe all season long.
Adirondack Independence Music Festival
When: September 4-6, 2026
Where: Lake George
Celebrate Labor Day weekend in Lake George at the Adirondack Independence Music Festival with three days of music and fun at The Festival Commons at Charles R. Wood Park. Dubbed Lake George’s “biggest party of the year,” plan to jam to the music of premier touring bands across two stages in a family-friendly atmosphere.
American Roots Festival
When: June 27, 2026
Where: Katonah
Revel in the sounds of Americana, blues, folk, bluegrass, and more on the stunning grounds of the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts. Hop from stage to stage and discover your next favorite artist as you catch performances by Southern Avenue, Deadgrass, Caleb Caudle & The Sweet Critters, Chloe Kimes and more.
Blue Note Jazz Festival
When: June 1-July 1, 2026
Where: New York City
Credit: @sawadamasaharu on Instagram
Experience all that jazz in New York City as the Blue Note Jazz Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary. Swamp Dog, Take 6, The Bad Plus, and Louie Vega are some of the many artists lined up for the 2026 installment. Performances are held at venues across the city including Blue Note Jazz Club, SummerStage, Mercury Lounge and Sony Hall.
Borderland Music + Arts Festival (Greater Niagara)
When: September 18-20, 2026
Where: East Aurora
Credit: @borderlandfestival on Instagram
Celebrate the rich history and renaissance of the Greater Niagara region at this three-day music and cultural festival on the scenic grounds of Knox Farm State Park. Influenced by the Great Lakes and the area’s industrious spirit, this festival will go beyond boundaries, transforming East Aurora into a musical wonderland you don’t want to miss. Headliners include Alabama Shakes, Jack White, Lord Huron, and more! Complete your memorable music adventure with a three-day tent or RV camping pass at on-site at Knox Farm, 10 minutes away at The Quarry, or Kissing Bridge Campground.
Cooperstown Summer Music Festival
When: July 15, 2026-August 17, 2026
Where: Cooperstown
Home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Glimmerglass Festival, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival gives you one more reason to visit “America’s Hometown” this summer. Performances include Grammy-nominated brass quartet The Westerlies, esteemed fiddler Michael Cleveland and his band Flamekeeper, and more at Fenimore Farm and Country Village and Christ Episcopal Church (the church of author James Fenimore Cooper).
Ellicottville Summer Music Festival
Dates: July 3-5, 2026
Where: Ellicottville
Photo Credit: Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce
Head over to Holiday Valley for a beloved summer tradition in Ellicottville filled with music at an outdoor slopeside venue and fun family adventures. The fun kicks off Friday with Mr. Brightside and Hair Nation followed by another night of music on Saturday with Nerds Gone Wild and The Fab Four. Round out the weekend on Sunday with the annual fireworks show and performances by Cami Clune and Max Muscato.
Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival
Dates: July 16-19, 2026
Where: Trumansburg
Credit: Casey Martin Photos
Celebrate music, art, and community at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds with four days and five stages of incredible music encompassing country, zydeco, and reggae. Donna the Buffalo, the festival’s founders and iconic Grassroots act, will return as both hosts and performers. Headliners include Rhiannon Giddens, Taj Mahal, and more. Gear up for the festival at the Grassroots Culture Camp, featuring four days of daily workshops, nightly dinners, and dances leading up to the main event.
Governors Ball
When: June 5-7, 2026
Where: Queens
New York City’s biggest party takes over Flushing Meadows Corona Park with more than 60 artists across three stages over three days in the heart of Queens. Headliners include Lorde, Stray Kids, and A$AP Rocky. Plus, enjoy food from New York City’s favorite restaurants and select Queens Night Market vendors.
Great Blue Heron Festival (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
Dates: July 2-5, 2026
Where: Sherman
Photo Credit: Great Blue Heron Festival
What’s wild about the Great Blue Heron Festival is the range of genres represented, including bluegrass, Cajun, zydeco, African, reggae, Americana, funk, and folk. The Dip, Big Something, Ripe, and Donna the Buffalo headline this celebration of music, nature, and the spirit of self-expression that features hands-on crafts in the Kids’ Tent, games at the Teen Tent, instrumental workshops, yoga and meditation, swimming, hiking, camping and more amid 400 scenic acres.
Great New York State Fair
When: August 26-September 7, 2026
Where: Syracuse
The Great New York State Fair is set to rock with an impressive lineup of artists performing on the Suburban Park and Chevy Court stages at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. Experience an affordable, 13-day celebration of delicious food, eye-opening exhibits, exciting midway rides, great fun, and amazing performances by The All-American Rejects, Sean Paul, Melissa Etheridge, Flo Rida, Ashanti, and many more. The best part: all concerts are free to fairgoers with fair admission, which is just $8.
Great South Bay Music Festival
Dates: July 23-26, 2026
Where: Patchogue
One of Long Island’s longest-running music, art, and cultural events is coming back to Shorefront Park in Patchogue. Thursday is emo night featuring The Used and Bayside. Sublime rocks the stage Friday night, before jam band Gov't Mule headlines Saturday's lineup, and My Morning Jacket close things out on Sunday. Combine that with the craft village, food court, and KIDZONE and you’ll see why large groups and families love to attend year after year.
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival
Dates: July 15-19, 2026
Where: Oak Hill
Dave Weiland, Grey Fox Staff Photographer
Set on the grounds of bucolic Walsh Farm, this five-day festival is a who’s who of bluegrass, newgrass, and roots music. Headliners include Rhiannon Giddens and The Old-Time Revue, the Del McCoury Band, the Infamous Stringdusters, and more, with artist-in-residence AJ Lee, and host band, Dry Branch Fire Squad! Music and dance workshops, morning yoga and meditation, camping, dancing, an open mic night, music classes for kids, and more add to the event.
Hoochenanny Festival
When: August 14-16, 2026
Where: Fairport
Keep your spirits high at this three-day celebration of whiskey and music at Town of Perinton’s Center Park West in Fairport, NY. Catch performances by Lit, Toadies, Modest Mouse, Guster, My Morning Jacket, and more while enjoying five unique whiskey experiences showcasing New York and America’s rich whiskey heritage complete with tastings, craft cocktails, curated events, and more.
Hudson River Music Festival
When: June 21, 2026
Where: Croton
Celebrate community, music and nature in the spirit of Pete and Toshi Seeger at the Hudson River Music Festival featuring performances by Jesse Welles, Warren Haynes, Grahame Lesh, Daniel Donato, and more. With plenty of children's activities and delicious food, craft beverages and specialty drinks, there's something for everyone at this riverside event in Croton Point Park.
Ithaca Reggae Fest
When: June 26-28, 2026
Where: Ithaca
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of reggae, community, and celebration by Cayuga Lake as the Ithaca Reggae Fest returns to Stewart Park. This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever with a free Block Party Friday night featuring The Night Nurse, headlining performances from 10 Ft. Ganja Plant and Jesse Royal on Saturday, and Third World taking the stage on Sunday!
Lake George Music Festival
When: May 31-June 11, 2026
Where: Lake George
Photo Credit: David Warner
The stunning Lake George serves as a picturesque backdrop for this two week-long festival of orchestral and chamber music, featuring professionals and emerging artists performing new compositions and the classics at the Carriage House at Fort William Henry! Get the ultimate experience with the full festival pass that gets you access to all ticketed and non-ticketed events including open rehearsals, master classes, and happy hour.
New York State Blues Festival
When: June 11-13, 2026
Where: Syracuse
Credit: @momma_phranque on Instagram
The 2026 New York State Blues Festival, one of the largest free blues events in the Northeast, returns to Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, featuring headliners Gary Clark Jr. and Grace Bowers. Enjoy on-site RV parking or snag discounted rates at partner hotels.
Oswego Harborfest
Date: July 23-26, 2026
Where: Oswego
The annual Oswego Harborfest is mainly a music festival, with more than two dozen artists including Ashley Cooke and John Waite performing in Breitbeck Park, East Park/Washington Square, and Cahill Pier. We say “mainly” because this four-day event also includes a children’s parade, midway carnival, craft and food vendors, and a spectacular Saturday night fireworks show over the harbor. One day is definitely not enough to see, do, and eat everything this free festival has to offer.
Outlaw Music Festival
Date: August 28 and August 29, 2026
Where: Wantagh and Bethel
Credit: @bethelwoodscenter on Instagram
The touring Outlaw Music Festival, headlined by the legendary Willie Nelson, enters its second decade with another roster of powerhouse performers including Willie Nelson & Family, The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Stephen Wilson Jr., Robert Randolph, Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble. Don't miss your chance to see them at at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located at the site of the original Woodstock music festival.
Pleasantville Music Festival
Dates: July 11, 2026
Where: Pleasantville
Set out your lawn chair or throw down your blanket and rock out at New York’s ultimate backyard jam featuring a blend of famous headliners like OK Go and Old 97's, breakout stars, and local talent. There’s also a beer and wine garden for the adults, fun activities for the kids, and a zero-waste program to benefit the environment.
Rochester International Jazz Festival
When: June 19-27, 2026
Where: Rochester
One of the world’s most recognizable jazz festivals is set to feature more than 1,750 artists performing over 300 free and ticketed shows across 19 venues over nine music-filled days in Rochester. Chris Botti, Gladys Knight, and the Count Basie Orchestra make up the ticketed Headliner Series, with performances held at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.
Rock the Dock Music Festival
Date: July 11, 2026
Where: Lake George
Catch your favorite jam bands in one of the most unique settings at Rock the Dock in Lake George. Held at the Lake George Steamboat Company, soak in scenic views of the Adirondack Mountains as you enjoy the sounds of Dark Star Orchestra, Spafford, Strange Machines, and more from the pier or aboard the historic ships that surround the stage. Kids 12 and under get in free with a paid ticketed adult. After the festival, The Lagoon is having an after party with a performance by Fungkshui!
Saratoga Jazz Festival
When: June 27-28, 2026
Where: Saratoga Springs
Jazz up your summer plans with a weekend of good times and great vibes at the Saratoga Jazz Festival. The 2026 lineup features 22 electrifying artists including Patti LaBelle and The Revivalists with performances taking place over two days across two stages at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Spa State Park. Enjoy local food trucks, craft beer, a fine arts and crafts fair, family fun, and remember– kids 12 and under are free on the lawn and 50% off in the amphitheater (with an accompanying adult ticketholder).
SummerStage
When: Now through October
Where: New York City
Photo Credit: Michael Seto
If a SummerStage show is not on your NYC summer bucket list— it’s time to fix that. This landmark festival makes the city come alive with music all summer long with a series of ticketed and free concerts at its flagship venue at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park and other parks across the five boroughs. The 2026 SummerStage lineup includes Doug E. Fresh & Funk Flex Second Annual Hip-Hop Appreciation Park Jam in the Bronx on July 31, Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and Spin Doctors on August 15 in Central Park, the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival happening August 28-30, and more.
Syracuse International Jazz Fest
When: July 9-12, 2026
Where: Lafayette and Syracuse
The Northeast's largest free jazz festival is celebrating its 40th year with four unforgettable nights of timeless tunes with a powerhouse lineup of Tower of Power, Gunhild Carling, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, and other artists performing at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards and the Syracuse University campus.
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