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 lover. Whether you're jamming at SummerStage in Central Park, swaying to bluegrass at Grey Fox, celebrating the epic return of Mountain Jam in the Catskills, 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.
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 2025 SummerStage lineup includes Yandel, James Blunt, The Head and The Heart, Rilo Kiley, and more artists yet to be announced!
Cooperstown Summer Music Festival
When: Now through August 21
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 the classical stylings of two-time GRAMMY-award winning Attacca Quartet and the Caribbean grooves of Trinidad-born Etienne Charles at Fenimore Farm and Country Village and Christ Church (the church of author James Fenimore Cooper).
Borderland Music + Arts Festival (Greater Niagara)
When: September 12-14
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 Vampire Weekend, Khruangbin, Mt. Joy, and more! Complete your memorable music adventure with a three-day tent or RV camping pass at Kissing Bridge Ski Resort. You’ll stay 15 minutes from the festival and have access to shuttles going to and from the resort, complimentary parking, and more.
Meadowlark (Hudson Valley)
When: September 12-14
Where: Stone Ridge
Photo credit: Mickey Deneher
Groove to three days of indie, roots, and countercultural music that benefits farmers in the Hudson Valley. Meadowlark Festival will take place at the 200-year-old working farm, Stone Ridge Orchard. The main stage will be The Ramblin' Rose, a one-of-a-kind 1940's travel trailer that doubles as a stage, under its centuries-old “mother” oak tree in a heritage apple orchard. There will also be a second stage, the Cider Room. Headliners include River Whyless, The Mystery Lights, Cut Worms, and Haley Heynderickx.
Adirondack Independence Music Festival
When: August 29-31
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.
Great New York State Fair
When: August 20-September 1
Where: Syracuse
The Great New York State Fair is set to rock with an impressive lineup of 40 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 Hall of Fame rockers Cheap Trick, hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes, Shaggy, Maddie & Tae, O.A.R., Sister Hazel, Kidz Bop and more. The best part: all concerts are free to fairgoers with fair admission, which is just $8.
Hoochenanny Music & Whiskey Festival
When: August 8-10
Where: Irondequoit
Keep your spirits high at this three-day celebration of whiskey and music at Camp Eastman. Catch performances by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Dark Star Orchestra, moe., Charles Wesley Godwin, 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.
Hello Inclusion: A Festival of Possibilities
Date: July 25
Where: Bethel
Credit: @bethelwoodscenter on Instagram
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located at the site of the original Woodstock music festival, is celebrating Disability Pride Month with a festival that’s all about inclusion, showcasing musicians with disabilities. The day includes songwriting workshops, drum circles, dance parties, special exhibits, and access to that night’s Cyndi Lauper show on the Pavilion Stage.
Great South Bay Music Festival
Dates: July 24-27
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 Taking Back Sunday and Say Anything. Damian and Stephen Marley headline Friday's Rock-Reggae Beach Party, before jam bands moe. and Umphrey's McGree take center stage Saturday, and Men At Work close things out with an 80s beach party 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.
Oswego Harborfest
Date: July 24-27
Where: Oswego
The annual Oswego Harborfest is mainly a music festival, with more than two dozen artists including Mike DelGuidice and Parmalee 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.
Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival
Dates: July 17-20
Where: Trumansburg
Credit: Casey Martin Photos
Celebrate music, art, and community at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds with four days and five stages of incredible music ranging from country, zydeco, and reggae. Donna the Buffalo, the festival’s founders and iconic Grassroots act, will return as both hosts and performers. Headliners include Lukas Nelson, Lucius, Sierra Hull, 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.
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival
Dates: July 16-20
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 Del McCoury, Sam Bush, The California Honeydrops, I’m With Her, Sierra Hull, and more, with artist-in-residence, Woody Platt, 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.
Rock the Dock Music Festival
Date: July 12
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 Umphrey’s McGee, Pink Talking Fish, 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 Capital Zen!
Pleasantville Music Festival
Dates: July 12
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, 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.
Ellicottville Summer Music Festival
Dates: July 4-6
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 when 15 bands face off in a Battle of the Bands for a chance to win the grand prize: performing as the opening act on Saturday night for country music sensation Hailey Whitters. Round out the weekend on Sunday with fireworks and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Great Blue Heron Festival (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
Dates: July 4-6
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. Beats Antique, Andy Frasco & The U.N., Donna the Buffalo, and The Rumble 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.
American Roots Festival
When: June 28
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 high-energy New Orleans ensemble The Rumble, Oh He Dead, Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, Rebecca Haviland and Whiskey Heart, The Barefoot Movement, and more.
Saratoga Jazz Festival
When: June 28-29
Where: Saratoga Springs
Jazz up your summer plans with a weekend of good times and great vibes at the Saratoga Jazz Festival. The 2025 lineup features 22 electrifying artists including Gary Clark Jr., Gregory Porter, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, and Cory Wong 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).
Syracuse International Jazz Fest
When: June 25-29
Where: Syracuse
The Northeast's largest free jazz festival, now in its 39th year, features four unforgettable nights of timeless tunes with a powerhouse lineup of The Spinners, Trombone Society & Orleans Avenue, Todd Rundgren, and Gunhild Carling, and other artists performing in venues across Downtown Syracuse and the Syracuse University campus.
Rochester International Jazz Festival
When: June 20-28
Where: Rochester
One of the world’s most recognizable jazz festivals is set to feature more than 1,750 artists performing 285 shows (110 of them are free!) across 18 venues over nine music-filled days in Rochester. Smokey Robinson; Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis; The Wood Brothers; Rickie Lee Jones; and Thundercat make up the ticketed Headliner Series, with performances held at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.
Mountain Jam Festival
When: June 20-22
Where: Highmount
Mountain Jam is back to rock the Catskills, with headliners Khruangbin, Mt. Joy, Goose, and more! Rock, folk, indie, roots, and Americana collide in a celebration of music, freedom, and connection at Belleayre Mountain for the ultimate weekend-long jam band experience. Single day tickets and VIP experiences are available. Camp on site or stay at a partner hotel like Shandaken Inn or Emerson Resort & Spa (shuttle bus service available).
Ithaca Reggae Fest
When: June 20-22
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 with a free Block Party, headlining performances from Kabaka Pyramid and Mihali on Saturday, and the legendary Steel Pulse celebrating their 50th anniversary taking the stage for the first-ever Sunday lineup!
Estival Festival
When: June 20-22
Where: Canadea
With camping, hot air balloon rides, fireworks, workshops, food and craft vendors, chainsaw carvers, and a massive kids zone complete with carnival rides, bounce houses, face painting, and magic shows, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy at this kid-friendly festival. Let’s not forget about the music! Jam out to three days of live performances from Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Organ Fairchild, The Buddhahood, and many more at the Sugar Mountain Performing Arts Center.
Hudson River Music Festival
When: June 14
Where: Croton
Celebrate community, music and nature in the spirit of Pete and Toshi Seeger at the Hudson River Music Festival featuring performances by Grahame Lesh and Friends, Lucius, 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.
New York State Blues Festival
When: June 12-14
Where: Syracuse
Credit: @momma_phranque on Instagram
The 2025 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 Warren Haynes Band, Southern Avenue, and The Three Kings. Enjoy on-site RV parking or snag discounted rates at Holiday Inn Express: Syracuse-Fairgrounds, Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor, and Courtyard Syracuse Downtown at Armory Square.
Lake George Music Festival
When: June 8-19
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.
MC Sha-Rock Day Presents: Women in Hip-Hop Festival
When: June 7
Where: The Bronx
The Boogie Down Bronx is gearing up for this seventh annual celebration, honoring the legacy of women in hip hop in the birthplace of the genre. Held at Gun Hill Park and hosted by Roxanne Shante, the free festival features live performances, panels, and powerful tributes to MC Sha-Rock, widely regarded as the first female MC, and other women who helped shape the genre.
Governors Ball
When: June 6-8
Where: Queens
New York City’s biggest party is coming back to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Governors Ball features more than 60 artists across three stages over three days in the heart of Queens with headliners including Tyler, the Creator, Benson Boone, Olivia Rodrigo, Feid, Hozier and Glass Animals. Plus, enjoy food from New York City’s favorite restaurants and select Queens Night Market vendors.
Blue Note Jazz Festival
When: May 27-July 2
Where: New York City
Credit: @sawadamasaharu on Instagram
Get ready to experience all that jazz in New York City. Grace Jones & Janelle Monaé, Branford Marsalis & Charles Lloyd, Emily King, Joshua Redman Quartet, Kenny Garrett, The Soul Rebels, Spyro Gyra, Marcus Miller, Tank and the Bangas, and Santigold are some of the many artists lined up for the 2025 installment of the Blue Note Jazz Festival. Performances are held at venues across the city including Blue Note Jazz Club, Town Hall, SummerStage, Sony Hall, Celebrate Brooklyn Prospect Park and more.
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