NEWSLETTER
No place does summer quite like the Empire State! With new attractions, restaurants, exhibits, and hotels opening in all corners of New York, summer 2026 is sure to be one to remember. Maybe you’ll find yourself singing your heart out to Noah Kahan at Rolling Stone’s inaugural music festival, making a splash at Seabreeze Amusement Park’s new dual family racing waterslide, or chilling out at a luxurious new hotel in the Hamptons! No matter what you choose, be sure to add these amazing new openings to your summer bucket list. Photo credit: @legoland.newyork on Instagram.
EXPLORE THIS ARTICLE:
- New Events & Festivals
- New Fun for the Family
- New Places to Stay
- New Exhibits
- New Arts & Culture
- New Outdoor Adventures
- New Food & Drink
New Events & Festivals
Rolling Stone Stateside Music Festival (Hudson Valley)
Date: July 4, 2026
Celebrate July 4 with a day full of music at Rolling Stone’s inaugural music festival, Stateside! Held in historic Kingston at Hutton Brickyards, this celebration features performances from headliner Noah Kahan, Gigi Perez, Sydney Rose, and more, alongside emerging talent across indie, folk, and country music. Plus, there will also be local food vendors, an artisan market, and a fireworks finale at the end of the night.
Broadway Fest – The Festival (Hudson Valley)
Dates: August 14-16, 2026
Celebrate Broadway’s biggest stars at this brand-new three-day outdoor festival in Kingston! Backdropped by panoramic Hudson River views at Hutton Brickyards, The Festival showcases a weekend of all things Broadway with themed shows, composer tributes, and a 30th anniversary celebration of “Rent.” The star-studded event will also feature performers such as Audra McDonald, Kelli O’Hara, Renee Elise Goldsberry, and Christopher Jackson, plus late-night community activities like piano bars and sing-alongs.
New Fun for the Family
LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race at LEGOLAND New York Resort (Hudson Valley)
Credit: @legoland.newyork on Instagram
Ready, set, build! LEGOLAND New York Resort is revving up for the 2026 season with the debut of its newest attraction, LEGO Ferrari Build & Race. At this high-energy, interactive experience, you’ll get a chance to build, test, and race your own LEGO Ferrari creation. Plus, the park is celebrating its five year anniversary of being in Goshen–there’s no better time to visit!
Rose Lummis Boat Tours (Finger Lakes)
Credit: Chris Trine Photography and @saveoursodus on Instagram
A new way to cruise Sodus Bay is launching this summer! Located off Lake Ontario, Save our Sodus will be kicking off their first full summer season (June 5 - September 26, 2026) of the historic Rose Lummis Boat. Originally built in 1953 as a Mississippi River boat, guests will have the chance to enjoy themed cruises such as Live Music Friday Cruises, Saturday Night Tastings, Sodus Sightseeing Tours, and Family Morning Adventure Tours.
Reef Runners Waterslide at Seabreeze Amusement Park (Finger Lakes)
Summer at Seabreeze Amusement Park in Rochester just got even more fun! Make a splash in the brand-new Reef Runners waterslide, the first of its kind in the northeast and officially opening mid-June. This dual family racing waterslide is perfect if you’re looking for some family-friendly competition, as riders race to the finish line through a series of twists and drops.
Above the Roar at Niagara Falls State Park (Greater Niagara)
Get ready to experience Niagara Falls like never before at the all-new Above the Roar virtual reality experience! Located inside the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Welcome Center, Above the Roar (opening June 19) takes you beyond the edge of the Falls, combining motion, sounds, and cutting-edge visuals. You’ll get to soar high above the Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls, move with the currents and feel the rush of wind and water.
New Places to Stay
New Paltz Way Hotel (Hudson Valley)
An exciting new boutique hotel from the owners of the Woodstock Way Hotel and Kingston Carriage House is coming to New Paltz this summer! Officially opening July 1, 2026, the New Paltz Way Hotel offers a space where modern design and the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley meet. The new space is located just steps from Main Street, the Water Street Market, Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, and SUNY New Paltz, and a short drive from Mohonk Mountain House and the Mohonk Preserve.
Turning Stone Evolution Completion (Central New York)
Big things are coming to Turning Stone Resort Casino this summer! As a part of the Turning Stone Evolution project, starting June 29, you can stay at the resort’s new Crescent Hotel, a 250-room luxury hotel with a striking "crescent" shaped design, a dedicated valet, and panoramic views to support the resort's massive convention center expansion. Plus, visitors can also look forward to the grand opening of The Grand Expo, a 200,000-square-foot event space, and new updates to The Brook (formerly known as the Turning Stone Hotel).
The Kittle House Inn (Hudson Valley)
Formerly known as Crabtree’s, The Kittle House Inn in Chappaqua will be reopening its doors to guests this summer. Located just under an hour from New York City, this Hudson Valley escape will feature an entirely renovated first floor dining room, bar, and kitchen, plus refreshed patio and garden spaces.
Faraway Sag Harbor (Long Island)
A gorgeous new hotel is coming to Sag Harbor’s storied harborfront this June! Found at the former Baron’s Cove property, Faraway Sag Harbor is steeped in seaside splendor with 67 light-filled rooms with stunning views, a sun-dappled pool area, terrace, gym, and Zagara, the hotel’s open-air, Amalfi-inspired restaurant with a private dining room. Officially opening June 4, Faraway is also less than a 10-minute walk from Havens Beach and Main Street and just a short drive to Sag Harbor Golf Course.
Casa Rialto at Villa Venezia (Hudson Valley)
A brand new boutique hotel is officially joining the Villa Venezia venues family this summer! Located just steps from the luxurious Villa Venezia and rustically-elegant Barn at Villa Venezia in Middletown, Casa Rialto brings Italian hospitality to the Hudson Valley. Showcasing more than a dozen stylish rooms, Andiamo restaurant, a bar and lounge, and exclusive access to nearby C’est La Vie Spa & Salon, it's the perfect place to stay for wedding weekends, honeymoons, or just an amazing Hudson Valley getaway.
The Courtyard by Marriott Harriman (Hudson Valley)
A brand-new Courtyard by Marriott is opening just minutes from the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets! The 120-room hotel’s convenient location is perfect for shoppers looking to extend their Hudson Valley escape this summer and explore nearby attractions like Bear Mountain State Park, Schunnemunk State Park, USMA at West Point, and LEGOLAND New York Resort.
Hotel Corduroy (Long Island)
Be one of the first to stay at Montauk’s newest hotel, Hotel Corduroy! Originally built in 1983 and found at the former Sunset Montauk property, this design-forward hotel promises a relaxing retreat inspired by the area’s natural beauty, and makes for the perfect homebase for soaking up all of Montauk, just steps from Sunset Beach and minutes from town. Amenities include access to The Lawn, a vibrant social hub and gathering space, fire pits, as well as beach gear, bicycles, and a curated retail shop.
New Exhibits
“TROLLS: Save the Humans” at the Wild Center (Adirondacks)
A visit to the Wild Center is a must this summer to experience their newest exhibit: TROLLS: Save the Humans (June 1 - October 31, 2026). This all-new touring exhibition features six trolls that have come to teach humans how to rediscover nature and become good stewards of the earth. The folklore-inspired troll sculptures by Thomas Dambo are built from reclaimed materials, inspiring visitors to explore themes such as recycling and reusing trash, the importance of plants and gardens, art, and more.
“Snow on Demand” at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum (Adirondacks)
Credit: @lakeplacidolympicmuseum on Instagram
Learn about all things snow at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum’s newest permanent exhibit, “Snow on Demand.” Visitors will get the chance to explore the development and growth of snowmaking and celebrate its crucial role in the 1980 Winter Olympics and winter sports. This interactive experience offers a different perspective on the Olympic story, what makes Lake Placid such a special winter sports destination, and the community’s sporting future.
New Outdoor Adventures
New Additions to the Catskill Fire Tower Challenge (Catskills)
Credit: @totalcatskills and @bramleymountainfiretower on Instagram
Two new fire towers have been officially added to the Catskill Fire Tower Hiking Challenge! Located in Delaware County, the new towers include the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower in Delhi and Mount Utsayantha Fire Tower in Stamford, promising even more awe-inspiring views and outdoor adventure.
New Outdoor Attractions at Niagara Falls State Park (Greater Niagara)
Credit: @lys.adventure on Instagram
New things are coming to the country’s oldest state park this summer! As a part of the park’s new 150-acre expansion, two miles of new trails will be added to run through the stunning Niagara Gorge Corridor, linking the Falls area to Whirlpool and Devil’s Hole State Parks and creating more than five miles of stunning, continuous overlooks along the Niagara River.
Niagara Falls’ Crow’s Nest project is also expected to open for summer. The Crow’s Nest is a set of stairs located alongside American Falls, where visitors will be able to climb halfway up the side of the Falls and unlock even more breathtaking views. Previously, visitors had to go back down into the Gorge and return to the upper level via the Maid of the Mist elevators.
Discover Cayuga Lake Boat Cruises (Finger Lakes)
A new way to get out on Cayuga Lake is coming this summer! Starting in early June, Discover Cayuga Lake is teaming up with Paddle-N-More to offer public cruises, private charters, paddling options and Floating Classroom experiences for students aboard their brand-new boat. Based out of several locations around the southern end of Cayuga Lake in gorges Ithaca, Lansing, and Trumansburg, it’s easy to add one of these cruises to your next Finger Lakes getaway.
New Arts & Culture
Thousand Islands Arts Center New Facility (Thousand Islands-Seaway)
A summer full of creativity, art, and community awaits at the Thousand Islands Arts Center’s brand new facility! Building upon the center's lineup of year-round exhibits, renowned collection of over 20,000 handwoven textiles, and a library of 2,250+ titles, the new expansion will include a permanent handweaving exhibit, access to even more amazing programming, and a welcoming entrance directly on Clayton’s James Street. Don’t miss the grand opening event on June 27, 2026!
Hudson Valley Shakespeare’s New Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center (Hudson Valley)
Hudson Valley Shakespeare will be debuting its first ever permanent home this June in Garrison. Named in honor of visionary philanthropist Samuel H. Scripps, the new theater’s unique indoor-outdoor design immerses audiences and actors in the scenic landscapes of the Hudson Valley while creating a space to showcase riveting performances. Don’t miss out on productions of “As You Like It” (June 10-September 18, 2026), “King Lear” (June 12-September 17, 2026), and “Les Miserables” (August 12-September 27, 2026).
Pendragon Theatre (Adirondacks)
The newly-renovated Pendragon Theatre will officially be opening in Saranac Lake on June 24. A Saranac Lake staple since 1981, the Pendragon has been showcasing amazing professional theater in the Adirondacks for four decades. This brand-new renovation promises visitors an expanded performance space and updated amenities. Be sure to catch productions like “Noises Off,” (June 24 - July 11, 2026) “Beetlejuice Jr.,” (July 22-25, 2026) and “Violet”(August 5-14, 2026) this summer!
New Food & Drink
Ellen & Michael’s Osteria & Market (Finger Lakes)
Dishes are “fatto con amore” (meaning “made with love” in Italian) at Corning’s newest Italian restaurant, from the owners and head chef of The Cellar. Found on Corning’s walkable Market Street, Ellen & Michael’s Osteria specializes in scratch-made Italian dishes like Bucatini Carbonara, chicken Parmigiana, and cannolis and Affogato for dessert.
Pony’s Delhi (Catskills)
A new restaurant is coming to Main Street in Delhi this summer! Taking over the historic former Delhi Diner, Pony’s is the sister restaurant to design and decor shop, This & That. Check their Instagram for opening updates.
Salt: Seafood & Raw Bar (Central New York)
A new restaurant is coming to the Turning Stone Resort Casino’s brand-new Crescent Hotel! A part of the resort’s massive expansion, Salt: Seafood & Raw Bar is perched on the 7th floor of this stylish hotel, offering an oyster bar, five private dining rooms, and an expansive outdoor patio for elevated summer dining. Don’t miss the grand opening on June 29!
Empire State Distillers Tasting Room (Finger Lakes)
Home of the Legends of 1776 Spirits, Battle Rattle, and Spirits of Miles, Empire State Distillers is officially opening a distillery tasting room in Ontario, NY. Veteran and first responder-owned, this tasting room will feature live events, billiards, and refreshing beverages.
Drumlins Brewing Company (Finger Lakes)
Palmyra is welcoming a new local neighborhood craft brewery this summer. Found in a historic 1840s-era building, Drumlins Brewing Company is small, locally-focused brewery offering a variety of traditional styles, unique interpretations of classic beers, and a line of gluten free beers. Check the Drumlins Facebook page for details about the grand opening.
Syren (Finger Lakes)
A brand-new sushi and Asian Fusion restaurant is now open in Sodus Bay! A concept by Chef Kimberly Roth, enjoy everything from classic sushi rolls to Bao buns to Syren specialties like the “Chunky Monkey,” a dessert roll with chocolate, peanut butter, banana, raspberries, and strawberries fried in funnel cake batter and topped with raspberry glaze, chocolate, and coconut.
Timber & Thyme at North Creek Ski Bowl (Adirondacks)
Looking for a bite to eat at North Creek Ski Bowl? Try The Station’s brand new restaurant and bar, Timber & Thyme! Offering inspired comfort food rooted in chef-forward techniques, you can expect bold flavors, hearty meals, and local ingredients while you soak up stunning views of the mountains.
Perro & Poni (Greater Niagara)
Pay a visit to this new Tex-Mex restaurant at Wilkeson Pointe on the Buffalo Waterfront this summer. From the group behind Dog & Pony Saloon, Perro & Poni will feature bold, Mexicali dishes and a full bar serving creative cocktails, frozen drinks, and a rotating selection of local brews. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a quick bite with lakeside views!
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