35 Summer Events You Don't Want to Miss in New York State

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Festivals, parades, and air shows, oh my! There’s so much to do in New York State this summer. Try delicious new foods, jam out to live music in beautiful outdoor amphitheaters, take a spin on midway rides, celebrate rich culture and community, watch hot air balloons take flight, and more, all season long. Mark your calendars. Here are some Empire State events you don’t want to miss! 

Updated 06/15/2026 | Originally published 05/02/2023

SummerStage 2026 (NYC)

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A summer in NYC isn’t complete without an iconic SummerStage live performance! Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, this festival lasts around four months and features a lineup of more than 60 free and ticketed performances throughout all five boroughs ranging from music to dance to theater. This year's jam-packed lineup includes The Metropolitan Opera (June 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17), Dreamland: Pride in Central Park with Purple Disco Machine, Mavis Staples (July 16), Blues Traveler (August 15), Charlie Parker Jazz Festival (August 28- 30),), and more. Manhattan; now through October 2026. Free and ticketed events. Prices vary by show.

SPAC Summer Concert Series (Capital-Saratoga)

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The summer isn’t complete without a live performance at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center). With this year’s lineup ranging from big-name performers like Pitbull, Luke Bryan, John Mulaney, and Lil Wayne to the renowned New York City Ballet, Saratoga Jazz Festival, and The Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, there’s something for everyone! Enjoy the music from the open area lawn or 5,000 covered seats. Saratoga Springs; now through September 19, 2026. Ticket prices vary by event.

Shakespeare in the Park (NYC)

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Complete your summer in New York City with a dramatic Shakespearean production! This year, the revitalized Delacorte Theater will open with a celebratory, star-studded production of "Romeo & Juliet" (now through June 28) and "The Winter’s Tale" (July 25-August 23). Throughout its 45+ year history, Shakespeare in the Park has seen over five million visitors from around the world and performances from James Earl Jones, Meryl Streep, and Al Pacino! Don’t miss out on this summer’s production, directed by Tony Award nominee Saheem Ali ("Romeo & Juliet") and Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan ("The Winter’s Tale"). Manhattan; Now-August 23, 2026. Tickets are free but must be reserved online.

Bethel Woods Summer Concert Series (Catskills)

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It’s not summer without a concert at the site of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival. Bethel Woods’ amphitheater is one of the best venues for live music in the Catskills! This summer’s concert series features chart-topping artists like Paul Simon, Thomas Rhett, Brandi Carlile, Lindsey Stirling,and more! The amphitheater also hosts festivals including Outlaw Music Festival (August 29), featuring a day of performances from icons like Willie Nelson, The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Wilco, and more. Bethel; now through September 13, 2026. Prices vary by event.

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival Hudson Valley)

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Enjoy gorgeous outdoor views while you watch an entertaining and enchanting lineup of performances at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. This summer also marks the debut of the organization’s brand-new, state-of-the-art venue, the Samuel H. Scripps Theatre Center. Watch one of Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedies, “As You Like It” (June 10-September 18) or catch one of his most searing tragedies, “King Lear” (June 12-September 17). Later in the summer, “Les Miserables” (August 12-September 27) is set to hit the Hudson Valley Shakespeare stage. Garrison; June 10 through September 18, 2026. Prices vary by show and seat.

National Buffalo Wing Festival (Greater Niagara)

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Attention wing lovers! Be sure to hit up the official Home of the Buffalo Wing this summer for the National Buffalo Wing Festival! Join over 50,000+ visitors as you sample over 100 styles of chicken wings from local, national, and international eateries. While you snack, check out other activities like the hot wing eating competition, celebrity-influencer “sauce-off,” bobbing for wings, and the United States Buffalo Wing Eating Championship. Buffalo; August 29, 2026, 11am-8pm and August 30, 2026, 11am-6pm. Admission is $20 per person per day. Children eight and under are free. Food tickets are an additional $13.80 per ten tickets.

Park Playhouse Summer Season (Capital-Saratoga)

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Fill your summer with thrilling drama and exciting outdoor musicals and plays (for free!) at Park Playhouse! This year the Playhouse Stage Company will be hosting the family-friendly production, “Elephant & Piggie” from August 16-28.Other Playhouse productions include “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory” (June 26-July 18), “Footloose” (July 28-August 15), and “13 The Musical”(August 21-30) all showing at the Cohoes Music Hall. Albany; now through August 28, 2026. Admission is free.

Hampton Classic Horse Show (Long Island)

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End summer with one of the largest outdoor horse shows in the United States at the Hampton Classic! Watch 200+ separate competitions, including the coveted Hampton Classic Grand Prix, complete with top equestrians, national champion hunter competitors, and Olympic medalists. Spectators can also enjoy 80 onsite shops, international food options, kids activities, and Animal Adoption Day on Monday, August 24. Bridgehampton; August 23 - 30, 2026. Daily admission is $25 per car, cash only.

US Open (NYC)

Experience the only Grand Slam tournament that takes place in America and the final major of the tennis calendar at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens this summer! Watch two weeks of the world’s best tennis player’s battle for titles like defending US Open singles champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz. Queens; August 23 - September 13, 2026. Prices vary by event.

Blues in the The Bay (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

Calling all blues enthusiasts! Enjoy a lively festival of blues music alongside fantastic views of the St. Lawrence River from September 4-7. With tasty food and beverage,  a vibrant atmosphere, amazing live performances, and free admission, it’s the perfect way to end the summer. Alexandria Bay; September 4-7, 2026. Entry is free.

The Great New York State Fair (Finger Lakes)

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Discover what makes New York State so great at the 13-day celebration of the Great New York State Fair! Join thousands of fairgoers and experience delicious food, exhilarating exhibits, adorable animals, midway rides, and big-name entertainment like Sean Paul, Ashanti, Trace Adkins, ZZ Top, and more! Syracuse; August 26-September 7, 2026,9am-11pm. Admission is $8.32 per person and free for 12 and under and 65+. Parking costs $12.41 per vehicle.

Glimmerglass Festival (Central New York)

Encounter some of the world’s greatest opera and musical theater this summer at the internationally acclaimed Glimmerglass Festival! Take in the view of Otsego Lake while you watch performances like “Oklahoma!” (July 10-August 15), “Madame Butterfly” (July 11 - August 17), “Cosi” (July 17 - August 14), “Fellow Travelers” (July 18 - August 16), and “Robin Hood” (August 2-7), and more. Cooperstown; July 10 - August 17. Ticket prices vary by performance.

Sterling Renaissance Festival (Finger Lakes)

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Merriment awaits at the 50th Annual Sterling Renaissance Festival! Prepare to be enchanted as you stroll through the Royal Marketplace, witness the Queen and her entourage touring the streets, experience plentiful culinary creations, and play authentic Elizabethan games. Sterling; Saturdays and Sundays from 10am - 7pm, July 4-August 16 rain or shine. Single-day general admission tickets start at $45.04 for adults and $30.64 for children 4 - 11.

Lucille Ball Comedy Festival (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

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Get ready to laugh at The National Comedy Center’s annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival! Join visitors from across the nation at more than 50 events featuring 30 artists in Jamestown. This year's headliners include Jerry Seinfeld, Bert Kreischer, and Seth Meyer. These comedy legends join the festival's history of renowned headliners like Trevor Noah, Jay Leno, John Mulaney, and Ellen DeGeneres, just to name a few. Jamestown; August 6-9, 2026. Ticket prices vary by event.

Annual Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally Expo (Central New York)

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Join over 100,000 travelers from across the country as you watch 25 colorful hot air balloons take to the skies at the 42nd Annual Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally Expo! Rock out at three nights of live performances from Brett Young and Locash, and be sure to stop by the car show. Binghamton; August 7-9, 2026. Access to morning launches is free. Ticket prices vary.

Catskill Mountain Yoga Festival (Catskills)

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Head to SUNY Delhi for a day filled with yoga and meditation for the whole family! More than 40 classes and workshops are scheduled throughout the festival with everything from aerial yoga to kids yoga to restorative yoga, each taught by instructors from all over the country. Plus, there will also be a food and vendor market. Delhi; July 25, 2026 General admission: free, basic pass: $40, sun salutation pass: $75, yogi pass: $140, VIP pass: $180.

Oswego Harborfest (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

This once small local event is now one of the largest free festivals in the region, seeing around 75,000 visitors annually! With four fun-filled days complete with live entertainment, a wide variety of vendors, midway rides, a children’s parade, and fireworks, there’s something for the whole family. Oswego; July 23-26, 2026. Admission is free.

Taste of Buffalo (Greater Niagara) 

Attention foodies: mark your calendars for one of the country's largest two-day food festivals happening this summer! Get a taste of some of Buffalo’s best restaurants, food trucks, wineries, and more. While you enjoy tasty Buffalonian bites, enjoy live entertainment throughout the festival and cooking demonstrations from the Culinary Stage. Buffalo; July 11, 2026, 11am-8pm - July 12, 2026, 11am-7pm. Admission is free. Food and beverages can be purchased with tickets. $7 for 10 tickets.

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks (NYC)

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Experience one of the largest and most magical Fourth of July celebrations in the country at the Macy’s 50th Annual 4th of July Fireworks! Prepare to be amazed as beautiful bursts of color synchronize with the accompanying pop and patriotic music over both the East and Hudson Rivers. This year also marks America’s 250th birthday, so expect extra-special celebrations and other Fourth of July events. Manhattan; July 4 at 8pm. See website for more information.

LEGOLAND® Red, White & BOOM! Event (Hudson Valley)

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Celebrate July 4th weekend at LEGOLAND® New York Resort’s Red, White & BOOM! event! Use 3D glasses to watch as colorful fireworks burst into LEGO bricks right before your eyes and be sure to check out other Bricktastic events all included with regular day admission. Goshen; July 4. One-day theme park admission is $49/person online and $99/person at the front gate.

Pride Month Celebrations (Various Regions)

Join millions in celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month at events throughout New York State! NYC holds a plethora of Pride events including the annual Pride March on June 28 which commemorates the first gay rights march that honored the first anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. Long Island’s Pride events on June 14 include a day-long celebration with dancing, tons of vendors, exciting live performances, and food and drinks. Capital Pride also returns June 14 with an exciting parade and festival in Washington Park! Click here for more Pride events throughout New York State.

Chautauqua Institution Summer Series (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

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From chamber music to interfaith programs to kayak eco-tours, there’s always something new to experience at the Chautauqua Institution! Stop by for their wonderful annual summer ensemble, featuring nine themed weeks with a mix of fine and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship and programs, and recreational activities including performances from the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Wynonna Judd and Melissa Ethridge, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, and more. Chautauqua; June 27 - August 30, 2026. Ticket prices vary by event.

Rochester International Jazz Festival (Finger Lakes) 

Head to the Rochester International Jazz Festival for one of the coolest experiences in American Jazz! At this nine-day celebration featuring over 300+ shows, you’ll hear music from all over the world at one of the 19 venues throughout downtown. Catch ticketed headliners like Gladys Night, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Chris Botti, or free headliner shows from Nikki Hill, Europa, Tito Puente Jr. and Nestor Torres, and more! Rochester; June 19-27, 2026. Prices vary by event.

Buffalo Juneteenth Festival (Greater Niagara)

Don’t miss one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country at Buffalo’s Juneteenth Festival! The 50th annual event honoring the abolition of slavery and preserving African-American heritage takes place at Martin Luther King Jr. Park and includes a parade, live entertainment, children’s activities, delicious food vendors, and more. Buffalo; June 13-14, 2026. Admission is free.

Annual LARAC June Arts Festival (Adirondacks)

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Celebrate 55 years of art at the LARAC June Arts Festival! Stroll through one of the largest arts and crafts fairs in the state with more than 130 exhibitors and a variety of items from handmade jewelry and home items to fine art and textiles. With children’s activities and art demos for the kids, there’s fun for the whole family! Glens Falls; June 13, 2026, 10am-5pm, and June 14, 2026, 10am-4pm. Admission is free and open to the public.

Great NY State Food & Wine Festival (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

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Celebrate good food and beverage from vendors all over New York State, from the white sand shores of Long Island to the roaring river of the Thousand Islands at the Great NY State Food & Wine Festival! Don’t miss out on this year’s delicious vendor lineup including Adirondack Winery, Saint Lawrence Spirits, Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, Thousand Islands Winery, Nav’s Popcorn, and more. Clayton; June 12-14, 2026. Admission is $20 for adults (21+), $5 for children 13-20, and free for children under 12.

2026 New York State Blues Festival (Finger Lakes)

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Honor the history and roots of the blues genre at one of the largest free blues events in the Northeast! Catch talented headliners like Gary Clark Jr., Grace Bowers, and Tommy Castro & The Pain Killers, along with local and regional talent. Syracuse; June 11-13, 2026. Admission is free. Parking is $10 per car, $5 per motorcycle.

Fairport Canal Days (Finger Lakes)

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Set sail and celebrate 48 fun-filled years of Fairport Canal Days at one of the most popular arts festivals in New York State! With free admission, over 200 artisans, tons of fine food vendors, live music, and a Kids Zone for the little ones, there’s something for everyone! Fairport; June 5-7, 2026. Free.

Taste of Syracuse (Finger Lakes)

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Kick off the summer in Syracuse’s Clinton Square for one of the Finger Lakes’ biggest food and music festivals! Watch over 25 bands play live on three stages and taste the delicious cuisine of Syracuse from over 75 vendors including the original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Did we mention it’s free? Syracuse; June 5-6, 2026 from 11AM - 10PM. Free admission. Samples are $2.

Alive at Five Summer Concert Series Albany (Capital-Saratoga)

A diverse lineup of big-name and up-and-coming artists awaits at this summer staple of the Capital Region! With each week of the six-week series embracing a different genre from folk rock to hip hop, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Albany; concerts are Thursdays from June 4 - July 16, 2026 from 4:30pm - 8pm. Admission is free.

International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend (Central New York)

Celebrate boxing legends, honor the sport’s rich history, and enjoy a lineup of exciting events in boxing’s hometown at the International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend! The four-day celebration kicks off Thursday, June 11 at the museum grounds with the opening bell rings and features a 5K Fun Run, Boxing Autograph Card Show, and a Parade of Champions, ending the weekend with the Induction Ceremony. This year’s 2026 inductees include Nigel Benn, Naoko Fujioka, Jackie Nava, Gennadiy Golovkin, and more! Canastota; June 11-14, 2026. Ticket prices vary by event.

Tribeca Film Festival (NYC)

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Watch groundbreaking storytelling and star-studded premieres unfold right before your eyes at one of the world’s most popular film festivals right in NYC! Celebrating 25 years in 2026,this year’s lineup features 118 feature films from 143 filmmakers across 44 countries, including the world premieres of Earth, Wind, & Fire (To Be Celestial VS That’s the Weight of the World) directed by Questlove, ,Next Life featuring Emilia Clarke, among others! Manhattan; June 3-14, 2026. Prices for passes vary by event.

Americade Motorcycle Touring Rally (Adirondacks)

Start your engines and cruise through the scenic Adirondacks at the world’s largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally! Admire the latest bikes and demos at trade shows, watch daring stunt shows, enjoy a delicious catered dinner boat cruise, and more right in Lake George. Lake George; June 2-5, 2027. Day passes can be purchased online or at the Lake George Holiday Inn the week of the event starting Tuesday.

FourLeaf Air Show (Long Island)

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Look up to the skies over Jones Beach for a show that’s sure to amaze! In honor of America’s 250th birthday, a specially-scheduled airshow will be taking place on Fourth of July weekend, alongside Fleet Week. Expect no shortage of thrills with a lineup that includes air performances from the United States Navy Blue Angels, joined by a lineup of military performers and renowned aerobatic performers. Wantagh; July 5-6, 2026 from 10am - 3pm. Admission is free. Parking costs $10.

Long Island History Hunt (Long Island)

History lovers, families, road trippers, and curious explorers: your summer adventure awaits! Travel through history as you follow along a special America 250 version of the Long Island History Hunt, titled “Redcoats and Rebels.” You’ll get to go on a self-guided, interactive journey through some of Long Island's fascinating Revolutionary-era destinations and can upload photos at landmarks for a chance to win prizes. Throughout Long Island; Now-September 30, 2026. Free.

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