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Tag - Summer

Multicolored hot air balloons flying above head at Spiedie Fest in Binghamton on a partly cloudy summer day

New York State is the setting for an amazing month of music, culture, history, sports, food, and the arts.

Fireworks light up the night sky at Oswego Harborfest

Summer in New York State heats up in July with food, music, sports, and unforgettable celebrations! Cheer on elite athletes in the Adirondacks, soak in the sounds of bluegrass in the Catskills, marvel

a little boy in a turquoise shirt plays with Legos at the LEGO Ferrari Build & Race attraction. Behind him a giant Lego figure dressed in a red Ferrari outfit holds a green sign that says "Go Build"

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.

Saranac Lake

Ordinarily quiet streets suddenly buzz with energy, patios of local cafes fill with visitors, world-renowned amphitheaters welcome premiere performances, and once frozen lakes now sparkle beneath

Bright red, white, and blue fireworks decorate the sky over east river
Credit: @clickforthekingdom on Instagram

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! 

Colorful fireworks light up the sky over Niagara Falls

If you’re wondering how to plan the seemingly endless things to do in New York State in the summer, look no further. We’ve planned your weekends for you, allowing you to sample the best of everything New York State has to offer, from surfing, hiking, and camping to festivals, fireworks, and live outdoor theater. Make your summer an unforgettable one in New York. 

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

Blue ocean waves crest in front of the Montauk Lighthouse

It’s no secret that the Empire State has it all. Just hours away from the city that never sleeps is an abundance of outdoor adventures, pristine white sand beaches, scenic hiking trails, family-friendly amusement parks, idyllic small towns, and more. Whether you’re experiencing the Big Apple for the first time and want to extend your trip or you’re a native New Yorker looking for a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 trips you can easily take from New York City this summer.