The Beat

Auburn, NY (March 16, 2026) – In August 2016, Syracuse artist – and at the time a correspondent for Indian Country Today – Alex Johns-Hamer was at the Standing Rock protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline, drinking in the scene and making photographs. It was an experience that would change his life.

Utica becomes the largest Trail Town to date, highlighting its role as a central hub for recreation, culture, and community development along the Empire State Trail

Albany, NY – Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) is proud to announce that the City of Utica and the Town of Lyons have been selected to join the Empire State Trail Town program, joining eleven other canal communities that have demonstrated a strong commitment to leveraging the trail as a driver for tourism, recreation, and local economic development.

Additional $5 Million in State Funding Announced To Support Project

Historic Capital Project Reflects $18.5 Million State Investment in Arts and Culture

New Addition Will Enhance Accessibility and Modernize Buffalo Venue

View Renderings Here and Video Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on a $34.6 million expansion of the historic Shea’s Buffalo Theatre plus an additional commitment of $5 million in capital funding from New York State. Driven by a $18.5 million state investment, the four-story, 25,600-square-foot addition will revitalize the theatre experience by introducing a new box office, expanded lobby and event space, concessions at each level, additional bathrooms and critical accessibility upgrades, including three new elevators.

Featuring Josh Groban, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Brian Stokes Mitchell

Saratoga Springs, NY (March 15, 2026) – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) welcomes back The Philadelphia Orchestra for a three-week summer residency from August 5–22 as part of its celebratory 60^th anniversary season. Led by Music and Artistic Director YANNICK NÉZET-SÉGUIN, the season pairs classical masterworks with SPAC premieres and performances by world-renowned artists, including Tony®, EMMY®, and five-time GRAMMY® Award–nominated singer JOSH GROBAN, GRAMMY® Award–nominated indie-folk singer GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV, and two-time Tony® Award–winning Broadway star BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL…

New York, N.Y. - On March 21, 7 pm the first ever Coney Island Student Film Festival will take place, with students from the brand new Coney Island Film School exhibiting their work. The event will also include Q and As with the student directors. Lead teacher of the film school and cult filmmaker Dylan Mars Greenberg will be leading the event.

Travel + Leisure, I’m From the East Coast and This Is the Best Wine Region in New York—With Access to 11 Glacial Lakes and 140 Wineries, March 8, 2026 

TIME, The World’s Greatest Places of 2026 : Studio Museum in Harlem, March 12, 2026…

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will present a series of three handicapping seminars leading up to the 152^nd running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2. Hosted by renowned handicapper Tom Amello, the series will take place at the Museum on the following dates:…

32^nd Annual Ticonderoga Ball is March 20, 2026 at The Union League Club of New York City

Ticonderoga, N.Y. — Renowned filmmaker Ken Burns will receive the highest honor bestowed by The Fort Ticonderoga Association, when he is conferred The Ticonderoga Award for a Continental Vision at the 32^nd annual Ticonderoga Ball on March 20, 2026.

Burns has been a filmmaker for nearly 50 years. Most recently, he co-directed (with Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt) “The American Revolution,” a six-part, twelve-hour PBS series on America’s founding struggle.

FIS Cross-Country World Cup racing, fan experiences, athlete engagement, and live entertainment coming March 19–22

Lake Placid, N.Y. — The Stifel Lake Placid Finals, a Coop FIS Cross-Country World Cup, will offer more than world-class competition this March. The event will transform Lake Placid into a multi-day winter sports festival featuring themed race days, live entertainment, film screenings, interactive expo activations, and family-friendly programming.