The Beat

January 17–18, February 14–15, and March 14–15

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announces three Winter Weekend events to be held in 2026 at the Historic Camp Santanoni in the town of Newcomb, Essex County. Hosted by DEC and Friends of Camp Santanoni, along with partners Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH), the Town of Newcomb, and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry's Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC), the Winter Weekends invite visitors to enjoy winter recreation and exclusive winter access to the preserved buildings of the former great camp.

Orange County, N.Y. (Dec. 23, 2025) – Orange County Tourism is making major strides in capturing the rapidly growing global travel market. With visitor spending climbing to $1.32 billion in 2024 and tourism supporting more than 11,700 local jobs, the county is building on its momentum and positioning itself as a must-see international destination.

Orange County, N.Y. (Dec. 19, 2025) – Ring in 2026 in style in Orange County, N.Y. Whether you’re looking to toast early with the kids, dance past midnight or ease into the new year with champagne and brunch – or do it all – Orange County offers memorable ways to celebrate the New Year, all just an hour from New York City.

Arturo O ’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra Free Concert Series at El Museo’s El Teatro: January 9 & 10, March 13 & 14, May 15 & 16

New York, N.Y. (December 15, 2025) — Belongó (formerly the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance), a non-profit institution dedicated to performing, educating about, and preserving the music of all of the Americas emanating from African and indigenous roots through the entry point of jazz, and El Museo del Barrio, the nation’s leading Latine and Latin American cultural institution, are proud to announce a new multi-engagement concert residency in 2026, bringing two of New York City’s most influential Pan Latin cultural institutions into closer alignment at a pivotal moment of growth for both organizations.

Lewiston, NY –  Artpark is proud to announce Femmes Of Rock at Artpark’s Amphitheater in Lewiston NY, on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 7:00PM. Special guest to be announced. FEMMES OF ROCK is a high-octane, multimedia rock experience that redefines the electric violin. Led by Lewiston, NY native, Nina DiGregorio and fronted by three powerhouse female violinist/vocalists and backed by a thunderous three-piece band, this show takes classic rock and heavy metal to a level you’ve never seen—or heard—before.

Including Curators’ Choice series, new dates for First Look festival, and more in January–April 2026​
Plus, the call for submissions for Marvels of Media Festival, a celebration of autistic media-makers, closes January 31, with festival dates set for March 26–28

Astoria, New York, December 17, 2025 — In early 2026, Museum of the Moving Image’s film programming will feature its annual Curators’ Choice series, a showcase of some of the best releases of 2025, many with filmmakers in person; the screening series 2001: The Year, Not the Movie, honoring the 25th anniversaries of films released in the year 2001; a weekend of films on the occasion of Marilyn Monroe’s centenary; the 15th edition of First Look festival—with new dates and format; and the 5th Marvels of Media Festival, celebrating the work of autistic media-makers.

Tickets Go on Sale Friday, Dec 19 at 10 AM

Rochester, N.Y. ( Dec. 16, 2025) — The 23rd Edition Rochester International Jazz Festival, in partnership with Rochester Regional Health, will welcome back GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Chris Botti in a ticketed headliner concert on Wednesday, June 25, 2026, at 8 p.m. at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. The concert will mark Botti's sixth appearance at the Festival.

Lake Placid, N.Y. (December 14, 2025) – Lake Placid’s Mt Van Hoevenberg, home of North America’s first bobsled track, is preparing to welcome the world’s top luge athletes this weekend, December 19–20, for the FIL Luge World Cup. As the historic venue approaches its 100th anniversary, it continues to serve as one of the most technically demanding proving grounds in the sport, featuring 20 curves, a steep gradient, and the legendary “Devil’s Highway.” Many competitors arriving in Lake Placid are Olympic hopefuls sharpening their form ahead of the 2026 Winter Games.

Announces a Wide Range of Family-Friendly Activities Throughout Winter Break

Albany, N.Y. - The New York State Museum is celebrating winter break with more than two weeks of festive, family-friendly programs featuring seasonal crafts, live animals, and cultural traditions. Beginning this Saturday, visitors can enjoy everything from a live reading of the original 1823 printing of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and a community Kwanzaa celebration to hands-on 18th century games and winter animal encounters with the Utica Zoo.