The Beat

The Empire State invites travelers to join milestone anniversary celebrations, experience unique cultural events and explore new hotels and restaurants opening this summer

Albany, NY (June 17, 2025) – New York State is inspiring summer travel with an exciting lineup of historic anniversaries, vibrant cultural events and new openings across all of its 11 vacation regions. Throughout the season, visitors will celebrate 200 years of the Erie Canal, explore New York’s jazz legacy and attend the globally-watched Ryder Cup on Long Island. With new hotels, festivals and attractions opening from Buffalo to Montauk, the Empire State is offering fresh ways to discover its iconic beauty, rich history and vibrant communities—making 2025 an unforgettable time to visit.

Updated map design provides new information on affordable recreation opportunities

 The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today announced the release of an updated New York State Parks and Historic Sites map highlighting affordable options for outdoor recreation and culturally enriching experiences. The first update to a statewide overview of facilities since 2017, new additions to the map include recently opened and renamed parks Sojourner Truth State Park in Ulster County and Shirley Chisholm State Park in Brooklyn, as well as the 750-mile Empire State Trail which spans the entire state.

Saturday, June 14

Inclusive and Accessible Family-Friendly Recreation at State Parks and DEC Lands Across New York State

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York’s “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” celebrations will be held on Saturday, June 14 this year with events happening at more than 20 locations across New York State as part of the Governor's initiative to “Get Offline, Get Outside,” and to ensure inclusivity of access to state public lands. The events bring people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for a day of fun and healthy activities. …

A presentation on history at Staatsburgh State Historic Site

2:00pm, Saturday June 21

Staatsburg, N.Y.  (6/3/25) — Following Juneteenth, Staatsburgh State Historic Site presents a weekend program at 2:00pm on Saturday, June 21, a talk by Bill Jeffway on how the Black community of 19^th-Century Dutchess County engaged in economic enterprise, from the realm of global trade to the smallest self-sufficient farm: “Navigating Wealth and Poverty: The Varied Economies of the 19^th-Century Black Community”.  A short reception with light refreshments will follow.

Staatsburg, N.Y.  (5/29/25) — Hikers on the woodland trails in Mills-Norrie State Park encounter several mysterious old buildings that offer no information about what they are and why they are located…in the middle of the woods!

Staatsburgh State Historic Site is offering their popular “History Hidden in the Woods” guided trail hike on Saturdays, June 21 & 28 at 10:00 a.m. The tour follows one main trail through this landscape that, a century ago, was the setting of multiple grand Hudson River-front estates.

Flag raising and full schedule of events for Pride Month

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is celebrating Pride month in a variety of ways – from flag raisings to events across the state. This follows the OPRHP mission statement – to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors. OPRHP is committed to welcoming visitors to take part in the valuable natural, historic and cultural resources offered.

Newburgh, NY (May 16, 2025) - Join us on Saturday, June 14th from 2-4 pm for a Civil War re-enactment and the annual Newburgh Elks Club Flag Day commemoration.

The 124^th NY Infantry Regiment, comprised of Orange County soldiers, were discharged in 1865 at Washington’s Headquarters. Known as the “Orange Blossoms,” this volunteer regiment fought in many historic Civil War battles including Gettysburg and Chancellorsville.  Re-enactors will march to Washington’s Headquarters for living history demonstrations, with the discharge of the men beginning at 4pm. The Headquarters will also have a special exhibit for the day on the 124^th, including the original guidon flags!…

Albany, NY – On Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 1:00pm-2:00pm, Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site will offer a panel discussion at the New York State Museum, as a part of our commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. This event is free and open to the public.