I LOVE NY Logo - stackedThe 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.

I LOVE NY Executive Director of Tourism, Ross D. Levi said, “New York State continues to offer new and exciting ways to experience its landmarks, landscapes and legacy. From honoring the Erie Canal’s bicentennial to to a year-long celebration for Buffalo's 50th Juneteenth Festival, this summer is packed with moments that bring the state’s history to life. Whether you're catching world-class jazz in Manhattan, biking the Empire State Trail or relaxing at a new Catskills retreat, there’s no better time than summer to fall in love with New York all over again.”

Here is a glimpse of what’s new across New York State for the summer season:

Anniversaries & Commemorations

  • Erie Canal Bicentennial (Multiple Regions): Throughout the season, communities along the historic waterway will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the engineering marvel's completion. The Albany Symphony's Water Music NY: More Voices Festival returns July 2-6, featuring free concerts at unique locations across the entire New York State Canal System. From July 12-20, Cycle the Erie Canal, the annual tradition now in its 27th year, leads over 600 cyclists on a 400-mile journey from Buffalo to Albany along the Erie Canal towpath and Empire State Trail. The 2025 World Canals Conference from September 21-25 in Buffalo will provide attendees representing a diverse range of backgrounds with opportunities to come together to learn, discover new ideas, network and explore. Finally, a replica of the Seneca Chief, the boat then-Governor Dewitt Clinton used for his inaugural journey to open the Canal in 1825, will set sail on September 24, recreating the maiden voyage from Buffalo Canalside to New York Harbor. The boat will make multiple stops in multiple communities, with celebratory events at each, including flotillas and a grand commemoration in New York City on October 25.
  • Buffalo Juneteenth Festival 2025 – 50th Anniversary (Greater Niagara): One of Buffalo’s most cherished cultural traditions is marking 50 years of honoring liberty, strength, and the rich cultural legacy of the city’s Black community. What began as a grassroots celebration has grown into one of the nation’s largest and most enduring Juneteenth commemorations. This landmark anniversary kicks off a year-long celebration that will extend through June 2026, paying tribute to the legacy of local leaders, activists and artists who helped shape the event.
  • National Museum of Racing – 75th Anniversary (Capital-Saratoga): Since 1950, this museum has introduced visitors to the vibrant history of horse racing. A new anniversary exhibit titled, “The Past is Present: 75 Years of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame,” explores the museum’s history with key archived collections on display through December 28. The museum will also hold signature events and other programming throughout the summer during the Saratoga racing meet.
  • Glimmerglass Festival – 50th Anniversary (Central New York): Overlooking Otsego Lake, the celebrated opera and musical theater festival will present new productions for its golden anniversary. The anniversary celebration of the Glimmerglass Festival will feature a “The Art of Making Art” theme, with productions including “Odyssey,” “Tosca,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “The Rake’s Progress” and the world premiere of “The House on Mango Street.”
  • Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts – 80th Anniversary (Hudson Valley): Amid the scenic beauty of its Westchester property, Caramoor Center will celebrate 80 years as a top destination for music and art lovers. This summer, the center will play host to a variety of events, world-renowned artists and sound art installations to further highlight the lasting vibrancy and cultural significance of music and the arts.
  • Niagara Falls State Park – 140th Anniversary (Greater Niagara): Established as the country's first state park in 1885 by then-Governor Grover Cleveland, this summer is the perfect opportunity to explore this historic natural wonder. After experiencing the thrill from the falls, visitors can learn more about the park's history and the Free Niagara Movement through “The Fight to Preserve Niagara” exhibit at the park's Education Building.
  • Aquarium of Niagara – 60th Anniversary (Greater Niagara): A year-long lineup of events and pop-up exhibits celebrates the beloved institution's legacy of conservation and education. “Great Lakes 360,” a newly opened immersive wing, offers 16 exhibits dedicated to the ecosystems of the Great Lakes, plus hands-on experiences like feeding sharks and stingrays or meeting harbor seals up close. The Aquarium is also offering a conservation guide with everyday tips like properly disposing of trash and sustainably sourcing food to help make a difference in communities.
  • Long Island Aquarium – 25th Anniversary (Long Island): This Riverhead destination is home to one of the largest living coral reef exhibits in the Western Hemisphere — including a 120,000-gallon shark tank, year-round sea lion performances and over 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits. To mark its silver anniversary, the aquarium is hosting “25 Weeks of Fun” through September, featuring discounted $25 admission on the 25th of each month, special events, giveaways, limited-time coupons, festive swag bags and discounted adventure experiences like the Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat and Snorkel Adventure.
  • Long Island Ducks – 25th Anniversary Season (Long Island): The Atlantic League's all-time win leader and sell-out record holder is entering its 25th anniversary season in Central Islip. The season runs through the middle of September, with weekday and weekend games, including several nights with fireworks.

Summer Festivals and Events

  • 2025 Ryder Cup (Long Island): New York State will host one of golf’s most renowned events at the acclaimed Bethpage Black Course in Bethpage State Park from September 25-28. Known for its challenging layout, Bethpage Black has previously hosted major championships like the 2019 PGA Championship and will now provide the backdrop for the intense U.S. vs. Europe golf rivalry.
  • Mountain Jam 2025 (Hudson Valley): From June 20–22, Belleayre Mountain in Highmount will host the long-awaited return of this beloved independently-produced jam band festival. Celebrated for its roots in rock, folk and Americana, Mountain Jam has hosted legends like Robert Plant, Tom Petty and Gov’t Mule. This year’s lineup features Goose, Khruangbin and Michael Franti & Spearhead across three days of music, camping and community spirit. With limited ticket sales and a stunning Catskills setting, this year’s festival promises an intimate yet unforgettable atmosphere.
  • NoMad Jazz Festival (New York City): The region’s jazz legacy takes center stage with this debut event, held August 9–10 in Madison Square Park. This free, public event will offer live performances by Lizz Wright, Ravi Coltrane and the Roy Hargrove Big Band. Attendees can expect two full days of music, family activities and tap performances in one of Manhattan’s most renowned neighborhoods.
  • Taco & Tequila Festival (Catskills): Taking place on Saturday, July 26 at Meadowbrook Farm in Leeds, attendees will enjoy a full day of food, fun and flavor featuring tequila tastings, margarita flights and live music. Set against the picturesque backdrop of a working flower farm, this free event blends the vibrant tastes of Mexican cuisine with the region's laid-back charm.

New Hotel and Amenity Openings

  • AC Hotel Saratoga Springs (Capital-Saratoga): Set to open this summer, the hotel will bring 120 rooms of modern European-inspired design to this charming downtown area. Guests can enjoy a European-style breakfast, espresso in the on-premises café, and tapas and craft cocktails in the lounge.
  • Eastwind Oliverea Valley Opens All-Season Pool (Catskills): The Scandinavian-inspired retreat set amid three Catskill peaks has debuted a year-round, all-season pool just in time for summer. Designed to promote wellness through contrast bathing, the new amenity complements the boutique hotel’s serene forest setting and wellness-forward ethos. The 26-room property features vintage mid-century furnishings, dry saunas, a communal fire pit and direct access to local hiking trails.
  • Windham NY Escape (Catskills): Opening this summer on 40 private acres, these charming tiny homes sleep up to eight guests and offer a fresh way to experience the region. Located just two miles from Windham Mountain Club and minutes from local dining and shopping, the retreat blends seclusion with convenience to local attractions like Windham Fine Arts Gallery, The Windham Path and the Vineyard at Windham. Guests will enjoy peaceful walks along Batavia Kill Creek, cook together in fully equipped kitchens, and soak in the quiet charm of the retreat’s natural surroundings.
  • Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa (Finger Lakes): Opening in September in the heart of the Finger Lakes, the resort is an 89-room retreat blending wellness, farm-to-table dining and luxurious accommodations. Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa offers seasonal cuisine sourced from its on-site regenerative farm, Tap Root Fields, alongside spa amenities like a Himalayan salt room, cold plunge, outdoor saunas and year-round indoor/outdoor pools. Guests can also enjoy pickleball, bocce, putting greens and a state-of-the-art fitness center, making it a scenic escape designed for both relaxation and play.
  • Offshore Montauk (Long Island): Opening this summer, the hotel introduces casual sophistication to the Hamptons. Located on the site of the former Sands Motel, this contemporary seaside escape is steps from the ocean and offers intimate, beachside accommodations designed for seamless relaxation. Guests can expect chic interiors, an on-site spa and curated touches that highlight the natural charm of the Hamptons. Offshore Montauk blends effortless style with peaceful surroundings, setting a new standard for oceanfront elegance on Long Island’s East End.
  • Three Ducks (Long Island): Newly opened, this 12-room boutique hotel features a nature-inspired aesthetic and elevated design in the heart of Westhampton. The property’s spacious guest rooms feature vaulted ceilings, private garden spaces, luxury amenities and complimentary morning pastries. Thoughtfully crafted for relaxation and connection, Three Ducks also offers curated in-room spa treatments, complimentary bikes, and access to a communal fire pit. Guests can explore nearby beaches, boutiques and restaurants, or attend intimate events hosted on-site at The Barn and the property’s wildflower meadow.

New Culinary Experiences

  • dear native grapes Tasting Room (Catskills): Opening in early July, the new tasting room will offer visitors a chance to sip wild, natural wines right where they’re grown. The vineyard focuses on revitalizing North American native and hybrid grape varieties through sustainable and holistic farming practices. Connected directly to the vineyard, the tasting room offers an immersive on-site experience that honors the land, showcasing the unique varietals and presenting a bold new vision for American wine.
  • Crazy Pizza (Long Island): After making a splash in SoHo, Crazy Pizza is bringing its signature flair to the Hamptons. The new outpost will serve up ultra-thin pizzas while entertaining patrons with high-energy DJ sets and plenty of pizzaiolo showmanship, from midair dough spins to tableside tricks. With ingredients flown in from Italy and a buzzy terrace perfect for summer nights, Crazy Pizza blends Italian tradition with theatrical fun.
  • Gigi's at Gurney’s Montauk (Long Island): Opening this month, Gigi's is the resort's brand-new flagship restaurant, which will blend coastal charm with seasonal creativity. The menu is inspired by the rhythms of the sea and the region’s freshest local ingredients, promising bold flavors, elevated comfort food and a relaxed yet refined seaside atmosphere.
  • Shifka (New York City): The team behind Michelin Bib Gourmand favorite Sami & Susu is set to open a new pita shop in NoHo this summer. Inspired by the runaway lunch success of their stuffed pitas at Sami & Susu, the new concept will serve pita sandwiches, dips, bowls and soft serve. Shifka will channel the fearless energy of 1960s–70s Middle Eastern rock and roll, with bold, vintage-inspired interiors, built-in seating and natural wine kegs lining the walls.
  • Bent Beam Brewery (Thousand Islands-Seaway): Opening in late summer in downtown Canton, the new brewery will introduce a full-scale brewing operation, restaurant and tasting areas to St. Lawrence County. With support from both the local community and the state, the Bent Beam team is working to establish a dynamic social hub—one that honors local history while contributing to the evolution of the region’s craft beer culture.

New Attractions and Events

  • Dino Discovery Exhibit at the Utica Zoo (Central New York): Running through October 19, visitors can will discover life-sized dinosaurs that roar and move in an immersive, one-of-a-kind Jurassic adventure. This limited-time exhibit dozen animatronic dinosaurs with realistic movements, noises and interactive features spread throughout the zoo and boasts themed landscaping to create a striking experience and learning opportunity for all ages. Included with regular zoo admission, Dino Discovery also offers daily presentations, special programs and summer events to keep the prehistoric fun going all season long.
  • Echo Fields (Hudson Valley): The popular destination, known for its vibrant blooms and scenic charm, recently reopened following a major expansion. Located in Warwick, the project added expansive flower fields, new walking paths and photo-ready landscapes designed to enhance the visitor experience, further establishing Echo Fields as a must-visit spot for nature lovers, families and photographers alike.
  • World of Darkness Exhibit at the Bronx Zoo (New York City): This popular family-friendly attraction will reopen its iconic exhibit on July 12, providing visitors with a rare look into the lives of nocturnal animals. Originally opened in 1969 as the first exhibit of its kind to feature a reverse light cycle, guests will once again have an opportunity to witness nocturnal animals’ nighttime behaviors during daytime hours. The updated exhibit will showcase species such as Egyptian fruit bats, vampire bats, aye-ayes, blood pythons and slow lorises, highlighting the fascinating adaptations that help them live in the dark.

For more information about travel around New York State, visit iloveny.com.

###

About I LOVE NY

New York State is a premier vacation destination with world-class attractions, picturesque natural beauty, locally sourced cuisine and a vibrant craft beverage scene, an array of accommodations and iconic, year-round festivals and events. Its 11 diverse vacation regions feature some of the world’s top-ranked beaches; two out of America’s top three favorite state parks; breathtaking Niagara Falls; more ski areas than any other state; one of the nation’s longest foliage seasons; multiple Halls of Fame; the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States; and the country’s longest multi-use trail. Add in the state’s unique museums, historic landmarks, cultural sites, charming small towns and urban playgrounds, and it’s no wonder New York has been consistently chosen as a top getaway by travel publications and experts.

For more information on new developments and other happenings in New York State, visit iloveny.com. Press releases and other media assets can be found online in the press room or on X.

Learn more at iloveny.com and follow us on social media:

Twitter: @ILoveNYPR (PR handle)

Twitter: @I_LOVE_NY (consumer handle)

Facebook: Facebook.com/ILOVENY

Instagram: ILOVENY

TikTok: iloveny

YouTube: YouTube.com/OfficialILoveNY

Threads: @iloveny

Contact:

Eric Scheffel (I LOVE NY) | (518) 292-5274 | eric.scheffel@esd.ny.gov

Lea Komitzky (MMGY) | (646) 589-0182 | lkomitzky@mmgy.com