Travel Itinerary
Across New York State, music lovers find stages that feel like home.
Whether it’s the soulful horns of a Rochester jazz fest, the edgy riffs of Queens’ indie scene, or the warm harmonies of upstate folk gatherings, every event creates more than a concert.
These festivals stitch communities together, transforming parks, streets, and waterfronts into vibrant celebrations framed by New York’s natural beauty.
1. CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival
Jazz lovers unite in Rochester each June for this spectacular nine-day musical extravaganza! World-class performers light up venues across downtown, creating an electric atmosphere.
Wander between club shows and free street performances while savoring local food and drinks. The festival’s mix of legends and rising stars makes it a must for serious jazz fans.
2. Saratoga Jazz Festival
Summer magic comes alive at SPAC when jazz drifts into the open air, mingling with the scent of fresh grass and picnic baskets filled with treats. Blankets stretch across the lawn in a colorful quilt, where some sway to the rhythm and others rise to dance under the stars.
Between sets, a companion art fair tempts visitors with handmade treasures, turning every pause into discovery. Traditional jazz flows seamlessly into contemporary beats, drawing purists and casual listeners alike to this elegant Saratoga Springs tradition that feels as timeless as the music itself.
3. Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival
Trumansburg transforms into a musical wonderland each July! This community-powered festival creates four days of non-stop rhythm, dance, and cultural exchange.
Families groove alongside festival veterans at multiple stages featuring everything from zydeco to reggae. The preceding Culture Camp lets you learn instrument skills and dance moves before the main event kicks off.
4. Great Blue Heron Music Festival
Sherman’s hidden gem celebrates its 32nd year of musical magic! Nestled in Chautauqua County’s rolling hills, this Independence Day weekend tradition blends jam bands with roots music.
Campers create a temporary village of music lovers where performances continue well into the night. Kids build fairy houses in the woods while parents dance under star-filled skies at this authentically grassroots gathering.
5. Borderland Music + Arts Festival
Knox Farm State Park sets the stage for East Aurora’s coolest September weekend, where century-old trees and wide meadows cradle the sound of live music.
Vampire Weekend and Khruangbin headline under open skies, joined by rising stars who keep the air buzzing with fresh energy.
Artisan vendors fill winding pathways between stages, their handcrafted treasures adding scents of wood, leather, and baked goods to the festival atmosphere. A lineup that pairs national acts with Western New York talent strikes a pitch-perfect balance, celebrating both global reach and local pride in one unforgettable gathering.
6. Adirondack Independence Music Festival
Labor Day weekend rocks in Lake George with jam bands galore! Festival-goers dance from afternoon into early morning at this three-day celebration of improvisational music.
The lakeside setting provides a stunning backdrop for musical exploration. Though camping isn’t available on-site, nearby options fill quickly with music lovers who shuttle between late-night sets and refreshing morning dips in the crystal-clear lake.
7. Governors Ball
Queens becomes the epicenter of cool when Governors Ball takes over Flushing Meadows! Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, the Creator, and Hozier headline this massive three-day party spanning 60+ performances across multiple stages.
Food vendors representing NYC’s diverse culinary scene fuel dancing fans. The festival’s iconic NYC backdrop and easy subway access make it the perfect urban music celebration.
8. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
Brooklyn’s beloved summer ritual lights up Prospect Park with free world-class performances that mingle with the warm scent of food carts and freshly cut grass.
At the Lena Horne Bandshell, Afrobeat rhythms, indie rock anthems, and countless other styles flow beneath open skies, creating nights where music feels endless. Families stretch blankets into makeshift living rooms while friends sway close to the stage, laughter and applause rising with the melodies.
Few places offer such diverse artistry without a ticket price, and this long-running series continues to capture Brooklyn’s creative soul in its purest, most joyful form.
9. Brooklyn Folk Festival
St. Ann’s Church transforms into folk heaven each November! This intimate three-day gathering celebrates traditional sounds in a stunning historic setting with perfect acoustics.
Between performances, workshops teach everything from banjo picking to square dancing. The festival’s quirky highlight? The annual Banjo Toss competition where participants literally throw instruments for distance and style points!
10. Jazz In The Valley
Poughkeepsie’s riverfront pulses with smooth sounds each August as jazz drifts across Waryas Park, the Hudson glimmering like a stage backdrop.
City dwellers step off Metro-North trains and straight into the celebration, greeted by the aroma of food stalls and the hum of bass lines echoing off the water.
Ticketed main stage sets spotlight acclaimed performers, while free community concerts invite everyone to join in, ensuring jazz tradition in the Hudson Valley feels as accessible as it is vibrant. A festival this intimate turns the riverbank into a living rhythm, equal parts music and memory.
11. Great South Bay Music Festival
Long Island’s biggest music party rocks Patchogue’s Shorefront Park each July! Four days of continuous music span genres from rock to reggae across multiple waterfront stages.
Kids have their own dedicated zone while parents enjoy craft beer gardens. Local restaurants showcase Long Island’s best seafood and farm-fresh fare, creating a perfect soundtrack for summer memories along the beautiful Great South Bay.
12. Music Is Art Festival
Buffalo explodes with creativity during this free September celebration! Founded by Goo Goo Dolls bassist Robby Takac, this festival transforms the city’s Outer Harbor into a massive artistic playground.
Hundreds of bands perform alongside painters creating live art installations. The festival continues well into the night with light shows and experimental performances, showcasing Buffalo’s surprisingly vibrant underground arts scene.