Summer in Albany County is sizzling with opportunities to get outside and enjoy live music, local theater and blockbuster flicks. Throughout the summer, catch a concert, theater performance or movie at unique outdoor destinations including urban parks, along the banks of the Hudson River, within the Empire State Plaza and more! Scroll on for the scoop about upcoming outdoor concerts, theater and movies in Albany County, New York.
Alive at Five
June 9, June 16, June 23, July 7, July 14, July 21 July 28 and August 4.
For over 30 years, Albany has kicked off summer weekends on Thursday evenings with Alive at Five. The free outdoor concert series is held at Jennings Landing throughout June, July and August. The fun kicks off on Thursday, June 9 with Pride Night featuring State Champs and Young Culture. Jam to live music, eat food from local vendors and enjoy breathtaking views of the scenic Hudson River. If the weather forecast predicts rain, the City of Albany moves the weekly concert to the Corning Preserve Boat Launch.
Rock The Block
June 16, June 23, June 30, July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28 and August 4.
Venture to Canal Square, located on Remsen Street in Cohoes, for an outdoor concert series this summer! Rock The Block is a free 8-week concert series on Thursday evenings running from June to August. The 2022 lineup includes local bands The Refrigerators and Skeeter Creek as well as a Fleetwood Mac tribute band and more. Food and beverages are available for purchase, so grab a bite to eat and enjoy live music outdoors in the heart of Cohoes.
2022 American Music Festival: TrailBlaze NY
July 2
The award-winning Albany Symphony is celebrating the completion of the Empire State Trail with the 2022 American Music Festival: TrailBlaze NY. Over five weekends and across nine counties, the Albany Symphony will present free new music concerts along New York's scenic trails and rivers. The excitement kicked off in Troy and Cohoes from May 30 to June 5. Save the date for a free outdoor concert on Saturday, July 2 at Jennings Landing in Albany! Just over the pedestrian bridge from downtown Albany, enjoy on-the-trail health and wellness activities followed by a performance, food trucks and fireworks right on the bank of the Hudson River.
Capital Concert Series
July 6, July 13, July 20 and July 27.
The Empire State Plaza is buzzing with excitement throughout the summer months. The Capital Concert Series, part of the Summer at the Plaza free special events series, includes four free outdoor concerts this July. The lineup features something for everyone from Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, to a Hip Hop Night, to a Reggae Night. Visitors and locals flock to the Empire State Plaza to enjoy live music near the majestic reflecting ponds and beneath the towering buildings. The Wednesday night concert series is a fun way to get through "Hump Day" this summer!
Playhouse Stage Company
June 30 to July 23 and August 4 to 20
Enjoy theater under the stars this summer! For over 30 years, Playhouse Stage Company has performed on a stage in front of the Washington Park Lake House surrounded by a 900-seat outdoor amphitheater. This summer's productions are Head Over Heels from June 30 to July 23 and The Wedding Singer from August 4 to 20. You won't want to miss out on this quintessentially Albany summer activity!
Bites Camera Action
July 1, August 5, September 2 and October 7.
Catch blockbuster movies and throwback flicks in downtown Albany this summer! Free outdoor movies will be screened on the lawn at the H. Carl McCall State University of New York Administration Building at State Street & Broadway. Bites Camera Action occurs in conjunction with 1st Friday. After checking out downtown's arts scene and grabbing a bite to eat, settle in under the stars and watch a free movie for a night of summer fun!
Bites Camera Action is presented by the Downtown Albany BID and SUNY, in partnership with the City of Albany, Christ's Church Albany, the Palace Theatre, and ParkAlbany.
Love Albany // Movies Under the Stars
June 10, June 17, June 24 and July 1.
Catch a free movie under the stars throughout the City of Albany on Friday nights in June. The location of Love Albany // Movies Under the Stars varies each week from Washington Park, to Sage College Albany, to Arbor Hill Elementary School, and more. Arrive before the movie starts to enjoy family activities and to scope out your spot.
Movies Under the Stars is presented in partnership with: Christ's Church Albany, The City of Albany, Office of Cultural Affairs, African American Culture Center, Downtown Albany Business Improvement District, Lark Street Business Improvement District, Albany City Schools, Heidelberg Neighborhood Association, Councilmen Jahmel K. Robinson, The Albany Barn, The Red Bookshelf, Albany Public Library, AVillage, The South End Children’s Café, and Bluelight Development.
