Have a rockin' summer in Albany with concert series, special events, and music festivals all season long! Scroll on to see where you can relax, enjoy the beautiful weather, and jam out to live music right up until the official start of fall.
Make sure to check out each event's page for a full lineup, dates, prices (most events are free!), start times and updates!
Summer Concert Series
All summer long in Albany County, check out these concert series featuring a lineup of local musicians and famous acts!
Alive At Five
Presented by the City of Albany, Alive at Five has been a staple, free concert series for over 30 years. Catch the season finale July 17 at the rain site under the I-787 bridge with the Middle Aged Dad Jam Band and Wild Adriatic!
Capital Concert Series
Head to the Empire State Plaza for music, food, and views on July 16, 23, and August 6 with acts like Gogol Bordello, Lit, and Tarrus Riley!
Tunesday
Pack your lunch or order takeout nearby in Downtown Albany and enjoy live tunes in Jim DiNapoli Park every Tuesday from July 8 to August 26!
Music on the Lawn Summer Series
Unwind with live music on the lawn at Albany Institute of History & Art on July 16, August 13, and September 17. Bring a blanket and enjoy the galleries while you're there!
Concerts in the Barn at Pruyn House
Historic charm, great music, and a welcoming crowd await every Wednesday from July 9 to August 13! Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an evening of live performances and local food vendors in the Burhmaster Barn.
Concerts at The Crossings
Bring the family or meet up with friends at the gazebo in The Crossings of Colonie. Concerts take place rain or shine every Thursday through August 28 with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the evening air.
Sweet Sounds at Emack & Bolio's
Cool off with ice cream and laid-back tunes every weekend in Emack & Bolio's cozy lounge or outdoor stage. It's a sweet way to end your summer nights.
Music on the Patio at Loch & Quay
Enjoy beautiful evenings and local music on the patio at Loch & Quay on July 11, July 17, and July 24. Pair it with dinner or a drink and kick back with friends downtown.
IAHM Trad/Folk Performance Series
Tap your toes to traditional folk tunes in the Flanagan Theater at the Irish American Heritage Museum. Kevin Burke performs on September 8 and Lane to the Glen on September 24.
Special Events & Festivals
Enjoy live music at a few special events taking place throughout the summer. On July 23 and August 21, head over to the Albany Pine Push Preserve for Nature Night Out. The Pine Bush will extend their hours for visitors to explore the unique ecosystem on a summer evening. Embark on a StoryWalk adventure along the trail, peruse offerings from food truck vendors, and of course enjoy some live music.
Head over to Crailo State Historic Site on July 17 for a Summer Concert in the Park. Bring your picnic blanket and settle in to listen to music played by the Yankee Doodle Band. Rain date: July 24, 2025.
Close out the season with a series of late summer festivals! In early August, the Empire State Plaza hosts a two-day Black Arts & Cultural Festival. Enjoy live performances by Karen Clark Sheard and Dru Hill.
Jazz up your weekend on September 6 with the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival taking place at Jennings Landing. Or look forward to fall with the autumn-themed Hops & Harvest Festival at Empire State Plaza on September 10.
Finally, Downtown Albany’s end-of-summer tradition, PearlPalooza, returns September 13 with live music, wellness activities, and high-energy festival vibes.
Other Music Venues
Looking to catch even more live music? Check out these local venues that keep the Albany’s music scene thriving:
