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 weekly concert series featuring a lineup of local musicians and famous acts!
Tuesdays
Presented by the Downtown Albany BID, the Tunesday Lunchtime Live Music series takes over Jim DiNapoli Park each week. Situated between Broadway and Pine Street, pickup lunch nearby and settle in to enjoy an afternoon of live performances. ParkAlbany makes parking easy with the nearby Riverfront Garage. Check out our blog on attractions within walking distance of the garage and plan a full day of fun in Albany.
Wednesdays
The Empire State Plaza is the place to be for lunch on summer Wednesdays. Stop by their Farmer's Market for delicious eats, produce vendors, and an exciting lineup of live music. In July, the fun continues into the evenings at the Plaza. Rock out during a Capital Concert at this Albany landmark. Or head over to the site of the historic Pruyn House for Concerts in the Barn on a Wednesday evening (dancing shoes and lawn chairs always encouraged).
Thursdays
Be sure to check out the variety of concert series taking place each Thursday! Presented by the City of Albany, Alive at Five has been a staple, free concert series for over 30 years. Enjoy performances from a lineup of big names, up-and-coming acts, and local talent. These riverfront concerts take place at Jennings Landing in Corning Preserve. Or celebrate the 45th year of the Guilderland Performing Arts Center Concert Series in Tawasentha Park.
Don't forget to check out Concerts at the Crossings hosted in the popular Crossings of Colonie. Or travel over to Watervliet for the city's 2024 Summer Concert Series featuring plenty of great acts in Hudson Shores Park.
Special Events
Enjoy live music at a few special events taking place throughout the summer. On July 17 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.
Or spend the evening of July 17 listening to live music on the lawn of the Albany Institute of History & Art. The museum will also open its doors for free admission into the galleries. Can't make it July 17? The Institute will host another evening of music on August 14.
Want to enjoy a Sunday evening listening to music under the sunset? Head over to Crailo State Historic Site for a Summer Concert in the Park. Bring your picnic blanket and settle in to listen to music played by the Yankee Doodle Band.
Festivals
Close out the season with a series of late summer festivals! In early August, the Empire State Plaza hosts a three-day Black Arts & Culture Festival. Enjoy live performances by chart-topping artists. The festival features a Teen Night, Gospel Night, and a Concert Finale with a headlining artist.
Summer music festivals are slated to take stage in Albany all the way through to the official start of fall. Jazz up your weekend on September 14 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 18. Finally, spend the last day of summer with Downtown Albany BID's highly anticipated PearlPalooza on September 21. This festival falls on the very last day before the autumn equinox!
Featured Events
Empire State Plaza Farmers Market
Outdoors on the Plaza Wednesdays | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Rain Location: Indoors on the South Concourse. Contact Special Events at... More
