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 35 years, now in its 37th season. For 2026, the series hops between neighborhoods instead of staying in one spot. The shows still to come are June 25 (Afrobeats Night at the Corning Preserve Boat Launch), July 9 (Classic Rock Night at the Washington Park Lakehouse), and the July 16 season finale at the Washington Park Lakehouse with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. The rain alternate is still the Corning Preserve Boat Launch under the I-787 bridge.
Capital Concert Series
Head to the Empire State Plaza for music, food, and views on July 8, 15, and 22 with acts like Ding Dong, Lawrence, and Ghostface Killah! Presented by Miller Lite, the free Wednesday shows run 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Tunesday
Pack your lunch or order takeout nearby in Downtown Albany and enjoy live tunes in Jim DiNapoli Park every Tuesday from July 7 to August 25!
Concerts in the Barn at Pruyn House
Historic charm, great music, and a welcoming crowd await every Wednesday from July 8 to August 12! Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an evening of live performances and local food vendors in the Buhrmaster 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 27with 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.
Special Events & Festivals
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 on July 31 and August 1. Enjoy Gospel Night with Melvin Crispell, III, on July 31, then a Concert Finale with R&B singer Lloyd on August 1.
Jazz up your weekend on September 5 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 9 with Leftover Salmon
Finally, Downtown Albany’s end-of-summer tradition, PearlPalooza, returns September 12 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:
