Music Festivals in New York
There are music festivals in New York for everyone that cover all genres from rock to EDM and everything in between. New York hosts several music events throughout the year, and they’re not all confined to the city that never sleeps, especially during the summer months.
At this time of year, the state awakens with a host of premier acts live on stage in almost every major center. Don’t miss these top picks when you’re planning your festival fix for next year.
We hope this list of music festivals in New York helps you find the festival experience you are looking for. We are always adding to this list of festivals so be sure to check back from time to time. If there is a music festival we have missed, be sure to send us an email and we will get it added to the list.
Electric Zoo
You can count on NYC to go big when it comes to anything and music festivals are no exception. Electric Zoo, held on Randall’s Island is one of the biggest and best, featuring a wide variety of electronic music genres on four stages over 3 days.
Randall’s Island rocks all year round, so keep this musical destination in mind if you’re spending time in New York. The vibe’s pretty chilled although it can get crowded when the big names take to the stage.
Clearwater Festival
The Clearwater Festival’s been around since the 1960s and has a large loyal following. Many of the patrons have been coming here since their childhood, so there’s generally an older crowd in attendance.
Likewise, the original folk tradition that sparked this annual event’s still alive and well although the offering’s broadened a lot over the years. Now you’ll find top Americana and Roots acts, world music, dance bands, and young traditionalists strutting their stuff on three main stages.
There’s no alcohol on sale at the event, but you’re free to bring your own.
Summer Stage
Summer Stage is an integral part of summer in New York City and takes place from June to October every year in various parks around town, including Central Park.
Most of the shows are free and showcase a huge variety of both up-and-coming acts and well-known stars. Anything goes at these thumping festivals where you could catch salsa, hip hop, jazz, reggae, soul, indie acts, and more.
Since these are regular events, they lack the frenzied hype that can overwhelm once-off events. So, if you like to enjoy music for the sake of music, the Summer Stage concerts are the right place for you.
Great Blue Heron Festival
Yip, you can look forward to blues at their best when you attend this festival in the village of Sherman, New York. You’ll also get to tap your feet to a mix of Cajun, zydeco, reggae, Irish music, and Americana beats during this three-day festival.
The Blue Heron’s got everything a classic festival should have, showcasing over 30 artists on three stages within a 300-acre property outside of town. So if you enjoy a sleepover-style festival, this one’s for you.
Great South Bay Music Festival
Anything goes when it comes to New York’s finest family-friendly festival. This 3-sometime’s-4-day all-American event brings over 50 artists to four stages every year in July.
Top names and emerging artists in the realm of zydeco, country, folk, jazz, rock, and jam are all represented at this massive event.
When you’re not vibing to the beats, you can spend time in the Artisan Village where you can pick up some mementos of your trip and blow your healthy eating plan with any kind of junk food you like.
The Governors Ball Music Festival
The Governors Ball Music Festival is a multi-day music festival held on Randalls Island in New York City. The festival is set dramatically in the middle of the East River on Randall’s Island just off of Manhattan.
The festival features a wide range of mix bands that range from indie rock to hip-hop and features an array of genres and styles of music, including rock, electronic, hip-hop, indie, Americana, pop, folk, and more.
The Governors Ball Music Festival has quickly grown into one of New York’s most popular music events. Taste New York’s popular restaurants, food trucks, and enjoy activities and games in the sweeping views of the city!
Mountain Jam
Mountain Jam is an annual 3 day multi stage music festival held in upstate New York. Has grown as the largest rock music and camping festival in New York.
Along with the noteworthy national publications, Rolling Stone Magazine consistently rates Mountain Jam as one of the Top music festivals in the country.
Mountain Jam has grown to become the largest rock music and camping festival in New York.
Borderland
“A festival beyond boundaries”
The Borderland Music and Arts Festival celebrates the rich history and renaissance of the region with a two-day music and cultural festival set in one of the most scenic and storied grounds in all of New York State, Knox Farm State Park.
Borderland continuously features more than 20 bands throughout the event. The festival brings local, regional and national artists giving you a range of taste of music.
During the Borderland Festival you will also enjoy the artisan vendors, New York’s craft beverages, and much more!
We have compiled this comprehensive list of music festivals in New York, if there are any that we’ve missed that you would like us to add please contact us.
