From dramatic Shakespeare performances to electric dance celebrations, New York State is home to the world's most renowned art festivals. Attend the northeast’s largest blues event, honor the Chautauqua Institution’s 150th anniversary season, or witness a star-studded film festival, where you may just bump into celebrities like Robert De Niro! What are you waiting for? Your New York artistic adventure awaits! Photo credit: @balletnepantlaofficial on Instagram.
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Art & Craft Fairs
Fairport Canal Days (Finger Lakes)
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Credit: Revel in the fun atmosphere of one of the Northeast’s premier juried art festivals! Set alongside the historic Erie Canal in the scenic village of Fairport, this festival takes place each June, featuring artisans of all mediums, from drawing and photography to candles and jewelry, live music, food vendors, and all kinds of fun.
While you’re in town…
Tour the historic Erie Canal on the Colonial Belle
Follow the story of women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony at the Susan B. Anthony House and Museum.
Sip on award winning craft beverages along the Lake Ontario Wine Trail.
Lewiston Art Festival (Greater Niagara)
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Credit: Since 1966, art lovers have been making their way to the picturesque village of Lewiston every August for a weekend filled with art! With more than 175 artists and fine crafters, you’re spoiled for choice with amazing paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, wood, mixed media, and photography. Plus, live music and food vendors.
While you’re in town…
Explore the art outdoors at Artpark.
Admire breathtaking views of Niagara Falls State Park.
Explore traditional folk arts from known and emerging artists at the Castellani Art Museum.
LARAC June Arts Festival (Adirondacks)
Credit: @larac_arts on Instagram
Credit: Find your next statement piece at the LARAC June Arts Festival in Glens Falls. The largest of its kind in the area, you’ll find all kinds of beautiful handmade items such as jewelry, fine art, textiles, garden decor, and so much more, alongside tasty local and specialty food vendors and live music from local musicians.
While you’re in town…
Dive into the 3,300-piece Hyde Collection, spanning the history of Western Art.
Climb aboard for a scenic journey on Lake George Steamboat Company.
Sip back and relax at Adirondack Winery
Madison County Craft Festival (Central New York)
Every September, enjoy a craft-filled weekend outdoors at the Madison County Craft Festival in Oneida. Stroll through aisles of handmade items, delicious food, New York State wine, and more, all while listening to live music. Stop by the Fiber Guild for a spinning and fiber demonstration and get the little ones in on the fun at the kid’s activity tent.
While you’re in town…
Explore the extensive collections of artworks and artifacts of the Oneida Nation at the Shako:wi Cultural Center.
Enjoy non-stop fun at Turning Stone Resort Casino, the only resort in the northeast to have three Forbes Travel Guide Four Star and three AAA Four Diamond venues at one property.
Admire the picturesque 167-foot waterfall formed 10,000 years ago at Chittenango Falls State Park.
Thousand Islands Art & Craft & Antique Festival (Thousand Islands-Seaway)
Arts, crafts, antiques, collectibles, and more await at this juried show in Clayton. The two-day festival takes place in August at Cerow Park and features an array of vendors showcasing handmade goods like woodwork pieces, pottery, glassworks, soaps, fiber arts, jewelry, and more! Plus, spinning and weaving demonstrations, antiques, and delicious local cuisine.
While you’re in town…
Tour Boldt Castle, a 120-room Rhineland-style castle.
Cruise on the St. Lawrence River with Clayton Island Tours
Experience boating history Antique Boat Museum, home to the largest collection of antique and classic boats on display in North America
Art on Lark (Capital-Saratoga)
Each summer Albany’s Lark Street blossoms with local artists and small businesses for Art on Lark! Known as the "Greenwich Village" of Albany's Capital Region, this scenic area is a must-visit year-round, but truly comes to life when painters, photographers, jewelers, ceramicists, food, and live music line the streets.
While you’re in town…
Catch a show at the grand Palace Theater
Prepare to be entertained at The Egg
Dive into the state’s natural and cultural history at the New York State Museum
(Greater Niagara)
Wander through more than 100 artists, crafts, and food vendors at the Lockport Outdoor Arts & Crafts Festival! Held in a historic and scenic canal town every June, you’ll find artisans selling woodworks, jewelry, paintings, photography, hand made textiles, and more.
While you’re in town…
Experience the historic Erie Canal at
Sip and savor superb wine and scenic countrysides along the Niagara Wine Trail, USA.
Travel through railroad history at the Medina Railroad Museum
Allentown Art Festival (Greater Niagara)
For nearly 70 years, talented artists from around the country have gathered every June in Buffalo’s Allentown neighborhood for an unforgettable celebration of art. From stunning ceramics, paintings, and photography to unique jewelry, and sculptures, the Allentown Art Festival is sure to impress with intriguing demonstrations, unique creations, talented artists, and all kinds of exciting activities.
While you’re in town…
Dive into one of the greatest collections of modern and contemporary art in North America at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum.
Pay a visit to the Colored Musicians Club, the only remaining African American club of its kind in the United States.
Join in on all the fun at Buffalo’s Canalside.
Canandaigua Lakefront Art Show (Finger Lakes)
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Credit: Join some of the most talented artists on the East Coast for the Canandaigua Lakefront Art Show. Set along the dazzling Canandaigua Lake shoreline at Kershaw Park in July, admire the work of more than 50+ artists. You may even find yourself purchasing a piece to take home! Food vendors and breweries are also in attendance.
While you’re in town…
Explore , one of the country's most extensively preserved estates from the Victorian era.
Take a cooking or wine tasting class at New York Kitchen.
Discover award-winning wineries, great restaurants, and gourmet food shops along the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail.
Visual Arts
LUMA Arts Festival (Central New York)
Prepare to be dazzled as LUMA, America’s premier projection arts festival, transforms Downtown Binghamton’s buildings into creative masterpieces. Held every September, gaze in wonder as the city’s architecture comes to life with the use of powerful light projectors and 3D animation, creating a mesmerizing visual arts display.
While you’re in town…
Step back into a time capsule of Americana at the .
Meet more than 300 animal friends at Animal Adventure Park.
Take a guided tour of the Phelps Mansion Museum, designed by famous architect Isaac G. Perry.
O+ Festival (Hudson Valley)
Credit: @kingstonweekender on Instagram
Credit: Exchanging the art of medicine for the medicine of art since 2010, make your way to New York State’s first capital of Kingston, for a three-day celebration of art, music, and wellness! Each October, this one-of-a-kind festival brings together hundreds of local health and wellness practitioners with artists and musicians, creating an eclectic lineup of live music performances, public art demonstrations, and community wellness events.
While you’re in town…
Explore art and pop icons from the 1960s at the Kingston Pop Museum
Enjoy a show at the Ulster County Performing Arts Center.
Learn about Kingston’s maritime past at the Hudson River Maritime Museum.
The Roger Tory Peterson Institute Plein Air Festival (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
Credit: @thomasannearart via @rtpinstitute on Instagram
Credit: Follow in the footsteps of Roger Tory Peterson and discover the area’s beautiful natural scenery that inspired much of his work. Every September, you’re invited to participate as an artist and spend three days creating works at a variety of locations throughout the area, or stop by for the show where the Plein Air artwork is displayed and celebrated.
While you’re in town…
Have a laugh at the National Comedy Center
Celebrate the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum.
Catch a musical, comedy, or drama performance at the Lucille Ball Little Theater.
Frieze New York (New York City)
From iconic names to emerging talent, admire art galleries from around the world at Frieze New York. Each May, this leading contemporary art fair brings together more than 65 of the most significant contemporary art galleries alongside a rich program featuring special projects and talks.
While you’re in town…
Take a stroll on the High Line, an elevated public park built on a historic freight rail line.
Appreciate contemporary art at Dia Chelsea.
Enjoy the view from the highest outdoor skydeck in the Western Hemisphere at The Edge.
Art Show on the Green (Long Island)
Stroll through a variety of artwork crafted by local artists at Montauks’s annual Art Show on the Green. Spend a June day out on the Town Green, strolling through both professional and amateur artwork that’s sure to dazzle.
While you’re in town…
Take in the 360-degree views from the state’s oldest lighthouse, Montauk Point Lighthouse
Plan a beach day at Hither Hills State Park.
Sip on refreshing brews at Montauk Brewing Company.
Stagecoach Run Art Festival (Catskills)
Credit: Stagecoach Run Art Festival
Credit: Stagecoach Run Art FestivalWander the hills of western Delaware County and enjoy some of the Catskills’ most amazing art at the Stagecoach Run Art Festival. Held in July in Treadwell, Follow along the former Catskill Turnpike and explore more than 40 participating artists spread throughout 22 locations including studios, homes, barnes, and galleries, all for free!
While you’re in town…
Settle in for a summer movie night at the Unadilla Drive-In.
Experience compelling exhibits year round at the
Ride through history and beautiful scenery aboard Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad
Performing Arts
Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City (NYC)
Credit: Lawrence Sumulong/Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Credit: Lawrence Sumulong/Lincoln Center for the Performing ArtsEach year Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City celebrates the artists, stories, and community of New York City. The festival takes place June-August and features 200+ free and choose-what-you-pay events that include music performances, film screenings, virtual reality experiences, engaging lectures, dance parties, art installations, and more.
While you’re in town…
Admire some of the world’s greatest contemporary art pieces at the Museum of Modern Art.
Take a relaxing stroll through New York City’s 843-acre backyard, Central Park.
Explore the history of the natural world and universe at the American Museum of Natural History.
Chautauqua Institution Summer Season (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
Credit: @hasanelahi on Instagram
Credit: Immerse yourself in an arts and culture paradise at the Chautauqua Institution’s annual summer assembly. From June through August, engage in nine enriching weeks of programs and events, including dance, opera, concerts, author lectures, theater, and more, all set alongside dramatic lake views. In 2024, the Institution will celebrate its 150th anniversary, exploring themes ranging from “The Evolution of the Modern Presidency” to “The AI Revolution.”
While you’re in town…
Experience the largest, most historic vessel on Chautauqua Lake, the Chautauqua Belle.
Explore 15 acres of the Paleozoic ocean floor at Panama Rocks Scenic Park.
Sip through more than 40 miles of vineyards and villages in Lake Erie Wine Country.
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (Hudson Valley)
Credit: @icantbelieveitsnotbrooklyn on Instagram
Credit: Prepare to be enchanted with an entertaining lineup of Shakespearean performances all summer long! Set in a stunning outdoor venue with views of the Hudson River, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival puts a unique twist on classics like “Medea: Re-Versed,” an adaptation of Euripides’ play written in battle rap verse June through September.
While you’re in town…
Wonder at the 19th Century Federal-style Boscobel House and Gardens.
Take a tour of Bannerman Castle, a Scottish-style castle on the Hudson River.
Visit America's oldest military school and continuously occupied military post, West Point.
Battery Dance Festival (NYC)
Credit: @balletnepantlaofficial on Instagram
Credit: Bust a move at New York City’s longest-running free public dance festival that happens every August! In 2024, the Battery Dance Festival is holding its 43rd Annual Celebration which features free outdoor performances, dance workshops, and more.
While you’re in town…
Pay a visit to the world's only dedicated LGBTQ museum, the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art.
Remember and honor the stories of 9/11 at the .
Explore the diversity of the Native people of the Americas at the National Museum of the American Indian
Ithaca Festival (Finger Lakes)
Since 1977, Ithaca has been celebrating the artist in everyone with a vibrant festival taking place each June. Catch over 70 live performances, watch the Ithaca Festival Parade march through the city, and stroll through the Spring Craft Fair, showcasing nearly 100 local and regional vendors with everything from jewelry to pottery to metalworking.
While you’re in town…
Take an easy hike to the 215-foot waterfall at Taughannock Falls State Park.
Shop ‘til you drop at Downtown Ithaca Commons, a 4-block pedestrian shopping area.
Wonder at more than 40,000 permanent collection pieces at the Johnson Museum of Art.
Film
Tribeca Film Festival (NYC)
Photo by Ruby Tull
Photo by Ruby TullCatch star-studded film, television, art, music, and gaming premieres, talks with some of the industry’s greatest storytellers, and more at one of the world’s most popular film festivals! Each year in early June, the Tribeca Festival showcases a diverse range of around 600 screenings, with this year’s exciting lineup including films like “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman In Charge,” “Daddio” starring Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn, among others.
While you’re in town…
Visit one of the world’s leading museums for 20th-century and contemporary art of the United States at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Take in 360-degree views of New York City from One World Observatory.
Honor the first national monument dedicated to Africans of early New York and Americans of African descent at the African Burial Ground National Monument.
Hamptons International Film Festival (Long Island)
For more than 20 years, films’ biggest fans and celebrities make their way to Long Island’s East End every October for the Hamptons International Film Festival! More than 100 films, premieres, red carpets, panels, and parties are on the schedule for the 11-day festival which has seen A-listers like Julie Andrews, Hugh Jackman, Steven Spielberg, and more.
While you’re in town…
More than 2,600 works of art by contemporary painters and sculptors reside at the Parrish Art Museum.
Award-winning wine can be found at the 55-acre Wolffer Estate Vineyard
Soak up the sun at one of Dr. Beach’s top ten beaches in America, Coopers Beach
Woodstock Film Festival (Catskills)
Credit: Dion Ogust/Woodstock Film Festival
Credit: Dion Ogust/Woodstock Film FestivalCelebrate independent films and the creative voices of emerging and established filmmakers at the Woodstock Film Festival. Celebrating its 25th year in October, snag a festival pass for this star-studded festival, which has seen celebrities like Uma Thurman, Stanley Tucci, Mark Ruffalo, and Paul Rudd, and witness a diverse lineup of films shown at venues throughout the area, all set among the backdrop of beautiful Hudson Valley foliage.
While you’re in town…
Witness music, dance, theater, and film at the Woodstock Playhouse.
Prepare to be mesmerized at the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope.
Admire contemporary and creative photography at the Center of Photography at Woodstock.
Lake Placid Film Festival (Adirondacks)
In November, you’re invited to the alpine village of Lake Placid to join filmmakers, movie fans, and special guests for a celebration of cinema at the Lake Placid Film Festival. Set among a beautiful fall backdrop of the Adirondacks, this festival features award-winning shorts screenings, cutting-edge feature-length films, panel discussions, and educational seminars, and has seen the likes of Martin Scorsese and Steve Buscemi!
While you’re in town…
Learn the history of the two-time Olympic host city at the
Witness the beauty of four waterfalls at High Falls Gorge.
Admire local artwork at the Adirondack Artists’ Guild Gallery.
Music
NYS Blues Festival (Finger Lakes)
CREDIT: @MOMMA_PHRANQUE ON INSTAGRAM
CREDIT: Get ready to groove to the blues at the New York State Blues Festival in Syracuse! This annual three-day festival in June is one of the largest free blues events in the Northeast, showcasing an exciting lineup of diverse acts from around the country, including Tim Herron, Little Feat, Shemekia Copeland, and more.
While you’re in town…
Admire one of the largest holdings of American ceramics in the nation at the Everson Museum of Art.
Catch a live show at the Landmark Theater
Visit more than 700 animals at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Oswego Harborfest (Thousand Islands-Seaway)
Since 1988, the Oswego Harborfest has been a staple summer celebration every July, growing from a small local event to a major festival attracting audiences of 75,000! Jam to more than 30 free live performances representing all genres from blues to rock to country from five venues throughout the city. Grab a bite to eat at one of the food vendors and be sure to catch the fireworks grand finale.
While you’re in town…
Explore the region’s military history at Fort Ontario State Historic Site
Learn about Oswego’s 400-year maritime history at the H. Lee. White Maritime Museum
Splish, splash, and relax at Splash Indoor Water Park.
CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival (Finger Lakes)
Credit: @100thingsinrochester on Instagram
Credit: Nine days, 20 venues, 320 shows, and 1,750 artists from around the world, the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival is unlike any other! As one of jazz’s most popular events, this June festival includes a variety of free and ticketed events with 2024 headliners like Taj Mahal, Lee Ritenour Band, Laufey, John Oates, Samara Joy, and much more.
While you’re in town…
Let out your inner children run free at the National Museum of Play at The Strong.
Journey through 5,000 years of human creativity at the Memorial Art Gallery
Walk through the estate of photography pioneer George Eastman at the George Eastman Museum.
Saratoga Jazz Festival (Capital-Saratoga)
Credit: Saratoga Jazz Festival
Credit: Saratoga Jazz FestivalThe Saratoga Jazz Festival comes alive each summer in June with two days, two stages, and 22 electrifying artists from jazz to funk, blues, indie, and pop! Witness artists like Lake Street Dive, Norah Jones, Laufey, and Samara Joy take the stage at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and be sure to enjoy the craft beer, tasty eats, fine arts fair, and more.
While you’re in town…
Witness horse racing history at the Saratoga Race Course
Take a relaxing stroll through Yaddo Gardens.
Learn about New York’s automobile heritage at the Saratoga Automobile Museum.
Writing
Hobart Festival of Women Writers (Catskills)
Credit: @melinduuhhhh on Instagram
Credit: Attention book lovers! Spend a storybook weekend in Hobart’s picturesque book village celebrating the area’s best women writers. This three-day festival, happening each June, features an impressive lineup of engaging workshops, public conversations, open readings, and more, touching on all aspects of writing from poetry to publishing.
While you’re in town…
Discover artistic treasures at the Mural on Main Art Gallery
Become inspired by natural beauty along the Catskill Scenic Trail.
Take a historic and scenic ride through the Catskill Mountains aboard the Delaware Ulster Railroad.
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