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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Fairport Canal Days (Finger Lakes)
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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.
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Lewiston Art Festival (Greater Niagara)
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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.
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LARAC June Arts Festival (Adirondacks)
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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.
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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.
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Explore the extensive collections of artworks and artifacts of the Oneida Nation at the Shako:wi Cultural Center.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Lockport Outdoor Arts & Crafts Festival (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.
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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…
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Dive into one of the greatest collections of modern and contemporary art in North America at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum.
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Pay a visit to the Colored Musicians Club, the only remaining African American club of its kind in the United States.
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Join in on all the fun at Buffalo’s Canalside.
Canandaigua Lakefront Art Show (Finger Lakes)
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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.
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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.
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O+ Festival (Hudson Valley)
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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.
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The Roger Tory Peterson Institute Plein Air Festival (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
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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.
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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.
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Take a stroll on the High Line, an elevated public park built on a historic freight rail line.
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Appreciate contemporary art at Dia Chelsea.
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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.
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Stagecoach Run Art Festival (Catskills)
Credit: Stagecoach Run Art Festival
Wander 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!
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Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City (NYC)
Credit: Lawrence Sumulong/Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Each 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.
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Chautauqua Institution Summer Season (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
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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.”
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Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (Hudson Valley)
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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.
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Battery Dance Festival (NYC)
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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.
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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.
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Tribeca Film Festival (NYC)
Photo by Ruby Tull
Catch 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.
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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.
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Woodstock Film Festival (Catskills)
Credit: Dion Ogust/Woodstock Film Festival
Celebrate 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.
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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!
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NYS Blues Festival (Finger Lakes)
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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…
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…
CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival (Finger Lakes)
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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…
Saratoga Jazz Festival (Capital-Saratoga)
Credit: Saratoga Jazz Festival
The 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…
Hobart Festival of Women Writers (Catskills)
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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.
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