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Come summer, it’s hard to avoid the onslaught of photo collages depicting the cacophony and color of music festivals across the nation. Beginning with Boston Calling and BottleRock at the end of May, followed by The Governors Ball, Bonnaroo, and Firefly in June, Panorama in July, and Lollapalooza in August, there’s no end to the all-star performances that define summertime.
Here in the Valley, we have our own slew of shows slated to make waves over the next few months. Find your favorites now so you can bop along to your favorite tunes all season long.
Summer Solstice Silent Disco
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, June 2
Never been to a silent disco? You can check off this bucket list activity at Bethel Woods on the first Saturday in June. Event attendees will use wireless headphones to tune into three different frequencies as they dance the night away. Angry Orchard is a host, which means you can enjoy a refreshing cider or two as you quench your dance-fueled thirst.
Music in the Parks
Staatsburgh and Vanderbilt Mansions, June 6 – August 15
Held over the span of the summer, this free music series alternates between the equally idyllic Staatsburgh and Vanderbilt estates. Attendees can look forward to a welcome variety of music, including folk, pop, country, and Motown. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket as you sit back and enjoy the sounds of the season.
Rockin’ on the River
Riverfront Park, Troy, June 6 – August 8
Over the course of nine weeks during the heart of summer, locals and out-of-towners alike can head to Riverfront Park in Troy to catch some cool tunes. Held on Wednesday nights, the free concert series attracts 5,000 to 8,000 guests per show and includes performers like Moriah Formica, Skeeter Creek, and Super Doppler.
Taste of Country
Hunter Mountain, June 8-10
If you love the crooning twang of country music, scoop up tickets to this star studded fest. Radio favorites like Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, and Sam Hunt headline the show, while guest performers like Kane Brown and LeAnn Rimes make special appearances. If you can’t bear to miss out on a minute of the excitement, consider camping out there. The campgrounds provide picturesque views of the Catskill Mountains, adding to the overall festival experience.
Mountain Jam
Hunter Mountain, June 15-17
The 14th annual Mountain Jam returns to Hunter Mountain this June for three days of music. Around 40 bands, including Alt-J, Jack Johnson, Portugal. The Man, and Sturgill Simpson will perform across the three stages at the mountain. In addition to singing along to your favorite bands, take advantage of the gourmet food stands and arts and crafts vendors that will also be onsite.
KFEST
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, June 16
This one-day event brings together some of the biggest names in the music industry today. Liam Payne, Five Seconds of Summer, Bazzi, Rita Ora, Why Don’t We, Big Boi, and In Real Life team up to perform back-to-back in one of the most epic concerts imaginable. Tickets start at $35 for lawn access, so jump on this while tickets are still available.
Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival
Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson, June 16-17
Inspired by Hudson Valley icon Pete Seeger, the Clearwater festival brings together talented folk musicians to promote environmental awareness. This June, performers like Tweedy of Wilco, The Mavericks, and Ani DiFranco, to name only a few, will stop by the park over the course of the two days. In between shows, take advantage of the abundance of additional attractions available. Kids will love the jugglers and clowns, while families can shop the food and farm market or explore the educational exhibits.
Caramoor’s American Roots Festival
Katonah, June 23
This Americana festival takes place at the scenic Caramoor estate in Katonah for the eighth year in a row. Leading the lineup is famed singer-songwriter Aimee Mann, a.k.a. the voice behind “Save Me.” Dozens of other artists will take up the microphone during the day as well.
Pawling Music by the Lake
Lakeside Park, Pawling, July 14 – August 25
This community concert series occurs on Saturdays at 6 p.m., making it a top pick for a family weekend to-do. The free shows feature a range of musical styles, from folk and rockabilly to blues and rock and roll. Pack a picnic and a few lawn chairs for a serene summer evening.
The Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice
Phoenicia, August 3-5
Calling all opera lovers! The Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice brings professional opera stars to the Hudson Valley to take part in opera stagings and events over the course of three days. Highlights of this year’s event include a performance by jazz musician Damian Sneed and a rendition of Carmen, arguably one of the most romantic, tragic operatic works of all time.
Wassaic Project Summer Festival
Wassaic, August 4
Road trip to Wassaic’s artistic hub for a dreamy summertime festival that unites talented performers and a vivacious community atmosphere. Stay tuned to the website for more information about this free concert as it gets announced.
Bard Music Festival
Bard College, August 10-19
Classical music fans, this one’s for you! As part of its annual SummerScape celebration of the arts, Bard College hosts a two week music event to showcase the best of instrumental fare. This year’s theme, “Rimsky-Korsakov and His World,” explores the history and works of famed Russian composer Nikolai Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov.
Jazz in the Valley
Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie, August 19
Venture to downtown Poughkeepsie this August for the best of jazz in all of the Hudson Valley. Musicians from across the nation will strum their stuff as craft and food vendors showcase their wares near the stage. P.S. The park also happens to be the perfect place to take in the magnificent Hudson River views.
Summer Hoot
The Ashokan Center, Olivebridge, August 24-26
Fans of grassroots music should flock to this three-day fest, which goes down a mere 20 minutes from Woodstock. Nod along to soulful songs as you celebrate the spirit of the Catskills community. Local crafts and food stands will also make a temporary home on the grounds.
The Oldtone Roots Music Festival
Cool Whisper Farm, North Hillsdale, September 6-9
In an attempt to preserve American Roots music and dance, The Oldtone Roots Music Festival brings talented folk musicians and the Hudson Valley together to appreciate the art and tradition. With more than 30 bands on three stages in early September, this fest is bound to be a fun one.