From iconic amphitheaters to hidden gem outdoor theaters, New York State is home to an amazing array of outdoor performance venues. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away on the original site of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival or enjoy opera under the stars at the Glimmerglass Festival, there’s something for everyone. Read on to discover some of the state’s best spots for an open-air show and start planning your summer adventure in New York.
Amphitheaters & Outdoor Music Venues
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater (Long Island)
📍895 Bay Parkway Wantagh, NY 11793
Photo courtesy of Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
Sound meets the sea at Jones Beach Theater! A summer staple since the 1930s, this iconic venue sees a star-studded lineup of performers each year. With the ocean as a stunning backdrop, not much beats a night at this 15,000-seat open-air amphitheater.
2026 lineup includes: Kesha (June 8), Yacht Rock Revue (June 19), Riley Green (June 20), James Taylor (June 23), Evanescence (June 24), Ne-Yo and Akon (July 22), Chicago & Styx (July 23), Chris Stapleton (August 26), TLC & Salt-n-Pepa (September 15), and more.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) (Capital-Saratoga)
📍108 Avenue of The Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Credit: Discover Saratoga
Tucked away amongst the tranquil 2,400-acre Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026, is consistently ranked as one of the country’s most prestigious summer performance centers. There’s something for everyone with performances from resident companies like New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Saratoga Jazz Festival (June 27-28), and concerts by Live Nation. Lounge on the lawn with a capacity of 20,000 or get an up close view from one of the 5,200 covered seats.
2026 lineup includes: Jelly Roll (June 18), Riley Green (June 19), Saratoga Jazz Festival (June 27-28), James Taylor (June 29), Santana & The Doobie Brothers (July 1), Lil Wayne (July 2), New York City Ballet (July 8-11), TOTO (July 16), Dave Matthews Band (July 17 & 18), Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (July 12-26), Luke Bryan (August 29), and more.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (Catskills)
📍200 Hurd Rd. Bethel, NY 12720
Credit: @bethelwoodscenter on Instagram
Once the site of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Festival, today Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is home to a 16,000-person amphitheater and museum dedicated to the ‘60s and Woodstock. Each summer brings a packed lineup of performers across genres to this iconic venue with covered seating for 5,000 and lawn seating for 11,000. Plus, your concert ticket includes discounted admission to the museum!
2026 lineup includes: James Taylor (June 18), Wynonna Judd & Melissa Etheridge (June 28), Paul Simon (July 3), Tim McGraw (July 9), TOTO + Christopher Cross + The Romantics (July 15), Thomas Rhett (August 14), Turnpike Troubadours (August 15), Outlaw Music Festival (August 29), Alabama Shakes (September 4), and more.
Artpark (Greater Niagara)
📍450 South Fourth Street, Lewiston, NY 14092
Admire the beauty of art outdoors at Artpark. Located alongside the Niagara River Gorge (and just 15 minutes from Niagara Falls), this outdoor venue is unlike anywhere else. Catch a live performance at the world-class amphitheater and be sure to explore the park’s interactive public art installations, including the Artpark Percussion Garden where visitors can create their own music.
2026 lineup includes: Ziggy Marley (July 11), Blackberry Smoke (July 15), Shaky Graves (July 22), DJO (July 23), Cole Swindell (July 30), Turnpike Troubadours (August 14), Andy Grammar (August 21), O.A.R. (September 12), and more.
Rooftop at Pier 17 (NYC)
📍89 South St Pier 17, New York, NY 10038
Credit: Emma Frisbie
Bring your live music experience to new heights (literally) at The Rooftop at Pier 17. Located five stories above the East River, the Rooftop boasts a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that has welcomed top artists like Billie Eilish, Tate McRae, Noah Kahan, Ringo Starr, 21 Savage, and Zach Bryan with the iconic New York City skyline as the backdrop.
2026 lineup includes: Nate Smith (May 28), Jimmy Eat World (June 17), Young The Giant (June 18 & 19), Billy Currington & Kip Moore (July 17), Passion Pit (July 25), KALEO (August 7), Koe Wetzel (August 12), Yacht Rock Revue (August 13), Max McNown (August 19), Sam Barber (September 17 & 18, and more.
Beak & Skiff Orchard (Finger Lakes)
📍2708 Lords Hill Rd, Lafayette, NY 13084
This 115-year-old orchard is a staple in the fall with apple picking and a cider tasting room, but come summer Beak & Skiff transforms into a live music hub. With the scenic orchard as the backdrop, this summer concert series offers a blend of star-studded artists and up-and-coming talent with past acts including Jason Isbell, The Avett Brothers, Bleachers, Noah Kahan, Death Cab for Cutie, Indigo Girls, Bruce Hornsby, and more.
2026 lineup includes: Hot Mulligan (June 5), Whiskey Myers (June 14), Charley Crockett (June 18), Dustin Lynch (June 19), The Head & The Heart (July 31), Lake Street Dive (Aug. 5), Indigo Girls (August 23), and more.
CMAC (Finger Lakes)
📍3355 Marvin Sands Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Known as the CMAC, the Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center is a summer staple in the Finger Lakes region. Founded in 1983, this amphitheater features 10,000+ lawn seats and 5,000 covered seats, making it the perfect spot for jamming out to big name artists under the stars. Plus, the CMAC is located in Canandaigua, the heart of Finger Lakes Wine Country and just 45 minutes from Rochester.
2026 lineup includes: Teddy Swims (June 5), Darius Rucker (June 6), Bleachers (June 20), Chicago (June 26), Jack Johnson (July 1), Dierks Bently (July 11), Death Cab for Cutie (July 18), Alison Krauss & Union Station (July 25), Ella Langley (July 31), Blues Traveler & Gin Blossoms (August 9), Brandi Carlile (August 20), Sublime (August 22), Luke Bryan (August 26), and more.
Forest Hills Stadium (NYC)
📍1 Tennis Place, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Credit: Emma Frisbie
Originally designed in the 1920s as the home of the US Open, Forest Hills Stadium officially started booking concerts in the 1960s, hosting music icons like Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. This outdoor music venue, conveniently located near the subway and Long Island Rail Road, has stadium-style seating and a capacity of 13,000 with no obstructed views, and was designed with state-of-the-art acoustics. For shows with general admission floor seats, you’ll get to watch the show from the US Open Tennis courts!
2026 lineup includes: Dave Matthews Band (June 10), The Black Crowes & Whiskey Myers (June 13), Juneteenth for The People (June 19), Paul Simon (July 8 & 9), Sarah Mclachlan (July 11), DJO (July 17), Bob Dylan (July 21), Caamp (July 23), Zac Brown Band (August 27 & 28), Hayley Williams (September 16 & 17), All Things Go Festival (September 25-27), and more.
Darien Lake Amphitheater (Greater Niagara)
📍9993 Allegheny Road, Darien Center, NY 14040
Pair live music with adrenaline adventures at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, located at Six Flags Darien Lake. Under an hour from Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Rochester, this outdoor venue can house around 21,000+ music lovers throughout lawn and pavilion seating. Plus, your concert ticket includes complimentary same-day admission to Six Flags Darien Lake theme park!
2026 lineup includes: Tyler Childers (June 10), MGK (June 13), Motley Crue (July 18), Dave Matthews Band (July 22), Ne-Yo & Akon (July 24), Tim McGraw (August 1), 5 Seconds of Summer (August 3), Riley Green (August 6), Billy Idol (August 14), Wu-Tang Clan (August 27), TLC & Salt-N-Pepa (August 31), and more.
Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview (Finger Lakes)
📍490 Restoration Way, Syracuse, NY 13209
Enjoy a night of live music from the shores of Onondaga Lake at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater in Syracuse. Watch the sun set over the lake as your favorite artist takes the stage alongside 17,500 other concert-goers from the lawn or covered seating. And if you’re visiting for The Great New York State Fair this summer, the amphitheater is located right across the street from the fairgrounds!
2026 lineup includes: Kid Cudi (June 8), Mumford & Sons (June 18), Jelly Roll (June 23), Godsmack (June 30), Phish (July 21), TOTO + Christopher Cross + The Romantics (July 25), Five Finger Death Punch (July 26), Billy Idol (August 15), Pitbull (August 26), Goo Goo Dolls (September 3), and more.
Lincoln Center Summer for the City (New York City)
📍Various locations throughout New York City
Credit: @sg_uberdawg on Instagram
Join Lincoln Center in celebrating summer in New York City with their highly-anticipated Summer for the City festival (June 10 – August 8). The three month long celebration will feature hundreds of free and choose-what-you-pay events, thousands of artists, and food from across the city.
Outdoor Theater & Performing Arts Centers
Glimmerglass Festival (Central New York)
📍7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326
Each summer, Cooperstown comes alive with internationally-acclaimed opera and musical theater at the Glimmerglass Festival. With a beautiful setting overlooking Otsego Lake, breathtaking performances, previews, meet-the-performers, tours, and more, this festival is not to be missed.
Upcoming productions: Oklahoma! (July 10-August 15, 2026), Madame Butterfly (July 11-August 17, 2026), Cosi (July 17-August 14, 2026), Fellow Travelers (July 18-August 16, 2026), Robin Hood (August 2-7, 2026).
Park Playhouse (Capital-Saratoga)
📍Madison Avenue & New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208
Credit: @skadadal on Instagram
Each summer, Park Playhouse brings professional outdoor productions to Albany’s beautiful Washington Park for free! Claim a spot on the grass and enjoy a night of family-friendly fun under the stars. The park will also host two free summer concerts as part of the Alive at Five series.
Upcoming productions: Elephant & Piggie (August 16-August 28), Classic Rock Night (July 9), Funk & Jam Night (July 16)
Chautauqua Institution (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
📍1 Ames Ave, Chautauqua, NY 14722
Credit: @lifesaporch on Instagram
Summer at the Chautauqua Institution brings nine engaging weeks of fine and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship and programs, and recreational activities. With striking views of Chautauqua Lake as your backdrop, more than 100,000 visitors will head to this cultural landmark for theatrical productions, live music, dance, and more, many of which are held at the institution’s outdoor amphitheater.
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Performances: Wynonna Judd and Melissa Etheridge (June 27), Chautauqua Theater Company (various dates), Chautauqua School of Dance (July 29), Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra (various dates throughout July & August), Chautauqua Opera Company (July 18 & 21), Allison Kraus (July 24), Alonzo King LINES Ballet (August 8), Samara Joy (August 26), and more.
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Lectures: Kerri Walsh Jennings & Tara VanDerveer (July 1), Neil deGrasse Tyson & Scott Hamilton Kennedy (July 10), Rainn Wilson (July 24), Ken Burns & Jeffery Rosen (August 3 & 4).
Shakespeare in the Park (NYC)
📍81 Central Prk W, New York, NY 10024
Credit: @roshtoms on Instagram
For 60+ years,The Public Theater’s free Shakespeare at the Park has been a New York City summer staple. Each season promises intriguing Shakespearean productions and other classical works and musicals, held in the newly-renovated Delacorte Theater in Central Park.
Upcoming productions: Romeo & Juliet (May 22-June 28), The Winter’s Tale (July 25-August 23)
Hudson Valley Shakespeare (Hudson Valley)
📍2015 US-9, Garrison, NY 10524
Found just 80 minutes north of New York City in Garrison, Hudson Valley Shakespeare presents an exciting lineup of Shakespeare and contemporary plays each summer from an open-air theater. The company’s beautiful 98-acre campus overlooks the Hudson River and serves as a vibrant hub for local community and culture. Summer 2026 also marks the opening of the Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center, the first-ever permanent home of the Hudson Valley Shakespeare.The 14,850-square-foot venue is protected from the elements yet open to the stunning Hudson Valley landscape.
Upcoming productions: As You Like It (June 10-September 18), King Lear (June 12-September 17), Les Miserables (August 12-September 27)
Shakespeare in Delaware Park (Greater Niagara)
📍Shakespeare Hill Delaware Park, Buffalo, NY 14209
One of the oldest and largest outdoor Shakespeare companies in the country, Shakespeare in Delaware Park (SDP) is a must when visiting Buffalo. For over 50 years, SDP has presented two works of Shakespeare for six nights a week during the summer months–all for free! Each season sees more than 40,000 visitors from across the country and Canada.
Upcoming productions: Pericles, Prince of Tyre (June 18-July 12, 2026), The Taming of the Shrew (July 23-August 16)
Catskill Mountain Shakespeare (Catskills)
📍7970 Main Street, Hunter, NY 12442
Enjoy professional theater in the mountains for Catskill Mountain Shakespeare’s 7th season. Each year, the company puts on two Shakespearean productions: a mainstage performance from The Red Barn on Main Street in Hunter, and the Community Tour which travels throughout the Catskills and New York State.
Upcoming productions: Much Ado About Nothing (July 11-26, 2026)
Little Island (NYC)
📍Pier55 in Hudson River Park @ West 13th Street, New York, NY 10014
Credit: @solidgoldnicole on Instagram
Found at Pier 55, Little Island is a one-of-a-kind public park that appears to be “floating” on the Hudson River. Each summer, the two-acre island comes alive with exciting live performances in music and theater, all backed by amazing city views.
Check the Little Island website for 2026 production updates.
