July 22
NipperFest Music & Arts Festival
Music Haven in Schenectady’s Central Park
NipperFest makes its return to Music Haven this summer for the second year. Chart-topping artists Jocelyn & Chris headline the two-stage, one-day event. Additionally, the festival highlights local up-and-coming talent including bands such as Hold On Honeys, Camtron5000, Precious Metals, Brule County Bad Boys, The Sugar Hold, E-Block, Carolyn Shapiro, Jimi W, Margo Macero, ShortWave RadioBand and Lucas Garrett. Attendees can also expect many family-friendly activities, including a play area for the little ones and an Art Pavilion, which will feature local artists and vendors. nippertown.com
July 27-29
Rye Bread Music & Arts Festival
Schaghticoke Fairgrounds
Round up your music-junkie friends and head to the Rye Bread Music & Arts Festival for three days of live music from more than two dozen artists. Headlined by Oteil & Friends, the event’s 47th year offers a relaxing, spacious experience on the fairground, with food and craft vendors aplenty. Attendees can choose to pitch a tent or pull-up in their RV to camp overnight with the purchase of a campsite. ryebreadfest.com
July 28
Water Lantern Festival
Empire State Plaza
Witness the beauty of floating laterns at the Water Lantern Festival, which promises to be a peaceful and memorable evening. After fueling up at the food trucks and getting pumped up by live music, it’ll be time to let your creative juices flow as you design your lantern—before letting it sail and unite with the others to create a magical glow on the water that you won’t want to miss. All of the eco-friendly lanterns (made from rice paper and reusable LED candles) are retrieved by festival staff, who also clean up non-festival litter for a guilt-free and moving night. waterlanternfestival.com
August 2
Capital Concert Series Featuring Big Daddy Kane, Roxanne Shanté & Black Sheep
Empire State Plaza
The Plaza’s free Capital Concert Series kicks off August 2 with a night of OG hits. First up: innovative rapper Big Daddy Kane, with hits including “Smoother Operator” and “Raw.” He will be joined by Roxanne Shanté, one of the genre’s first female stars, who released her first single, “Roxanne’s Revenge,” at just 14 years old. Hip-hop artist Andres “Dres” Titus, known as one half of Black Sheep, the group behind notable hip-hop song “The Choice is Yours,” will also take the stage that evening. empirestateplaza.ny.gov
August 5
‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ in Concert
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Whether you’re a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to see the Harry Potter world come to life with the help of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Patrick Doyle’s award-winning score will be played live while the film projects in high-definition on a 40-foot viewing screen. spac.org
August 8-13
Schoharie County Sunshine Fair
Cobleskill Agricultural Society
With fair season upon us, make sure to add the annual Sunshine Fair to your list. This family favorite will be in town for only six days, each one offering a packed schedule of entertainment—everything from watching a master chainsaw sculptor and dog demonstrations to a flying trapeze act, pig races and an ugliest cake contest.. Grab a season pass before the first day of the fair to ensure you don’t miss a second of the fun. sunshinefair.org
August 12
Sunset In The Park
Lake George’s Shepard Park
Admission is free to this year’s brand-new Sunset In The Park Festival, which offers an all-day experience consisting of crafts, music and activities for kids. After a day of fun in the village, end on a high note by soaking in the beautiful—you guessed it—sunset view over the Queen of American Lakes. lakegeorgefestivals.com
August 26
Art Omi: Music in the Barn
Art Omi
Stroll through and admire the art scattered throughout sculpture and architecture park Art Omi before making your way to the studio barns for an informal musical performance of experimental music from 5-7pm. The featured performers come from various traditions and genres and will share the new music they have created during their time at the 2023 Art Omi music residency. artomi.org
September 1
Guns N’ Roses North American Tour
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
World-renowned hard rockers Guns N’ Roses make a stop at SPAC this summer on the band’s North American 2023 tour with special guest Dirty Honey. (Full band lineup: Axl Rose, Slash, Duff McKagan, Dizzy Reed, Richard Fortus, Frank Ferrer and Melissa Reese.) VIP Club and Terrace Club access are available for purchase. Grab a ticket before they’re gone. spac.org
September 2-3
Capital District Scottish Games
Altamont Fairgrounds
Immerse yourself in traditional Scottish culture at the Capital District Scottish Games, where competitions range from hammer throw to caber toss. Gear up, too, for Highland dancing, which dates back to the 11th century. More than 100 Scottish Clans and Societies will be at the event to educate attendees on the history of Scotland and help you trace your family roots. The two-day event also features free activities for little ones, bands and other entertainment, as well as various food and import vendors. Pre-register for competitions online ahead of time, or purchase a ticket to watch all the action. On-site camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. scotgames.com
