July 16
Benson Boone at MVP Arena
MVP Arena, Albany
Look who’s a wanted man at MVP Arena! Pop star Benson Boone is making a pit stop in Albany on his Wanted Man Tour. Grab your denim and head on over to the arena for a night of pop music magic—it’s sure to be a beautiful thing. mvparena.com
July 25
Jazz in July
Loft 433, Troy
In Our Own Voices (IOOV) celebrates another year of Jazz in July, an annual fundraiser gala full of live music, auctions, wine tastings, food, and more! As a long-standing LGBTQ+ organization designated to serve BIPOC communities, IOOV’s grassroots efforts have supported more than 600,000 individuals on a local and national level. Raise a glass to these community leaders and dance the night away. ioov.org
July 25
Tim McGraw & 49 Winchester
SPAC, Saratoga
’Cause where we come from, only the horses run…Unless you’re running to see Grammy Award–winning country music star Tim McGraw & 49 Winchester this summer! After a day at the track, head over to SPAC to see McGraw’s Pawn Shop Guitar Tour light up the night. spac.org
July 25
WEXT’s Local 518 Fest
Music Haven, Schenectady
Schenectady is rounding up local musicians and music lovers to join this year’s WEXT Local 518 Fest! With Sirsy headlining, the second annual event comprises many music genres including rock, pop, indie, and hip hop, performed by Capital Region artists. wextradio.org
July 27–August 2
Glens Falls Plein Air Festival
Glens Falls
Ever wished to have witnessed Monet or Van Gogh paint their most renowned outdoor artworks? Maybe you’ll catch the world’s next prolific painter at The Hyde Collection’s inaugural Glens Falls Plein Air Festival, which celebrates outdoor paintings, the creative process, and the beautiful landscapes of the Adirondack Mountains. The last day, August 2, will feature a full exhibit of finished pieces, music, and food. hydecollection.org
August 1
Phillip Phillips Benefit Concert
Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga
Phillip Phillips is gonna make this place your home, once you arrive at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga’s annual Charity Benefit Concert, taking place right at the Saratoga farm. Listen to the multi-platinum American Idol winner sing the night away while you indulge in food and drink from some of the best vendors in the area. Proceeds will benefit THS’ work, which provides a second career for retired racehorses and supports mental health and emotional wellness in our community. thsaratoga.org
August 1
The Beach Boys
M&T Bank Center, Schenectady
It isn’t really summer until The Beach Boys start playing. Luckily for the Capital Region, the California surf-rock band is bringing its Sounds of Summer tour to Mohawk Harbor this season. The legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees are sure to play all the hits, like “Surfin’ USA,” “Good Vibrations,” and other chart-topping faves. mandtbankcenter.com
July 31–August 1
Black Arts & Cultural Festival
Empire State Plaza, Albany
Groove on down to Empire State Plaza for the Black Arts & Cultural Festival, featuring two nights of free live entertainment. On Friday at 5pm, its Gospel Night, featuring Melvin Crispell; Crystal Aikin; and Rich Tolbert, Jr. Then, on Saturday, expect a whole day of soulful R&B, family activities, cookout-certified bites, and performances, including headliner Lloyd at 7pm. empirestateplaza.ny.gov
August 6
Drake Bell
Empire Underground, Albany
Nineties babies have the chance to relive some childhood memories at Drake Bell’s upcoming concert right in the heart of the Capital City. Best known for his early acting on Nickelodeon, Drake Bell’s music career has grown over the years within the pop rock genre. Head on over to Albany and bask in nostalgia for the night. empirelivealbany.com
August 8
Hillsdale Arts Walk
Village Square, Hillsdale
Make the drive out to Hillsdale for a Saturday stroll through Village Square to support talented local artists in the region. Attendees can converse with artisans and shop items ranging from ceramics to woodcraft pieces. Live music and sweet treats will be available, along with accessibility assistance provided by Copake Country Club. hillsdalenyarts.com
August 14
Josh Groban: Stage, Screen & Symphony
SPAC, Saratoga
This summer, the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra will be joined for its Stage, Screen & Symphony concert by none other than Tony-, Emmy-, and five-time Grammy-nominated singer Josh Groban. The night will channel Broadway magic and the power of film into a grandiose symphonic spectacle featuring unforgettable scores reimagined on stage. spac.org
September 18
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth
The Egg, Albany
The Egg is putting that baby’s spell on you in the hopes that you’ll attend Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, a concert celebrating the fantastical movie’s 40th anniversary! Watch this cult classic, paired with live music, on the HD screen. Dress up, sit down, and dive right into Jim Henson’s world of whimsical magic. theegg.org
September 20
WAMM Fest
Slidin’ Dirty, Troy
Girls run the world, and on September 20, they’ll be running Women Are Making Music Fest (WAMM). Talented artists are coming together to champion women-led performances at Slidin’ Dirty. In addition to the jam-packed lineup, the family-friendly event will have food, beverages, and vendors for all to enjoy. wamm518.com
