July 12–August 18
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
The Rep
What’s more beautiful than a five-week run of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical? Get to The Rep in Albany to see the Tony and Grammy Award–winning musical about the life of one of the most successful songwriters of the latter half of the 20th century. Before she was Carole King, she was Carole Klein, a Brooklyn girl who fought her way into the record business and built a perfect life for herself. When that life started to crumble is when she truly found her voice. For special showings of the musical, including opening night, a behind-the-scenes matinee and a Thirsty Thursday showing featuring samples from local breweries, cideries and distilleries, visit attherep.org
July 20-21
Harbor Jam
Mohawk Harbor Amphitheater
Schenectady’s two-day music festival returns to Mohawk Harbor this July 20-21. On Saturday, DJ MixItUp NY will get the party started before Night Fever, the world’s largest Bee Gees tribute band, takes the stage. Sunday brings DJ Ketchup to the stage, followed by Eagles tribute band Hotel California, which has shared bills with some of rock’s legends and performed for audiences all around the world. As always, food and beverages will be available for purchase, and concertgoers are welcome to bring chairs and blankets to settle in and enjoy the show. Stick around after the Sunday concert for a special fireworks display. riverscasino.com
August 7
An Evening With John Legend
SPAC
The audience at the Philadelphia Orchestra’s August 7 performance at SPAC is in for a treat. Not only will pop star John Legend be performing some of his greatest hits, but he’ll also be sharing personal stories between songs. The show marks the first time Legend will perform with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and is just one of many can’t-miss nights of classical and contemporary music during the Orchestra’s two-and-a-half-week Saratoga residency. spac.org
August 10-11
Markets at Round Lake
Round Lake
One of the area’s top spots to shop locally made wares is the annual Markets at Round Lake, which this year return to the Saratoga County village August 10 and 11. Dozens of makers will set up stands between Leah’s Cakery and the Round Lake Auditorium, and sell everything from hand-knit quilts and soaps to stunning artwork and custom signs. More than a dozen food trucks will be in attendance to keep shoppers full and focused, and the Round Lake Library’s annual sale of more than 15,000 books (priced at $1 for hardcovers and 50 cents for paperbacks) will run concurrently in the Auditorium. marketsatroundlake.com
August 17, 24 & 31
Sunflower Festival
Liberty Ridge Farm
This is the stuff dreamy summertime photoshoots are made of. Schaghticoke’s Liberty Ridge Farm will celebrate peak sunflower season on three successive Saturdays this August. In addition to sunflower field access, guests will enjoy farm-fun activities, live music by Harmonic Duo, market barn shopping and festival food and treats. Don’t forget your camera! libertyridgefarmny.com
August 18
Hudson-Athens Lighthouse’s Annual Fundraiser
The Stewart House
Nearly 50 years after the construction of the Erie Canal increased the amount of boat traffic on the Hudson River, a survey found that natural hazards made navigating the river near the town of Hudson extremely dangerous. An appropriation of $35,000 was approved, and construction began on the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, which was officially put into operation in 1874. That makes 2024 the 150th anniversary of the historic structure, and the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society seeks to preserve the lighthouse for another 150 years. As part of that effort, they’re hosting a fundraiser at the Stewart House in Athens featuring music by Annie and the Hedonists on August 18. Find out more at halps.org
August 18
Trivia Nights on the Mohican
Lake George
You’ve never seen a trivia night like this one! On August 18, the Lake George Steamboat Company’s Mohican will set sail with a boat full of trivia buffs for one of two trivia nights on the waters of Lake George (the first was July 21). Hosted by Luny Tunz Entertainment, the evening will feature a snack bar, cocktail bar and, of course, mind-bending trivia questions for the whole family. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for kids. lakegeorgesteamboat.com
August 24
Albany Latin Festival
Washington Park
The mission of the Albany Latin Festival Association is to promote and develop Hispanic cultural events to enhance an appreciation for multicultural diversity in the Capital Region. To that end, the nonprofit is hosting its annual Latin Festival—complete with musical performances, a wide array of food options, children’s activities and arts and crafts vendors—in Washington Park on August 24. Headliners of this year’s festival include Puerto Rican-American singer-songwriter Taina Asili, salsa/reggae/hip-hop band Dark Latin Groove, and Grammy winner and Peruvian-American percussionist and producer Tony Succar. albanylatinfest.org
August 28–September 2
Schaghticoke Fair
Schaghticoke Fairgrounds
The Schaghticoke Fair is always a good time, with six days of carnival rides, funnel cake, farm animals and big-rig demonstrations. But the highlight of this year’s fair, which kicks off the Wednesday before Labor Day, will undoubtedly be the Flo Rida concert on the grandstand on August 31 at 8pm. Tickets for the show are separate from regular fair admission tickets, and start at $35. schaghticokefair.org
September 8
Pitbull’s Party After Dark Tour
SPAC
Ride those Flo Rida rap vibes all the way until the next weekend, when Pitbull will take the SPAC stage with special guest T-Pain as part of the Party After Dark Tour. Kick off the night with classics including “Buy U a Drank” and “Bartender” before Mr. Worldwide himself takes the stage. We plan on having the time of our lives. Fireball. spac.org
