Top 15 New York Music Festivals You Can't Miss

New York- the city where dreams dance and lights dazzle, and each fleeting moment becomes a heartfelt song! I know you started playing Welcome to New York by Taylor Swift in your head but the city welcomes you in many more melodious ways. The music of New York has a rhythm of its own. From the electrifying beats of electronic dance music to soulful jazz, there are various incredible music festivals to immerse yourself in. Let’s tune ourselves into the beats of the top New York music festivals that will make you fall in love with the city.

The Top Music Festivals in New York

New York is home to some of the most iconic music festivals in the world, each offering a unique vibe and experience. The city’s music scene is legendary, from intimate concerts and world-class Broadway shows to performances by globally renowned artists. Icons like Billy Joel and Lady Gaga from New York have shaped the city’s rich musical legacy. Whether you're catching a live show at Madison Square Garden or enjoying New York Electronic Music Festivals, the city offers an unparalleled musical experience. Here’s a list of the most happening New York music festivals you cannot miss!

1. Governors Ball Music Festival New York

Dates: June 6 - June 8, 2025

Ticket Prices: Starting from $120 per day

Book your tickets here: Governors Ball Music Festival Official Website

Location: Randall’s Island Park, Manhattan

Music Genre: Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, EDM, and more

Main Artists: Past lineups have included Billie Eilish, Post Malone, and Tame Impala

Unique Fact: The festival is not just about music – it features interactive art installations, gourmet food vendors, and even silent discos for late-night fun.

The Governors Ball Music Festival is a main event in the lineup of New York City music festivals. Known for its diverse mix of artists, it’s a full-fledged three-day extravaganza that is held annually. Beyond the music, the festival features interactive art installations, the main street foods of New York, and a blissful aura that makes it a perfect standout event.

Whether you’re a fan of chart-topping hits or emerging indie acts, the Governors Ball Music Festival New York is a can’t-miss event for anyone looking to experience the music of New York at its finest.

2. Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance

Dates: July 17 – July 20, 2025

Ticket Prices: Free for kids under 12 years of age and for adults $99 at the gate up to $195 (Four-day admission)

Book your tickets here: GrassRoots Festival Official Website

Location: Trumansburg, NY

Music Genres: Folk, World, Americana, and more

Main Artists: Previous performers include Donna the Buffalo, Rising Appalachia, and Natalie Haas

Unique Fact: This festival focuses on community spirit and features dance workshops, art installations, and family-friendly activities in addition to music.

This music fest in New York celebrates diverse music genres and community spirit. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Finger Lakes, it’s more than just a music festival. With dance workshops, art installations, and family-friendly activities, the relaxed vibe of GrassRoots makes it an unforgettable experience.

3. The Great Blue Heron Music Festival

Dates: July 4- July 6, 2025

Ticket Prices: $60 to $130 and above

Book your tickets here: Great Blue Heron Festival Official Website

Location: Sherman, NY

Music Genre: Folk, Roots, Blues, and Americana

Main Artists: Past performances have included The Avett Brothers, Tim O’Brien, and The Hackensaw Boys

Unique Fact: The festival works closely with local vendors to promote sustainability, featuring eco-friendly initiatives and craft markets.

The Great Blue Heron Music Festival is a celebrated annual event which is known for its intimate, community-focused atmosphere, this music fest in New York features a mix of local and national artists across multiple stages. Set in a scenic location surrounded by nature, it provides festival-goers with an immersive experience, combining great music with beautiful views and a welcoming, laid-back vibe.

This music fest in New York provides a refreshing contrast to the high-energy festivals in the city, making it a perfect musical getaway.

4. Rochester International Jazz Festival

Dates: June 20- June 28, 2025

Ticket Prices: Various packages starting from $30 per event

Location: Rochester, NY

Book your tickets here: Rochester Jazz Festival Official Website

Music Genre: Jazz and Contemporary Fusion

Main Artists: Iconic performers such as Pat Metheny and Norah Jones have graced its stages

Unique Fact: The festival collaborates with local schools to host music workshops for aspiring jazz musicians.

Jazz lovers can fulfill their long yearnings for some real, old-school jazz music at the Rochester International Jazz Festival. It is one of the most renowned music festivals in New York. The festival takes over multiple venues in the city, ranging from large theaters to cozy clubs, offering a more intimate way to experience the music.

This festival celebrates the harmonious jazz tradition while also introducing contemporary elements, making it a cornerstone of New York music festivals

Upstate New York Music Festivals

If you’re looking for some off-beat yet thrilling New York City music festivals beyond the city, Then these events set against picturesque backdrops are just perfect for you.

5. Mountain Jam Festival 

Dates: June 20- June 22, 2025

Ticket Prices: Starting from $150 for three days

Book your tickets here: Mountain Jam Official Website

Location: Belleayre Mountain, Highmount, NY

Music Genre: Rock, folk, and jam bands

Main Artists: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Julien Baker & Torres, MOE

Unique Fact: The festival offers yoga sessions and outdoor activities like hiking alongside its musical performances.

Nestled in the Belleayre Mountain in NYC, this is a haven for rock and jam band enthusiasts. Its scenic location adds an ounce of calmness, offering camping options to the audience to fully immerse themselves in the relaxing musical vibe with breathtaking mountain views. The event typically spans several days, providing an immersive environment with multiple stages, outdoor activities, and a vibrant community atmosphere. 

6. The Saratoga Springs Jazz Festival

Dates: June 28- June 29, 2025

Ticket Prices: From $65 per day

Book your tickets here: Saratoga Jazz Festival Official Website

Location: Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY

Music Genre: Jazz

Main Artists: Legends like Wynton Marsalis and Esperanza Spalding

Unique Fact: A portion of the festival’s proceeds go towards local arts education programs.

The Saratoga Springs Jazz Festival is a celebration of jazz in a nostalgic setting. This festival offers soulful performances by world-class artists. Music lovers can enjoy picnics on the lawn amidst the cool spring breezes or comfortable seated performances under the pavilion. 

7. Great South Bay Music Festival 

Dates: July 24 - July 27, 2025

Ticket Prices: Starts from $105

Book your tickets here: Great South Bay Festival Official Website

Location: Patchogue, NY

Music Genre: Rock, pop, country, and more

Main Artists: Previous performances have featured Gov’t Mule, The Lumineers, Slightly Stoopid

Unique Fact: The festival partners with the GSB-Stony Brook Children’s Hospital to raise funds for children’s cancer treatment.

Long Island’s largest music festival is a treat for music lovers. Whether you like to groove on the beats of rock, and pop songs or you just want to enjoy good soulful country music having a dash of cultural essence in it. With multiple stages, craft beer tastings, and family-friendly activities, it’s a versatile festival that is suitable for all age groups.

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8. Lake George Music Festival 

Dates: June 18- June 19, 2025

Ticket Prices: Starting from $128

Book your tickets here: Lake George Festival Official Website

Location: Lake George, NY

Music Genre: Classical

Main Artists: Renowned orchestras and soloists

Unique Fact: The festival hosts open rehearsals, giving audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the music-making process.

A classical music lover’s paradise, the Lake George Music Festival is a sophisticated event in a serene lakeside setting. Alongside its concerts, it offers open rehearsals and interactions with musicians, creating a more inclusive experience. If you're looking to explore a wider range of musical experiences, be sure to check out the diverse music festivals across the USA!

9. Tanglewood Music Festival

Dates: July-August

Ticket Prices: Starting from $25

Book your tickets here: Tanglewood Festival Official Website

Location: Lenox, MA

Music Genre: Classical and contemporary

Main Artists: Boston Symphony Orchestra, guest conductors, and soloists

Unique Fact: The festival offers family-friendly performances and picnic-style settings for a relaxing yet enriching experience.

Although technically in Massachusetts, this festival is a short drive from upstate New York and features the Boston Symphony Orchestra. With its picturesque landscape, Tanglewood provides a relaxed, open-air atmosphere where attendees can enjoy world-class performances while surrounded by nature. It’s a beloved tradition for music enthusiasts and a highlight of the summer cultural scene in the Northeast.

Summer Music Festivals in New York

The summer season in New York is synonymous with vibrant outdoor festivals that celebrate diverse genres and cultures. Whether you're looking for a laid-back experience in the countryside or a high-energy event in the city, New York has it all. These country music festivals in New York provide a unique way to enjoy great music while soaking in the summer atmosphere. Let's have a look here:

10. SummerStage Festival

Dates: June 26 - June 28, 2025

Ticket Prices: Free and paid events starting from $200

Book your tickets here: SummerStage Official Website

Location: Various locations in NYC

Music Genre: Diverse genres including hip-hop, classical, and indie

Main Artists: A mix of international stars and local talent

Unique Fact: The festival collaborates with local nonprofits to bring music and arts education to underserved communities.

Being one of the most iconic summer festivals in New York, SummerStage offers free and ticketed performances across the city. The festival’s open-air setting adds a unique charm, and its programming spans music, dance, theater, and spoken word, and the events are scheduled in the best neighborhoods in New York City!

11. Afropunk Festival

Dates: August 23 - August 2024

Ticket Prices: Starting from $188

Book your tickets here: Afropunk Official Website

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Music Genre: Afropunk, R&B, and hip-hop

Main Artists: Iconic artists like Solange and Janelle Monáe

Unique Fact: Highlights activism through Afropunk Solution Sessions, focusing on social justice, community, and wellness.

A celebration of Black culture and music, the Afropunk Festival is a dynamic social cause-driven event that supports inclusivity and originality. Beyond the music, it features art installations, food markets, and discussions on social issues. Originally founded in Brooklyn, New York, Afropunk has expanded to cities around the world, maintaining its focus on artistic freedom and cultural empowerment.

12. TSQ Live in Times Square

Dates: Throughout summer

Ticket Prices: Free

Location: Times Square, Manhattan

Book your tickets here: TSQ Live Official Website

Music Genre: Various genres

Main Artists: Previous lineups had artists like Dawn Drake & ZapOte. 

Unique Fact: Turns Times Square into a free live venue with performances set against its iconic billboards.

Times Square comes alive with free concerts and performances during TSQ Live, making it a highlight of New York City summer music festivals. The vibrant setting creates a magical experience for tourists, making them feel a connection with the city. It blends urban, rich city energy with absolute artistic flair.

13. Blue Note Jazz Festival

Dates: June

Ticket Prices: Starting from $225, and $98.83 on Tuesdays

Book your tickets here: Blue Note Jazz Festival Official Website

Location: Various venues across NYC

Music Genre: Jazz

Main Artists: Remarkable artists like Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea

Unique Fact: Features intimate shows in legendary venues, with rare collaborations between jazz icons and modern artists.

This is one of the most renowned music events in New York which brings you a fusion of jazz legends and contemporary artists to New York’s most iconic venues. Its intimate settings, which are the main highlights of the Blue Note Jazz Club, provide an unmatched listening experience filled with the symphony, making music festivals in New York another great attraction besides partying in the top clubs of NYC.

14. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival

Dates: June-August

Ticket Prices: Free and paid events from $45

Book your tickets here: BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival Official Website

Location: Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Music Genre: Indie, world music, and more

Main Artists: An electrifying mix of global stars and local performers

Unique Fact: A historic free outdoor festival showcasing global music and underrepresented artists.

This exhilarating Brooklyn festival showcases a mix of free and paid performances in Prospect Park. The festival’s diverse events include music, dance, and film screenings, making it a true cultural gem. With some of the best film schools in New York, this is one of the top music events in New York and proves to be a perfect blend of fun and education!"

15. Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival

Dates: July 16 - July 20, 2025

Location: Oak Hill, NY

Ticket Prices: Vivid seat prices start from $290 ($60 off gate price)

Book your tickets here: Grey Fox Official Website

Music Genre: Bluegrass

Main Artists: Grammy-winning bluegrass legends and emerging artists

Unique Fact: Offers a Bluegrass Academy for Kids to teach young attendees bluegrass instruments.

The Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival is a beloved event for fans of traditional bluegrass and its contemporary offshoots. Residing in the Oak Hill Mountains, it offers a camping-style experience alongside stellar performances, creating a surreal atmosphere.

This festival is a perfect blend of music, nature, and harmony, making it a highlight among New York City music festivals.

 New York Music Festivals: Things to Keep in Mind

Attending music festivals in New York is an exhilarating experience, filled with great music, incredible performances, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're headed to an iconic festival in the city or one set in a scenic outdoor location, a little preparation can make all the difference in ensuring you have the best time possible. 

1. Plan Ahead: Secure your tickets early as many festivals sell out fast.

2. Pack Smart: Bring essentials like sunscreen, portable chargers, and comfortable shoes.

3. Cash and card: Not all vendors take cards, so bring some cash just in case.

4. Use Public Transport: Parking can be a challenge, especially at New York City music festivals, hence it is advisable to use public transport.

5. Comfy shoes: You'll be dancing and walking all day, so ditch the fancy shoes and bring your trainers (sneakers).

6. Stay Hydrated: Long festival days under the sun can be exhausting, save money by bringing a reusable water bottle you can refill.

For students looking to attend music festivals in New York with academic priorities, finding affordable housing is a big task. It is important to consider student housing options that are close to festival venues and provide a comfortable stay and amber helps you find exactly what you are looking for when searching for student housing in New York!

From amusing musicals to iconic events in the city, the state offers something for every music lover. So mark your calendars and get ready to explore music events in New York like never before!

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