[2026] Into a whirlwind of emotion and excitement: Special music festivals to experience in New York State

A long-running outdoor concert series held during the summer in New York’s Brooklyn, centered around the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park. Officially themed “Radical Joy,” it features a lineup distinguished by a wide range of genres and diverse performers. Many events are free to attend, creating an open, welcoming space enjoyed by everyone from families to devoted music fans. The 2026 season will run from June through September.

The Great South Bay Music Festival is an open-air event celebrating music, art, and culture, held over four days at Shorefront Park in Patchogue, Long Island, New York. Officially billed as “Long Island’s longest-running four-day festival,” it operates rain or shine. In 2026, it will take place from July 23 to 26.

Kingdom Bound is a Christian music festival held at Six Flags Darien Lake in western New York, USA. Its official theme is “faith, family, and fun,” bringing together more than 50 artists across four stages over three days. The venue includes both a theme park and a water park, with full camping and RV sites available. In 2026, it will take place from July 27 to 29.

The NoMad Jazz Festival is a free music festival that celebrates jazz and local culture in the NoMad neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Throughout the week, a variety of performances take place at restaurants and in public spaces around the city, and on the finale weekend, internationally acclaimed jazz artists and rising talents gather on the outdoor main stage in Madison Square Park. With a robust lineup of family-friendly programs, the festival offers culturally rooted experiences for the community. The 2026 edition will be held in August.

This is a three-day music festival held at an outdoor venue in Fairport, New York. Featuring a lineup that ranges from outstanding local talents to nationally recognized artists, powerful live sounds resonate through the night. The venue also includes booths offering whiskey tastings—including New York-made varieties—as well as food and artisan culture, creating a unique atmosphere where music and the region’s craft culture blend. It will take place in August 2026.

Zedd In The Park is a two-day electronic dance music (EDM) event curated by DJ and producer Zedd. The official lineup features multiple stages with artists from around the world. The venue is Randall’s Island Park in New York City, and the event is held outdoors. In 2026, it will take place on August 14 and 15, with confirmed performances by Zedd, Porter Robinson, Madeon, and more.