Looking for the coolest and best music New York music festivals? Well, you’ve come to the right place, because I’ve over a dozen amazing events that’ll keep you busy all summer long!
While many New Yorker’s escape the city for cooler climates at the onset of summer, for music lovers, the “city that never sleeps” is only just heating up.
Of course, The Big Apple hosts music festivals year round, but summer is the time to truly immerse yourself in any and all styles of music, from hip-hop to electronic, rock to salsa.
Many festival organizers also make good use of the greenery New York has to offer, hosting events in the city’s many public parks and gardens. My suggestion? Randall’s Island Park is a serious hotspot for tunes all summer long, so don’t stray too far from this oasis in the middle of Manhattan.
So, which festivals in New York made the cut?
Also, be sure to read my guides on Festival Hydration Backpacks, Festival Camping Packing List, Festival Shoes, and Festival Gadgets to help you make the most of your time!
1) Governors Ball Music Festival
The most iconic of the NYC Music Festivals | Photo by Greg Noire via Gov Ball’s Facebook
When: June 2025
Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, New York City
https://www.governorsballmusicfestival.com/
https://www.facebook.com/govballnyc
Music. Art. Food. Experiences. Community. Surprises. NEW. YORK. CITY.
“The Gov Ball experience encompasses all of these and is unlike any other festival out there. Built by New Yorkers, for New Yorkers, the festival is always evolving, always entertaining, and always striving to exceed your expectations. We started all this 8 years ago because we were music lovers who lived in a city that needed – that deserved – a contemporary music festival. Music is always our primary focus, and with 60+ artists of all genres across 4 stages, there is something for everyone.”
2) Borderland Festival
Credit: Borderland Music Festival
When: September 12-14, 2025
Where: East Aurora, New York
https://borderlandfestival.com/
“The Borderland Music + Arts Festival celebrates the rich history and renaissance of the region with a two-day music and cultural festival set in one of the most scenic and storied grounds in all of New York State, Knox Farm State Park. Located just 16 miles south of Buffalo, Knox Farm State Park is a beautiful, historic 633-acre grounds, located in historic East Aurora—the birthplace of the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement.
Knox Farm is a microcosm of our entire region with its unique habitat variety including grasslands, hayfields, pastures, woodlands, ponds and wetlands, making it a common attraction for the avid hiker, explorer and nature enthusiast.”
3) SummerStage
When: June – October 2025
Where: Various locations across NYC
https://cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/
“SummerStage is New York’s largest free outdoor performing arts festival. SummerStage annually presents approximately 100 performances in 15-18 parks throughout the five boroughs. With performances ranging from American pop, Latin, world music, dance and theater, SummerStage fills a vital niche in New York City’s summer arts festival landscape.
Since its inception 34 years ago, more than six million people from New York City and around the world have enjoyed SummerStage. It was our pleasure to have welcomed you for the 2023 season of Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage. We were thrilled to bring you nearly 80 free and benefit performances in 13 parks across all five boroughs.
For our 37th season, we went big, bringing you salsa, jazz, indie-rock, country, bhangra, afrobeats, opera, and so much more. We also celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop the way only SummerStage can; with artists from our very own city where the style was created, and from around the world where NYC’s influence on the genre still reigns supreme.”
4) Blue Note Jazz Festival
When: Summer 2025
Where: Various venues across NYC
http://bluenotejazzfestival.com/
A hallmark of summer in New York City and Napa Valley — iconic venues and world-renowned artists integral to Blue Note and the history of jazz.
The Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York City is the city’s premier jazz celebration and focuses on bringing the big-name artist to intimate crowds and up-and-coming acts to the masses.
The month-long event takes over 15 venues across the city and boasts 150 globe-trotting, world-class performers.
5) BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
Credit: Julia Drummond
When: June-August 2025
Where: Prospect Park, Brooklyn
https://bricartsmedia.org/celebrate-brooklyn/
New York City’s longest-running, free, outdoor performing arts festival, every year at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park.
“Launched in 1979 as a catalyst for a Brooklyn performing arts scene and to bring people back into Prospect Park after years of neglect, the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival was an early anchor in the park’s revitalization and has become one of the city’s foremost summer cultural attractions. All BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival performances are free! The festival attracts upwards of 250,000 attendees from across New York City to the Prospect Park Bandshell each summer.”
“There’s only one free summer-long outdoor concert and performance series in New York City that has been presenting talent from around the world and around the block for nearly 40 years: the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival.”
6) New York International Salsa Congress
Credit: New York International Salsa Congress
When: August 28 – September 1, 2025
Where: New York Marriott Marquis, New Y0rk City
http://newyorksalsacongress.com/
“For over 20 years now, excitement fills the air every Labor Day Weekend as the New York International Salsa Congress returns for another unforgettable experience.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Salsa as you witness breathtaking performances, participate in workshops, and dance the night away with fellow salsa lovers. This event is not to be missed, so join us as we celebrate Salsa’s rich history and passion in the heart of New York City.”
7) TimeWarp USA
When: November 2025
Where: The New York Expo Center, The Bronx
“After our 25YRS celebration in Mannheim, we’re expanding the festivities by returning to New York City for another edition of Time Warp US! Four years after our last US edition we are finally back in the city that never sleeps. Join us in November for a celebration of all things Time Warp with a full weekend show.
For this very special occasion we will be bringing some of our dearest Time Warp family members with us, along with some fresh and exciting new faces. Get ready to lose yourself in sound and visuals for two unforgettable nights. Don’t miss out on this unique experience where music, dance and technology collide for a celebration right out of the heart of the underground of electronic music.”
8) Rocks Off Concert Cruises
Image: NYC Taper
When: July – September 2025
Where: Various locations, New York
https://www.facebook.com/rocksoffnyc/
“Come aboard one of our amazing vessels for a 3 hour concert cruise experience with world class live music and breathtaking views of the most iconic harbor and skyline in the world. Good times, great music, amazing people in a setting you just won’t get from any other venues, EVER. Treat yourself to a Rocks Off Concert Cruise this summer, New York City. You deserve it!!”
9) Rochester International Jazz Festival
When: June 20-28, 2025
Where: Rochester, New York
https://www.rochesterjazz.com/
“The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival is one of the world’s leading jazz festivals presenting legendary performers, familiar favorites, rising stars, and new discoveries from around the world.
The multi-dimensional nine-day festival is held annually in Rochester, NY, and presents more than 1750 artists from around the world in 320+ shows at 21 venues. Founded in 2002, attendance has grown from 15,000 in 2002 to 208,000 in 2019. The economic impact delivered to the region now exceeds $180 million. With 325 different shows (including 130 FREE shows), 1750 artists, 20 diverse venues, workshops, and nightly jam sessions – this is an event that Jazz fans will absolutely love!”
10) Great South Bay Music Festival
Credit: Great South Bay Music Festival
When: July 24-27, 2025
Where: Shorefront Park, Patchogue, NewYork
https://www.greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com/
“Celebrating its 14th Anniversary, The Great South Bay Music Festival is Long Island’s longest running, and largest four day music, art & cultural event. Situated on the magnificent Great South Bay, it features over 55 performers on 4 stages, presenting legends, as well as local emerging artists in classic rock, jazz, jam-band, country, folk, zydeco, hip hop and funk.
For handmade arts & craft lovers, and shoppers, Great South Bay’s Artisan Market features a diverse collection of interesting hand made and imported creations. Well known as a family event, The Great South Bay Music Festival is committed to excellence in educational fun for all! Kids will love our KIDZONE – featuring quality, educational fun, children’s entertainment all day, Saturday & Sunday. A diverse food court, multiple beer and wine gardens, and local art organization installations round out the fest.”
11) The Great Blue Heron Music Festival
Credit: Blue Heron Music Festival
When: July 4-6, 2025
Where: Sherman, New York
3 days of music & dance. Be here to camp, celebrate, and be happy.
“Mark your calendars — the dates for the Great Blue Heron Music Festival have been announced for 2025! We will be gathering July 4-6 for another magical celebration of music and community. We look forward to seeing you there next year!
Year-after-year, the Heron continues to delight audiences with an eclectic mix of musical genres. Our foundation began with Americana and old time mountain music, yet through the years, our lineups have expanded to also include funk, jam, soul, roots-rock, reggae, Celtic, afrobeat, zydeco and everything in between!”
12) Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival
Credit: Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival
When: July 16-20, 2025
Where: Walsh Farm, Oak Hill, New York
“Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival is an annual music festival held in mid-July in Oak Hill, Greene County, New York. The festival features a variety of acoustic music including traditional and contemporary bluegrass, jam bands, old-time, swing and Cajun. B
ringing the best bluegrass, newgrass, and roots music to you — plus workshops, dancing, jamming, camping, family fun, and more! ”
13) Lake George Music Festival
When: June 8-19, 2025
Where: Lake George, New York
www.lakegeorgemusicfestival.com
The Lake George Music Festival is a high-level artist retreat for musicians, conductors and composers, set over two weeks in picturesque Lake George, New York. Each June, the festival offers a dynamic and immersive experience for performers and patrons alike through a series of daily concerts, open rehearsals, special presentations, and more.
All participants attend as a way to advance intellectually, artistically, and professionally while working closely together in a tight-knit community and nurturing atmosphere. It’ reinventing the meaning of the phrase cultural destination, and transforming the region into an exciting destination for experiencing the twenty-first century blossoming of classical and new music.
14) Ithaca Reggae Fest
Credit: Ithaca Reggae Fest
When: June 20-22, 2025
Where: Ithaca, New York
https://www.ithacareggaefest.com
“A dedication to the protection of Cayuga Lake through a vibrant celebration of Ithaca’s legendary reggae community and its history. For the last 30 years, Ithaca and surrounding Upstate NY communities have been nationally recognized as an epicenter of Reggae music due largely to the vision of Reggae enthusiast, John Peterson, owner of the “Green St Haunt”, and the nationwide success of local powerhouse John Brown’s Body.”
15) Mountain Jam
Credit: Mountain Jam Festival
When: June 20-22, 2025
Where: Belleayre Mountain, NY
https://mountainjamfestival.com/
Mountain Jam is a renowned music festival held annually in New York, typically at Hunter Mountain in the Catskills. It was founded in 2005 and is known for its eclectic lineup, featuring a mix of rock, jam bands, folk, and alternative music.
The festival offers multiple days of performances, camping, and scenic mountain views, creating a vibrant atmosphere for music lovers.
New York Music Festivals Possibly Returning in 2025
With everything going on in the world in recent years, lots of New York festivals have gone silent, and haven’t made any posts or announcements about future events. But I still wanted to give them some recognition as they could make a return once the world returns back to some type of normalcy with large event permits. Be sure to check out these websites or give them a follow on social media if they sound interesting to you!
Afropunk Festival
Where: Brooklyn, New York
AFROPUNK is an influential community of young, gifted people of all backgrounds who speak through music, art, film, comedy, fashion and more. AFROPUNK is a voice for the unwritten, unwelcome and unheard.
Afro: as in, born of African spirit and heritage; see also black (not always), see also rhythm and color, see also other, see also underdog.
Punk: as in, rebel, opposing the simple route, imbued with a DIY ethic, looking forward with simplicity, rawness and open curiosity; see also other, see also underdog.
AFROPUNK is defining culture by the collective creative actions of the individual and the group. It is a safe place, a blank space to freak out in, to construct a new reality, to live your life as you see fit, while making sense of the world around you.
Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival
When: July
Where: Brooklyn, New York
https://www.facebook.com/pg/bkhiphopfest/about/
The Greatest Day Ever Music Festival
When: July
Where: The New York Expo Center
http://www.thegreatestdayever.com/
“THE GREATEST DAY EVER! FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY ADIDAS ORIGINALS IS BACK THIS SUMMER FOR THE SIXTH YEAR WITH INCREDIBLE MUSIC ARTISTS, CARNIVAL RIDES AND SO MUCH MORE! WHERE CARNIVAL MEETS CROSS-GENRE MUSIC FESTIVAL, THE GREATEST DAY EVER! PROVIDES SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE THE ONLY DRESS CODE IS TO WEAR A SMILE AND HAVE THE GREATEST DAY POSSIBLE.”
What is the biggest music festival in New York?
In terms of the sheer size and crowds is attracts, the EDM music festival extravaganza Electric Zoo is easily the biggest music festival in New York! Electric Zoo has built a name for itself across the world, with many overseas editions, and the annual New York event, held over Labor Day Weekend, attracts upwards of 100,000 electronic music fans to the Big Apple’s Randall’s Island.
What is the best rap and hip hop festival in New York?
Some iconic rap and hip hop has come from the streets of New York, and as a result, the city has no shortage of awesome music festivals that feature both leading and upcoming rap and hip hop artists. There’s the Governor’s Ball Music Festival in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Afropunk in Brooklyn and the eponymous Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, for starters. All of these events promise an epic time in the city that never sleeps!
What is a good music festival in upstate New York?
Heading out of the city and searching for a great New York music festival? You’re in luck, as the rest of New York State is brimming with awesome events. I recommend the two-day Borderland Festival near Buffalo, camping festival Taste of Country and Trailblazer Music Festival, both held in Hunter Mountain, and Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, set against the stunning backdrop of Greene County. The New York music festival scene is packed, especially in the summer months.
Am I Missing Any Epic Music Festivals in New York 2024…?
There are so many incredible events, concerts, and events happening all around the great state of New York, and it’s hard to include all of them on my list! But if you think there are any specific events that I need to add, please do let me know! This was a fun article to put together, and I can’t wait to personally check out a few of these events this summer, as I’m planning on spending a good amount of time in the city!
Looking for more festivals in the U.S.A?
I’ve got tons more articles for all my fellow festival addicts. Take a read through some of these, and start planning your next domestic festival trip!
- 37 California Music Festivals That’ll Keep You Dancing All Year Long
- Top 20 San Diego Music Festivals | The Ultimate SD Festival Bucket List
- The Best 25 Music Festivals in Texas To Experience Before You Die
- The Top 25 Music Festivals in ARIZONA To Experience Before You Die
- The Best 25 Music Festivals in FLORIDA To Experience Before You Die
- 37 California Music Festivals That’ll Keep You Dancing All Year Long
- The 13 Best Music Festivals in New York to Experience Before You Die
- The Top 10 Music Festivals in Colorado To Experience Before You Die
- Top 21 Music Festivals in LAS VEGAS To Experience Before You Die
- 15 Epic Music Festivals in MICHIGAN To Experience Before You Die
- 20 Vancouver Music Festivals To Add To Your BUcket List
And are you camping at a music festival soon…?
Be sure to read my Ultimate Music Festival Camping Packing List to make sure you’re well prepared for the weekend, as well as this 44 Festival Accessories, Gear, and Must-Haves | Festival Packing List to look your best!!
New York is probably one of the dreamiest cities out there! I’ve been here twice and each visit couldn’t get any more fun. This festival list is definitely something a new tourist should try. Thanks a lot for sharing!
You forgot Rolling Loud. ?
#5 is NOT a festival!
A Burn is a COMPLETELY different animal. To lump a Burn in with a festival is both bad PR and assumptive journalism.
POrtalBurn is NOT a music festival.. it’s an officially sanctioned regional burning man event! Super honored to see it on the list, but it’s nothing like a music festival… guaranteed to change your life though!