New York State embraces the start of the summer season with an exhilarating blend of cultural, historic, sporting, and foodie events. Join in Pride celebrations statewide, commemorate Juneteenth at one of the nation’s largest festivals in Buffalo, get set to race for the finish line in the Adirondacks, travel back to the Renaissance in the Capital-Saratoga region, celebrate New York State food and wine in the Thousand Islands, plus so much more this eventful June! PHOTO CREDIT: @ADKWINEFESTLG ON INSTAGRAM​. 

Celebrate Pride Month (Multiple Regions)

Various Dates

In New York, LGBTQ Pride Month is a statewide celebration too big to be contained to one city or even one month. New York City is clearly the mother of all Prides, with its unparalleled Pride March, PrideFest and other events all throughout June. Each of the five boroughs celebrate in their own inimitable style, as do communities across the state, from Long Island to Buffalo. At Pride celebrations, you’ll enjoy parades, musical performances, outdoor street festivals, delicious food and more! Upcoming celebrations include Buffalo Pride Week, Brooklyn Pride, Long Island Pride, Capital Pride, Catskills Pride, and many more including Rochester Pride in July. Check out our calendar to find a Pride event near you! Various dates and locations.

Commemorate Juneteenth (Multiple Regions)

Various Dates

In June, communities across New York State are celebrating Juneteenth, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States. The Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo (June 15-16) is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the world. In the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, enjoy the Jamestown Juneteenth Festival at Jackson Taylor Park (June 14-16). Saratoga Springs hosts a Juneteenth Celebration on June 19 with music, poetry, interpretative dance, historic performances, and more. The Juneteenth Celebration at Historic Richmond Town in Staten Island on June 16 features a day of special programs, including demonstrations of hearth cooking, discussions of social history, and historical reenactment. Also, from June 13-19 in New York City, more than 20,000 people are expected to attend the Juneteenth New York Festival, taking place in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. It’s a vibrant day of rich culture, filled with music, dance, poetry, skits, history, vendors, and family activities.

May 31 – June 2

CREDIT: @SPRUNGPHOTOGRAPHY ON INSTAGRAM

Fairport Canal Days celebrates creativity and camaraderie, and invites everyone to immerse themselves in art, music, and community against the scenic backdrop of the historic Erie Canal in the picturesque Village of Fairport. The festivities kick off with a mouthwatering Chicken BBQ followed by a music-filled weekend with over 60 artists performing across five stages. With over 200 artisans, 50 food vendors, and a fun kid zone for the little ones, there’s something for everyone! Fairport; free admission.

May 31 – June 2

Get set to immerse yourself in a treasure trove of antiques, vintage collectibles, and more as over 2,000 dealers and vendors take over 12 showfields along Route 20 in Madison and Bouckville for this exciting shopping experience. Bring your furry friends (on leashes, of course) and revel in the nostalgia. Happy antiquing! Various locations in Madison County along Rt. 20 between Madison and Bouckville; free admission.

June 1

For a great day of fun family activities, head out to Clayton and the Antique Boat Museum for their annual Family Free Day, now in its 25th year! Ride an antique boat ($5 per person), row a skiff, tour the museum’s galleries and preview new exhibits, enjoy lunch from local food trucks, and groove to live music. There are also crafts and games for kids, tours of La Duchesse, the historic houseboat originally owned by George Boldt, fishing with a local guide, and much more! Clayton; free admission.

Spring Races in Wilmington (Adirondacks)

June 1, 2, and 15

Get ready for thrilling adventures in the heart of the Adirondacks with exhilarating races in Wilmington for all ages and abilities! With breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain, these races will push you to your limits and leave you with unforgettable memories. If you like a challenge, the Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race on June 1 is the course for you, as you’ll pedal eight miles over an 8 percent grade up Whiteface Mountain’s scenic Veterans’ Memorial Highway. Prefer running? Race your way to the top at the Whiteface Mountain Uphill Foot Race to experience some of Adirondacks greatest views and take home bragging rights! On June 2, the Wilmington Whiteface 100K and 50K Mountain Bike Race returns, featuring a mix of rugged backcountry roads, stretches of flowing and smooth singletrack, and plenty of climbing. And, if a casual 5K and 10K fundraiser followed by some great whiskey is more your speed, head to town for the Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run and accompanying Whiskey Run Festival on June 15! Wilmington; please visit individual event websites for prices and registration information.

June 3 – 12

Experience one of the most popular sports in the world as the ICC T20 Cricket Men’s World Cup qualifiers come to Long Island’s Eisenhower Park. Catch all the action as 16 teams face off in eight matches, including one of the most highly-anticipated games of the tournament — India vs. Pakistan — at the newly-constructed, temporary 34,000-seat International Cricket Stadium. East Meadow; prices vary.

June 5-16

Photo by Ruby Tull

Watch groundbreaking storytelling and star-studded premieres unfold right before your eyes in New York City at one of the world’s most popular film festivals! Catch the world premiere of “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge,” along with a diverse array of feature films including “Daddio” starring Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn and “Brats” featuring Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Rob Lowe, Molly Ringwald, and Lea Thompson. Also enjoy a series of talks with Laverne Cox, Judd Apatow, Kieran Culkin, and more. Plus, Robert De Niro fans can celebrate 80 years of the New York film legend at Tribeca’s De Niro Con (June 14-16). Manhattan; $28 for evening and weekend screenings, $15 for weekday matinee and late-night screenings, and $40 for Tribeca Talks events.

June 6-9

Credit: @gideonputnam on Instagram

Get ready for a breathtaking finish as the world of horse racing turns its attention to the Capital-Saratoga region, where the Saratoga Race Course will play host to the Belmont Stakes for the first time in the prestigious event’s 156-year history. The four-day festival will include 23 stakes races with purses totaling $10.1 million. The main event, the final leg of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, will be held June 8. There will be plenty of fun to be found at the track and in town, including a Belmont Breakfast at Country Corner Cafe and an artists’ festival at the National Museum Of Racing And Hall Of Fame. Saratoga Springs; prices vary.

June 7-8

Credit: @syracusehalalgyro on Instagram

Kick off summer in Syracuse at this iconic festival, featuring more than 75 restaurants and vendors offering $2 samples, along with three stages of live entertainment headlined this year by ZBTB (Zac Brown Tribute Band) and Hanson. Work up an appetite Saturday at Paige’s Butterfly Run, with proceeds benefitting the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Syracuse; free admission; $2 food samples. $40 registration fee for all Paige’s Butterfly Run events except the Caterpillar Crawl, a 40 ft. fun run/walk for kids ages 0-5 years, which is free.

June 7-9

Bring your appetite to the Thousand Islands for a three-day celebration of all things New York food and drink. Featuring quality “Made in New York” products, this fun family-friendly festival boasts more than 70 exhibitors, including dozens of wineries from Long Island to Buffalo and the Finger Lakes, along with live music daily. Also enjoy candy, cheese, meat, nuts, dips and sauces, herbs and spices, maple products, cookies, fudge, desserts, soda, coffee, jerky, popcorn, wine flour, distilled spirits and, of course, New York State wines! Clayton; $20 adults 21+, $5 ages 13-20, 12 and under free.

June 8-9

Visitors from far and wide will be coming to Glens Falls City Park for the annual Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC) Arts Festival. With over 100 artists offering a variety of handmade items such as jewelry, fine art, textiles, and home and garden decor, it’s the perfect opportunity to find a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or graduation gift for the special people in your life. Local and specialty foods will also be available on-site, along with live music, children’s activities, and arts demonstrations. Glens Falls; free admission.

June 8-9

It’s “joust” about time to get ready for a weekend of kings, queens, minstrels, and knights as Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont is transformed into a Renaissance village for the 10th Annual New York Capital District Renaissance Festival! Cheer on your favorite knight at a joust, catch a sword fight, join a princess tea party, and enter costume contests. With 60+ vendors on hand, you’ll meet all your medieval needs from toys and pottery to leather and blacksmith goods, jewelry, clothing, and more. There will also be food trucks (giant turkey leg, anyone?), activities for children all day, plus a 21+ pub crawl (additional fees apply). Altamont; single-day admission is $20 for adults and $5 for children 12 years old and younger, $35 two-day admission, children 2 and younger are free.

June 8-9

For a unique shopping experience, head to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds for the Rhinebeck Crafts Festival! With over 200 makers, you’ll find handmade and uncommon treasures that can’t be found anywhere else. Discover original fashions, accessories, jewelry, home décor, furniture, photography, and fine art, and immerse yourself in functional and sculptural works crafted from ceramics, glass, metal, wood, and mixed media. And that’s not all –  indulge in gourmet specialties, enjoy local distillery samples, witness craft demonstrations, and enjoy family-friendly activities. Rhinebeck; $10 general admission, $9 seniors 62+, $4 children 6-16; under 6 free admission.

June 8-9

Credit: @tantalophotography on Instagram

Bask in a delightful blend of natural beauty, history, and elegance during Rose Weekend at Lyndhurst Mansion. Witness roses in bloom, attend lectures, and enjoy a tradition that harks back to British high society in the early 19th century as you step into the Blue Cottage’s elegantly-appointed parlor for the Rose Afternoon Tea Experience. Your grounds pass also includes access to the bowling alley and unrestored pool building, as well as Lyndhurst’s new exhibition, Unlocking Lyndhurst. Tarrytown; $30 per car, plus $1.75 fee.

June 8-9

Join in a celebration of art in Buffalo’s hip and historic Allentown neighborhood. A fixture on the Queen City’s cultural calendar for more than 60 years, the Allentown Art Festival welcomes visitors to peruse the crafts of more than 400 juried artisans. Enjoy the warm weather as you roam through rows of unique goods and gifts, watching buskers perform music, magic, clowning, dancing, singing, juggling, and miming. Swing by the concession stands for foods like crispy fries and tacos, and if you’re curious, see which talented artist won this year’s poster design contest. Buffalo; Free admission.

June 9

Hosted in a historic Olympic Village and surrounded by the beautiful Adirondacks, the 19th Annual Lake Placid Marathon and Half takes runners on a course combined of flat ground and rolling hills with views of the mountains, a trout stream, and beautiful Mirror Lake. Each year, the marathons attract athletes and spectators from all over North America and abroad, with runners from more than 40 states as well as Canada, Bermuda, New Zealand, Panama, and Europe. Of course, with that kind of reach, registration typically fills up quickly, so secure your place now! Lake Placid; registration prices vary; free to spectate.

Music Festivals in the Finger Lakes (Finger Lakes)

Various Dates

Credit: @momma_phranque on Instagram

The Finger Lakes will be alive with the sound of music this June. The 2024 New York State Blues Festival, one of the largest free blues events in the Northeast, comes to Syracuse featuring Little Feat, The Record Company, Shemekia Copeland, and many other great artists and acts (June 13-15). Syracuse International Jazz Fest, now in its 38th year, features a powerhouse lineup of The O’Jays, Kenny G, The Mavericks, Gino Vannelli, and other world-renowned artists performing in venues all across Downtown Syracuse (June 26-30). From June 21-29, the 21stt edition of the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival presents nine days of 300 shows featuring more than 1,750 artists at 20 venues. Syracuse and Rochester; free admission for 2024 New York State Blues Festival and Syracuse Jazz Fest; CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival features both free and tickets events.

June 15

Calling all adults! The Father’s Day Flop contest is returning to Splish Splash Water Park! Adults 21 years and older can participate in this fun in the sun event. Prizes will be awarded to the top three contestants who most impress the panel of three judges with their most frightful flops, with the first place contestant receiving one Bronze Season Pass!  Participants must pre-register to participate in the event; the registration cost is included with your admission to the park for the day. Calverton; rain date June 16.

June 15

Country music fans rejoice! Get ready for an exciting live concert event on the water headlined by 2022 Country Music Awards nominee Jackson Dean and Alana Springsteen, named “Country Rookie of the Month” by Billboard Magazine last January. It’s all taking place at Historic Catskill Point, which features one-of-a-kind views of the Catskill Mountains and two scenic waterways, Catskill Creek and the Hudson River. Catskill; prices start at $37.

June 15

Photo courtesy of Long Island Aquarium

There’s something tasty happening on Long Island’s East End in June as the Long Island Aquarium becomes the setting for a flavor-filled night featuring local restaurants and food vendors pairing their signature dishes with local craft beer, wine and cider. Plus, live music will be provided throughout the aquarium property. Riverhead; $91.78 per person (+tax), includes all food and craft beverage tastings. Reservations are required. Visit the website or call 631.208.9200 ext. 426. Guests at this event must be 21 and older.

June 15-16

New York State’s amazing history spans centuries and hundreds of beautiful miles, offering a wealth of memorable travel experiences. Discover the state’s fascinating past during Path Through History Weekend, when hundreds of museums, historic sites, parks, and community groups across the state will be holding in-person and virtual tours, events, reenactments, and community celebrations. Experience life in the past at living history museums. Explore forts and military landmarks, and visit the homes of presidents, great writers and artists, and activists who fought for women’s suffrage and the abolition of slavery, and learn how events of the past reverberate today. Among the highlights are a home and garden tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff, ghost hunting at the 1843 Rogers Mansion on Long Island, and an opportunity to create your own Olympic torch in Lake Placid! Various locations and entry fees.

June 15-16

Get ready to “Spring into Summer!” That’s the theme of this year’s Lewiston GardenFest, taking place along Center Street in Lewiston. Every June, the village becomes a hub for gardeners, where you can explore beautiful open gardens free to the public; shop vendors selling unique garden items and plants that you won’t find anywhere else; and enjoy a garden walk, get tips from master gardeners, participate in a creative container garden contest, and much more! Lewiston; free admission.

June 15-16

Get ready for a delightful event that features a fusion of two beloved indulgences: juicy strawberries and exquisite New York wines! This is the third year for this popular event taking place at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. As you wander through the festival, your senses will be tantalized by the sweet aroma of freshly picked strawberries and the rich bouquet of local wines. Savor strawberry-infused treats, sip on fine wines, and explore the many vendor stalls. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply a lover of all things fruity, this festival invites you to raise your glass and celebrate the flavors of the season with a memorable day of strawberries, wine, and community spirit! Troy; $20 wine tasting ticket, $10 designated driver; $30 all sessions (both dates) wine tasting ticket, $15 designated driver.

June 18

CREDIT: @ARTMUSENY ON INSTAGRAM

Get ready for a mile-long celebration of art and culture at the 46th edition of New York City’s Museum Mile Festival! Billed as New York’s biggest block party, the festival features free admission to some of the world’s finest art collections during extended evening hours. The stretch of Fifth Avenue known as Museum Mile is home to eight participating institutions—The Africa Center, El Museo del Barrio, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, the Jewish Museum, Neue Galerie, and the Museum of the City of New York. Don’t worry about bringing the kids – many of the participating museums have art related activities for them, and you’ll be entertained by bands and street performers up and down the mile-long stretch. The festival kicks off at 6 pm, rain or shine! New York City, Fifth Avenue from 82nd Street to 105th Street; free admission.

June 21-23

Motorcycle enthusiasts are gathering in Alexandria Bay for a weekend filled with good food, great company, and exhilarating scenic riding! This year’s rally features tattoo contests, the Ma and Pa Custom Bike Show, live music throughout the weekend, the Miss T.I. River Run Contest, the Wind Down Poker Run, the Loud Pipes Contest (to see who’s got the loudest motorcycle), and vendors galore! Alexandria Bay; voluntary $20 registration package includes an official t-shirt, a pin, patch, and a bandanna with this year’s logo, all benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network.

June 22 – August 25

Located on beautiful Chautauqua Lake near Jamestown, the Chautauqua Institution is a truly unique cultural center, renowned for its nine-week summer celebration of the arts, education, and recreation. This year, celebrate the Institution’s 150th anniversary and enlighten yourself with a morning lecture series, featuring important societal topics ranging from the evolution of the modern presidency to learning from our mistakes, and the future of humankind. Scheduled entertainment includes the Beach Boys, Wilco, Smokey Robinson, The Paul Taylor Dance Company, Martina Mcbride, Leyla Mccalla, and the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. The Institution also features sporting activities and on-grounds accommodations. Chautauqua; various events and prices; click here for ticketing information.

June 29-30

Credit: @adkwinefestlg on Instagram

Showcasing more than 120 of the region’s best wineries, breweries, distilleries, artisan food vendors, crafts, and food trucks, this festival delights food lovers with the beauty of Lake George as its backdrop. In addition to wine, liquor, and beer tastings, this try-before-you-buy, farmers market-style event lets you sample chocolate, cheese, maple products, ice cream, hot sauce, slushies, jerky, olive oil, mustard, rubs, fudge, cookies, crackers, and more. This family-friendly event offers a kids activity tent, state-of-the-art natural playground, and a skateboard park just outside the Festival Commons on the grounds of Charles R. Wood Park. Lake George; $50 general admission; $99 VIP admission; $20 designated driver admission. There is a $4.26 fee for each admission purchased online.

June 29-30

The 47th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival is back, promising an exhilarating two-day, two-stage experience at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. This year’s lineup boasts 22 electrifying artists from jazz to funk, blues, indie and pop, including Lake Street Dive, Norah Jones, Laufey, Samara Joy, and more. Plus, enjoy craft beer, tasty eats, a fine arts fair, family fun and more! Saratoga Springs; ticket prices start at $89.75.

June 28-30

Photo courtesy of The New York Faerie Festival

Get ready to escape from ordinary reality to the rolling hills and wooded hollows of rural Central New York for a three-day nature-loving and family-friendly festival featuring fairies, elves and fantastic creatures! You’ll be entranced as you walk the paths of the Wattlestone Garden and the Labyrinth, enjoying the play of jugglers, magicians and wandering minstrels, and the art of  puppeteers, actors and storytellers. With parades, processions and interactive performances throughout the day, opportunities abound to share in the festival’s pomp and pageantry. Ouaquaga; Day Pass – $20 adult, $10 child, $1 young child, $5 pet; Weekend Pass – $40 adult, $20 child, $1 young child, $10 pet; Camping Pass* – $195 adult, $60 child, $1 young child, $20 pet; save time at the gate by ordering in advance.

---

Share New York State adventures with us on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter with #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY, and tag us on Facebook!