Summer sounds: Western and Central New York's must-see summer concerts
Summer sounds: Western and Central New York's must-see summer concerts
Summer in Western and Central New York bursts to life not just with sunshine and lakeside breezes, but with the infectious energy of outdoor concerts. This year's lineup promises everything from hometown heroes to chart-topping headliners, with each venue offering its own unique backdrop to the soundtrack of your summer.
Grab your lawn chairs, pack your coolers, and mark your calendars—here's your essential guide to the shows that will have you dancing under the stars. And don't forget, AAA Members can save on concert and event tickets with AAA Tickets, including select events listed below.
Artpark (Lewiston)
Artpark blends world-class performances with the natural beauty of the Niagara River Gorge. Spanning 150 acres, this venue features a 10,000-capacity outdoor amphitheater and a 2,400-seat Mainstage Theater, both set against stunning scenic backdrops.
Highlighted Shows:
Gary Clark Jr. with Grace Bowers – Tuesday, June 24
Four-time Grammy winner Gary Clark Jr. brings his electrifying blend of blues, rock, and soul to Artpark, accompanied by rising guitar prodigy Grace Bowers.
Juanes – Thursday, July 10
International superstar Juanes brings his Grammy-winning Latin rock and pop hits to Artpark for a night of vibrant music and cultural celebration.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with JJ Grey & Mofro and Dumpstaphunk – Thursday, July 17
Experience a high-energy night of New Orleans-inspired funk and jazz as Trombone Shorty leads a dynamic lineup.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise with Medium Build – Tuesday, July 29
Known for their genre-blending sound and captivating performances, Rainbow Kitten Surprise offers an unforgettable indie rock experience under the stars.
See the full Artpark summer concert schedule and get tickets at Artpark.net.
Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (Canandaigua)
The Constellation Brands–Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua offers an exceptional outdoor concert experience with 5,000 covered seats and lawn space for up to 10,000 guests. CMAC combines state-of-the-art sound and lighting with picturesque surroundings, making it a beloved summer destination for music enthusiasts.
Highlighted Shows:
Kane Brown – Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23
Kane Brown, a multi-platinum artist known for hits like "Heaven" and "What Ifs," brings his genre-blending sound to CMAC, accompanied by Mitchell Tenpenny and Ashley Cooke.
James Taylor & His All-Star Band – Sunday, June 29
Legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor offers an evening of timeless classics, accompanied by his renowned All-Star Band.
Hozier – Sunday, July 13
Acclaimed for his hit "Take Me to Church," Hozier delivers a powerful blend of indie rock and soul, showcasing his emotive vocals and lyrical depth.
The Killers – Saturday, August 2
With anthems like "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me," The Killers promise a high-energy performance that spans their impressive discography.
Bonnie Raitt – Saturday, August 23
Grammy-winning artist Bonnie Raitt, known for her soulful voice and slide guitar skills, shares the stage with blues guitarist Jimmie Vaughan for a night of authentic blues and rock.
See the full CMAC summer line up and use your AAA discount on tickets! Click here to learn more.
Darien Lake Amphitheatre (Darien Center)
With a capacity of over 21,000 and a history of hosting world-class artists, Darien Lake Amphitheatre offers concertgoers an immersive musical experience complemented by the excitement of the adjacent amusement park.
Highlighted Shows:
Shania Twain – Saturday, July 19
If you're looking for a night of nonstop singalongs and feel-good nostalgia, Shania Twain delivers with a high-energy show packed with country-pop hits and undeniable star power.
Nelly with Ja Rule, Eve, and Special Guests – Friday, August 1
The "Where the Party At" Tour brings together Nelly, Ja Rule, Eve, and special guests for a hit-filled throwback to the golden era of early 2000s hip-hop.
Glass Animals – Saturday, August 2
Glass Animals delivers an electrifying live show with their dreamy, genre-blending sound, bringing hits like "Heat Waves" and "Gooey" to life with infectious energy and stunning visuals.
The Lumineers – Wednesday, September 3
With heartfelt folk-rock anthems and raw, emotive performances, The Lumineers offer an unforgettable experience full of sing-alongs and soulful moments.
Blink-182 – Thursday, September 11
Bursting with high-energy punk rock hits and iconic anthems, a Blink-182 concert is a wild ride that delivers nonstop fun and nostalgia for fans of all ages.
AAA Members enjoy discounted tickets to all the summer shows at Darien Lake. Click here for more info.
Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview (Syracuse)
Syracuse's premier outdoor concert venue, the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview offers views of Onondaga Lake alongside world-class musical performances.
Highlighted Shows:
Dave Matthews Band – Tuesday, May 27
With their signature blend of jam-band magic, soulful melodies, and electrifying performances, a Dave Matthews Band concert offers an unforgettable experience that keeps fans dancing and singing along.
Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits Tour – Wednesday, May 28
The Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits Tour delivers an electrifying mix of pop-punk anthems and timeless hits.
Luke Bryan – Thursday, June 5
Luke Bryan brings a lively celebration of country music, filled with his chart-topping hits, infectious energy, and a stage presence that keeps the crowd dancing from start to finish.
The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World, and New Found Glory – Tuesday, July 22
A night with The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World, and New Found Glory is a punk rock lover's dream, packed with high-energy performances and anthems that define the genre, ensuring an unforgettable experience for fans.
Outlaw Music Festival – Sunday, August 10
The Outlaw Music Festival offers a stellar lineup of country, rock, and Americana artists, providing a laid-back, all-day musical experience that brings together some of the best in the genre for an unforgettable summer vibe.
See the full Amphitheater at Lakeview lineup and get your discounted tickets from AAA Tickets.
Erie County Fair (Hamburg)
Affectionately dubbed the 'Best 12 Days of Summer' by Western New Yorkers, the Erie County Fair earns this beloved reputation in part through its live music lineup that draws crowds year after year.
Highlighted Shows:
Foreigner – Thursday, August 7
With timeless rock anthems and unforgettable classics, take a journey through some of the biggest hits of the '70s and '80s with Foreigner.
Shaggy – Saturday, August 9
Bringing his signature reggae fusion and infectious charisma, Shaggy is guaranteed to keep the crowd dancing all night long.
Tracy Lawrence with Sammy Kershaw & Collin Raye – Sunday, August 10
A country music lover's dream! This show will be packed with classic hits and powerful performances from three of the genre's most iconic voices.
See the full Erie County Fair concert lineup here. Tickets go on sale June 6.
The Great New York State Fair (Syracuse)
The Chevrolet Music Series at the Great New York State Fair features everything from chart-topping headliners to beloved regional acts. And best of all, the performances are included with Fair admission!
Highlighted Shows:
Cheap Trick – Friday, August 21
With their signature blend of catchy rock anthems and electrifying stage presence, Cheap Trick delivers a high-energy concert experience that’s sure to keep fans rocking out from start to finish.
Busta Rhymes – Sunday, August 24
Busta Rhymes brings an explosive mix of rapid-fire rhymes, unforgettable energy, and iconic hip-hop hits, making his concert an electrifying celebration of old-school and new-school rap.
Maddie & Tae – Thursday, August 28
Maddie & Tae light up the stage with their harmonies and clever lyrics, delivering a dynamic country performance full of heart, humor, and hit songs that fans can’t help but sing along to.
Blippi: Join the Band Tour – Sunday, August 31
Perfect for young fans, Blippi: Join the Band Tour offers an interactive, musical adventure filled with catchy songs and colorful fun that brings the beloved children's character to life on stage.
Check out the full Suburban Park and Chevy Court concert lineups and be ready when Fair tickets go on sale later this summer.
Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B (Buffalo)
In its second season, the new Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B offers a versatile space for diverse performances while featuring stunning views of the water.
Highlighted Shows:
Simple Plan – Sunday, June 1
Delivering an explosive mix of pop-punk energy and heartfelt anthems, Simple Plan creates an unforgettable experience filled with nostalgia and high-energy performances.
WALLOWS – Tuesday, June 3
Featuring actor Dylan Minnette as lead vocalist, WALLOWS delivers an indie-rock experience filled with infectious melodies and introspective lyrics.
Dropkick Murphys, Bad Religion, and The Mainliners – Wednesday, August 6
With a lineup that includes some of punk's most iconic bands, this concert promises an electrifying atmosphere and a setlist filled with anthems that have defined the genre.
Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge – Thursday, September 18
For an unforgettable night of raw emotion and powerful folk-rock anthems, don’t miss the chance to see Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge live this summer.
See the full lineup and buy tickets at OuterHarborLive.com.
Festivals
Western and Central New York's dynamic music festivals expertly blend nationally recognized touring acts with showcase opportunities for hometown talent, creating diverse lineups that appeal to every musical taste. These festivals offer more than just great music—they feature local food vendors, artisan markets, and the authentic community spirit that defines our region's summer celebrations.
Highlighted Shows:
New York State Blues Festival
June 12-14
Chevy Court, New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse
The annual New York State Blues Festival celebrates the far-reaching influence that the genre has had on modern music by bringing together a complementary line-up of diverse acts. And best of all, admission is free! Attendees can also enjoy onsite camping, as well as food, retail, and craft vendors.
Learn more at NYSBluesFest.com.
Rochester International Jazz Festival
June 20-28
Multiple Venues, Rochester
The Rochester International Jazz Festival (RIJF), is one of the world’s leading jazz festivals. Every June, the joy of music brings the world to Rochester to see legendary performers, familiar favorites, rising stars, and new discoveries. The nine-day festival presents more than 285 shows at 18 venues - both ticketed and free shows!
Learn more and get tickets at RochesterJazz.com.
Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance
July 17-20
Trumansburg Fairgrounds, Trumansburg
Founded by popular Americana band Donna the Buffalo, GrassRoots has been rocking Trumansburg for the past 33 years. The festival draws nearly 20,000 visitors annually and has been nominated as one of USA Today’s top 10 outdoor music festivals. In addition to more than 70 musical performances, GrassRoots also features an art gallery, children’s area, dance workshops, and more.
Learn more and get tickets at GrassRootsFest.org.
Borderland Music + Arts Festival
September 12-14
Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora
The Borderland Music + Arts Festival celebrates the rich history and renaissance of the region with a three-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. This year’s lineup features more than 25 acts including Vampire Weekend, Khruangbin, and Mt. Joy.
Learn more and get tickets at BorderlandFestival.com.
Secure premium seats to this summer's hottest concerts with AAA Tickets.