The annual Summer at the Plaza returns to Albany’s Empire State Plaza with a packed calendar and there’s something for everyone. The long-standing summer staple will host free public concerts, movie screenings, festivals, food vendors, fireworks, and more throughout the season.
Among the lineup is the Capital Concert Series, which will run across four Wednesday nights at Empire State Plaza. Starting June 24, the series will bring classic rock, reggae, soul-pop, and hip-hop to the Plaza, with performances from KANSAS, Ding Dong, Lawrence, and legendary hip-hop artist Ghostface Killah.
Additional music will be featured during the season’s festivals. A two-day Black Arts & Cultural Festival will include the uplifting sounds of Gospel Night with Melvin Crispell, III, before closing the next day with a concert finale featuring R&B singer Lloyd.
Jam band Leftover Salmon will join the New York State Hops and Harvest Festival, alongside local beer and friendly competition through giant Jenga, cornhole, and a pie-eating contest. Meanwhile, the Hispanic Heritage Celebration will bring high-energy Latin music by merengue artist Miriam Cruz, dance performances, and traditional Hispanic cuisine.
Also on deck are seasonal activities, including the Fourth of July Celebration headlined by Sugar Ray. Soccer fans can also catch the World Cup Watch Party on June 20.
There’s something in store for movie lovers as well. The Capitol Park After Dark series will screen family-friendly movies under the stars such as “Notorious,” “The Goonies” and “Arsenic and Old Lace.” With that in mind, don’t forget to bring chairs and blankets.
SUMMER AT THE PLAZA 2026
June 10 — Pride at the Plaza featuring Willam and Detox, DJ Phoenix and more
June 20 — World Cup Watch Party Experience
June 24 — Capital Concert Series featuring KANSAS with Muscle Shoals
July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration featuring Sugar Ray
July 8 — Capital Concert Series featuring Ding Dong with Anthem Band
July 15 — Capital Concert Series featuring Lawrence with Side B
July 22 — Capital Concert Series featuring Ghostface Killah with 518 DJ Battle
July 31 — Black Arts & Cultural Festival Gospel Night featuring Melvin Crispell, III, and more
Aug.1 — Black Arts & Cultural Festival Concert Finale featuring Lloyd and more
Aug. 12 — New York State Food Festival featuring Starship featuring Mickey Thomas and more
Sept. 10 — New York State Hops & Harvest Festival featuring Leftover Salmon and more
Sept. 19 — Hispanic Heritage Celebration featuring Miriam Cruz and more
See the full calendar, including Lunchtime at the Plaza sets, parking information, and directions, on the Summer at the Plaza website.
Comments are closed.