Epic Summer Road Trip Adventure: Upstate New York
Ulster County: Your Ultimate Summer Music Getaway
From mountaintop anthems to riverside jams, Ulster County is the Catskills’ premier destination for live summer music. Whether you’re a local or road-tripping from the city, the season’s soundtrack plays out across unforgettable venues.
Mountain Jam (June 20–22) takes over Belleayre Mountain with headliners like Khruangbin, Goose, and Mt. Joy. Ride the gondola, sip local brews, and camp under the stars.
In Woodstock, the legendary Midnight Ramble at Levon Helm Studios delivers intimate, living-room-style concerts steeped in rock history.
Head to Opus 40 in Saugerties for surreal summer shows among towering bluestone sculptures—where sound, art, and nature meet.
Prefer strings to amps? Maverick Concerts, America’s longest-running summer chamber series, offers world-class classical and jazz in a hand-built forest hall.
Don’t miss Free Music Fridays at Belleayre and Twilight Music in the Parks along the Walkway Over the Hudson for laid-back, scenic nights.
Round out your weekend with hikes, cafés, and charming small towns.
Ulster County is more than a getaway—it’s a stage.
So pack your blanket, rally your crew, and let the music lead the way.
Embark on Summertime Adventure in Oswego County
While Oswego County offers year-round fun, summer is an especially lively time to visit. Whether you’re looking to spend time outdoors or discover exciting events and attractions, Oswego County has something for you this summer.
Oswego County is a hotspot for fun events! Enjoy a unique experience when Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park comes to Oswego! Two performances will be held this summer, with “Othello” on June 17 and “Twelfth Night” on Aug. 12. Performances are held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Veteran’s Stage in Oswego.
During the week of Independence Day, Oswego County celebrates with a variety of festive, family-friendly events! Head to Sandy Creek for the Oswego County Fair July 2-6 and enjoy carnival rides, fair food, live music, a parade, fireworks, tractor pulls, and more. The celebration continues July 6 with the City of Oswego’s Independence Day Parade and block party. The event includes live music and entertainment, tables from local businesses, food, and a firework display.
One of Oswego’s biggest events happens each July. Join us for Harborfest from July 23-27, where you can experience a world-famous Grucci firework display on the harbor, live music, activities for all ages, carnival rides, a wide variety of food vendors, and more.
Music fans won’t want to miss Fulton Jazz Fest! From Aug. 6-9, enjoy performances from the best in local talent and world-renowned artists. The weekend is full of great music, food, and fun!
Outside of events, there are also many attractions to enjoy in Oswego County. Head to one of our many parks for a picnic or enjoy a day at the beach. Visit the West Pierhead Lighthouse on a boat tour hosted by the H. Lee White Maritime Museum. Unwind from all the excitement with a relaxing day at the Aqua Spa Float Center and Wellness Boutique in Oswego.
Visiting on a rainy day? Take the kids to the Children’s Museum of Oswego or participate in an art class at the Salmon River Fine Arts Center. Oswego County also has an abundance of history museums to explore. Be sure to grab a delicious meal at one of the many superb restaurants or do some souvenir shopping at one of our charming stores.
For a full list of events and attractions in Oswego County or for more information, visit the Oswego County Tourism website at https://visitoswegocounty.com.
Celebrating Canal Fever in the Catskills of Sullivan County
In the early 1800s, the construction of New York’s Erie Canal ultimately led to lower transportation costs for people and goods. “Suddenly, the nation was gripped with ‘Canal Fever’—as a wave of canal building initiatives sprang up across the country.
In the Catskills, the D&H Canal waterway, constructed between 1825-1829, transported coal from mines in northeastern Pennsylvania to markets on the Hudson River. Two hundred years later, as the Erie Canal celebrates its bicentennial, so too will the D&H, which played a pivotal role in the region's economic and industrial development.
On Sunday, July 12, the Village of Wurtsboro will host a bicentennial celebration for the Delaware and Hudson (D&H) Canal, marking the 200th anniversary of this historic waterway that transformed trade and transportation in the region. The event will feature historical exhibits, live entertainment, a variety of family-friendly activities, and a parade that will conclude at the reenactment site where a portion of Philip Hone’s groundbreaking speech will be read.
The celebration is open to the public and will include participation from local officials, historians, community organizations, and businesses. This milestone event honors its legacy and the lasting impact it has had on the charming small Sullivan Catskills village of Wurtsboro and beyond.
To plan a trip, visit SullivanCatskills.com.