FREE FESTS: Empire State Plaza Fests from Fourth of July to NYS Food Fest

We’ve already announced the bands for the Empire State Plaza’s Wednesday night Capital Concert Series, but of course, that’s not all that will be going on at the Plaza this summer. Here’s a round-up of the festivals on tap. And remember, it’s all free…

Monday, July 4, 3-10pm
NEW YORK STATE’S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
An Albany tradition since our country’s bicentennial celebration in 1976, the annual event features live music and fun for the whole family, including the biggest fireworks show in Greater Nippertown. Headlining this year’s Independence Day party is the Boogie Wonder Band, a ’70s-centric neo-disco band.

Saturday, July 9, 12noon-5pm
KIDS DAY
Kids Day is the Local 518’s kid-friendly day-long event. Enjoy an array of favorites such as live music, face painting, bounce rides, puppet shows, arts and crafts and balloons, in addition to the Two by Two Zoo, the Roaming Railroad, John Keal Musical Instrument Petting Zoo, Touch a Truck, and more all in one place. This years’ headlining act is Choo Choo Soul.

Saturday, August 6, 2-7pm
BLACK ARTS & CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Formerly known as African American Family Day, it’s a classic celebration of the traditions and cultural contributions of the black community through music, art, dance and more. The Grammy Award-winning ground Sounds of Blackness headlines the celebration, which also features by the Jubilee Gospel Community Choir, Scholastic Talent Showcase winners, Wassa Pan Afrika dance and a Def Poetry Jam Reunion with Danny Simmons.

Wednesday, August 10, 11am-9pm
NEW YORK STATE FOOD FESTIVAL
With nearly 100 food vendors to choose from, 15,000 people annually flock to the Plaza Food Festival for lunch, dinner or both. They come for the food and stay for a day of live musical entertainment headlined by Grammy Award-winning Motown greats the Commodores.

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING FREE EVENTS FOR 2016
VARIOUS DATES
ART ON LARK @ Lark Street, Albany, June 5
FREEDOM PARK CONCERT SERIES @ Freedom Park, Scotia, various dates from June 22-August 27
TROY RIVER FEST @ River Street, Troy, Saturday, June 18
DAD FEST @ Washington Park, Albany, Sunday, June 19
SCHENECTADY COUNTY SUMMERNIGHT @ State & Jay streets, Schenectady, Friday, July 15
JAZZ AT THE LAKE @ Shepard Park, Lake George, September 17 & 18
WEDNESDAYS
MADE IN THE SHADE OF THE EGG @ Empire State Plaza, Albany, 12noon Wednesdays from June 1-August 31
CAPITAL CONCERT SERIES @ Empire State Plaza, Albany, 5pm Wednesdays from June 15-July 20
ROCKIN’ ON THE RIVER @ Riverfront Park, Troy, 5pm Wednesdays from June 15-August 3
LAKE GEORGE ARTS PROJECT’S WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES @ Shepard Park, Lake George, 7:30pm Wednesdays from July 6-August 31
THURSDAYS
JAZZ ON JAY @ Jay Street, Schenectady, 12noon Thursdays from June 2-September 1
ALIVE AT FIVE @ Tricentennial Park, Albany, 5pm Thursdays from June 9-August 4
FRIDAYS
FRIDAYS AT THE LAKE @ Shepard Park, Lake George, 4pm Fridays from June 24-September 2
UPBEAT ON THE ROOF @ Skidmore College’s Tang Museum, Saratoga Springs, 7pm Fridays from July 1-August 26
MUSIC AT SUNSET CONCERT SERIES @ Greenport Town Park, Hudson, 7pm Fridays from May 27-August 26
SUNDAYS
MUSIC HAVEN @ Central Park, Schenectady, 7pm Sundays from July 10-August 14