New York is one of the most exciting and lively states in the country. It is near the top of most people’s lists of places they would like to visit, and with good reason; New York is full of history, culture, great food, and much more. New York City is known as the city where dreams come true, as careers of all types get their start in the beautiful city.
If you’re a music fan, New York is also a fantastic place to check out numerous music festivals. From one-day festivals to weekend extravaganzas, New York has something to offer every kind of music fan. Here are three New York music festivals that you won’t want to miss:
Rock n Roll Resort
Taking place about 90 miles from New York City at the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa, this isn’t just a music festival – for one price, attendees receive admission, a room to stay in for the duration of the festival, and access to all the amenities and activities available at the resort. The Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is located in the Shawangunk Mountains near Minnewaska State Park, which offers an amazing view as well as fun activities like an arcade centers, a heated indoor pool, golf, and much more.
So what about the music? As the name would suggest, the acts who play this New York music festival are typically rock and roll bands, but funk and jam bands are also prominent, as well as DJs. Past artists who have played include Hallucinogen, The Manhattan Project, and Viral Sound. The festival takes place in the beginning of April each year, and tickets usually range from $300 to $400 (keep in mind that this includes your room and resort access). Music, a vacation, and a gorgeous view; what more could you ask for out of a music festival?
Mountain Jam
This monstrous New York music festival takes place in Hunter Mountain, New York in the Catskill Mountains. According to Rolling Stone magazine, Mountain Jam is one of the best music festivals in the country. Numerous well-known bands and artists have hit the stages, including The Allman Brothers Band and The Avett Brothers.
While the kind of acts who play the New York music festival offer reason enough to attend, the site of the festival is also worthy of mentioning. Similar to the Rock n Roll Resort, Mountain Jam is held at a world-class ski resort. Festival-goers have access to bars and restaurants, and can use the Sky Ride to enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains while listening to their favorite bands. Plus, the resort features the highest and longest zipline in all of North America! With so many opportunities for fun and entertainment, who wouldn’t want to attend such a well-rounded festival?
The Governors Ball
Taking place in the Big Apple itself, the Governors Ball is perhaps the most popular and lively of the many New York music festivals. Rather than focusing on a particular genre, the event hosts artists of nearly every genre, from alternative music like Modest Mouse and Phoenix, to rappers like Mac Miller and Kid Cudi, to classic rock like Guns N’ Roses and The Avett Brothers.
This huge festival takes place in the beginning of June in Randall’s Island, NYC. Tickets are slightly over $200 for general admission and around $500 for VIP. There is food available by tons of different vendors, so you will have a chance to try some of New York City’s best food. As far as transportation to the festival, shuttles, ferries, buses, and subways are all options available to you. If you want to visit this historic city and happen to be a fan of music, kill two birds with one stone and enjoy both at the Governors Ball music festival!
While there are music festivals that take place all around the country, it’s undeniable that the more populated areas have the most exciting and lively events, due to the sheer number of people in attendance. With New York being one of the most populated states, the music festivals that happen there are definitely worth checking out. Check out the various festival websites, and make a decision on which one of these New York music festivals is right for you. Regardless of your choice, rest assured that you will not regret attending!
Photo by Peter Firminger
Suzy S.