Upstate NY Live Music

Being one of the largest left-handed guitar dealers in the country gives us access to some of the greatest resources for music in the Northeast. There's nothing more fulfilling for us than hearing some of the great musicians we help find guitars or basses share their love. We've put together of great places you can listen to music whether it's a jam session or a headliner act.

Music Venues near the Adirondacks

Looking for a place to catch a big name concert or just a local place to grab a bite and listen to someone play some music? Here's a list of the places we look at:

Carol Theater (Chestertown, NY) The historic Carol Theater in Chestertown, NY, is a huge asset to the Chestertown area, providing exceptional live entertainment for the entire community. Once primarily a movie theater, the Carol now hosts local music acts and shows for all ages. Season runs from June to September.
Hudson River Music Hall (Hudson Falls, NY) - with over 100 events per year, the Hudson River Music Hall is a great venue for hearing local artists or even Wednesday open mic night. HRMH is always pushing to contribute to the local community and it's absolutely worth checking out (especially with the modernization of the Strand Theater).
Mean Max Brew Works (Glens Falls, NY) - if you're looking for a relaxed place to hear some live music and grab a micro-brew, Mean Max Brew Works may be your place. Great beer on tap, live music and highlights on local artists make this a local favorite.
Davidson Brothers (Glens Falls, NY) - more of a bar and restaurant, Davidson Brothers has some great local music if you catch the right time. In the heart of Glens Falls, this is the type of place you grab a great meal and listen to someone play some acoustic.
King Neptune's Pub & Night Club (Lake George, NY) - touted as the #1 live music venue in Lake George, King Neptunes is one of the standard go-to bars in the village. While you're probably not going to get any huge headliners here, you can guarantee that in the summer this place will be packed with patrons enjoying some music (and drinks). Local and tourist favorite alike.
Lake George Beach Club (Lake George, NY) - right next to Shepherd Park, the LG Beach Club offers great food, drinks and music. They've got great local music for all types and they really exemplify what a Lake George bar is - relax and enjoy.
Lake George Music Festival (Lake George, NY) - Interested in classical and it's August in Upstate NY - LGMF time. While it only runs from August 11-24th, it's worth planning out for this one ahead of time just for the variety of venues. You can listen to piano sessions at a hotel or an ochestra on a steamboat... seriously the Minnie-Ha-Ha is a staple of Lake George Tourism.
Blue Water Manor (Bolton Landing, NY) - for those heading a little further north than Lake George Village, Blue Water Manor is an awesome location in Bolton Landing. This is the type of place you go for the food and stay for the drinks and music with live music throughout the summer.
The Huddle (Bolton Landing, NY) - another great place to relax and enjoy some local live music, The Huddle usually has local live music through the summer on weekends. During the tourist season, Bolton Landing is a place for laid back relaxation and this is the type of place that you can spend hours in drinking a couple pints and forgetting about the world outside.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (Saratoga, NY) - When looking for big name shows in upstate NY, Saratoga Performing Arts Center is a standard go-to. You can hear anything from Yo-Yo Ma to the Goo Goo Dolls here all while laying out on the lawn. Lots of good childhood memories from this venue.
One Caroline (Saratoga, NY) - Saratoga has charm and One Caroline is a great example. An amazing restaurant and bar, they play local live music from blues and jazz to rock. Great to sit back and relax in a classy environment.
Putnam Den (Saratoga Springs, NY) - Putnam Den is a great small venue in Saratoga. You can hear metal there or Grateful Dead covers. Solid bar and the type of character that you'll remember forever.
Caffe Lena (Saratoga Springs, NY) - This is the sort of place that will become a repeat favorite for you. Folk music one day, open poetry the next; you'll love the artsy feeling with some quality small plates of food.
Upstate Concert Hall / Northern Lights (Clifton Park, NY) - Some metal? Sure. How about a little ska today? Why not. Northern Lights is one of our favorite places for music becuase of their variety. Close to both Lake George and Albany, check this place out for a nice medium sized venue for your favorites that are touring.
Proctors (Schenectady, NY) - Here's a solid date night location (or great for Christmas presents). Proctor's has shows that range from Pippin to Black Sabbath in a beautiful theatre in Schenectady.
Times Union Center (Albany, NY) - Probably the biggest venue in upstate NY showcasing headliners. If you live in Albany, you know the shows if you don't then you'll travel there to catch them.
The Palace Theater (Albany, NY) - Another beautiful theatre in our list. There's an awesome variety of shows here from comedy to music to plays. Keep your eyes open for some awesome medium sized shows.

If we missed you or your favorite place to watch a show, let us know so we can make sure that our list represents upstate NY the best it can!

Also, see our other local lists: