Syracuse & Central New York Concerts & Live Music

From Syracuse’s lakeside amphitheater to Turning Stone’s year-round stage

The Sound of Central New York

Central New York draws fans to two powerhouses: the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater in Syracuse and Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona. But it’s the people who make this region’s scene worth knowing — the Turning Stone crowd who travel from across the state for an intimate night with a legacy artist, the families spreading out on the Empower lawn on a July evening, and the regulars at Beak & Skiff who’d rather hear great music surrounded by apple trees than in any arena in the country.

The Empower FCU Amphitheater’s lakeside setting on Onondaga Lake makes it one of the most scenic outdoor venues in the Northeast — a natural bowl that sounds as good as it looks. Turning Stone’s Event Center offers a more intimate, climate-controlled experience with top-tier production across rock, country, comedy, and more. And then there’s Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards in LaFayette: a working farm that has quietly become one of Central NY’s most beloved live music destinations, hosting summer concerts in a setting that feels genuinely unlike anywhere else.

Central NY is where big tours meet an audience that genuinely shows up — and the combination of lakeside amphitheater, resort entertainment, and farm-country charm makes it one of the most distinct regional music scenes in Upstate New York.

Venues

Empower FCU Amphitheater

6,500-seat hilltop amphitheater overlooking Onondaga Lake. Syracuse's summer shed.

Turning Stone Event Center

5,000-seat casino resort event center in Verona — the surprise big room between Syracuse and Utica.

JMA Wireless Dome

49,000-seat domed stadium on the SU campus. Arena-scale concerts in Central New York.

Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards — LaFayette, NY

Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards

5,000-cap apple orchard turned outdoor concert venue. Cider and live music south of Syracuse.

Landmark Theatre

2,908-seat 1928 movie palace — Syracuse's most stunning theater, with acoustics to match.

Stanley Theatre

2,963-seat 1928 Mexican Baroque theater in Utica — jaw-dropping interior, exceptional sound.

Westcott Theater

700-cap Syracuse club in the Westcott neighborhood — independent spirit, dedicated regulars.

Adirondack Bank Center

5,000-seat Utica arena — Central NY's mid-size room for hockey and touring concerts.

Point Place Casino

1,000-seat casino showroom near Oneida Lake. Easy Thruway access, solid mid-size room.

Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater

2,111-seat Syracuse theater at the Oncenter — touring Broadway, comedy, and concert acts.

The Song and Dance live music venue in Syracuse NY

The Song & Dance

200-cap Syracuse club — eclectic booking from indie rock to hip-hop and everything between.

Funk 'n Waffles

200-cap funky brunch-and-music spot — waffles by day, live shows by night in downtown Syracuse.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Syracuse

300-cap BBQ joint with a bar stage — live blues and roots in Armory Square, Syracuse.

Middle Ages Beer Hall

400-cap beer hall and music venue in Syracuse — craft brews and live bands under one roof.

Center for the Arts of Homer

400-seat community arts center in Homer — Cortland County's live performance hub.

Lakeside sunsets and sold-out summer nights

Upcoming Shows in the Central NY

Exploring the Central NY

Before & After the Show

Syracuse’s Armory Square is the go-to for pre-show dining and drinks — a walkable district with breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and cocktail bars. For Turning Stone, the resort itself has multiple restaurants, a spa, and a golf course if you’re making a weekend of it.

Getting Around

I-90 (Thruway) and I-81 cross in Syracuse, making it one of the most accessible cities in the state. Empower FCU Amphitheater is on the Inner Harbor, minutes from downtown. Turning Stone is 30 miles east on Route 365 near Verona. Beak & Skiff is 20 minutes south of Syracuse in Lafayette.

Best Time to Visit

The amphitheater season runs June through September. Turning Stone books shows year-round. Beak & Skiff peaks in fall when the apple harvest and live music collide — but their concert series starts in summer. Syracuse itself is a college town, so the vibe picks up when SU is in session.

Plan Your Visit

Getting Here

By car: I-90 (Thruway) east-west and I-81 north-south converge in Syracuse. All three venues are within 30 minutes of downtown.

By air: Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) is 10 minutes from the amphitheater.

Parking: Free at Empower FCU Amphitheater. Turning Stone has massive free lots. Beak & Skiff has on-site parking (arrive early for fall events).

Insider Tips

Empower FCU: Lawn seats have great sightlines — bring a blanket
Turning Stone: Stay at the resort and avoid the drive back
Beak & Skiff: Try the 1911 hard cider while you’re there

Dining & Nightlife

Syracuse — Armory Square: The city’s best dining district, walking distance from downtown venues. Breweries, wine bars, and global cuisine.

Turning Stone: On-site options from steakhouses to casual dining — no need to leave the resort.

Lafayette / Tully: Farm country restaurants near Beak & Skiff for a true Central NY experience.

Explore Other Regions

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