Your Guide to Live Music in Upstate New York

Upstate Concerts - Your Guide to Live Music in Upstate New York

Rochester & Finger Lakes Concerts & Live Music

Wine country meets world-class music under open skies

The Sound of the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region pairs stunning natural beauty with an outdoor concert experience unlike anywhere else in New York. CMAC — the Constellation Brands–Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center — is the anchor, hosting major touring acts and summer concerts in a lakeside setting in Canandaigua. From June through September, CMAC’s calendar is one of the most anticipated summer concert schedules in the state.

Highland Bowl in Rochester brings intimate amphitheater shows to the Finger Lakes’ largest city, while del Lago Resort & Casino offers year-round entertainment in the heart of wine country. Kodak Center rounds out the region with a mid-size theater perfect for touring comedians, tribute bands, and rising acts.

Plan a weekend around a show: catch outdoor concerts at CMAC, tour the Seneca Lake wine trail, and wake up to lake views. This is where music and travel collide.

CMAC — Canandaigua, NY

Venues

[uc_region_venues region="finger-lakes"]

Where the wine trails lead to live music

Upcoming Shows in the Finger Lakes

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Exploring the Finger Lakes

Before & After the Show

The Finger Lakes wine trail is the obvious pairing. Hit Seneca or Keuka Lake wineries before a CMAC show, or explore Rochester’s East End restaurant district near Highland Bowl. del Lago has on-site dining and a full casino floor for post-show entertainment.

CMAC — Canandaigua, NY
del Lago Resort and Casino exterior entrance in Waterloo, New York

Getting Around

I-90 (Thruway) is the main east-west corridor. CMAC is off Route 332 near Canandaigua — about 30 minutes southeast of Rochester. Highland Bowl is in the city of Rochester itself. del Lago sits on Route 414 between Geneva and Waterloo, right on the wine trail.

Best Time to Visit

CMAC’s season runs June through September, peaking in July and August. Highland Bowl does a concentrated summer series. del Lago and Kodak Center operate year-round. Fall is gorgeous in the Finger Lakes — combine a late-season show with foliage and harvest festivals.

Highland Bowl outdoor amphitheater stage with audience in Highland Park, Rochester, New York

Plan Your Visit

Getting Here

By car: I-90 (Thruway) to exits 43 (CMAC/Canandaigua) or 44 (Rochester). The wine trail runs along Routes 14 and 414.

By air: Rochester Greater International Airport (ROC) is 20 minutes from Highland Bowl and 45 minutes from CMAC.

Parking: Free at CMAC (arrive early for close spots). Highland Bowl has limited street parking — rideshare recommended. Free lot at del Lago.

Plan Your Route →

Insider Tips

  • CMAC: Lawn seats are the move — bring a blanket and arrive early
  • Highland Bowl: Bring a picnic and enjoy the park before the show
  • del Lago: Book a room and make a weekend of it
  • Kodak Center: Street parking is plentiful on evenings and weekends

Dining & Nightlife

Canandaigua: Main Street has great pre-show options — from lakeside dining to craft breweries, all 10 minutes from CMAC.

Rochester — East End: The city’s restaurant row with everything from ramen to rooftop cocktails near Highland Bowl.

Geneva / Seneca Lake: Farm-to-table dining alongside the wine trail, perfect for a del Lago weekend.

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