Live music under the stars all season long
Three outdoor concert series. Three beautiful settings. Every week from June through September, no tickets, no cover, just great music under open Adirondack skies.
Summer in the Whiteface Region brings mountains, rivers, and cool evening air, and starting in June, live music fills the calendar all summer long. The region's three beloved free concert series have become a staple of Adirondack summer life, drawing locals and visitors alike to some of the most scenic outdoor settings in Upstate New York.
Pack a picnic blanket and a cooler, or grab a lawn chair and wander over after dinner. These concerts are the kind of easy, unhurried evenings that make summers in small towns feel distinctly Adirondack. Below is your complete guide to the 2026 season.
Wilmington Beach Summer Concert Series
Kick off your weekend early on the shores of Lake Everest with the Wilmington Beach Summer Concert Series. Every summer Thursday from 6:00–9:00 p.m., the Wilmington Town Beach transforms into a free outdoor concert venue, with the lake shimmering in the background and Whiteface Mountain towering above. Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic, or fire up one of the grills; the vibe is relaxed, the crowd is friendly, and the music ranges from country strings to classic rock.
Jay Summer Concert Series
Spend your Saturday evenings the way summer was meant to be spent at Jay Summer Concert Series in Jay, set at a gazebo on the historic village green. Bring a picnic dinner, cold drinks, and enjoy the live music drifting through the warm air. Hosted by the Jay Entertainment and Music Society (JEMS), this long-running series runs every Saturday from July through early September and features an eclectic mix of live music, ranging from folk and Celtic-inspired sets to blues, rock, and classic covers.
Music at the River Park
There’s something undeniably peaceful about listening to live music with a river just steps away at Music at the River Park in Black Brook. The Town of Black Brook’s weekly Wednesday concert series offers exactly that: an intimate outdoor stage and a rotating cast of regional musicians who keep the sound fresh from week to week. Past performances have ranged from indie folk and bluegrass to old-school country, always with a warm, community-centered feel.
Plan your visit
Good to know: All three series are free to attend. Pets are welcome at most locations, but always check locally. In case of rain, Jay moves indoors to the Amos & Julia Ward Theater next door. 2026 lineups are announced throughout the season—check individual event pages for more info and updates.
Where to stay: The Whiteface Region has lodging options from cozy Adirondack inns to campgrounds and vacation rentals. Stay in Wilmington or Jay to keep concerts within easy walking distance of your home base.
What to bring: Lawn chairs or a blanket, layers for cooler evenings, bug spray, and a picnic if you like; each venue is picnic-friendly.
Getting there: All three venues are within 20 minutes of each other along Route 9N through the Ausable River valley. Wilmington sits at the base of Whiteface Mountain, while Jay and Black Brook are a short scenic drive east along the river corridor.
Make a day of it: Head to dinner at a local restaurant before the show, or bring a picnic stocked with goods from local shops. While you’re in the area, take time to explore the Whiteface Region’s attractions, from hiking trails and fishing spots to a wide range of outdoor adventure options.
More music
The Whiteface Region’s summer soundtrack goes beyond the concert series. Keep the music going with even more live performances happening throughout the season.
Catch JEMS Jams, a community favorite bringing local and regional musicians together for laid-back performances and good company. In Au Sable Forks, 20 Main Tavern regularly hosts weekly live music, making it an easy stop for drinks and an evening soundtrack. In July, the Wilmington Mountain Music Fest brings a full day of live music to the mountains, pairing performances with the scenic backdrop that makes the Whiteface Region so memorable.
You’ll also want to keep an eye on event calendars at frequent live music hosts like the Upper Jay Art Center, Twisted Raven, and NewVida, where everything from intimate acoustic sets to larger performances pops up throughout the summer. With music happening across the region, there’s always another show waiting just down the road.
Explore all summer long
Lakeside concerts and village green gatherings showcase a summer full of music, community, and unforgettable Adirondack evenings in the Whiteface Region. Beyond these concert series, the season is filled with even more events, outdoor activities, and local experiences that make it easy to keep exploring all summer long.
