There’s plenty of concerts happening in NYC this summer, but very few like the ones going in Upstate NY.
Complete with fresh open-air, lakeside sunsets, and live music under the stars — this venue is doing it differently.
The Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse, NY is the ultimate destination for a weekend escape this summer, and there’s already time to start planning it out.
Celebrating its massive 10th anniversary season in 2026, this waterfront venue is gearing up for an unforgettable summer packed with blockbuster concerts, immaculate vibes, and the perfect excuse to explore one of our favorite upstate cities.
Here’s the lineup and why you need to bookmark this concert bucket list spot.
A decade of lakeside live music
The amphitheater originally opened its doors on the scenic shores of Onondaga Lake in late 2015, making 2026 its landmark 10th full summer concert season.
Over the last decade, this open-air venue has become a beloved staple for music lovers across the state.
What makes this 17,500-capacity spot so completely unique is its deep connection to the water.
You can literally arrive by boat and dock right at the venue’s private entrance at Lakeview Point Landing.
For those staying on land, the amphitheater connects seamlessly to Onondaga Lake Park’s West Shore Trail, meaning you can bike or take a gorgeous lakeside stroll right up to the gates.
There is nothing quite like spreading out a blanket on the grassy General Admission Lawn, grabbing a local craft beer, and watching the sunset over the water while your favorite artist takes the stage.
The star-studded 2026 anniversary lineup
Since this year marks such a major milestone, the amphitheater is pulling out all the stops for its summer schedule.
The lineup is absolutely stacked with major headliners spanning every single genre imaginable.
Hip-hop fans can catch Kid Cudi bringing his Rebel Ragers Tour to town on June 8, while folk lovers should snag tickets for Mumford & Sons on June 18.
July is packed with massive shows from Phish, Weird Al Yankovic, and Tim McGraw.
August brings absolute legends like Billy Idol and turns the lake into a massive dance party with Pitbull on August 26.
As the season winds down, upstate hometown heroes the Goo Goo Dolls will play on September 3, followed by epic sets from Jason Aldean and Dan + Shay to close out the anniversary festivities.
You can check out the full lineup here!
Making a full Syracuse weekend out of it
Heading up for a concert is the perfect anchor for a proper Upstate NY getaway.
Syracuse is incredibly easy to reach from Manhattan.
You can just hop on an Amtrak train out of Moynihan Train Hall and enjoy a stress-free ride straight into the city.
Once you arrive, spend your afternoon exploring the local culinary scene or brewery hopping around downtown.
Nature lovers should absolutely take advantage of the miles of trails around Onondaga Lake Park before the gates open. When it comes time to crash, book a luxury stay at the historic Marriott Syracuse Downtown or grab a room at one of the cozy boutique spots just minutes from the venue.
We are constantly looking for the perfect excuse to pack our weekend bags, and a waterfront concert under the upstate stars is pretty much impossible to beat.
Will you be making the trek this year?
