Now that summer is here (at least unofficially), kids are getting out of school, and the weather is warming up, there are a ton of fantastic things to do in New York in June.
From the arts to history and amazing food, there’s a bit of something for everyone to do during the month throughout New York State.
Here are a few of my top picks.
(Article Updated May 11, 2023 for New York events in June 2023.)
Ithaca Festival in Ithaca – June 1-4
Since 1977, the Ithaca Festival has been celebrating art in the Finger Lakes, and it once again returns to the streets of Ithaca this June.
This festival will celebrate a wide variety of arts including more than 70 concerts and a silent disco. There will also be hundreds of artisans sharing their work.
Even better, there will be a parade through downtown Ithaca that is sure to delight.
For more information, visit the festival’s website.
Taste of Syracuse in Syracuse – June 2-3
In early June, Taste of Syracuse will take over the city’s popular Clinton Square area. Over 60 of the best restaurants from the region will be on hand showcasing their most popular menu items at this free event.
In addition to fantastic food, there will also be great live music headlined by the bands Eve 6 and Spin Doctors!
For more information, head over to the event’s website.
You can also check out the best Syracuse breweries after the event if you are looking for a great way to spend the evening.
Oz-Stravaganza in Chittenango – June 2-4
If you love “The Wizard of Oz”, you won’t want to miss the annual Oz-Stravaganza this June.
Held around the All Things Oz Museum in Chittenango, the hometown of Oz author L. Frank Baum, the weekend will feature a variety of fabulous Wizard of Oz-themed events including a costume contest, parade, special guests, and tours of the museum. Plus, there will be a great fireworks show on Friday night.
Find out more about this great event on its website.
Canal Days in Fairport – June 2-6
Canal Days in Fairport is now in its 46th year and is one of the most popular arts festivals in the state.
Held along the remnants of the Erie Canal in the suburbs of Rochester, Canal Days brings together hundreds of artisans from near and far, meaning you are sure to find unique treasures here. In addition to shopping, there is great live music, a chicken BBQ, and even a rubber duck race!
Find out more about one of our top things to do in New York in June on the event’s website.
Adirondacks Woof Stock in Chestertown – June 3-4
Adirondacks Woof Stock has the tagline “Peace, Paws and Music” and is a ton of fun for both canines and humans.
Bring your dog to this fun event and they’ll have the chance to participate in many different dog-friendly events like dock diving and lure chasing.
For the humans, there are demonstrations from stunt and police dogs, live music, pet adoptions, and boat rides.
Find out more about this unique event on its website.
Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in Canastota – June 8-11
While you probably know that New York is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, did you know that it’s also home to the International Boxing Hall of Fame? And, this June, the Boxing Hall of Fame will host their annual Induction Weekend.
This year’s ceremony will actually honor inductees from the past year in several categories and including both men and women. In addition to the induction ceremony, there will also be fights, lectures, and a parade through town.
Find out more on the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s website.
Allentown Art Festival in Buffalo – June 10-11
If you love art, you won’t want to miss the Allentown Art Festival in Buffalo, New York. Held in the historic Allentown neighborhood, this festival, which has been held annually since 1958, brings together some of the region’s best artists.
Visitors can browse many great works and purchase a piece or two that they especially enjoy. They will also be great food and a large number of buskers showcasing live entertainment for visitors to enjoy.
Find out more on the event’s website.
Strawberry Festival in Owego – June 16-17
If you love strawberries, you won’t want to miss the 41st annual Strawberry Festival in Owego, New York.
This popular Southern Tier food festival will feature everything you love about Upstate New York festivals including a parade, art vendors, and a wine and beer tent with local spots pouring their best offerings. There will also be great entertainment throughout the festival.
For more information, visit the event’s website.
Adirondack Food and Wine Festival in Lake George – June 24-25
The Adirondack Food and Wine Festival is one of the region’s largest summer events and returns to the Charles Wood Festival Commons in 2023.
During the event, visitors can sample food, beer, wine, and more from more than 50 artisan producers in the region. That means that no matter what type of alcoholic beverages you like, you’re sure to find something you’ll love during the event.
In addition to adult beverages, there will also be live entertainment throughout the event.
Find out more at ADKWineFest.com.
NYC Pride March in New York City – June 25
Now in its 54th year, the NYC Pride March will be taking place on the afternoon of June 25.
The parade will start at 25th Street and 5th Avenue and end at 16th Street and 7th Avenue. Along the way, colorful groups will parade through the street to the delight of thousands of onlookers.
Of course, this is just one of many Pride events to happen in New York City both on June 25 and throughout the month.
For more information, visit the march’s website.
Looking for more events in New York? Check out our picks for the top things to do in New York in May and the best things to do in New York in July.
Do you have a favorite thing to do in New York in June that isn’t on this list? Let us know in the comments below.
