The New York State Blues Festival brings free, multi-stage blues programming to Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds each June, drawing tens of thousands of attendees across the weekend. Founded in 1992 as the Central New York Blues Festival, it has hosted headliners including Buddy Guy, Warren Haynes and Gary Clark Jr. over more than three decades.
Its focused music identity and long history make it a good state music row.
Now in its sixth year at the New York State Fairgrounds after earlier runs at Armory Square and Clinton Square, the festival has built a headliner roster that reads like a survey of contemporary blues royalty, including Warren Haynes, Buddy Guy, Little Feat, Robert Randolph and the Family Band and Dan Aykroyd in past years, alongside Grammy winner Gary Clark Jr
Support from a Market New York grant through Empire State Development and I Love NY, along with backing from Onondaga County and Visit Syracuse, has helped the free festival grow its production values while keeping general admission free for every attendee
Free general admission has remained the festival's core commitment since its 1992 founding as the Central New York Blues Festival
distinguishing it from many comparable regional music festivals that have shifted toward ticketed models as they've grown
Dates TBA · Usually June
Venue-specific parking should be checked.
Casual outdoor summer clothing works throughout: sun protection for daytime sets, comfortable shoes for standing on fairground pavement, and a light layer for cooler evening performances.
Keep phone power, water, and a clear meeting point sorted before the main crowd arrives.
Syracuse
Ticketing varies by venue and stage. Confirm official passes before booking travel.
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New York State Blues Festival is listed for Past edition: 13 June 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.
The festival is listed in Syracuse, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.
One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.
Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.
Syracuse, NY
Small: 30000
This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.
Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.
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