Picture this: a sun-drenched weekend in the Catskills. The mountains echo with guitar riffs and drum beats. Food trucks dish out local eats and festival favorites. You’re surrounded by the stunning nature of the Catskills, friends, and perfect moments only possible with live music. Whether you’re chasing an epic upstate road trip or you call Ulster County home and want to spice up your summer, one thing’s for sure—music fans win when it’s summer in Ulster County.
From mountaintop jam fests to riverside concerts, Ulster County’s summer is packed with music festivals of every kind. Plan your getaway around one (or all!) of these unforgettable events:
Mountain Jam: A Rock & Roll Pilgrimage to Highmount
If your idea of perfection is three days of non-stop music with the Catskill Mountains as your backdrop, then Mountain Jam is your perfect place to be. From June 20–22, Belleayre Mountain becomes the heart of the Hudson Valley’s festival scene. This year’s headliners—Khruangbin, Goose, and Mt. Joy—lead the charge for a weekend of indie rock, jam bands, and unexpected musical moments.
Set up camp, ride the scenic gondola between sets, and spend your days discovering new artists and frolicking under the stars. With craft beer tents, food vendors, and mountaintop views, it’s more than a concert—it’s a high-elevation music-fueled adventure.
Pro tip: Upgrade to VIP for access to exclusive lounges and the best stage views.
mountainjamfestival.com
Midnight Ramble at Levon Helm Studios: Where Legends Play
Nestled in a rustic Woodstock barn, The Midnight Ramble is no ordinary concert—it's a deeply personal music experience in the home of the late, great Levon Helm. Throughout the summer, this beloved venue hosts intimate shows featuring big-name artists and rising stars alike in an atmosphere that feels like a living room jam session.
The acoustics are warm, the vibes are unmatched, and the legacy of rock, folk, and roots music is alive in every chord. If you love authenticity in your live music, this is your must-stop destination.
Pro tip: Shows here often sell out—grab tickets early levonhelm.com
Opus 40 Summer Concert Series: Sculpture Meets Sound
Imagine live music surrounded by the towering bluestone sculptures of Opus 40 Sculpture Park and Museum, a one-of-a-kind outdoor venue in Saugerties. Their summer series pairs dreamy settings with equally atmospheric performances—indie folk, world music, Zydeco, rock, ambient sets, silent disco, live DJs, and more.
Each event is a blend of art, nature, and sound. Bring a picnic blanket, sip on something local, and get swept away by performances that are as expansive as the views.
Pro tip: Arrive early to explore the sculpture park before the music starts.
opus40.org/events
Maverick Concerts: Music in the Woods
Ulster County isn’t just for rock fans. Since 1916, Maverick Concerts just outside Woodstock has been delivering world-class classical, jazz, world, and contemporary music in a gorgeous hand-built wooden concert hall in the woods. In fact, Maverick Concerts is the oldest, continuous summer chamber music festival in America.
From acclaimed quartets to genre-defying soloists, the acoustics and atmosphere here are unbeatable. It’s a quieter kind of festival, but every bit as moving. The venue alone, a barn-like, rectangular building with a gambrel roof, is worth the visit.
Pro tip: Arrive a bit early and enjoy local fare, beverages, and craft cocktails sold at Maverick's charming concession.
maverickconcerts.org
Free Music Fridays at Belleayre + Twilight Music in the Parks
Looking for something mellow and magical? Ulster County’s free summer concert series offers laid-back options with million-dollar views of the Catskill skies. Belleayre hosts Free Music Fridays, where you can unwind to live local bands. Bring a chair, bring a cooler, and bring the whole family.
Over on the Ulster County side of the Walkway Over the Hudson, Twilight Music in the Parks presented by the Hudson Valley Folk Guild features folk and acoustic sets as the sun dips below the mountains—pure summer magic.
Pro tip: These are perfect for spontaneous weeknight plans or a budget-friendly date night.
Belleayre Music | Twilight Series
Even More Can’t-Miss Summer Music Festivals & Venues
- The Falcon in Marlboro brings genre-spanning live shows almost every night—jazz, soul, rock, and more, in an intimate riverside, donation-based setting.
liveatthefalcon.com - The Assembly in Kingston offers a more underground vibe with fresh, experimental acts that usually play much larger venues.
assemblykingston.com - Bearsville Theater, Colony Woodstock, and The Local in Saugerties each host special summer festival weekends, themed events, and absolutely killer lineups.
Bearsville | Colony | The Local
Make It a Festival Weekend: Your Ulster County Itinerary
Between the shows, don’t miss everything else Ulster County has to offer. Swim in hidden swimming holes like the Blue Hole, hike the Mohonk Preserve, explore charming towns like Phoenicia and Rosendale, and discover a new favorite café, gallery, or antique shop.
Every festival stop in Ulster County is a chance to discover something new.
The Call of Music
Whether you’re a lifelong local or just rolling into the Catskills for the summer, Ulster County’s music festivals offer the perfect rhythm for your escape. From mountaintop anthems to riverside folk, every beat brings you closer to the ultimate upstate experience.
So cue up your favorite playlist, rally your road trip crew, and let Ulster County be your stage for a summer of music, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Your perfect weekend of music in Ulster County is calling. Will you answer?
