Top 11 concerts to catch in Upstate NY this May: Dates, venues, ticket information
Concert season is buzzing this May in Upstate New York, with a diverse lineup of top artists spanning various musical genres ready to hit the stage at some of the region’s most renowned venues. From country to rock, pop-punk to heavy metal, music lovers will have plenty to choose from this month.
Old Crow Medicine Show, a country-folk band recognized for their double-platinum hit “Wagon Wheel,” is slated to perform in Geneva, N.Y. on May 6. This Grammy Award-winning group, known for their exceptional live performances, has garnered a loyal following over the years and continues to impress audiences with their timeless sound.
Next up is Baroness, an American heavy metal band hailing from Savannah, Georgia, embarking on their Baroness Red & Blue Tour with shows in Albany and Syracuse on May 13 and 14 respectively. With hits like “March to the Sea” and “Shock Me,” Baroness promises a night of headbanging and high energy for metal enthusiasts.
For country music fans, Kane Brown is a must-see act this May. The ACM Awards-winning singer, known for chart-topping singles like “What Ifs,” “Heaven,” and “Good As You,” will take the stage in Albany and Canandaigua on May 15, 22, and 23. Brown’s soulful voice and modern twist on classic country make him a standout in the genre.
Rock icons Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo will grace Verona and Albany with their presence on May 16 and 21, delivering their signature hits from the ’80s like “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “Love is a Battlefield.” This dynamic duo, known for their powerhouse vocals and electrifying performances, is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
Country singer Warren Zeiders, whose viral hits “Ride the Lightning” and “Pretty Little Poison” have garnered millions of streams on Spotify, will perform in Buffalo on May 17. Zeiders, with his unique blend of traditional country and modern influences, promises a night of heartfelt lyrics and foot-stomping melodies for his devoted fans.
The legendary Alice Cooper, often referred to as the “godfather of shock rock,” will rock the stage in Utica on May 22, treating audiences to classics like “School’s Out” and “Feed My Frankenstein.” Cooper, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, has influenced generations of rock and metal artists with his boundary-pushing music and theatrical performances.
Staind and Breaking Benjamin, two powerhouse rock bands, will join forces for a memorable show in Saratoga Springs on May 23. Staind, whose chart-topping hits include “It’s Been Awhile” and “Eyes Wide Open,” will bring their raw energy and introspective lyrics to the stage alongside Breaking Benjamin, known for their anthemic rock sound and emotive performances.
Dave Matthews Band, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025, will enchant audiences in Bethel and Syracuse on May 24 and 27. With classic hits like “What Would You Say” and “Crush,” the jam/rock band’s eclectic sound and infectious energy make for an unforgettable concert experience.
Coheed and Cambria and Mastodon will close out the month with shows in Saratoga Springs and Syracuse on May 26 and 30. Coheed and Cambria, recognized for their alternative/progressive rock sound and conceptual storytelling, will share the stage with Mastodon, a heavy metal powerhouse known for their epic soundscapes and thunderous performances.
Closing out the month, pop-punk princess Avril Lavigne will light up Saratoga Springs and Syracuse on May 27 and 28 with her infectious hits like “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi.” Lavigne’s high-energy performances and rebellious spirit are sure to resonate with fans, making for a night to remember in Upstate New York.
With such a diverse and exciting lineup of concerts happening this May, music lovers in Upstate New York are in for a treat. Whether you’re a fan of country, rock, metal, or pop-punk, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this concert season. Be sure to grab your tickets and experience the magic of live music in Upstate New York this month.