Music on the Erie — Free Summer Concerts on the Canal in Newark NY

Every week from June 26 through August 28, the Erie Canal town of Newark hosts free outdoor concerts along the canal as part of Music on the Erie. It is a lovely way to experience a quieter piece of the canal corridor that most visitors drive past on the way to Seneca Lake. Pair it with a walk along the towpath, a meal at a local restaurant, or a stop at a farm stand in the region. This is small-town summer in upstate New York at its most genuine.

Date: Weekly, June 26 – August 28, 2026 Time: Evenings (confirm specific times locally) Location: Newark, NY (Erie Canal) Cost: Free

Newark is about 35 minutes west of Rochester along Route 31 — close enough for a spontaneous weeknight trip. No tickets needed. Check the Village of Newark or Wayne County Tourism for the weekly artist schedule.