Capitol Park After Dark Outdoor Movie Series Returns Later this Summer with Three Movies the Whole Family Can Enjoy 

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced the lineup for the 2024 Summer at the Plaza series of free concerts, festivals, and movies, including this year’s performers for the Capital Concert Series presented by Miller Lite.

“People from across the region are drawn to the Empire State Plaza each summer for the entertaining performances, delicious food and beverages, and amazing July 4 fireworks,” Commissioner Moy said. “We have an exciting lineup of concerts, festivals, and movies this year that will bring the community together with something for everyone to enjoy. We want to thank all our generous 2024 Summer at the Plaza sponsors whose support makes it all possible.”

Summer at the Plaza Festivals

• Pride Night Celebration presented by NYSTEC, Wednesday, June 12, 6-9 p.m., in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, featuring performances by drag artists Amanda Tori Meating and Jasmine Kennedie. The event will be hosted by Amanda Blair with DJ Phoenix and will include performances by regional artists Portabella, Rosetta Stoned, Empress Champagne, and London Jae Precise.
• New York State’s July 4th Celebration, Presented by Price Chopper/Market 32, Thursday, July 4, 5-10 p.m., featuring a performance by Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers and an exciting program filled with incredible live music, great food and beverages, a naturalization ceremony for new citizens, a flyover by the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing, and the best fireworks display in the region.
• Black Arts and Cultural Festival, August 1-3, a three-day event featuring:
  • Teen Night with Her Temple Monologues, Thursday, August 1. 5-8 p.m.
  • Gospel Night Tribute to Dennis Edney, Friday, August 2, 5-8 p.m.
  • Grand Rising Health and Wellness Fair, Saturday, August 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 3.
  • Black Arts and Cultural Festival, Saturday, August 3, 5-8 p.m., with a performance by Morris Day & The Time.
• New York State Food Festival, Wednesday, August 14, featuring a performance by 38 Special.
• Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Saturday, September 14, featuring a performance by Alex Bueno, 5-9 p.m. in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.
• Hops and Harvest Festival, Wednesday, September 18, 5-9 p.m., performers to be announced.

Capital Concert Series Presented by Miller Lite

Presented by Miller Lite, the Capital Concert Series features four Wednesday evening performances from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the Empire State Plaza’s outdoor stage.

• July 10, reggae night with Maxi Priest
• July 17, to be announced.
• July 24, to be announced.
• July 31, hip hop night featuring Rob Base with Cheeks, CL Smooth, and 518 DJ Battle

Capitol Park After Dark Movie Series

The Capitol Park After Dark movie series features films suitable for the entire family. Shown on a large screen in West Capitol Park on three consecutive Wednesdays, movies start promptly at 8 p.m. 

• “Dial M for Murder,” August 21.
• “Matilda,” August 28.
• “The Thin Man,” September 4. 

Lunchtime at the Plaza Concert Series Presented by M&T Bank

Held in conjunction with the Empire State Plaza outdoor farmers market and food vendor programs, the free outdoor concert series presented by M&T Bank provides live music from noon to 1:30 p.m. on 10 Wednesdays between June 5 and August 21.

• June 5 — Operation Unite Kuumba Dance and Drum (African drum and dance)
• June 12 — Albany Gay Men’s Choir (Chorus)
• June 26 — Next Level Band (Caribbean music)
• July 10 — Rheinbach German Jazz Band & Chorus (jazz and horns band from Germany) and the Old Time Dance Band (dixie and swing)
• July 17 — Hammer Head Horns (New Orleans jazz/ragtime)
• July 24 —  Veena and Devesh (sitar and table duet)
• July 31 — Veteran’s Appreciation Day, featuring Gone Grey Band (classic rock)
• August 7 — Caity Gallagher (singer-songwriter)
• August 14 — Rock Voices (Choir performing the music of Queen)
• August 21 — Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise (rapper and harp duo) 

Summer at the Plaza sponsors include Price Chopper/Market 32, Miller Lite and DeCrescente Distributing Company, NYSTEC, MVP Health Care, M&T Bank, Highmark Blue Shield, I LOVE NY, CDTA, DICK’s House of Sport, CSEA, Broadview Federal Credit Union, Renaissance Albany, YMCA, Transfinder, First New York Federal Credit Union, Hot 99.1, EQX, The River, KISS, Fly 92.3, and Jamz 96.3.

For event updates, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @Plazaevents on Instagram, or call (518) 474-4759. To learn more about new restrictions on bringing large bags to indoor events at the Plaza, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov/summer-plaza.