5 Best Performing Arts Venues in Albany and Central New York, New York

Some of the hottest jazz musicians stop at the Freihofer's Jazz Festival in June for two days of music to kick off summer.

National and international groups perform at the Cooperstown Chamber Music Festival, held at the Farmers' Museum throughout August.

Free pre-opera talks provide some background on the operas performed at the Lake George Opera Festival, which runs for two weeks at the start of summer.

During the daylong, early September street festival Larkfest, more than 100 crafts and food booths line the streets. A separate area for kids has games and rides. Local bands perform, in addition to area dancers and magicians.

The Saratoga Chamber Music Festival, a celebration of music written for ensemble groups, is offered for several days through the Saratoga Performing Arts Center but presented at the more intimate Spa Little Theatre, next door.