Concerts in Empire State Plaza

Experience Empire State Plaza

The Empire State Plaza, located in Albany, New York, is a large complex of government buildings and a performing arts center constructed between 1965 and 1978. Conceived by Governor Nelson Rockefeller, the project involved the demolition of 98 city blocks and was intended to revitalize downtown Albany. The Plaza’s design is primarily Modernist, heavily influenced by Le Corbusier’s urban planning principles, and features extensive use of concrete and glass. Its centerpiece is the Corning Tower, formerly the tallest building in New York State.

The Plaza’s performing arts venues include the Egg, a distinctive performing arts center known for its unusual shape resembling an eggshell, and the expansive outdoor amphitheater, Hatches Pond. These spaces host a diverse range of events, frequently featuring performances spanning rock, pop, classical music, and large-scale concerts during warmer months.

The Plaza has hosted numerous nationally touring acts and serves as a key location for Albany’s annual Fourth of July celebrations and free concert series. Unique to the venue is its integration with state government offices and its role as a public space for rallies, demonstrations, and community gatherings. The complex also features a vast underground concourse with shops and restaurants.