Central New York live music lovers finally have a reason to celebrate as summer hits its stride. In a highly anticipated announcement, the Friends of Emerson Park, in close partnership with the Cayuga County Parks & Trails Department, confirmed the official return of the Emerson Park in Concert (EPIC) summer series.
The community-favorite concert pipeline is set to bring local rhythms, packed food trucks, and unforgettable sunset views back to the scenic, idyllic shores of Owasco Lake in Auburn, New York.
Setting the Stage at Deauville Island
For years, the EPIC series has served as a cultural anchor for the Finger Lakes region, drawing thousands of music fans together for open-air entertainment. This year’s revival promises to capture that same magic, utilizing one of the park’s most visually stunning subfacilities.
The Venue: All scheduled concerts will take place directly on Deauville Island, a picturesque strip of land situated on the northern shore of Owasco Lake.
The Schedule: Live music showcases will run consistently on Thursday nights throughout the summer, with performances officially kicking off at 6:00 p.m. and wrapping up around 9:00 p.m.
Amenities: To create a full, festival-style experience, VDOT and park coordinators are welcoming an array of local food trucks, craft beverage suppliers, and artisan vendors to line the edge of the island each week.
Lineup Kickoff and Event Highlights
The 2026 EPIC summer series is officially scheduled to launch on Thursday, June 25, featuring a highly anticipated opening performance by local favorite My Buddy’s Band. While the weekly Thursday series spotlights regional rock, country, and pop acts, the park’s summer music calendar will also be anchored by massive, large-scale symphonic events.
Most notably, the Syracuse Orchestra will make its grand return to the Emerson Park Pavilion on Friday, July 3, at 8:00 p.m. This special holiday event is entirely free to the public and requires no ticket for entry.
Attendees can set up lawn chairs on the grass to enjoy an evening of light classical favorites, cinematic medleys (including highlights from Wicked), and iconic patriotic marches. True to local tradition, the orchestra’s performance will culminate in a massive, synchronized fireworks display exploding directly over Owasco Lake.
Important Rules for Visitors
To ensure a safe, clean, and family-friendly environment for all attendees throughout the summer season, the Cayuga County Parks Department enforces a strict set of regulations on the island:
No Pets Allowed: While Emerson Park features a dedicated dog park on its western Fleming side, pets are strictly prohibited from entering the main park grounds or setting foot on Deauville Island during event hours.
Carry In, Carry Out: The park operates under a strict zero-litter policy. All concertgoers are required to pack out any trash, plastics, or waste they bring into the venue.
Glass Ban: For the safety of bare feet on the lakeside lawns, glass containers of any kind are completely banned from the concert areas.
With clear skies forecast and the community eager to gather on the water, the return of the EPIC series guarantees that Thursday nights will once again be the heartbeat of Cayuga County’s summer scene. The full, detailed list of weekly performers and scheduling changes can be accessed directly via the official Friends of Emerson website.
