New Perspective: Which Major Concert Venue Are You Actually Closest To?

Just in time for concert season, it's time to take a look at the major venues near the Hudson Valley. Some may be much closer (or farther) than you might think.

Our corner of New York is in an interesting location. With New York City just a stone's throw down the Thruway, plenty of huge acts stop in the Hudson Valley either on their way to or from the city. But which venue is actually more convenient for you?

Which Major Concert Venue Is Closest to You?

The first step is to think outside of the box (or state). For instance, it's a much quicker drive for almost any Dutchess County resident to see a show in Connecticut at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater than to travel to the amphitheater at SPAC. Let's dive in...

Travel to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Bethel Woods is one of the true gems in the Hudson Valley. Known worldwide as the site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, it's only a short distance from most areas in the Hudson Valley. Bethel Woods is roughly 45 minutes from Middletown, an hour's drive from Newburgh, and ninety minutes from Poughkeepsie and Kingston, NY.

Travel to Saratoga Performing Arts Center

SPAC hosts amazing artists every year, but even though plenty of Hudson Valley residents flock there each season, it's a substantial drive. SPAC is two and a half hours from Middletown, nearly two hours from Poughkeepsie and Newburgh, and roughly ninety minutes from Kingston, NY.

Travel to Hartford Healthcare Amphitheatre

Even though this venue is located across state lines, it's a quicker drive for many Hudson Valley residents when compared to some in-state options. Hartford Healthcare Amphitheatre in under two hours from Middletown, less than ninety minutes from Newburgh, and just over an hour from Dutchess County towns like Fishkill and Hopewell Junction, NY.

Read More: Will There Be Live Music At Forest Hills Stadium In 2025?

Travel to New York City for Shows

Of course there are several venues in New York City that attract huge acts as well. While nearly everyone in the Hudson Valley should know how long it takes to get to destinations like Madison Square Garden, there are some other venues that are a bit more complicated.

Travel to Forest Hills Stadium

Forest Hills Stadium (which had a scare this year) in Queens, NY is a bit further than venues in Manhattan. The venue is just under two hours from Middletown, Newburgh and Poughkeepsie, and almost two and a half hours from Kingston, NY.

Travel to Jones Beach Theater

Jones Beach, one of the most iconic venues in New York State, is also one of the most difficult to get to. Its location on the south coast of Long Island means that anyone driving from the Hudson Valley should add 45 minutes of driving time on top of a trip to Forest Hills Stadium.

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Speaking of road trips, the New York State Fair recently released their massive lineup for 2025. From Cheap Trick to Busta Rhymes, check out the full list (and dates) below, and keep scrolling for the 2025 lineup at SPAC.