Great South Bay Music Festival
The Great South Bay Music Festival, with its long musical history and outstanding lineup, is a must-visit in your RV this summer.
Event information
What Type of Event is the Great South Bay Music Festival?
The Great South Bay Music Festival is Long Island's longest-running and largest music and cultural celebration, featuring diverse musical genres in a family-friendly waterfront setting.
The Great South Bay Music Festival takes place annually at Shorefront Park in Patchogue, New York, right on the magnificent waters of the Great South Bay. Over four days, the festival showcases 55+ performers on four stages, presenting everything from classic rock legends and jam bands to reggae stars, country artists, and emerging local talent.
Past headliners have included B.B. King, The Doobie Brothers, Phil Lesh & Friends, The Tedeschi Trucks Band, Los Lobos, and Blues Traveler.
Beyond music, the festival creates a complete cultural experience. The KidZone provides quality educational entertainment all day Saturday and Sunday, making it genuinely family-friendly. The Artisan Market features diverse handmade and imported creations from local craftspeople. Multiple beer and wine gardens, a diverse food court, and local art installations round out the experience, creating Long Island's ultimate summer celebration.
For those planning to explore the festival with an RV, discover Patchogue RV rentals perfect for your festival adventure, or consider Suffolk County RV rentals for broader Long Island access with easy festival commutes.
When and Where is the Great South Bay Music Festival Held?
When does the Great South Bay Music Festival take place? The festival runs in the last week of July 24-27 at Shorefront Park in Patchogue, on Long Island's scenic Great South Bay waterfront.
- Dates: Late July each year
- Location: Shorefront Park, 99 Smith Street, Patchogue, NY 11772
- Hours: Varies by day (check official schedule for exact times)
- Attendance: Thousands of music lovers annually
- Distance: 60 miles from NYC, 40 miles from the Hamptons
Shorefront Park sits directly on the Great South Bay, offering stunning water views and cool bay breezes that make summer festival days more comfortable. The location provides easy access from multiple directions via Long Island's major roadways.
Tickets
How Much Does the Great South Bay Music Festival Cost?
How much are tickets to the Great South Bay Music Festival? General admission tickets typically start around $50-70 per day, with multi-day and VIP packages offering enhanced experiences and premium viewing areas.
Ticket options include:
- Single-Day General Admission: Access to all stages and festival grounds
- 4-Day Weekend Pass: Full festival access Thursday-Sunday
- VIP Tickets: Premium viewing areas, dedicated entrance, VIP amenities
- Ultra VIP Packages: Enhanced VIP experience with additional perks
- Ages 10 and under: FREE admission (must be accompanied by ticketed adult)
VIP and Ultra VIP ticket holders receive included parking conveniently located nearby and on festival grounds. General Admission ticket holders have multiple parking options available (both free and paid).
Check the Great South Bay Music Festival website for current pricing, lineup updates, and advance ticket purchases.
Explore Great South Bay Music Festival RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
How do I drive to the Great South Bay Music Festival?
Shorefront Park sits right off Rider Avenue in downtown Patchogue, easily accessible from Long Island Expressway (I-495) and Sunrise Highway (NY-27).
Once you reach Rider Avenue in Patchogue, follow festival signage to parking areas. Be prepared to cross one or more bridges approaching Long Island, with cash needed for tolls on routes like the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Throgs Neck Bridge, or Queens Midtown Tunnel if coming from NYC or New Jersey.
From points west, take the Long Island Expressway (I-495) east to Exit 62 (Nicolls Road/County Road 97) south, then follow local roads to Patchogue. From the east (Hamptons area), take Montauk Highway (NY-27) west directly into Patchogue.
Check the festival's social media pages or call 511 New York before traveling to monitor traffic conditions, road construction, and weather alerts in Suffolk County.
Parking areas
Is parking available at the Great South Bay Music Festival?
Free street parking exists near the venue, with paid premium parking and dedicated VIP/Ultra VIP spaces available for ticket holders.
Free street parking is available on streets close to Shorefront Park. Festival organizers request that patrons respect the homes and residents of downtown Patchogue by avoiding no-parking zones and blocking driveways. Arrive early for the best free parking spots.
Paid premium parking provides closer access to festival entrances. VIP and Ultra VIP ticket holders receive included parking in designated areas conveniently located nearby and on festival grounds.
RV parking is not available at Shorefront Park or immediate vicinity. RV travelers should park their rigs at nearby campgrounds and use a tow vehicle, rideshare services, or public transportation to reach the festival each day.
Public Transportation
Can I reach the festival using public transportation?
Yes—the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides convenient train service to Patchogue Station, just a 10-15 minute walk from Shorefront Park.
The LIRR's Montauk Branch stops at Patchogue Station, offering direct service from Penn Station in Manhattan (about 90 minutes), Jamaica, and other Long Island communities. This makes festival access easy for those staying at campgrounds along the LIRR route or flying into NYC airports.
Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services operate throughout Patchogue and Suffolk County. For rideshare drop-off, use the corner of Rider Avenue and Smith Street (going south on the right-hand side).
Bike racks are available on Smith Street and Rider Avenue for cyclists.
Where to stay
Onsite
Can I camp at the Great South Bay Music Festival grounds?
No—Shorefront Park does not offer on-site RV camping or overnight accommodations.
The festival operates as a day-event venue without camping facilities. However, Long Island's abundance of quality RV parks and campgrounds within 20-40 minutes of Patchogue ensures comfortable accommodations for the festival weekend.
Nearby
What are the best RV campgrounds near the Great South Bay Music Festival?
Several excellent campgrounds within 25-40 miles offer full hookups, beach access, and convenient festival commutes via scenic Long Island roads.
Wildwood State Park sits about 25 miles north of Patchogue on Long Island's north shore, offering 314 campsites with electric and water hookups. This beautiful state park features two miles of Long Island Sound shoreline, hiking trails, fishing, and a swimming beach. Loop T accommodates RVs up to 50 feet, while Loops B-E handle rigs up to 30 feet. The park offers modern restrooms, dump stations, playgrounds, and seasonal activities like movies and square dancing.
Battle Row Campground (Nassau County Park) is located about 30 miles west near Bethpage, offering 44 acres of wooded RV camping with water and 30/50-amp electrical hookups. Just minutes from the Long Island Rail Road, this campground provides easy train access to both Manhattan and Patchogue. Sites include picnic tables, grills, and clean restrooms, with a playground and sports field for families.
Smith Point County Park Campground near Mastic Beach (about 15 miles east of Patchogue) offers 200 oceanfront sites with sewer and 30/50-amp electricity. The campground provides concrete slabs, fire rings, picnic tables, and access to both Atlantic Ocean beaches and Great South Bay waters—perfect for beach lovers attending the festival.
Fire Island National Seashore - Watch Hill Family Campground provides a unique barrier island camping experience accessible only by ferry from Patchogue (about 3 miles across the bay). This 26-site campground offers tent camping in a pristine natural setting, though RV access is limited. Consider it for a pre- or post-festival adventure.
Camp Gateway - Brooklyn in Floyd Bennett Field offers urban camping about 45 miles west, providing access to both NYC attractions and Long Island via the Belt Parkway. This National Park Service campground features ranger-led programs and historic site tours.
Book campsites at least 2-3 months in advance for late July, as Long Island campgrounds fill quickly during the peak summer season.
Getting around
Is the Great South Bay Music Festival easy to navigate?
Yes—the festival grounds at Shorefront Park are compact and walkable, with mostly flat terrain and accessible pathways.
You'll spend the day on your feet moving between four stages, the artisan market, food vendors, and beer gardens, so wear comfortable flat shoes. The terrain includes mostly grass and some sand, with concrete walkways connecting main areas.
Strollers are recommended for families with young children. The KidZone provides a dedicated area for kids' activities on Saturday and Sunday.
Wheelchair-accessible pathways exist throughout most of the grounds. However, some grassy and sandy areas can be challenging to navigate, especially in wet conditions. Festival staff are available to assist guests with mobility needs.
No motorized vehicles, carts, skateboards, bicycles, or scooters are permitted inside festival grounds.
What to pack
Clothing
What should I wear to the Great South Bay Music Festival in July?
Pack lightweight, breathable summer clothing with layers for cool bay breezes in the evening, plus sun protection for daytime.
Late July in Patchogue brings classic Long Island summer weather perfect for outdoor festivals:
- Daytime: Temperatures typically 75-85°F with humidity—choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton
- Evening: Cool bay breezes can drop temps to 60-70°F—bring a light sweater, hoodie, or jean jacket
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers (you'll be on grass, sand, and concrete)
- Sun protection: Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and breathable long-sleeve option for sun-sensitive skin
Consider casual festival attire: shorts, sundresses, jeans, casual shirts, tank tops. Many attendees embrace festival fashion with band t-shirts and boho styles.
Gear
What essentials should I bring to the festival? Lawn chairs, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, cash, and a small bag are festival must-haves for comfort and convenience.
Pack these essentials:
- Lawn chair (unless you have VIP tickets with included seating—check your ticket type)
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses (strong summer sun on the water)
- Refillable water bottle (stay hydrated; water stations available)
- Cash (some vendors may not accept cards)
- Small bag or backpack (for personal items and purchases)
- Non-aerosol bug spray (bay breezes help, but prepare for evening mosquitoes)
- Light blanket (for sitting on grass during performances)
- Portable phone charger (long festival days drain batteries)
- Camera (allowed for personal use; check professional equipment restrictions)
Warm clothes for evening campsite comfort—it gets cool by the bay after sunset!
Health & Safety
How can I stay safe and comfortable at the Great South Bay Music Festival? Stay hydrated, apply sunscreen regularly, pace yourself across four days, and know where first aid stations are located.
July on Long Island brings warm, humid weather. Drink water frequently throughout the day—dehydration is a common issue at summer festivals. Water refill stations are typically available.
Protect yourself from sun exposure with regular sunscreen application (SPF 30+), especially if you're near reflective water. Seek shade during peak afternoon sun (noon-3 pm) when possible.
First aid stations staffed by EMTs are present at designated locations throughout Shorefront Park, marked with red crosses for easy visibility. Medical personnel are available around the clock during festival hours. For emergencies, dial 911 or flag down security guards or ushers.
The nearest hospitals are within 10 miles in Patchogue and the surrounding communities. Pharmacies operate near festival grounds and Long Island campgrounds for medication needs.
Security personnel monitor entrances and grounds. Bag checks are standard at entry points.
Where to eat
Cooking
Can I cook at my RV campsite near the festival?
Yes—most Long Island campgrounds allow portable grills and camp stoves, plus your RV's kitchen is always available for meal prep.
Campgrounds in the Patchogue area generally permit portable grills and camp stoves unless a fire ban is in effect during particularly dry periods. Your RV's kitchen provides convenient meal preparation before and after festival days.
Stock up on groceries at supermarkets in Patchogue, Holbrook, or other nearby communities before heading to your campground. Many RV travelers enjoy cooking breakfast at their campsite, then indulging in festival food during the day.
Restaurants
Are there good restaurants near the Great South Bay Music Festival?
Yes—Patchogue's revitalized downtown offers diverse dining from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, all within walking distance of Shorefront Park.
Patchogue has transformed into a culinary destination with dozens of restaurants lining Main Street and the surrounding downtown area. Options range from quick, affordable bites to fine dining experiences:
- Casual dining: Pizza, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and Long Island seafood
- Ethnic cuisine: Italian, Mexican, Asian, Mediterranean, and more
- Waterfront dining: Several restaurants offer Great South Bay views
- Breweries and bars: Local craft beer scene and cocktail lounges
- Coffee shops: Perfect for morning fuel before festival gates open
The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts anchors the downtown arts district, surrounded by dining and nightlife options.
Many restaurants are RV-accessible if you're driving a smaller rig downtown, though larger motorhomes should park at campgrounds and use a tow vehicle or rideshare.
Vendors
What food is available at the Great South Bay Music Festival?
A diverse food court features everything from classic festival fare to gourmet options, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices available.
The festival's food court showcases top Long Island and New York food vendors, offering:
- Classic festival favorites: Burgers, hot dogs, pizza, fries, turkey legs
- Regional specialties: Fresh Long Island seafood, New York-style offerings
- International cuisine: Mexican, Asian, Mediterranean, and more
- Healthier options: Salads, grain bowls, fruit
- Dietary accommodations: Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free selections
- Desserts and treats: Ice cream, fried dough, specialty sweets
Multiple beer and wine gardens offer craft beverages from Long Island breweries and wineries (21+ with valid ID).
Some vendors prefer cash, so bring bills and coins. ATMs may be available on-site but expect lines during peak hours.
Safety
Security
Is the Great South Bay Music Festival a safe event?
Yes—professional security personnel, bag checks, and visible staff create a family-friendly, secure festival environment.
Security personnel operate all festival entrances, conducting bag checks before entry. Professional security teams patrol grounds throughout the event, ensuring guest safety and addressing concerns.
The family-friendly atmosphere and engaged staff create a welcoming environment. Security is present but unobtrusive, maintaining the festival's positive vibes while ensuring everyone's safety.
Avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash. Secure items in your vehicle or leave expensive jewelry and electronics at your RV. The crowded festival environment requires awareness of personal belongings.
For any security concerns or if you need assistance, approach any festival staff member, security guard, or usher. They're positioned throughout Shorefront Park to help guests.
Weather
What's the weather like during the Great South Bay Music Festival in July?
Expect warm, humid Long Island summer weather with daytime highs of 75-85°F and cooler evenings around 60-70°F, with possible summer showers.
Late July on Long Island typically delivers:
- Daytime: 75-85°F with moderate to high humidity, plenty of sunshine
- Evening: 60-70°F with cooling bay breezes
- Rain possibility: Summer thunderstorms can develop; rain-or-shine event continues in light rain
- Water influence: Great South Bay breezes provide natural cooling, but can make evenings feel cooler
Pack layers to adjust from warm afternoon sunshine to cool evening hours. A light rain jacket or poncho handles summer showers without weighing down your bag.
Severe weather could impact outdoor stages, but the festival typically continues through light rain. Monitor the festival's social media channels for weather-related updates.
The bay location means wind can pick up, especially in the afternoons. Secure lightweight items like hats, blankets, and programs.
Medical
What medical services are available at the Great South Bay Music Festival?
Trained EMTs staff first aid stations throughout festival grounds, with hospitals located within 10 miles for emergency care.
Multiple first aid stations marked with red crosses operate during all festival hours, staffed by trained Emergency Medical Technicians. These stations handle minor injuries, dehydration, heat-related issues, and other common festival medical needs.
For medical emergencies, dial 911. Festival staff and security can quickly connect you with emergency services. The nearest hospitals with full emergency departments are located within 10 miles in Patchogue and the surrounding Suffolk County communities.
Pharmacies operate throughout the Patchogue area and near Long Island campgrounds if you need to refill prescriptions or purchase over-the-counter medications.
Bring necessary medications with you. Ensure your RV first aid kit is well-stocked for your stay.
