Blue Öyster Cult To Headline New York State Food Festival Presented By Coca-Cola Northeast

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced that Blue Öyster Cult will perform at this year’s NYS Food Festival on Wednesday, August 13, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. 

“New York State’s annual Food Festival brings people from across the Capital Region to the Empire State Plaza to enjoy great food, live music, and the spirit of community,” Commissioner Moy said. “OGS is proud to host this special event year after year, and I invite everyone to join us in creating unforgettable moments with neighbors, co-workers, family, and friends.” 

Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast General Manager Kevin Michaels said, “Having a positive impact on our local communities is a core value at Coke Northeast. As your local Coca-Cola bottler, we have had a presence in Albany for decades and are proud to support an event that brings the greater Albany community together in such a positive, fun, and inclusive way.” 

New York State’s Food Festival pairs delicious food and beverages with an exciting program of activities and free entertainment. Food vendors will offer various culinary options from international cuisines. This year’s entertainment will be headlined by Blue Öyster Cult, with opening performances by Aquanett and Super 400. Earlier in the day, at noon, the band Hallelujah Hat Trick will take the stage for the Lunchtime at the Plaza Music Series presented by M&T Bank and perform their original urban roots blend of reggae, funk, rock, blues, and jam styles. 

Blue Öyster Cult was founded in the late 1960s with members Eric Bloom (vocals, stun guitar), Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (lead guitar, vocals), Allen Lanier (keyboard, guitar), and rhythm section brothers Joe Bouchard (bass, vocals) and Albert Bouchard (drums, vocals). With relentless touring, Blue Öyster Cult grew their fanbase and scored their biggest hits with "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and "Burnin' for You," both quintessential rock songs that remain popular to this day. Now nearing their sixth decade, Blue Öyster Cult is still "On Tour Forever," playing shows to sold-out crowds in the United States and abroad. In 2020, they released their first studio album of all-new songs, "The Symbol Remains."  

Tentative Performance Schedule

Lunchtime at the Plaza Music Series presented by M&T Bank (at the Empire State Plaza Farmers Market)

Noon            Hallelujah Hat Trick 

Main Stage

5:00 p.m.      DJ Mr. CEO 
5:30 p.m.      Super 400 
6:15 p.m.       DJ Mr. CEO 
6:30 p.m.      Aquanett 
7:15 p.m.       DJ Mr. CEO 
7:45 p.m.      Blue Öyster Cult 

Sponsors of the New York State Food Festival include Coca-Cola Northeast, I LOVE NY, Miller Lite, Albany Renaissance Hotel, Metroland Now, and PYX 106. 

For event updates and additional information, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on Instagram, or call (518) 474-4759. 

OGS is implementing a new emergency text alert system, which the public can use at events to receive emergency notifications specific to the event they are attending. For the New York State Food Festival presented by Coca-Cola Northeast and all 2025 Summer at the Plaza events, the public can text ESP25 to 888777 or sign up online here for event alerts. 

Previously Announced 2025 Summer at the Plaza Events 

Fourth of July Celebration Presented by Market 32/Price Chopper at the Empire State Plaza 

Pride at the Plaza Presented by NYSTEC at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center on Wednesday, June 11 

2025 Capital Concert Series Lineup with First Event on July 9 

Kids Day Presented by MVP Health Care at West Capitol Park on Saturday, July 12