3 Late October Live Music Events in Kingston NY You Can't Miss

As Halloween approaches, Kingston's live music scene heats up with three distinct events spanning the last weekend of October. Whether you're in the mood for theatrical rock, dark cello folk, or competitive cover band chaos, there's a show waiting for you.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Live & Loud

When: Friday, October 23, 2026 at 8:00 PM (doors open at 7:00 PM)
Where: Assembly Kingston, 236 Wall Street, Kingston, NY
Tickets: Available at assemblykingston.com

The iconic interactive screening returns to Assembly Kingston for one night only. The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Live & Loud brings the cult classic film to life with audience participation, costume contests, and all the traditional call-backs that make this experience legendary. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned "Time Warp" veteran, this is a theatrical rock experience unlike any other.

Assembly Kingston, located in the heart of Kingston's downtown, provides the perfect intimate venue for this interactive spectacle. The show runs approximately three hours, so come prepared to dance, shout, and become part of the show.

Rasputina with Dust Bowl Faeries

When: Friday, October 30, 2026 at 8:00 PM (doors open at 7:00 PM)
Where: TEMPO Performing Arts Center, 29 Wurts Street, Kingston, NY 12401
Tickets: Available at tempokingston.org and tixr.com
Co-presented with: Impact Concerts

Pioneering rock-cello trio Rasputina, also known as the Traveling Ladies Cello Society, brings their unique blend of dark folk, gothic cello rock, and Victorian-inspired music to TEMPO. Led by Melora Creager, the band has carved out a singular niche in alternative music since the early 1990s, ignoring trends and maintaining their distinctive sound across decades.

Opening the evening is Dust Bowl Faeries, an accordion-driven freak-folk ensemble that blends dark cabaret and gothic polka into a sound that perfectly complements Rasputina's aesthetic. This is a show for fans of the unconventional, the theatrical, and the beautifully strange.

TEMPO Performing Arts Center, a project of Kingston Music Initiative, offers an intimate setting that's ideal for experiencing the intricate cello arrangements and haunting vocals up close.

Tubby's Halloween Cover Band Battle

When: Three nights — Thursday, October 29; Friday, October 30; and Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Where: Tubby's Kingston, 586 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401
Tickets: $10 at the door
Info: tubbyskingston.com/calendar

For three nights leading up to Halloween, Tubby's transforms into a cover band battleground where local musicians compete to see who can best recreate the hits of famous artists. Each night features different bands tackling different acts — from Ween to Dead Boys to Cursive — all vying for audience approval and bragging rights.

Night 1 kicks off Thursday, October 29; Night 2 continues Friday, October 30; and the grand finale takes place on Halloween night itself, Saturday, October 31. With great bands, a curated selection of beers and cocktails, and Tubby's famously friendly atmosphere, this is the perfect way to spend the three nights before Halloween.

Tubby's, located on Broadway in Kingston's Rondout neighborhood, is known for hosting great bands and offering an intimate atmosphere where you're never far from the stage. The outdoor seating options make it a versatile venue even as the weather turns crisp.

A Weekend of Music for Every Mood

Kingston's late October music calendar proves that this city punches well above its weight when it comes to live entertainment. From the theatrical spectacle of Rocky Horror at Assembly, to the dark elegance of Rasputina at TEMPO, to the competitive energy of Tubby's Cover Band Battle, there's something for every musical taste.

These three events also showcase the diversity of Kingston's venue scene — from the downtown energy of Assembly and TEMPO to the neighborhood charm of Tubby's on Broadway. Each space offers its own atmosphere, and each show promises a unique experience.

Tickets for all three events are available now, but don't wait — Halloween weekend in Kingston is always popular, and these shows will sell out. Grab your tickets, plan your costumes if you're so inclined, and get ready for a late October music experience you won't forget.

For more Kingston events and live music, visit KingstonShoutout.com.