Thursday, October 1, 2026
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For decades, Long Island has been a stop for some of the biggest names in rock music. While stadiums and outdoor amphitheaters continue to attract blockbuster tours, many fans say there's nothing quite like seeing an artist in a venue where every seat feels close to the stage.
That's where The Paramount in Huntington has carved out its niche.
The 1,500-seat theater has become one of the region's premier destinations for live music, blending nationally touring artists with tribute acts, emerging performers and legendary musicians whose careers span generations. This year's schedule is no exception, offering everything from punk pioneers and alternative favorites to classic rock icons and tribute bands that faithfully recreate some of music's most beloved catalogs.
Whether audiences are looking to relive the soundtrack of their youth or discover a new favorite performer, The Paramount's calendar offers a little something for nearly every rock fan.
Classic rock remains one of the venue's biggest draws.
Singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge returns to Huntington in September, bringing decades of Grammy Award-winning hits and one of rock's most recognizable voices.
Fans of progressive rock can catch Hot Tuna, while Dweezil Zappa continues his mission of celebrating the music of his father, Frank Zappa, through performances that blend virtuosity with deep appreciation for one of rock's most inventive catalogs.
Alternative rock also receives a strong showing this season.
British indie rock favorites Franz Ferdinand headline in August, while post-hardcore veterans Chiodos return later that month. October brings performances from hard rock mainstays Daughtry and Christian rock powerhouse Skillet, while gothic rock pioneers The Damned and post-punk favorites She Wants Revenge round out a lineup that spans multiple generations of alternative music.
Even fans of heavier sounds will find plenty to enjoy as the calendar stretches into late fall.
Yet perhaps no programming has become more synonymous with The Paramount than its tribute concerts.
Once viewed as niche entertainment, tribute acts have evolved into some of the venue's most consistently popular performances, drawing audiences eager to hear beloved songs performed live with remarkable attention to detail.
This year's schedule celebrates some of rock's most enduring catalogs.
Get The Led Out recreates the music of Led Zeppelin across two performances in July. Fans of arena rock can revisit Foreigner's greatest hits through Double Vision, while Rocket Man pays tribute to Elton John with an evening celebrating one of pop and rock's most iconic performers.
Queen fans won't have to wait long, either. Almost Queen returns in October with the theatrical production and soaring vocals that have made the tribute one of the venue's annual favorites.
Pink Floyd enthusiasts can experience The Australian Pink Floyd Show: The Happiest Days of Our Lives, an internationally recognized production known for combining faithful musicianship with elaborate visuals inspired by one of progressive rock's most influential bands.
Rush fans are also represented with The Rush Tribute Project, while Who's Bad brings the music and choreography of Michael Jackson to Huntington in August, highlighting how tribute productions have expanded beyond traditional rock acts to celebrate some of popular music's biggest performers.
These concerts continue to attract audiences spanning multiple generations — from longtime fans who saw the original artists decades ago to younger listeners discovering the music for the first time.
That multigenerational appeal has become one of The Paramount's defining strengths.
Rather than focusing exclusively on nostalgia or emerging talent, the venue builds a calendar where legendary performers, modern touring artists and tribute productions share the spotlight. The result is a schedule that encourages repeat visits throughout the year, with each month offering something distinctly different.
Several performers also blur the lines between genres.
The FIXX joins Colin Blunstone — best known as the voice of The Zombies — and Peter Asher for a Labor Day weekend performance celebrating decades of British rock history. Chad Gray, known for fronting heavy metal bands Mudvayne and Hellyeah, brings another side of the rock spectrum in September, while singer-songwriter Wheeler Walker Jr. mixes country music with irreverent comedy in November.
Even artists outside the traditional rock genre contribute to the venue's eclectic programming. AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys headlines in October, giving pop fans another reason to visit Huntington before year's end.
One of the reasons The Paramount continues to attract nationally touring artists is its intimate setting. Unlike arena concerts, where fans may find themselves hundreds of feet from the stage, the Huntington venue offers an experience built around proximity. Performers often remark on the energy of the room, while audiences appreciate the ability to see world-class acts without traveling into Manhattan.
Its location in the heart of Huntington Village only adds to the appeal. Many concertgoers make an evening of their visit by dining at one of the village's restaurants before walking to the theater for the show.
As the calendar continues through the fall, The Paramount once again demonstrates why it has become one of Long Island's premier live music destinations. Whether fans are eager to see legendary performers, celebrate the music of iconic bands through acclaimed tribute productions or discover artists making their first stop in Huntington, the venue offers a concert experience that balances nostalgia, discovery and world-class entertainment — all within one of the region's most intimate stages.
