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Artvoice Weekly Edition » Issue v13n23 (06/05/2014) » Summer Guide: Featured Events

The summer season in Western New York is a quick one. Don’t let fall sneak up on you with out exploring some of the outstanding summer activities Buffalo has to offer. Use this guide to learn about new cultures, try new foods, and explore new parts of town with your friends and family.

Outdoor Concerts

Click to download our graphic calendar spread with all our editor's picks for the summer's best outdoor shows. (PDF)

Festivals June 6th Annual Cheektowaga Crabapple Festival June 6-8, Cheektowaga Town Park. Friday: Classic car cruise & music,. Saturday: Little Miss Crabapple Pageant, & the Taste of Cheektowaga,. Sunday: War of 1812 Ceremony, Flag Day concert, & fireworks. tocny.org. 14th Annual Buffalo River Fest June 13-15. Buffalo River Fest Park (249 Ohio St.) Events include a waterfront photo & memorabilia display, food & refreshments, a beer garden, kids area, arts & crafts show, historic tours along the Buffalo River, live entertainment, bingo, & more. thevalleycenter.com. 39th Juneteenth of Buffalo June 14-15. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park (Best St. & Fillmore Ave.) The third largest Juneteenth celebration in the wold. Praise & worship, SHARP Parade, entertainment, vendors, book fair, tours, kids activities, African drum & dance lessons, & more. juneteenthofbuffalo.com. The 17th Annual Discover Amherst Street Festival June 21, 9am-6pm. Amherst Street. A celebration of the area’s revitalization & growth. Family activities, food, entertainment, artwork, best pie in Black Rock Contest & more. The 12th Annual Rotary Club Strawberry Social June 18, 4-8pm. The Pavilion at Island Park (behind Amherst Town Hall.) Clown, face painting, fresh strawberry sundaes & more. willvill.com. Shakespeare in Delaware Park June 19-August 17, Tuesdays through Sundays, 7:30pm. HenryV June 19-July 13, The Comedy of Errors July 24-August 17. shakespeareindelawarepark.org. Buffalo Museum of Science Star Lights June 21., 8-11pm. (VIP entry at 7pm). Buffalo Museum of Science (1020 Humboldt Pkwy.) Star gazing, wine and beer tasting, live entertainment, and food. A variety of astronomy-related activities will take place through out the building. Feat. music by DJ crew Spooky Business. Guests will get to explore the Mummies of the World exhibition now open for a limited engagement. $60 VIP/$40/$35 museum members. sciencebuff.org/events/starlights. Northtown Subaru Dog Days of Kenmore June 22. 12pm-4pm. Mang Park (Kenmore). Bring your dog along for a day of canine-related activities & contests. Food, local vendors, & live music. Free. dogdayswny.com. July Old Home Days Celebration July 8-11, Island Park (Williamsville, Behind Village Hall). Parade, live music, reunions, rides, fishing derby, refreshments, and more. A popular celebration to honor a century old community tradition. oldhomedays.org. Canal Fest of the Tonawandas July 13-20. (15 Webster St., Tonawanda). Celebrate the Erie Canal and its history. Crafts, parade, golf tournament, chalk it up tornament, rides, & more. The largest event held along the banks of the Ol’Erie in NYS. canalfest.org. Buffalo Infringement Festival July 23-August 3. Various under the radar arts performances, exhibits, and events throughout the city. infringebuffalo.org. Squeaky Wheel’s 11th Annual Outdoor Animation Festival July 27, 9:00pm. Days Park (Allentown). Bring a blanket or chair and watch animated films by emerging and established artists under the stars.(712 Main). Free. squeaky.org. The 51st Eden Corn Festival July 31-August 3.. Legion Dr. & Main St, Eden. Rides, games, refreshments, parade, contests, music, and various entertainment. Free. edencornfest.com. August Niagara Tattoo Expo August 1-3. Niagara Falls Conference Center (101 Old Falls St.) Live tattooing & piercing, world renowned artists, contests, awards, sideshow acts, special guests, seminars, & more. niagaratattooxxpo.com. Chalk Fest Buffalo August 2-3. 500 Block Main Street (Buffalo). Dr. Seuss theme, Chalk & hat-making workshop, hopscotch tournaments, tea parties, balloon artists, music, story book sessions, & more. All ages. Lucille Ball Comedy Festival August 6-10. Jamestown. Chocolate wrapping, Latin dance classes, I Love Lucy trivia contest, tour of Lucille Ball’s hometown & more. Feat. stand up from Lucie Arnaz, Jay Leno, Tom Cotter, & Caroline Rhea. lucycomedyfest.com. 175th Erie County Fair August 7-18. Fairgrounds Gaming and Raceway Clubhouse (5600 McKinley Pkwy. Hamburg). Live music, community stage acts, concerts, fair camp, contests, talent contest, rides, refreshments, animals, and more. ecfair.org. America’s Grape Country Wine Festival August 9-10. Chatauqua County Fairgrounds (Dunkirk). Wineries, craft, and food vendors, free chef seminars , music, & more. agcwinefestival.com. Food Festivals June Taste of Tonawandas June 8, noon-7pm. North Tonawanda Gateway Harbor (corner of Sweeney & Webster). Food from local restaurants, beverage tent, live music, & family activities. Wine & Cheese Weekend June 13-15. The Niagara Wine Trail. Sponsored by Yancey’s Fancy New York’s Artisan Cheese. $35/$30. niagarawinetrail.org. Taste of Diversity June 28, 11-am-7pm. Grant St, between Lafayette & Auburn. Authentic food, art, & music from one of Buffalo’s most ethnically diverse neighborhoods. Free admission. tasteofdiversity.org. The Kinfolks Soul Food Festival June 28, 4-10pm. LaSalle Park. Soul food, games, live concert w/ Jeffery Osborne, Stephanie Mills, Mint Condition, & Lyfe Jennings & Chante Moore. July July 4th Celebration at Canalside July 4th. Experience Buffalo’s official 4th of July celebration at Canalside. The fun begins early in the day w/ kids events, boat rides, tours, & more. Fireworks begin at 10:15pm. Taste of Buffalo July 12-13. 11am. Delaware Ave & Niagara Square. More than 200 culinary specialties served by WNY’s best restaurants & three stages with a variety of live music. The largest two-day festival in the country. tasteofbuffalo.com. Hamburg Burgerfest July 19. noon-11:45pm. 18 North Buffalo St. (Hamburg). Celebrate the 128th anniversary of the creation of the hamburger. Classic car show, burger-eating contest, parade & music. August Beer & Bacon Festival August 2, 12pm-10pm. Island Park. Sample beers & bacon dishes for a good cause.. Proceeds & donations go to the Breast Cancer Network of WNY. beerbaconfest.com. Taste of Williamsville August 3, 12-8pm. Island Park (Williamsville, Behind Village Hall). Local restaurants offer their best culinary delights .Food tickets are purchased the day of. Free children’s activities & entertainment. village.williamsville.ny.us/events.html. Smokin’ Eagles International BBQ Fest August 8-10. (85 Sweeny Street). BBQ & baking contests, live music, sauce vendors, & more. A kids-Q contest will be held on the final day. Free. sebbq.com. Taste of Ellicottville August 16-17. 12-4pm. Village of Ellicottville Samples from 22 fine restaurants. $1. ellicottvilleny.com/taste-of-ellicottville. Buffalo Chicken Wing Festival August 30-31, 12pm. Coca-Cola Field (257 Washington St.) Kids zone, cook-offs, contests, Buffalo wings, refreshments, and more. $5/free for kids under 8. buffalowing.com. Cultural Festivals June 12th Annual Polish Heritage Festival June 6-7. Fairgrounds Gaming and Raceway Clubhouse (5600 McKinley Pkwy. Hamburg). 12th Year Celebration of Polish Culture & Traditions. Culture, tradition, exhibits, crafters, refreshments, entertainment, and dancing. & more. $10/Free Kids under 16. polfunfest.com. July Galbani Italian Heritage Festival July 17-20, 11am-10pm. Hertel Ave. Local entertainment, bocce, Italian Idol contest, demonstrations, crafts, kid’s activities, the second largest Italian street festival in the country. Take in the sights, sounds, food, & culture that make the Italian- American experience so very special. buffaloitalianfestival.com. 16th Annual Lebanese Festival July 25-27. St. John Maron Catholic Church (2040 Wehrle Dr.) Homemade Lebanese cuisine, traditional dance performances, church tours, rides, and live music. stjohnmaron.org. August Scottish Festival & Highland Games August 16, 10am-8pm. Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village (3755 Tonawanda Creek Road). Highland games, pipers live performances, food, entertainment, and more. $10/$8 members/$4 kids 12 & under. bnhv.org. Buffalo Caribana Festival August 16-17. LaSalle Park (Foot of Porter Ave.) Celebrate the Caribbean after a parade that begins on Richmond Ave at Bidwell & leads to the park for a free festival. 33rd Buffalo Irish Festival August 22-24. Canalside. Parade of 32 county flags, Irish music, cuisine, dance, theatre, and more. buffaloirish.com. Art Festivals June Art is Alive 2014, A Living Art Contest June 7, noon-2pm. Albright Knox Gallery (1285 Elmwood Ave). Bring the family for an afternoon of your favorite art brought to life. Contest participants will create living representations of famous works of art using people, props, & music. See displays and vote for your favorite tableaux in the People’s Choice Awards Also feat. live music & art activities for the whole family. 57th Annual Allentown Art Festival June 14-15, 11am-6pm. (Historic Allentown District). Outdoor festival featuring over 400 local artists and crafters, sponsored by the Allentown Village Society. allentownartfestival.com. Niagara Falls Music & Art Festival June 20-22. Old Falls St. District (Between Seneca Niagara Casino & the Niagara Culinary Institute.) Dozens of artists from WNY, Southern Ontario, & North Eastern Ohio. festivalatthefalls.com. City of Night June 28, 4pm-1am. Silo City (105 Child St.) A multi-disciplinary art event feat. amazing installations, exhibits, live performances, projections and more. City of Night has four core themes: Art, History, Culture, & Sustainability. Guests will be treated to stunning art installations, interactive exhibits, live performances, an indie art fair, & have the opportunity to talk to representatives from organizations that champion the City of Night core. 39th Annual Lockport Outdoors Art’s & Crafts Festival June 29, 11am-5pm. (Main St. in Downtown Lockport off Rt. 78) Over 200 Craft & food vendors from all over the United States. Fun for the whole family w/ free parking & admission. August 47th Annual Lewiston Art Festival August 9-10, 10am-6pm. Center St., Lewiston. Over 175 artists and fine crafters. Meet the artists, visit College Alley featuring student artwork, KeyBank Annual Chalk Walk Competition, music, food, street performers, make and take workshops, and demonstrations. artcouncil.org/events/artfestival.php. 14th Annual Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts August 23-24, 10am. Over 170 artists and crafters, over 50 performances, dance tent, Kidsfest, solar powered stages, cultural row, and refreshments. eafa.techriver.net. September Echo: Art Fair September 6-7. Buffalo Central Library (1 Lafayette Square.) A juried fine art exposition that connects experienced collectors and first-time buyers with established and emerging local, regional, and international artists. Showcases a broad scope of fine art mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, print, works on paper, video, and mixed media alongside performance art, live music, and refreshments. Garden Walks June 5th Annual National Garden Festival June 21-August 2. 15 garden walks, talks and tours of nearly 1,000 gardens. Garden-themed bus tours, educational events, & a Buffalo-style garden art sale. nationalgardenfestival.com. 1 (800) BUFFALO. 9th Annual Lewiston Garden Fest June 21-22, 10am-5pm. (Center St., Lewiston). Garden related vendors, activities, speakers, demonstrations, and displays. Sponsored by the Lewiston Garden Club. Bring questions, & soil samples, for master gardeners & floral experts. lewistongardenfest.com. Parkside Garden & Architecture Tour June 29, 10am-4pm. Church of Good Shepherd (Jewett Pkwy & Summit Ave.) Guided Architecture Walking Tour held noon to 2pm. Self guided garden tour, $8 donation. Optional guided architecture/history walk available at noon & 2pm, $10. parksidebuffalo.org. July Buzz Around Hamburg Garden Walk & Fair July 12-13, 10am-4pm. Memorial Park (Lake & Union) Rain or shine. Maps available for free self-guided tour at the bandstand. Coupons for village restaurants & businesses will be included in the brochure. All participating gardens will be clearly marked w/ garden participant signs. hamburggardenwalk.com. Lockport in Bloom July 12-13, 10am-4pm. Kenan Center (433 Locust St.) Self guided tour includes more than 40 gardens from small city plots to large park-like spaces. The city offers a variety of specialty shops, restaurants, art galleries, & more. lockportinbloom.com. Lancaster Garden Walk July 18-20. Stroll through the Village of Lancaster’s historic district. View gardens of all types. Free, self guided tour. Programs will be available at Two Chicks & a Rooster and Petals to Please. lancastervillage.org. Village of Williamsville Garden Tour July 19, 10am-4pm. Village Meeting House (5658 Main St.) Sidewalk sales & farmers market from 8am to 1pm w/ fresh local fruit,meats, vegetables, plants, & flowers. Historic landmarks include Williamsville Meeting house & the Williamsville Water Mill. Tour is free and self guided. village.williamsville.ny.us. Ken-Ton Garden Tour July 19-20, 10am-4pm. Charming, family friendly neighborhoods bordering the Niagara River. 60 plus gardens from quaint to expensive. View Saturday Night Lights evening tour from 8:30pm-10:30pm. kentongardentour.com. South Buffalo Alive Garden Tour July 20, 9am-3pm. An Annual Tour of gardens of South Buffalo & the Old First Ward. southbuffaloalive.com. Garden Walk Buffalo July 26-27, 10am-4pm. More than 380 sites w/ 50,000 to 60,000 visitors each year from across the US & Canada. This is the largest garden tour in the country. Unique shopping & dining throughout Allentown & on Elmwood ave explore sprawling historic Olmstead parks. gardenwalkbuffalo.com. August Black Rock & Riverside Tour of Gardens August 2, 10am-4pm. More than 60 day gardens, free & self-guided or docent led tours for $10. Starry Night Tour 8pm-10pm. 25 different night gardens. brrgardenwalk.com. Tours (Various times and locations, view websites for full schedules.) Buffalo Bites Elmwood near Cleveland Ave. Buffalo’s first food tasting & cultural walking tour. Sample local eateries & learn about Elmwood Village. $44 adults/$30 kids ages 12 & under.. buffalobitesfoodtours.com Buffalo Living Tour June 21, Various Downtown Locations. Participants will be able to attend free self-guided tours that will introduce them to unique lofts, newly opened hotels, & office suites. buffalolivingtour.net. Buffalo Touring Company The Buffalo History Museum (one Museum Court). Hop on a Segway & take a guided tour through historic North Buffalo. buffalotouringcompany.com. Downtown Buffalo Pub Walks Pearl Street Grill & Brewery. (76 Pearl Street.) A tour that combines Buffalo’s history & beer. $25 includes tour, two pints of beer & some bad harmonica playing. joel@buffalohistorytours.com. buffalohistorytours.com. Explore Buffalo Tours Explore Buffalo provides opportunities to discover Buffalo’s greatest architecture, history, & neighborhoods. explorebuffalo.org. Forest Law Cemetery Tours 1411 Delaware Ave. Walking and trolley tours June through October.. 885-1600, forest-lawn.com. Forgotten Buffalo Tours Buffalo’s authority on unique landmarks, classic taverns, old world neighborhoods, and Nickel City oddities. Led by Maxwell Truth, the host of Off Beat Cinema. 883-5211, forgottenbuffalo.com. Mason Winfield’s Haunted History Ghost Walks, Inc. 21 South Grove St. Suite 240. Author and researcher Mason Winfield’s haunted history tours explore history, architecture, mystery, parapsychology, and ghosts. 655-6663, masonwinfield.com. Queen City Ferry Boat Rides One Naval Park Cove. Take a ride on the Queen City Ferry for a watery ride between Buffalo’s inner & outer harbor. $8 adults/$6 kids. Sunday Morning Vineyard Walks June 18 & 27, 9-11am. Johnson Estate Winery (West Main Rd., Westfield) 326-2191. Led by owner Fred Johnson. johnsonwinery.com. Vip Brewery Tour of Hotel Lafayette 391 Washington St. Go behind-the-scenes on this Thursday night Vip Brewery Tour. $15 gets your three beer tastings served inside the brewery located in the Hotel Lafayette. Reservations suggested. buffalohistorytours.com. Wellness Walk at Tifft Tifft Nature Preserve (1200 Fuhrmann Blvd.) Drop by Tifft Nature preserve and enjoy guided outdoor walks at a casual pace. 825-6397.

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