Roller Rink at Canalside opens Aug. 11

Popular attraction returns for third season, as historic canal transforms to make way for roller skating Aug. 11 through Oct. 29

Buffalo Waterfront Management Group (BWMG) announced roller-skating will return Friday, Aug. 11. In addition to regular, daily hours of operation, the Roller Rink at Canalside will again offer its popular group skate and party packages. The site will also host an activity zone with pop-up games, activities and a party tent.

“We’re proud to host a variety of fun activities throughout the year, and look forward to another season of roller skating here on the waterfront,” said Lauren Moloney Ford, general manager of Buffalo Waterfront. “Last year’s rink drew about 10,000 people from the community and beyond, and we’re looking forward to even more new offerings this year.”

The Roller Rink at Canalside is sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York Vice President of Community Affairs Michael Ball said, “As the official health plan of Canalside, we’re proud it has become a year-round destination for healthy activities that includes free fitness classes in the summer, ice skating in the winter, and roller skating in the fall. Roller skating at Canalside grows each year as the largest outdoor roller rink in New York state, right here on Buffalo’s waterfront.”

Thanks to the support of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Buffalo Waterfront will distribute free skating and skate rental passes to Buffalo public and charter schools and to area nonprofits. Schools and nonprofits interested in visiting the rink can request tickets by emailing [email protected]. The rink and activity zone will also be open for school field trips.

The opening-day celebration on Friday, Aug. 11, will feature a DJ and games.

Other special events include:

√ Themed skate nights every Friday

√ “Fitness on Wheels”: Two, four-week sessions of skate dance classes on Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m.

√ Learn to skate: Two, four-week sessions of learn-to-skate classes with instructors from 716 Rollers on Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m.

√ Special events, such as: AmeriCAN Skate Jam and Health & Wellness Expo – Aug. 18-20; “Back to School Saturday Skate,” with backpack and school supply giveaways – Aug. 26; Indigenous Peoples Day – Oct. 9; and “Spookless Halloween” – Oct. 28.

Admission to the Roller Rink at Canalside is $6 for adults and $2 for children 13 and under. Patrons can bring their own roller skates, or rentals are available for $4. Roller blades are not permitted at the rink. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield members receive $1 off admission and skate rentals.

Paddle and pedal boat rentals will remain available through July 30. Several options remain for visitors looking to spend time on the water this summer. Water Bikes of Buffalo and BFLO Harbor Kayak offer water sport rentals at Canalside, and Longboards Paddle and Pedal Co offers kayaks, water bikes and paddle boards for rent at the Outer Harbor’s Wilkeson Pointe.

For hours of operation, details about special events and the most up-to-date information on the Roller Rink at Canalside, visit www.buffalowaterfront.com.

More About Buffalo Waterfront

Buffalo’s Waterfront is a growing regional destination and entertainment district encompassing Canalside and Outer Harbor. The Buffalo Waterfront hosts large events and daily activities of all types and strives to provide public access to the land and waterways on the Lake Erie shoreline.

A press release stated, “Operated by the Buffalo Waterfront Management Group, part of Rich Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Rich Products, the Buffalo Waterfront is the go-to place for locals and out-of-towners of all ages to learn, play and relax. For more information, visit www.buffalowaterfront.com.”