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Buffalo Waterfront image courtesy of ECHDC/Be Our Guest
Buffalo Waterfront image courtesy of ECHDC/Be Our Guest

ECHDC, Be Our Guest announce Buffalo Waterfront summer season

Submitted

Tue, May 16th 2023 12:20 pm

New attractions include ‘Creators at Sunset’ and ‘Family FriYay!,’ with returning Outer Harbor concerts and specialty fitness classes

Press Release

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. (ECHDC) and Be Our Guest, a subsidiary of Rich Entertainment Group, announced the initial 2023 summer season lineup of events at the Buffalo Waterfront. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Canalside and the Outer Harbor will host over 100 events and programs.

“Canalside is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a stellar summer lineup of activities and events," ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia said. “Music, family fun, exercise options, food and friends will all be a part of the busy summer schedule. Gov. Hochul is encouraging everyone to take advantage of the waterfront – which we have all worked hard to make into one of the region’s greatest success stories.”

“We’re excited to share with the community the exciting summer we have planned at the Buffalo Waterfront,” said Kevin Parkinson, vice president of finance and operations for Rich Entertainment Group. “We encourage everyone to check out some of the special events at Canalside and the Outer Harbor this summer, or simply enjoy a stroll, take in a sunset and stop for a drink at the Wilkeson Pointe Beer Garden or Clinton’s Dish. There’s something for everyone this year.”

The returning Seneca Casinos Outer Harbor Concert Series will kick off May 20 with The Gaslight Anthem to open an exciting lineup of artists coming to the Buffalo Waterfront this summer. Other announced shows include the BPO with the Strictly Hip, Alter Bridge, Dark Star Orchestra, Arkells and Jimmy Eat World & Manchester Orchestra. The full lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. This will mark the final year the series will be held at the Lakeside Event Lawn presented by the Upstate Honda Dealers, as the new Outer Harbor Events Center will be ready to host next year’s shows.

Concert tickets can be purchased at www.buffalowaterfront.com/concerts.

“Fitness in the Parks,” sponsored by Independent Health, will also make its return to the Outer Harbor, along with several large-scale events, such as the Water Lantern Festival on July 8 and the Buffalo Irish Festival July 28-30. Food and drinks will be offered at the Wilkeson Pointe Beer Garden, the Nosh and Nibble Food Truck and the Lakeside Bike Park Café, along with bike and water sport rentals.

“As the official health and wellness partner of Outer Harbor Buffalo, we are proud to work with the Buffalo Waterfront to connect the community with free or affordable healthy activities along our beautiful waterfront,” said Kathy Glieco, vice president of marketing, Independent Health. “The Outer Harbor is the crown jewel of our waterfront and a wonderful way for individuals and families to experience its many picturesque settings and wellness activities, from kayak rentals and ‘Fitness in the Parks’ classes to our ‘Wellness Trail’ and ‘Lakeside Bike Park.’ ”

New events at Canalside include “Family FriYay!” and “Creators at Sunset.” “Family FriYay!” will feature “Free Play Friday” with Explore & More, a kids activity zone sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, interactive boat building with the Buffalo Maritime Center at the Longshed, and ice cream specials at Clinton’s Dish. “Family FriYay! will run weekly from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays from June 23 through Aug. 25.

“Creators at Sunset” will feature local artists and vendors, live music and entertainment, food trucks and of course, sunset views at Canalside. Sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY and Upstate Honda Dealers, the event will be held on one Friday per month (May 26, June 9, July 7 and Aug. 18).

In addition to the returning “Fitness at Canalside” series, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY will also sponsor specialty fitness classes, including puppy yoga, goat yoga, biking on the boardwalk, fitness cruises and salsa classes.

“As we kick off our 12th season of ‘Fitness at Canalside,’ we’re pleased to offer a full schedule of engaging and inclusive offerings that showcase Buffalo’s beautiful waterfront while encouraging our entire community to get healthy this summer,” said Michael Ball, vice president, community affairs, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY.

Additional new events include:

•A comedy series on the Great Lawn held June 8, July 13, July 27 and Aug. 10 from 7 to 8 p.m. Buffalo Waterfront will partner with Buffalo Comedy Collective on this free programming series, where two comedy teams will compete as the audience judges.

•“Yappy Hour” at Clinton’s Dish and the Wilkeson Pointe Beer Garden on Thursdays from June 1 through Aug. 31. Enjoy $1 off hot dogs and a free treat for your pup with a drink purchase.

•The Canalside Food Truck Lunch Series from noon to 3 p.m. every Wednesday. Starting May 17, one-to-two food trucks will be parked each week for lunch in the sun.

Seasonal vendors at Canalside and the Outer Harbor, including the Buffalo Boat Tour, BFLO Harbor Kayak, Water Bikes of Buffalo, Canalside Caricatures, and Longboards Paddle Co. will also reopen this Memorial Day weekend. New this year, Buffalo Bike Tours will be open at the Commercial Slip at Canalside and Explore Buffalo will provide historical walking tours.

There’s still plenty to do along the water this weekend as well, prior to the official kick-off.

•Clinton’s Dish

√ Open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

•The Buffalo Heritage Carousel, which offers rides for just $1 each

√ Open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

•The Longshed, which is being used by the Buffalo Maritime Center to construct a replica of an 1825 Erie Canal boat. This will be the last summer to visit this attraction before the boat is completed and launched next spring

√ Open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

•Buffalo Boat Tours, which offers a host of tours available for every occasion at various times throughout the day, including:

√ Cocktail cruises

√ Silo City tour

√ Buffalo River history tour

√ Sunday brunch cruise

For the latest updates to the summer schedule, visit https://buffalowaterfront.com.

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

For more information on ECHDC, visit www.eriecanalharbor.com.

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