Locals, visitors encouraged to #SoakItIn
Representatives from the leading tourism and entertainment venues in downtown Niagara Falls came together Thursday to outline all that residents and visitors can see, experience and enjoy this summer. Destination Niagara USA, Old Falls Street, USA, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, and Niagara Falls State Park held a special joint media conference to announce the extensive list of entertainment and activities taking place this summer.
"We really look forward to a very bright, bright summer," Destination Niagara USA President and CEO John Percy said.
"As we look forward to another successful tourism season, we are thrilled that our visitors and residents will have access to such a diverse and entertaining summer," he added. "To coin the appropriately chosen hashtag for this summer in Niagara Falls, we invite you to #SoakItIn."
Old Falls Street is expanding family and children's programming.
"This summer, Old Falls Street is pleased to expand its free, interactive games on the middle park and our park block, each Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., on a daily basis, beginning June 23," said Jason Murgia, general manager of Old Falls Street and The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls. "In addition to our large-scale board games, Ping-Pong, foosball and many others, we are adding a free art and crafts cart, popular tabletop games, and a reading room filled with daily newspapers, periodicals, books and magazines. We will also feature a variety of new food carts, on our park block, which will be available on a daily basis."
Moreover, "We are proud to unveil our new public art mural themed around the city's 125th anniversary," Murgia added, and "On Saturday afternoon, Old Falls Street is featuring its new 'Tunes at Noon' live music series on the park block, featuring live music performances by solo artists and acoustic artists."
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino has booked a diverse set of concert headliners for this summer.
"Visitors and residents alike will get to enjoy some world-class entertainers and some outdoor fun," said Nadine DiStefano, publicity manager for Seneca Resorts & Casinos.
"Seneca Niagara's very first ever 'Disco Dance Party: A Night at the Disco,' hosted by Downtown Julie Brown, will ignite the Events Center on June 24, with entertainers such as The Village People, Sister Sledge, Rose Royce and The Trammps," DiStefano said. "This is a 21-and-over event, and this is a dancing-room-only party. There are no seats; so bring your disco attire, and your dancing shoes."
The hotel side of the resort will feature two mega-concerts.
"We have two amazing outdoor shows this August that you'll all want to see," DiStefano said. " 'United We Rock' Tour - REO Speedwagon and Styx - will come for the outdoor show on Aug. 18. Followed the next night by rock legends KISS, and their 'Freedom to Rock' Tour on Aug. 19."
Tickets for both shows are now on sale.
Niagara Falls State Park underwent a large-scale renovation last year. This summer, Percy said, "The fireworks launch over Niagara Falls expands to include each weekday, Monday through Friday, in June, July and August at 10 p.m.
"As always, visitors are encouraged to purchase the Niagara Falls USA Discovery Pass, allowing them to save up to 32 percent and enjoy admission to Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara Adventure Theater, and unlimited rides on the Niagara Scenic Trolley."
Some of the other highlights for the summer schedule include:
- Gladys Knight at Seneca Niagara Events Center on June 10 at 8 p.m.
- Summer "Free Movie Fridays" begin in Seneca Square on June 30
- Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino fireworks show at 9:40 p.m. July 2
- The Australian Pink Floyd Show at Seneca Niagara Events Center on July 21
- Old Falls Street free Memorial Day block party from noon to 8 p.m. May 27-28 on the park block
- Old Falls Street "Party Friday" concert series beginning June 23
- Old Falls Street is partnering with Slow Roll Buffalo to bring two bicycle tour events to the City of Niagara Falls, with free "Pedal Parties" on Friday, June 23, and Friday, Aug. 4
- Old Falls Street "Free Family Fun Activities" each Saturday afternoon beginning June 24
- "Flicks on Old Falls" free weekly movie series on Thursday evenings beginning June 29
- Old Falls Street's free Independence Day block party from noon to 8 p.m. July 1-2 on the park block
- Touch-a-Truck and Stuff-a-Bus family event on Aug. 12
- Taste of Niagara Falls Food Festival on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-3
- Niagara Falls Blues Festival from Sept. 15-17
- Old Falls Street's Oktoberfest on Sept. 30
"We weren't kidding when we said we have a lot going on in Niagara Falls this summer," Percy said.
For a complete list of all the activities and events taking place this summer, visit
niagara-usa.com.
Percy added, "In addition to all of these great events, there are variety of new vendors and restaurants along Old Falls Street, Third Street, and within our downtown hotels."
The mission of Destination Niagara USA is to expand the economic prosperity of the Niagara USA communities by generating individual and group visitation. For more information, visit
niagara-usa.com.
Old Falls Street, USA, managed by Spectra by Comcast Spectacor, is a historic three-block destination that connects the entrance of Niagara Falls State Park with The Conference & Event Center and other downtown Niagara Falls hotels, restaurants and attractions. Serving as the "Welcome Center" for residents and visitors alike, the thoroughfare provides spaces for free family-friendly games and activities, as well as seasonal concerts, outdoor movies, festivals, holiday and other special events. Additional information can be found at
www.FallsStreet.com.
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is located just minutes from the world-famous Niagara Falls in Western New York, near the Canadian border. More information is available by calling 1-877-8-SENECA (1-877-873-6322) or visiting
www.SenecaCasinos.com.