Outer Harbor's Wilkeson Pointe opens for summer fun

Perro & Poni opens Thursday, as fitness programming, summer concert series return for 2026

Buffalo Waterfront press release & photos

Wilkeson Pointe is welcoming the summer season with a full slate of family-friendly offerings. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, and throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy park golf, bike rentals, delicious eats and drinks from Perro & Poni, plus fitness classes, live music and, of course, the stunning waterfront views that make Wilkeson Pointe one of the most beautiful spots to spend a summer day in Buffalo.

“There is no better place than Wilkeson Pointe on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor to relax, have fun and enjoy this summer,” said Lauren Ford, general manager of Buffalo Waterfront. “This newly restored space has something for everyone, and we are so excited for what’s in store this season.”

Let’s get moving

•“Fitness in the Parks,” sponsored by Independent Health, returns for its 15th season. The program’s free outdoor fitness classes will kick off in June. Open to all ages and abilities, classes will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

•Outer Harbor fitness weekend classes also return in June. Presented by Independent Health, Outer Harbor fitness features Reach Power Yoga on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Nickel City Sweat on Sundays at 10 a.m.

Wilkeson Pointe landscape (Buffalo Waterfront photos)

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“At Independent Health, we’re committed to helping Western New Yorkers live healthier, happier lives – and the Outer Harbor is one of the most inspiring places to do just that,” said Kathy Glieco, vice president of marketing for Independent Health. “As the official health and wellness partner of Outer Harbor Buffalo, we’re proud to invite individuals of all ages to get outside, move more, and take in the beauty of our waterfront – whether it’s a walk or jog along the 3-mile Independent Health Wellness Trail, a bike ride at Lakeside Bike Park, or a free outdoor fitness class.”

•Visitors can also enjoy a game of park golf – an all-ages sport that combines elements of traditional golf and croquet. The 9-hole course, sponsored by Independent Health, has everything one needs to play for an affordable outdoor activity.

•The newly renovated beach volleyball courts are open to all who want to kick up a little sand. Registration is now open for Healthy Buffalo’s co-ed sand volleyball league, which plays Friday nights starting June 5.

•Get on the water with a kayak or paddleboard rental, starting next month. Have your own? Launch it at the Independent Health kayak launch.

•For those looking to take in the views on land, The Lakeside Spoke & Social group bike ride gets rolling every Tuesday at 6 p.m., starting June 10. Led by the Slow Spokes organization and presented by Independent Health, the weekly ride begins at Perro & Poni at Wilkeson Pointe for an hour-long trek around the Outer Harbor. A post-ride celebration at Perro & Poni will include drinks, fresh eats and live music. The ride is free and open to all ages. Participants must sign up online or in person at the event.

•An evergreen attraction at Wilkeson Pointe, the pedestrian trails along the water, welcomes walkers, runners and bicyclers of all kinds. Walkers and bikers can also explore the 3-mile Independent Health Wellness Trail, with scenic views from Wilkeson Pointe to the Lakeside Bike Park. Bike rentals for are available on site.

Put up your feet

•It’s not all working up a sweat at Wilkeson Point. Fast-casual restaurant Perro & Poni is returning to dish up fresh and flavorful Tex-Mex dishes. This year, the menu will include new and delicious quick bites like Birria Crunch Nachos and a Cali Burrito. There will also be a full bar menu, including creative cocktails, frozen drinks and a rotating selection of local brews.

•The Sounds of Buffalo summer music concert series is also returning, bringing free live music to the Perro & Poni beer garden on select dates throughout the summer. The series is a collaboration between the Buffalo Music Club and Buffalo Waterfront.

Other spaces beckon to rest and relax as well, including the open lawn area and lakeside at the Wilkeson Pointe beach. And don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy the native species landscaping that has created meadows, grasslands and pollinator fields for the nature that calls the Outer Harbor home.

Full hours of operation and information on all programming can be found at BuffaloWaterfront.com.