Summer event preview: Downtown Niagara Falls announces summer slate

Thu, May 22nd 2025 10:40 pm

Destination Niagara USA and its downtown Niagara Falls partners announced plans are in place for the upcoming summer season.

At a press conference last Thursday, President and CEO John Percy welcomed guests to Old Falls Street to share information on activities taking place there, as well at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, at Niagara Falls State Park and Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.

He said the gathering symbolized how “we collaborate during this busy season and other times of the year, as well, to find as many activities for our visitors and community to enjoy.”

City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said, “We can’t guarantee this (sunny) weather every single day, but we can guarantee rainbows every day. All you have to do is go down by the falls and you’ll see a rainbow. At this time of year, it’s exciting because, for these next few months, you have one thing after another down on this street.”

Events will begin Memorial Day weekend, Friday through Monday, May 23-26, with food trucks and live entertainment. “Friday Night Concerts on Old Falls Street” will start June 20 and run from 5-10 p.m. through Aug. 29.

On June 28, the third annual Rainbow City Pride Event will take place, and will include unicorn carriage rides, DJs, vendors, food trucks, live music and a silent disco.

The 4th of July weekend will also include food trucks and live music, as well as vendors.

Niagara Falls Convention Center & Old Falls Street USA General Manager Jason Murgia said, “Aug. 9 will be ‘Pints in the Park’ with Resurgence Brewery on our middle block. We’ll also have events and festivals through Labor Day weekend. Our annual September events, which are our most popular and most well-attended, will be the 16th annual Blues Festival and our Octoberfest.”

He noted, “These events are intended for family-friendly fun, and they are free, and they are intended for our guests, our tourists and, most importantly, our locals.

“A special added bonus for our locals: You are eligible for a city residency parking pass. … That parking rate is extremely beneficial for those local residents living in Niagara Falls.”

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino General Manager Joann Israel said her venue has several stars waiting to perform throughout the summer, including Buddy Guy and Lorrie Morgan, as well as tributes to icons like Neil Diamond.

“There’s really something for everybody,” she said, also noting Darius Rucker will perform outside on Aug. 1.

Angela Berti, marketing and public affairs coordinator for the Niagara Region of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, announced “Music in the Mist,” a free concert series hosted by 2024 All WNY Best Vocalist winner Michael DeLano.

“That will be every Thursday beginning May 29 running through Aug. 28,” she said. “That is also a free series and will take place in front of the Welcome Center.”

Also at the Welcome Center, State Parks and the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center will team each Tuesday to offer family-friendly crafts.

Berti announced the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will perform on Goat Island at 7 p.m. July 10; and Niagara Falls will be illuminated in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Niagara Falls Illumination Board on Sept. 12-14.

Josh Blumberg, SUNY Niagara assistant vice president of academic affairs/Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, said the student-run Savor Restaurant will be open for lunch (11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and dinner (5-9:30 p.m.) from Wednesdays through Saturdays; and student-run bakery La Patisserie will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

“We have wonderful community education events to offer,” Blumberg said. “Our very own chef, Emily Lonigan, can curate an experience for you for cooking classes, both private and public, as well as offer kids’ culinary camps. If you want your kids to cook your dinner, and your lunch and your breakfast, this would be a great training program. It’s a lot of fun, and kids develop their skills and palettes and sense of teamwork.”

Restaino said he was “happy” with the work done by the Falls’ tourism partners, and he looks forward to talking with visitors who come to the Cataract City.

“I guess I’ll say it a little early, ‘Welcome to summer,’ ” Restaino said.

USA Niagara Development Corp. President Anthony Vilardo said he is looking forward to seeing the Strictly Hip on Aug. 8 as part of the “Friday Night Concerts on Old Falls Street.”

He referenced Gov. Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign and said these events along the Niagara Falls corridor “encourages New Yorkers and families to put down their phones and computers, and take a break from social media, and enjoy outdoor recreation, social gatherings, and put their mental and physical health first.”

Reporter Ben Joe contributed to this article.

‘Friday Night Concerts on Old Falls Street’

Live music returns to Old Falls Street in Niagara Falls! Enjoy food trucks and live music every Friday night this summer. Opening acts will perform from 5-7 p.m., while headlining acts will perform from 7-10 p.m. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

The lineup includes: