Artpark celebrates 51st season with exciting & diverse schedule of performances, events, activities

Artpark & Company Press Release

Artpark, Western New York’s premier summer destination for live performance, music and interactive art, announces its 51st season with an exciting lineup packed with music, art, festivals, family programs and much more.

Artpark & Company President Dave Wedekindt said, “Last year’s 50th anniversary season offered a natural occasion to look back, but also look ahead. This season moves Artpark forward, and offers an enticing blend of multigenerational performing and visual arts that celebrate what makes Artpark so special and an essential part of the summer for 100,000-plus annual visitors.”

The centerpiece of Artpark’s season is always the popular concerts. This year will feature 25 concerts on the Mainstage, Amphitheater and Emerald Grove stages representing an eclectic mix of classic and modern rock, pop, blues, jazz, reggae, hip-hop, Latin, funk, classical, Americana, country and bluegrass.

This year, Artpark is excited to bring some new offerings for parents with younger families, along with new twists to some events from years past. “Wonder Wednesdays,” starting in July, is a new free series for toddlers and their caregivers featuring active play in the outdoors created by Director of Education Tanis Winslow.

This fall, Artpark welcomes the return of touring performances for children with the national tour of “CoComelon: Sing A-Long LIVE” in the Mainstage Theater (Sept. 27).

Image courtesy of Artpark & Company

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Patrons can experience Artpark’s first “Red Horizons: Celebrating Indigenous Futures in Art + Fashion Show” on Friday, June 20, the day prior to the Strawberry Moon Festival. This Indigenous-led runway show and gallery presentation is a powerful celebration of Indigenous excellence in fashion, beauty and the arts – founded and produced by two visionary Tuscarora women: Kehala Greene-Smith, a fashion designer and the creative force behind Kreations By Kehala; and produced by A’ngelee Clause, a model, makeup artist and entrepreneur. This event is more than a fashion show – it’s a declaration of identity, a celebration of community, and a moment of Indigenous brilliance in motion. Together, these women have built a platform that uplifts Indigenous voices and honors cultural storytelling through high fashion and contemporary art.

This event will feature live performances and showcase designs from Indigenous artists and designers from all across North America.

Comedy also returns to the Mainstage Theater after a long absence with “Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking For Trouble” (Aug. 30). The improv comedy masters and beloved stars of television’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” bring their all-ages live show featuring audience participation to Artpark for the first time in August. The performance also caps a big day at the park with the return of the “Better Off Read” Summer Book Festival.

For musical film lovers, Artpark is bringing outdoor movie night back with a unique twist. The hit film “Wicked: Sing-Along” will be projected on a huge screen across the Amphitheater stage (Aug. 30). Patrons can sing “Defying Gravity” and more as loud as they wish outside under the stars as the lyrics are shown on screen.

Additional performing arts premieres at Artpark this season will include the Cirque Festival featuring Montreal’s Flip Fabrique (Aug. 17), plus a semi-staged production of Richard Wagner’s epic “The Flying Dutchman” featuring a cast of opera stars along with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Gil Rose (Sept. 13).

Furthermore, a new collaboration with Niagara Theater Collective will mark the return of theater camp for youth ages 13-18 (July 21-25). A unique, site-specific outdoor production of “Hansel & Gretel” will conclude camp.

Artpark visitors this season will enjoy musicians who’ve led long, successful careers alongside newer faces on the scene. There are programs for both the young and young-at-heart to learn and create art, and art installations to both delight and inspire. Festivals celebrate unity and connections to our land. And Artpark Bridges brings together our neighbors of different abilities and backgrounds.

Tickets and registration for all events is open. Visit artpark.net for more information.

Image courtesy of Artpark & Company

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Artpark Mainstage Theater

•June 6 – The Driver Era

•June 11 – Candlelight concert by Artpark & the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

•July 3 – Todd Rundgren

•July 30 – Lucy Dacus with special guest Jay Som

•Aug. 8 – Chicago 

•Aug. 24 – Gregory Alan Isakov with special guest Ocie Elliott

•Sept. 3 – Marren Morris with special guest Jade LeMac

•Sept. 21 – Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas with special guest Willie Watson

•Sept. 26 – Vance Joy with special guests Hazlett, Jonah Kagen & Kyle Schuelser 

•Sept. 27 – “CoComelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE”

Artpark Amphitheater

•June 18 – “An Evening with The String Cheese Incident”

•June 24 – Gary Clark Jr. with special guest Grace Bowers

•July 1 – George Thorogood and The Destroyers & 38 Special

•July 5 – Rick Springfield, “I Want My 80’s Tour,” with John Waite, Wang Chung & Paul Young

•July 10 – Juanes

•July17 – Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with JJ Grey and Mofro & Dumpstaphunk

•July 19 – Grace Potter with Johnnyswim

•July 29 – Rainbow Kitten Surprise with Medium Build

•July 31 – Blackberry Smoke and Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs with special guest Shannon McNally

•Aug. 1 – Slightly Stoopid with Iration and Little Stranger

•Aug. 12 – Fitz & The Tantrums with Neal Francis

•Aug. 13 – “An Evening with Yacht Rock Revue”

•Aug. 15 – Toad The Wet Sprocket with special guests KT Tunstall and Sixpence None The Richer

•Aug. 19 – Cypress Hill & Atmosphere with Lupe Fiasco and The Pharcyde 

•Aug. 27 – The Australian Pink Floyd Show, “Wish You Were Here 50th Anniversary”

•Aug. 29 – UB40 with special guest Inner Circle

‘New Music in the Park’ Series

•Aug. 10 – Beyond Buffalo: “New Music in the Park,” at the outdoor Emerald Grove Stage (lower park), is a new, original composition from Buffalo-based composer Moshe Shulman. It features six musicians and seven dancers who will come together to showcase several international styles of music with their accompanying distinct styles of dance.

Comedy at Artpark

•Aug. 30 – “Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking For Trouble Tour”

Opera at Artpark

•Sept. 13 – “The Flying Dutchman” will be performed in its original German, with English supertitles in the Mainstage Theater. Rather than traditional preconstructed sets, this production will use striking projections and evocative imagery to bring the story to life. The costumed cast will appear onstage alongside the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, while Conductor Gil Rose leads the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra from the pit.

Movie night in the Amphitheater

•Aug. 30 – “Wicked: Sing-Along”

Image courtesy of Artpark & Company

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Indigenous programs

•June 20 – Red Horizons: Celebrating Indigenous Future in Art & Fashion 

•June 21 – Strawberry Moon Festival features smoke dance competitions and live performances. New this year, “The Circle: Indigenous Teachings and Storytelling,” a dedicated space where visitors can gather to experience oral traditions, songs, and cultural teachings shared by respected Elders. An Indigenous discovery zone will offer hands-on workshops, and cultural teachings, plus the Indigenous artisan market will showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of Indigenous makers from across Turtle Island, featuring handcrafted beadwork, pottery, jewelry, textiles, fine art and contemporary fashion. The mesmerizing smoke dance competition – with participants from tiny tots to adults – will captivate audiences with grace, agility, speed and storytelling through dazzling footwork and vibrant regalia. This competition remains a festival highlight. This is a free event for all.

•Sept. 6 – “Stories By The Fire” is just after dusk (see website for exact times)

•Oct. 11 – “Stories By The Fire” is just after dusk (see website for exact times)

Fairy House Festival file photo.

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Special events & festivals

•July 8 – Artpark gala: Enjoy a delicious dinner catered by Oliver’s, open bar, signature cocktails and exciting auctions under the big top. Then down to the Mainstage Theater to enjoy the legendary band Chicago. A post-party with desserts will follow. Contact Wendy Diina at wdiina@artpark.net or 716-754-9000, Ext. 154, to purchase gala table sponsorships and tickets.

•July 12 – Artpark Fairy House Festival returns from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Artpark’s lower park. Celebrate the festival’s 15th year, as fairies gather to play, laugh and frolic in the forest and along the river at Artpark. Tour the extraordinary fairy homes and houses in the woods, and discover whimsical artisans and craftspeople who sell their creations and/or artwork throughout the artisan marketplace.

•Aug. 17 – Artpark Cirque Festival takes place from 4-8 p.m. in Artpark’s lower park. It features internationally acclaimed Québec cirque troupe Flip Fabrique performing “Summer Break” atop their “Summer Break Bus” while showcasing a circus-styled acrobatic performance of what it was like being at summer camp for the very first time. Also performing will be solo swinging trapeze artist Violet Defiant and the music, puppetry and performances of Slyboots Circus. Advance tickets are on sale now.

•Aug. 30 – The fourth annual Better Off Read Summer Book Festival takes place in Artpark’s lower park and is free to attend. The event features thousands of books available for $1 or less; vendor booths by local authors, artists and merchants; complimentary attractions such as face-painting, balloon animals and storytelling; food trucks and other concessions; a special celebrity-sponsored basket raffle; and much more.

‘Creations and Libations’

Artpark has expanded its series of art-making for adults ages 21-plus with the following programs that include beverage options along with your custom created art masterpiece!

•“Wine & Wheels” (see website for all dates and times)

•“Libations & Landscapes” (see website for all dates and times)

•“Mojitos and Mosaics” (see website for all dates and times)

Tickets are required, as space is limited.

Education & exploration at Artpark

•Artcamps – Three sessions are available, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 14-18; July 21-25; and July 28-Aug. 1. Camp is open to youth ages 9-14, but limited to 24 students per session. Preregister now for a weeklong course of hands-on visual arts and crafts activities under the guidance of professional instructors. Activities include ceramics, cyanotypes, sculpting, drawing, painting or felting. 

•“Wonder Wednesdays” – Eight sessions will be offered, from 10 a.m. to noon July 2 through Aug. 20. Each two-hour workshop experience is for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. This is designed as a sensory experience to engage in guided artistic play and nature exploration nestled within the beautiful Artpark grounds. There is a limit of 20 children per session.

•Artpark field trips – An exciting new field-trip program for elementary, middle and high school-aged children was created to help young people explore, self-educate and invigorate ideas within nature. Included are workshops that focus on topics of social justice, equity, environmental sustainability, culture and freedom through the arts sessions, led by a variety of local teaching artists including members of the Haudenosaunee, with Niagara Gorge hikes, geology talks and history walks. Artpark is a site for Indigenous people, the first railroad, British troops, French troops, and a stop for freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad. This program is for organized groups and organizations with 15-150 participants. For more information, email twinslow@artpark.net.

•Artpark Theater Camp – taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 21-25; $250 per person. Artpark, along with the Niagara Theater Collective, is thrilled to announce its summer theater camp production of “Hansel and Gretel.” The classic fairy tale will be brought to life by a cast and crew of youths ages 13-18, utilizing the unique space of the Emerald Grove. The camp runs weekdays and will culminate in free public performances on Friday and Saturday, July 25-26, on the Emerald Grove Stage. The camp is directed by Anne DeFazio, a Lewiston resident who teaches music in the Niagara Wheatfield School District. She holds a BA from Wagner College with a concentration in music and theater, and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Roberts Wesleyan College. DeFazio has appeared in productions with Starring Buffalo, MusicalFare, Kavinoky Theatre, Second Generation, First Look Theatre, O'Connell & Company and Rocking Horse Productions.

Artpark Bridges file photo.

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Artpark Bridges

•On the third Wednesday of the month, we celebrate you, our guests, by sharing Artpark’s mission of “a transformative world of engagement.” Artpark Bridges Director Cynthia Pegado wants everyone to experience relaxed, interactive, sensory-rich activities accessible for all (and restorative for care partners). Each gathering is centered in music, accessible art-making and fun movement games to awaken sensory enjoyment through our five senses. All attendees can choose to participate or simply observe. It is a valid choice to soak up the energy of the music and other people without actually “doing.” Any place in the spectrum of observing-participating is embraced and respected. This program is free and is available to all. Please reserve your place at one of our future sessions here.

Artpark Bridges is a year-round community arts engagement program that connects participants with Artpark's legacy of innovation and possibility. Some programs, like our children of the military, empower and medicine wheel workshops, are not available directly to the public. For information on Artpark Bridges and its programs and opportunities, email cpegado@artpark.net.

Artists in residence

•Anthony Hyatt – July 12-18, Artpark Bridges residency. Violinist, singer and dancer Hyatt is a teaching artist and medical musician working in partnership with many Washington, D.C.-area hospitals and human service organizations through his own organization called Moving Beauty.

•Elisa Gabbert and Christina Vega-Westhoff – summer literary residency. Under the direction of Artpark Literary Director and curator Aidan Ryan, Gabbert and Vega-Westhoff will enjoy summer-long access to Artpark’s 150 acres of natural beauty, dramatic views of the Niagara River and Niagara Gorge, and packed schedule of arts programming, drawing on these experiences to inform new or ongoing writing projects.

Image courtesy of Artpark & Company

Artpark file photo.

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Tickets

Tickets for events are available online at ticketmaster.com and artpark.net; and in-person at the Artpark box office, 450 S. Fourth St., Lewiston. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturdays, with extended hours on event days. 

Visit artpark.net for additional events and information.

The 2025 Artpark season is sponsored and supported in part by: M&T Bank; Cullen Foundation; the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Parks & Trails New York; Modern Disposal Services; Town of Lewiston; Niagara County Legislature; New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; Labatt Blue Light; Bud Light; Southern Tier Brewing; Buffalocal; and Northtown Automotive Companies.