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Two of Lewiston's favorite festivals return this weekend. Here are all the details:
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Sept. 27-28 along Center Street
The Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 41st annual Lewiston Harvest & Hops Festival, returning to the historic Village of Lewiston on Saturday, Sept. 27 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sunday, Sept. 28 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.).
What began as a small gathering celebrating local farms and crafters has blossomed into one of Western New York’s most beloved fall festivals. With over 150 vendors lining Center Street, attendees will enjoy an unbeatable mix of artisan crafts, farmers market goods, food trucks, and local wineries, breweries and distilleries.
This year, organizers are placing special emphasis on the village’s brick-and-mortar businesses, which are integral to Lewiston’s charm and economy. The festival serves not only as a showcase for regional artisans, but also as a spotlight on the shops, boutiques and restaurants that make Lewiston a destination year-round.
"The Harvest & Hops Festival is such a great weekend for Lewiston,” Upward Niagara Chamber President Amanda Haseley said. “We love welcoming so many talented vendors to the village, but what really makes it special is how it brings attention to our amazing local shops and restaurants. The brick-and-mortar businesses here are a huge part of what makes Lewiston unique, and it’s great to see them getting the spotlight they deserve. Since joining the Chamber, I’ve really enjoyed being part of events like this – it’s exciting to see the energy it brings to the community and the positive impact it has on everyone involved."
Make sure to explore Lewiston’s locally owned shops, which will offer exclusive festival weekend deals.
Featured Harvest & Hops Festival highlights include:
•A New York state-designated farmers market located at Fifth Street, in the heart of the festival
•Live entertainment Saturday, with
√ Kevin White Music on The Brickyard Pub & BBQ second level, 11 a.m.
√ Farmer Tom Walsh at Hennepin Park, noon
√ A petting zoo at Hennepin Park, noon
√ Hot Country Line Dancers at Center and Fifth streets, 1 p.m.
√ Generation Gap at Casa Antica at 4 p.m.
•Live entertainment Sunday, with
√ Farmer Tom Walsh at Hennepin Park, noon
√ A petting zoo at Hennepin Park, noon
√ Dave Stayner on The Brickyard Pub & BBQ second level, noon

Metro Creative Graphics
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‘Spooky Happenings’
The Lewiston Business Group will hold a “Spooky Happenings” in the “Not-So-Peaceful” Peace Garden haunted house fundraiser as part of the Harvest & Hops Festival. All donations will go toward the candy fund for “Trick or Treat on Center Street.” The family-friendly Halloween event is set for Oct. 26.
Inspirations on Canvas owner/artist Kathy Pignatora said, “Speaking on behalf of the Lewiston Business Group, which represents the many wonderful businesses on Center Street in Lewiston, we look forward to welcoming you all to the upcoming annual Harvest & Hops Festival, Sept. 27 and 28! While strolling up and down Center Street, please be sure to stop in to our many terrific businesses, restaurants and shops, who are here year-round and make Lewiston the special village that it is!
“While you’re enjoying all the fun festivities, please also stop by the Lewiston Business Group’s haunted house.”
Street closure
Center Street will be closed to vehicular traffic, from Fourth to Seventh streets, beginning early Saturday morning. It will reopen Sunday evening.
For a full list of vendors and up-to-date festival information, visit www.UpwardNiagara.com or call the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce at 716-754-9500.
The 2025 Harvest & Hops Festival is proudly supported by Presenting Sponsors: Modern Disposal Services, Niagara Falls Bridge Commission; Harvest Sponsor: Niagara County Legislature; Artisan Sponsors: The Brickyard Pub & BBQ, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, Assemblyman Angelo J. Morinello, Cutco Petting Zoo; Sponsor: Niagara Physical Therapy; additional sponsors: Renewal by Andersen, WellNow Urgent Care, Coppins Service Center, Green Mountain Energy and Kiwanis International.
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New York Power Authority Press Release
The New York Power Authority (NYPA), in collaboration with the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs (NCFCC), will host the Niagara Power Vista’s 40th annual Wildlife Festival on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, in Lewiston.
This free milestone event will feature an exciting variety of family-friendly attractions, wildlife shows, cultural and conservation exhibits, STEM activities and free rides on the Discover Niagara Shuttle.
Featured shows and exhibitors include Jeff Musial and Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics, Carmen Presti and the Primate Sanctuary, Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, Skyhunters Birds of Prey, AWARE Rehabilitation Center, and police K-9 demonstrations by the Lewiston Police and Niagara County Sheriff’s Office. Cultural dance performances will be presented by Jordan Smith and the Dancers of the Haudenosaunee.
The festival will also highlight Tuscarora culture with traditional food tastings such as corn soup, cornbread, frog legs, pheasant, quail and quail eggs, strawberry juice, and dried venison pemmican. Cultural crafts and activities will include corn husk dolls, beading and painting.
Additional activities include mobile planetarium shows by Lockport Challenger, face painting, balloon art, a rock-climbing wall and chainsaw art demonstrations. A STEM tent will offer hands-on science and sustainability activities presented by NYPA, Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Preserve, robotics clubs and Niagara University.
Conservation exhibitors will include the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; local sportsmen’s clubs; trappers; and Boy and Girl Scouts.
For more information or to register for a Wildlife Festival contest, call 716-286-6652 or 866-NYPA-FUN, email npvista@nypa.gov or visit http://www.nypa.gov/niagarapowervista.
Visitors at the Niagara Power Vista are encouraged to explore its array of multimedia exhibits, including hands-on interactive technologies, large touch screens and a virtual rollercoaster relating to the production of electricity, energy efficiency and the area’s history. The location also provides unique views from the observation deck 350 feet above the Niagara River Gorge.
The Power Vista is located at 5777 Lewiston Road. Parking is free and will be available in the Power Vista parking lot and adjacent lots at Niagara University. The Niagara Power Vista is a stop on the Discover Niagara Shuttle’s “Falls to the Fort” route.