Batavia Downs announces exciting lineup for 2026 'Rockin the Downs' summer concert series

Multiple national acts headline most diverse summer series yet

Batavia Downs Press Release & Graphic

Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown announced the official lineup for the ninth annual “Rockin’ the Downs” summer concert series, featuring the most diverse lineup in the series’ history. The seven-show, family-friendly series will be held Friday nights outdoors in the center of the Batavia Downs horse racing track, kicking off June 26 and running through Aug. 14.

Coming off a record-breaking 2025 concert season that welcomed more than 25,000 attendees, “Rockin’ the Downs” continues to build on its reputation as a premier Western New York summer destination. Six of the seven acts announced for 2026 are new to the Batavia Downs lineup, delivering a fresh and exciting experience for returning fans and first-time guests alike.

“The 2026 summer concert series at Batavia Downs features the most diverse lineup we’ve ever presented, with artists spanning country, ’80s rock, classic rock, Motown and disco – genres our guests have been asking for,” Brown said. “We’re proud to offer an outstanding guest experience with free parking and valet service, new assigned premium seating options this year, and ticket prices that remain the lowest in the region. Combined with our early bird ticket specials, “Rockin’ the Downs” continues to be an incredible value for families and music fans alike. We look forward to welcoming our loyal fans and new concertgoers back starting in June.”

2026 ‘Rockin’ the Downs’ concert lineup

•Friday, June 26 – Motown legends The Spinners: Kicking off the series will be iconic Motown artists The Spinners. With a towering legacy spanning over six decades, The Spinners enjoy universal appeal owing to a classic catalog of songs. The current lineup of Jessie Peck, Ronnie Moss, CJ Jefferson and Keith Patterson continue the legacy of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group. Hear songs such as “The Rubberband Man,” “Working my Way Back to You” and “I’ll Be Around.”

•Friday, July 10 – rock icons Quiet Riot: After a one-week break for Independence Day, the concert series continues with Quiet Riot. With over 15 million records sold worldwide, Quiet Riot is a rock ’n’ roll phenomenon. Lead singer Jizzy Pearl, alongside legendary bassist Rudy Sarzo, guitarist Alex Grossi and drummer Johnny Kelly, will play chart-topping hits “Come on Feel the Noize” and “Metal Health (Bang your Head).”

•Friday, July 17 – disco superstars Village People: Making their summer concert series debut is the legendary disco group Village People. Village People is one of the most iconic music groups in the world. Its music has become part of the international songbook. The group’s hits are featured in many parts of pop culture like movies, commercials and plays. Major hit “Y.M.C.A.” (along with its dance) is played at almost every party, wedding, bar mitzvah, and sporting event in the universe. Come hear other great hits like “Macho Man,” “In the Navy” and “Go West.”

Friday, July 24 – The golden voice of rock, John Waite: As the lead singer of The Baby’s and Bad English, Waite’s catalog of hits includes some of the most loved songs of the ’80s and ’90s, including the No. 1 worldwide hit “Missing You,” plus The Baby’s “Isn't It Time” and Bad English’s “When I See You Smile.”

Friday, July 31 – America’s Van Halen Experience: JUMP: This Toledo, Ohio-based band is composed of a group of youngsters all born in the mid-latep-’90s and early 2000s. Featuring a variety of hits and deep cuts off Van Halen’s first six albums, JUMP’s live show showcases the classic David Lee Roth era. Hear hits like "Jump," “Panama,” “Runnin’ With the Devil,” “Hot for Teacher” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘about Love.”

•Friday, Aug. 7 – tribute night with Rumours ATL and Refugee: Making their return to Batavia Downs is Rumours ATL, a Fleetwood Mac tribute. In support will be Refugee, a Tom Petty tribute band. These two great tribute acts will go through each of their respective band’s hits. Rumours ATL prides themselves on being the most authentic Fleetwood Mac tribute and will play songs like “Gypsy,” “Little Lies” and “Go Your Own Way.” Refugee’s performances are true to the spirit and essence of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, including their look and sound. Their setlist includes “American Girl,” “Won’t Back Down” and “Running Down a Dream.”

•Friday, Aug. 14 – country icon Jo Dee Messina: Closing out the concert series will be country music icon Messina, who has charted nine No. 1 and 16 Top 40 singles on the Billboard country music charts. She has been nominated for multiple awards, including two Grammy Awards. In addition to her studio accomplishments, Messina’s passionate and high-energy performances have captivated audiences at every tour stop. Come hear hits like “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” “Bye Bye,” “I’m Alright” and “Stand Beside Me.”

“As chairman of the board, I’m thrilled with the seven concerts that will be coming to Batavia Downs this summer,” said Dennis Bassett, chairman of the WROTB board of directors. “Our team has once again put together an exciting collection of shows that has something for everyone.”

Tickets for all seven concerts are available exclusively at www.BataviaConcerts.com. All tickets can be redeemed at Player’s Club at any time in the three days following the concert for $10 free play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s gaming machines. Season tickets are also back and will also go on sale for general admission and VIP sections. A season pass for general admission will be $100 (a savings of $30). Season passes for VIP section tickets are $175 (a savings of $15). Season passes may only be purchased online.

Concerts are held rain or shine. Additional information may be found at www.BataviaDownsGaming.com.

Western Region Off-Track Betting Corp. is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia WROTB owns and operates eight OTB branches, two ADW sites, 25 Ez-Bet sites, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred racetrack and gaming and hotel facility. Since its inception, Western Region OTB has generated over $260 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of participating municipalities.