Welcome to Festival Season
Welcome to Festival Season
Ellicottville is just starting to heat up! Events to mark on your calendar
Just because the Fourth of July is in the rearview mirror doesn’t mean the best of summer is behind us. In fact, quite the opposite, as the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce has a full slate of events to keep the good times going from now until fall! Whether you’re a local, a day-tripper, or planning a weekend in Ellicottville, there’s no better time to make the most of warm weather and enjoy all the village has to offer!
JAZZ & BLUES WEEKEND | JULY 28-30
Now in his 25th year as the Chamber’s executive director, Brian McFadden enjoys all of the Chamber’s annual events, but there’s a special place in his heart for Jazz & Blues Weekend. A self-described music buff originally from Toronto, ON, McFadden has been working with bands for many years and looks forward to booking the main acts for Jazz & Blues Weekend every year. Since 1998, he’s been proud to call the village of Ellicottville his full-time home and see each annual event continue to grow and draw more people to the village every year.
“It’s amazing what these festivals draw,” he noted. “Quite often, we do ‘license plate checks’ on a Saturday in the village. On any given Saturday, it’s not uncommon to see license plates from 20 different states!”
This year’s headliners are sure to keep the crowds coming. On Saturday at the Main Stage in front of the Winery of Ellicottville, The Epic Eagles will perform at 1:00. Visitors can expect to hear some of the Eagles’ biggest hits, like “Hotel California,” “One of These Nights,” “Desperado” and more. On Sunday at 1:00pm, the Mark Mazur Little Big Band, a 10-piece band, will play a variety of smooth jazz, American standards, and easy-listening, featuring the vocals of Lisa Christie (former Miss America and Mrs. NY United States).
Abigail Siebert, administrative and social media coordinator for the Chamber, noted that chairs will be set up and the stage-side of Monroe Street will be closed off for visitors to relax and enjoy the music. Ellicottville bars and restaurants including The Gin Mill, Holiday Valley, and Madigan’s will also have live entertainment throughout the weekend. For more information, visit ellicottvilleny.com or follow these businesses on social media.
TASTE OF ELLICOTTVILLE | AUG. 12-13
It’s no secret that Ellicottville is a foodie’s destination! With over 20 unique, highly-rated restaurants to choose from, it’s usually only possible to enjoy a handful during any given weekend - unless of course you are attending Taste of Ellicottville. This two-day event (noon to 4:00pm each day) takes place on Monroe Street, which is closed off to vehicle traffic so that Ellicottville’s eateries can set up their booths and serve their best bites and beverages.
Visitors can buy individual tickets, which are redeemable at any participating restaurant and sample a wide range of food and drink, and perhaps make their determination for dinner later that night! Menus for the day’s offerings will be available and include a range of food options for different dietary preferences and needs. McFadden explained that judges will award prizes in the following categories: Best of Ellicottville (best overall), Sweetest Sweet (desserts), Healthy Choice, and Kids’ Choice.
ROCK N’ ROLL WEEKEND | SEPT. 15-17
As summer’s heat gives way to fall’s shorter days and cooler nights, an Ellicottville favorite returns: Rock N’ Roll Weekend! More than 15 regional bands are set to perform throughout the weekend in the village’s bars and restaurants, all free of charge. On Saturday, Queen City (a tribute to Queen) will hit the street to perform at 1:00pm, and on Sunday, everyone’s favorite Elvis, Terry Buchwald, will perform at 2:00pm.
Nothing pairs better with rock n’ roll than classic cars, and that’s exactly what visitors can expect on Sunday. Registration (online only) for the annual car and truck show, which typically has over 250 vehicles, is now open at www.ellicottvilleny.com/events/rock-n-roll-weekend-2023/. McFadden explained that vehicles are parked by class, such as pre-1960, hot rod, and more, which is determined by the number and types of participating vehicles. Judges select the six best overall cars. Registration is $20 until September 1st and increases to $25 after that date. Due to the logistical challenges of street closures and parking such many vehicles, no day-of registrations are accepted, so be sure to register early!
ELLICOTTVILLE LACROSSE FESTIVAL | SEPT. 22-24
Closing out the month of September, the Lacrosse Festival is returning to Ellicottville! This tournament, hosted through a partnership with Rhino Lacrosse, is for athletes of all ages and skill levels and has been a great addition to the Chamber’s early fall events over the last few years, said McFadden. Multiple divisions draw players from all over the northeast, including southern Ontario, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. More information and registration will be available soon.
FALL FESTIVAL | OCT. 7-8
Last but not least, be sure to save the dates for western New York’s favorite Fall Festival! For over 40 years, the village has transformed into a four-block fall wonderland of arts and crafts, seasonal treats, live music, chairlift rides and more. Prospective vendors can apply online or by mail from now until September 1st. Go to ellicottvilleny.com for the link.
