Music is a beautiful thing. Whether singing along with 20,000 fellow music lovers at a big concert or soaking up a bluegrass duo on a sunny patio, music touches everyone’s soul. Especially in the summertime months, Genesee County, NY is a jamming place for musical experiences large and small. Big concerts, local music series, festivals, and more, makes Genesee County a musical destination.
Some of the biggest names in the music business play the crown jewel of the Western New York concert scene – Genesee County’s Darien Lake Amphitheater at Six Flags Darien Lake Theme Park. The 21,000-seat venue will once again host an amazing array of music this summer, with 20 concerts on the schedule. Some of the highlights are return engagements by the beloved Dave Matthews Band and country superstar Luke Bryan. Both performers have played Darien Lake numerous times. Classic rock band Foreigner, from nearby Rochester, is playing a July 28th show at Darien Lake on their farewell tour. Concerts by Matchbox 20, The Lumineers, and Willie Nelson, are also highly anticipated. As a bonus, every concert ticket also includes free admission to the theme park on the day of the show
Fans of rock & roll flock to the Rockin’ the Downs Summer Concert Series at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel for their eight-concert series. Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Don Felder of The Eagles is a standout show that will take place on August 4th. The Marshall Tucker Band, Skid Row, Herman Hermits featuring Peter Noone, and country rocker Craig Morgan will certainly bring large crowds to Batavia. If you want to be a rock star, book an on-site great room at the Batavia Downs Hotel and have some post-concert fun inside the Downs’ 900-game casino.
Festivals are a great way to enjoy several musical acts in one setting. Thankfully, Genesee County is the home to some fun single and multi-day festivals.
Six Flags Darien Lake is the host of Kingdom Bound - one of the United States’ largest Christian music festivals. From July 24 to July 26, thousands of attendees will flock to Six Flags Darien Lake for music, fellowship, and fun. On July 1st, the annual Batavia Ramble Explore Art & Music Festival takes place at Jackson Square in Batavia. The Ramble is an annual reunion of musicians who called Batavia, NY, and the nearby surrounding areas their home at one time or another. All styles of music are played during this fun and diverse event. In late September, the four-day “Folkfaces Fest 7” at Cherry Hill Campground promises to be filled with eclectic live music, vendors, workshops, and more.
During the summer months, there are over a dozen live music series in Genesee County that take place in parks, patios and inside pubs. There is a regularly scheduled music series nearly every day of the week. Here are a few local favorites.
On Friday and Saturday nights until late September, the Red Osier Patio Concert Series in Stafford takes place at one of Western New York’s most legendary restaurants. Watch performers on the patio while enjoying the Red Osier’s delicious prime rib or enjoy a craft cocktail at the bar.
The City of Batavia hosts four scheduled music series. On Wednesday night, solo performers are the star of the show at Live Music Wednesday – Batavia’s Original Pizzeria Patio. On select Thursday evenings, Jackson Square Thursday Concert Series is set in the middle of downtown Batavia. Many great pubs, shops, and restaurants to enjoy before or after a concert. Jackson Square is also the place to be on Friday nights for the weekly Jackson Square Friday Concert Series. Also on Friday night, Music on the Patio at Terry Hills takes place on select dates throughout the summer. Soak in relaxing views of the golf course, while enjoying the music.
The Village of Le Roy is also in on the fun, with three opportunities to enjoy musical performances. The setting for Live at Farmer’s Creekside Tavern and Inn is simply divine. On various dates throughout summer, the restaurant features musical acts on their patio that overlooks a small spillway waterfall and creek. Between the food, the setting, and the music, it’s the perfect place to spend a summer’s evening. The Smokin’ Eagle BBQ and Brew is a rockin’ place, with mouth-watering BBQ. On most Thursday and Saturday nights, ‘The Eagle’ features acoustic music (Thursdays) and rock bands (Saturdays). Located in a serene park in the village, the Trigon Park Concert Series offers nine Thursday night concerts by a variety of artists.
