Buffalo’s Summer Playlist
“Man, the city is singing right now,” my friend said on a recent Thursday evening summer bike ride through Buffalo. The destination? A concert at Terminal B, the newest outdoor venue on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor park.
Along the way, our bike ride had its own soundtrack — from a street musician at the corner of Allen and Franklin Streets, a local act jamming out at the Thursday & Main concert series, a DJ pumping out remixes of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits for dancers at the waterfront, lawn chair and blanket sitters nodding to wailing guitars at River Fest Park, the notes of bluegrass spilling onto Ohio Street from Duende tavern at Silo City, and the cool Lake Erie breezes and warm tones flowing from the amphitheater at Terminal B. Arriving, it was a thrilling feeling to know that just a couple years ago this place on the water was overlooked and driven past. Now, it’s a music destination worthy of the acts that grace its stage.
As we rode, it was like someone put the city on shuffle. For your own unforgettable experience, press play and take in Buffalo’s summer playlist with our suggestions below.
New Venues & Series
In its first year as a venue in 2024, Terminal B brought in some heavy hitters. Acts like Chappell Roan, Primus, Lil Yachty, and the legendary local band moe. kicked off the 5,000-capacity venue’s inaugural season. Situated on the shores of Lake Erie, the new stage juts out from the steel beam bones of an industrial warehouse that once occupied the same space. Just like the genres of music that play here, it’s a perfect blend of historic and contemporary. The vibes couldn’t be better at this amphitheater, especially when the band’s light show is enhanced by Buffalo’s own light show — a setting sun over Lake Erie.
All around, relatively new music series are cementing their place in the season’s musical offerings.
Thursday & Main concerts take place at Fountain Plaza each week from June to August. They feature local and national artists like Lowest of the Low, Willie Nile, and the Strictly Hip. Did we mention it’s free?!
Out in East Aurora, at the stables of Knox Farm State Park, 42 North Brewing’s Sunset at the Stables series, on Fridays throughout July, is an unofficial teaser to the Borderland Music + Arts Festival. (We’ll get that to later.) It’s fueled by great food from local food trucks, fresh craft beer, and tunes by local bluegrass, folk and rock acts. Plan to catch a show as the sun goes down at the park’s scenic rolling hills.
Long Standing Show Stoppers
Music is a unifier in Buffalo. Coming off the chill of winter, neighbors in communities all around Buffalo re-connect each week for some of our longest running music events.
Tuesdays in the Elmwood Village burst with sound as residents exit their front doors with coolers and blankets in tow. They flock to Bidwell Parkway for the decades-strong Bidwell Concert Series, running from June to August.
On Wednesdays, two staples crank up the volume. Live at Larkin ends a long workday with music. People in suits and ties who work in the businesses of Larkin Square loosen up alongside the neighborhood’s residents. See the show under the pergola or grab a bite and enjoy the tunes from the patios of nearby restaurants, Hydraulic Hearth or Bratts Hill. In the Old First Ward neighborhood, Riverfest Park’s stage brings out this proud community to the banks of the Buffalo River. Chill on the lawn, take in the tunes, and gaze across the water to Buffalo RiverWorks’ urban adventure playground.
On Thursdays, the historic village of Williamsville shuts down its Main Street to host more than a dozen bands each week for Music on Main. Grab an ice cream from Sweet Jenny’s or a brew from RationAles or Britesmith. Stroll the street, stop by Glen Falls and find your music of choice.
Keeping it Jazzy
Jazz has deep roots in Buffalo. From the Colored Musicians Club’s more than century-long history to the legacy of jazz clubs, like the Little Harlem and artists like George Caldwell and Elvin Shepard, it’s no surprise that the summer months are overflowing with the smooth sounds of jazz.
In July and August, three festivals celebrate that rich heritage. Marking 30 years in 2025, the Pappy Martin Legacy Masten Jazz Festival takes place at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, and recognizes the musical contributions of James “Pappy” Martin, over two weekends in July. The Pine Grill Jazz Reunion honors the former club of its namesake, also at MLK, Jr. Park, across two weekends in early August. At Lafayette Square in Downtown Buffalo, the leaders behind the Colored Musicians Club carry the torch of the club’s history through the Queen City Jazz Festival, taking place during the last weekend of July.
Throughout the entirety of the season, JazzBuffalo organizes numerous events like jazz on the lawn of the Richardson Olmsted Campus and the Buffalo Jazz Festival in early September.
Fests on Fests on Fests
While Buffalo’s seasonal music offerings are bolstered by the smaller community series and shows, there are a handful of summer festivals that draw in some of the biggest crowds Buffalo has ever seen.
Starting in May, Buffalo Porchfest in the Elmwood Village takes over hundreds of porches in this charming community. Over the course of six hours, wander the neighborhood and see folk musicians on one porch, EDM next door, and killer covers of 90s alternative on another. The options are seemingly infinite.
In August, on the grounds of the Buffalo Central Terminal, Beau Fleuve Music and Arts Celebration is punching above it weight class by bringing in emerging hip hop, R&B, and neo-rock artists that have moved on to become chart-topping acts.
In September, the sun sets on summer at Music is Art Festival – a one day event with dozens of stages and performances curated by Robby Takac, the bassist of Buffalo’s very own Goo Goo Dolls.
Circling back to Knox Farm State Park, the Borderland Music + Arts Festival embodies the transition from summer to fall. National acts like the Flaming Lips, Portugal the Man, and the Black Crowes have graced the festival’s stages. Set in the uber-idyllic village of East Aurora, there’s something special about swaying to the music, watching the sun set over the tree-lined fields of Knox Farm and reflecting on what an amazing summer of music it’s been in Buffalo and Erie County. We invite you to experience it.
