Ellicottville Summer Music Festival Returns with Live Music, Pet Parade, and July 4th Fun
Ellicottville Summer Music Festival Returns with Live Music, Pet Parade, and July 4th Fun
From Hailey Whitters and Battle of the Bands to fireworks and furry friends, Ellicottville is the place to be this Independence Day weekend.
The 2025 Ellicottville Summer Music Festival is just one week away and is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend of music, fun, and celebration, with Grammy-nominated country star Hailey Whitters headlining the main event on Saturday, July 5th at Holiday Valley Resort.
Known for her powerful lyrics and electrifying live shows, Whitters will bring her signature blend of traditional and modern country to the scenic slopeside stage, backed by the success of her chart-topping hits and acclaimed new album, Corn Queen.
But the fun starts Friday night, July 4th with a Battle of the Bands that will turn Ellicottville into one big live music crawl. Regional bands will compete for a coveted spot as the Saturday night opener for Hailey Whitters. You can catch the various acts performing across many of the local bars and restaurants Friday night. Visitors are encouraged to bar hop, enjoy the different acts, and vote for their favorite band. It’s a lively and interactive way to kick off the festival weekend and discover new talent along the way.
Barb Pump, Executive Director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, says this year’s festival has something for everyone: “Hailey Whitters is the kind of artist who brings people together. Whether you're a die-hard country fan or just looking for a fun weekend getaway, this festival is for you. And the Battle of the Bands adds a really fun, interactive layer to it all.”
Beyond the music, the Summer Music Festival is packed with family-friendly events. One of the most beloved traditions is the annual Pet Parade, a whimsical highlight that brings out locals and visitors alike, along with their costumed companions, for a dose of pure joy and tail-wagging fun. Bring your furry (or feathered, or scaled!) friend and join the Pet Parade on Saturday, July 5th. Free to enter and open to all kinds of animal companions, pets and their people will parade down Washington Street at 11:00 am. After the parade, everyone will gather at the Village Gazebo for treats, photos, and fun awards for all participants.
The festival wraps up in grand fashion on Sunday, July 6th when the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra returns to Holiday Valley for a magical and patriotic concert, blending the enchantment of Harry Potter with the epic drama of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, topped off with a spectacular fireworks display.
NOW is the time to make your plans, book your lodging, and enjoy all that Ellicottville has to offer - from local shops and dining to hiking, biking, and adventure at our nearby resorts.
Tickets for Ellicottville’s Summer Music Festival, including the Saturday night Hailey Whitters concert and Sunday’s BPO performance, are on sale at ellicottvilleny.com or by calling 800-349-9099. Full-price tickets for each concert will also be available at the gate. Stay up to date on festival events and schedules by following @visitellicottville on Instagram and Ellicottville, NY on Facebook.
