Kinzua Rocks the Wake Brings Water Shows, Music & Family Fun to Allegheny National Forest Labor Day Weekend
Kinzua Rocks the Wake Brings Water Shows, Music & Family Fun to Allegheny National Forest Labor Day Weekend
From daring water stunts and Garth Brooks tributes to magicians, birds of prey, and delicious local food, Kinzua Rocks the Wake is the Allegheny National Forest’s ultimate summer send-off.
If you're ready to send summer off with a literal splash, there's no better destination than Kinzua Rocks the Wake. This FREE, three-day extravaganza at Kinzua Beach, set amid the majestic Allegheny National Forest, flips the script on your typical lakeside hangout. From August 30th through September 1st, spend the day with thrilling water ski and jet ski shows, family-friendly magicians and local tunes on the Beach Stage. By nightfall, the main music stage lights up with chart-topping tribute acts that rival stadium concerts. The festival, which kicks off at 12:00pm, features mouthwatering food, brews and wine from local favorites.
WATER ACTION ON THE RESERVOIR
Come experience the thrilling and breathtaking performances of the Chippewa Lake Water Ski Show Team! Known for their incredible acrobatics and precision on the water, this team of talented skiers will amaze you with human pyramids, daring flips, and synchronized routines. Whether you're a fan of water sports or just looking for an exciting show, their high-energy performance is a must-see for all ages.
Get ready for a heart-pounding spectacle with Wisconsin's Ski Extreme. This high-octane show takes water sports to the next level with incredible freestyle jet ski and flyboarding stunts. Watch in awe as expert riders soar above the water, performing mind-bending flips, spins, and gravity-defying maneuvers that will leave you speechless. Ski Extreme isn't just a show - it’s an adrenaline-fueled experience that showcases the ultimate in skill and fearless innovation on the water. You'll be on the edge of your blanket or lawn chair as they defy gravity and show you what it means to truly "rock the wake!" Water action performances are every hour beginning at 1:00pm through 7:00pm.
MAIN STAGE MUSIC UNDER THE STARS
Feel the thunder of a full-throttle country concert with The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute starring Shawn Gerhard on Saturday August 30th at 8:30pm on the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau Main Stage. Hailing from Nashville, this high-energy show is an unrivaled celebration of Garth Brooks' music, complete with world-class musicianship and the fiery stage presence that defined a generation. Endorsed by Garth Brooks' own lead guitarist, Shawn Gerhard delivers an authentic, electrifying performance that will have you singing along to every hit, from the heartfelt emotion of "The Dance" to the rowdy energy of "Friends in Low Places." It's more than a tribute, it's the closest you'll get to a real Garth Brooks arena show.
Journey back to the golden age of rock 'n' roll with The Classic Rock Experience, Sunday, August 31st at 8:30pm on the Main Stage. This isn't just a cover band; it's a full-throttle audio and visual production that faithfully recreates the authentic arena rock sound of the 70s. With their note-for-note perfection and powerful stage presence, the band masterfully performs legendary anthems from iconic artists like Boston, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Queen. Get ready for a high-energy show that will have you on your feet, reliving the music you grew up with, presented in the way you remember it.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT GALORE
Here’s a peek into more family fun happening this Labor Day Weekend at Kinzua Rocks the Wake. From comedy and magic to live music, the Kinzua Beach stage will be packed with entertainment the whole family will love. Each day, the event schedule kicks off with world-class comedy magicians bringing jaw-dropping illusions and hilarious audience fun. Mr. Kazam, award winning magician and Penn & Teller’s Fool Us star kicks off Saturday. On Sunday, Sky Sands brings a wild mix of improv, impressions and magic mayhem. And on Monday, Brenden Trojan boasts a high-energy sleight of hand, mind reading and nonstop laughs on the Beach Stage.
Step into the wild with Birds of Prey Exhibit, an unforgettable live experience that brings the majesty of raptors up close! Led by passionate falconer Fran Grey, Birds of Prey features feathered friends and foes of the forest for an up-close experience with nature’s most magnificent birds.
Experience a wildly unforgettable encounter with Fred the Snake Man and his jaw-dropping collection of snakes. Whether you're a reptile enthusiast or just curious (and a little brave), Fred offers a hands-on, educational experience that will fascinate all ages. Learn about about snake behavior, habitats, and conservation. Pose for epic photos with these gentle giants. Conquer your fears - or at least come face-to-face with them! It’s bold, it’s educational, it’s a little bit creepy - and it’s only at Kinzua Rocks the Wake!
Other free family entertainment includes the Pennsylvania National Guard and their 30-foot rock climbing wall and their basketball shooting game.
KINZUA BEACH STAGE MUSIC
The Beach Stage comes alive this Labor Day between the water action and the night’s main stage music shows. Saturday, August 30th features Dan Roche, an acoustic singer from Port Allegany, playing at 1:40pm, 2:20pm and 3:40pm. Miranda Wilcox, rising star from Western New York also takes the stage on Saturday, mixing rock, country and R&B playing 4:20pm, 5:40pm, 6:20pm, and taking the main stage at 7:40pm.
Sunday, August 30th features Kallie Williams, an acoustic ukuleleist rom Warren playing an eclectic set list with hits ranging from the 90s through today 1:40pm, 2:20pm, and 3:40pm. Interstate Daydream, the duo of Rick Emley and Marie Tucker, play your favorite hits spanning decades on Sunday at 4:20pm, 5:40pm, 6:20pm, and taking the main stage at 7:40pm.
On Monday, September 1st, Doug Rigby, from Ohio, will keep the classic rock and country vibes going after the 1:00pm water show, setting the tone for a strong close to the weekend. Marty’s Bubble Gum Machine brings an interactive music show packed with songs, dancing, and bubbles galore fun at 2:20pm before the final waterski performance at 3:00pm.
STAY FUELED
Food, brews and local flavor will abound at Kinzua Rocks the Wake. This Labor Day Weekend at Kinzua Beach, the shows and music aren’t the only things worth cheering for - the food and drinks are just as epic.
Bent Run Brewing will be in the house featuring their X-Files 60, Experimental Hazy IPA, RED, White and Bent, Allegheny Amber and more. Bradford Brew Station will have a variety of craft beers including Music Mountain Ale and their famous Chestnut Street seltzers and the hot drink of the summer, dirty sodas.
Beefeaters Restaurant will have pulled pork sandwiches, loaded mac-n-cheese, walking tacos and more. Tropical Breeze brings their ten different types of empanadas and walleye sandwiches and street corn. Redneck Grill will have Philly cheesesteaks, foot-long hotdogs, Italian sausage and nachos. Full House Eatery will feature a variety of ham, salami and turkey subs, hoagies, bowls and wraps. LJ Treats will have ice cream sundaes, rootbeer floats, lemonade and soda. Sweet Sarah’s Kettle Corn will have fresh kettle corn and fresh squeezed lemonade in a variety of flavors. Mother Cluckers will have chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and fries.
Whether you’re sipping wine, grabbing a craft beer, or treating yourself to cookies, kettle corn, or ice cream -you’ll find something delicious to keep you fueled all weekend.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Event Schedule: The complete schedule is available at KinzuaRocks.org. Printed schedules will also be available at the information tent.
Admission & Hours: The event is free to attend. Saturday and Sunday run from 12:00-10:00pm; Monday runs 12:00pm to early evening.
Parking & Shuttle Service: On-site parking is available at Kinzua Beach. A free shuttle will also run from Kinzua Point and Kinzua Dam parking areas on Route 59 between 5:00pm and 11:00pm.
Camping & Lodging: While there is no camping at Kinzua Beach, visitors can find campgrounds nearby in the Allegheny National Forest and stay in hotels, cabins, or vacation rentals in Bradford, Kane, and Warren. Reservations are strongly recommended for Labor Day weekend. VisitANF.com/Lodging.
Accessibility: Kinzua Beach offers accessible restrooms and paved walkways. Designated ADA parking will be available on-site.
Stay Connected: Visit KinzuaRocks.com and Facebook.com/ANFVisitorsBureau for the latest updates, weather alerts, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks.
Nearby Attractions: Extend your trip by visiting the newly reopened Kinzua Skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park, exploring the trails of the Allegheny National Forest, or strolling through the shops and restaurants of McKean and Warren Counties.
This Labor Day Weekend, the Allegheny Reservoir won’t just be a backdrop - it will be the main stage. With gravity-defying water shows, powerhouse music, family fun, and endless food and drink, Kinzua Rocks the Wake is the ultimate summer send-off you won’t want to miss!