Kinzua Rocks the Wake: The Perfect Labor Day Getaway
Kinzua Rocks the Wake: The Perfect Labor Day Getaway
Just an hour from Ellicottville, this high-energy Labor Day festival brings championship water sports, epic tribute bands, and endless forest adventures to the shores of the Allegheny Reservoir.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to end summer with a splash - literally - set your sights just one scenic hour south of Ellicottville. McKean County, Pennsylvania, home to the Allegheny National Forest, is bringing the energy this Labor Day weekend with a bold new event: Kinzua Rocks the Wake, a free, three-day festival combining championship water skiing and extreme stunts, chart-topping rock and country music tribute bands, and all the fresh-air adventure the forest-framed Allegheny Reservoir has to offer.
Set for August 30th through September 1st, Kinzua Rocks the Wake is the kind of end-of-summer celebration that begs for a road trip. Hosted at Kinzua Beach on the east side of the Allegheny Reservoir, the event promises high-adrenaline water shows by day and unforgettable concerts by night - all with that laid-back lake life vibe. This isn’t your average small-town summer festival. It’s a next-level lakeside experience designed to turn one last weekend into a memory-making mini-vacation.
Wild Water, Big Sound
The heart of the action is on the water, where the Chippewa Falls Water Ski Team, one of Ohio’s championship teams, will dazzle audiences with precision tricks and pyramids. Joining them are the Ski Extreme freestyle jet ski and flyboarding athletes from Wisconsin - think flips, spins, and high-flying stunts above the waves.
When the sun goes down, the music turns up. Saturday’s headliner is The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute featuring Shawn Gerhard, a Nashville-based powerhouse known for recreating Garth’s high-octane energy and greatest hits. On Sunday, classic rock fans can relive the best of the ‘70s with The Classic Rock Experience, a theatrical concert celebrating Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Styx, and more. Monday winds down with regional acoustic sets - perfect for lounging on the beach or sipping a cold one from local craft brewers like Bent Run Brewing and Bradford Brew Station.
Food trucks from McKean and Warren Counties will be onsite all weekend, serving everything from picnic favorites to unexpected gourmet bites, alongside kid-friendly entertainment and activities that make this a family affair.
Best of all? Admission is free!
More Than Just a Festival
If you’re making the drive from Ellicottville, it’s well worth turning this into a full weekend getaway. McKean County is often called the quiet corner of the Pennsylvania Wilds, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do - in fact, it’s just the opposite. Within 30 minutes of Kinzua Beach, you’ll find some of the most remarkable outdoor experiences in the region, starting with one of Pennsylvania’s most iconic landmarks: the Kinzua Skywalk.
Perched high above the Kinzua Gorge, this repurposed railroad bridge-turned-pedestrian walkway was once the tallest railroad viaduct in the world. Today, it stretches dramatically into the valley with a glass-bottom viewing platform at its end. It’s a must-see attraction that draws visitors from across the northeast - and yes, it’s open to foot traffic on Labor Day Weekend.
Nearby, mountain bikers will find their happy place at Jakes Rocks, a world-class singletrack trail system with over 35 miles of fast, flowy, scenic riding. Designed with input from the International Mountain Biking Association, these trails twist through boulder fields, overlook the reservoir, and offer routes for both beginners and expert riders.
Looking for something slower-paced? McKean County offers over 600 miles of hiking, biking, and ATV trails within the Allegheny National Forest. Choose a relaxing lakeside walk, a shaded forest path, or a full-day trek deep into the backcountry. Wildlife is abundant, and cell service is not - a feature, not a bug, for those wanting to unplug.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re a tent camper or prefer your getaway with luxury linens, McKean County offers a variety of lodging options to suit every style. Cabins and campgrounds near the Allegheny Reservoir book up quickly for Labor Day weekend, but dispersed camping is available throughout much of the national forest for those who prefer off-the-grid adventure. For a more refined forest stay, consider booking a room at the historic Kane Manor Inn, a grand, turreted mansion set just outside of town. This century-old inn offers elegance, comfort, and close proximity to everything in the region.
For the ultimate in luxury, there’s The Lodge at Glendorn, a Relais & Châteaux property tucked into 1,500 private acres near Bradford. With fly-fishing, fine dining, private cabins, and spa treatments, Glendorn is the kind of escape that turns a weekend into a retreat.
Other options include cozy roadside motels, family-friendly hotels in Bradford and Kane, or charming vacation rentals throughout the area.
Small Towns, Big Character
Don’t skip the towns - McKean County’s communities are filled with charm, character, and more than a few surprises.
Bradford, just 40 minutes from Ellicottville, is home to Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store, a must-stop for anyone curious about the iconic windproof lighter or the craftsmanship behind collectible knives. In Kane, a revitalized downtown offers coffee shops, craft beer, vintage finds, and a walkable business district with locally owned shops.
And while the forest and the lake take center stage, McKean County also has its share of cultural gems. The Eldred WWII Museum, just outside of Bradford, is a nationally respected destination that tells the story of the war from the perspective of the home front - a surprisingly emotional stop in an otherwise wild landscape.
Why Make the Drive?
Because sometimes, the best adventures are just around the bend - and Kinzua Rocks the Wake is poised to become one of the northeast’s top Labor Day traditions. It’s big enough to be exciting, close enough to be easy, and laid-back enough to feel like summer was never in a hurry to end.
So pack the car, rally your crew, and head south to McKean County. Whether you're diving into a cold lake, flying through the forest on a mountain bike, or raising a glass to classic rock on the beach, Kinzua Rocks the Wake is your invitation to finish summer strong. For more information on the event, where to stay, and what to explore in the Allegheny National Forest region, visit VisitANF.com.