The Best of Summer Is Still Ahead in Ellicottville: Jazz & Blues, Taste of Ellicottville & Rock N' Roll Weekend
The Best of Summer Is Still Ahead in Ellicottville: Jazz & Blues, Taste of Ellicottville & Rock N' Roll Weekend
From live jazz and blues to incredible food tastings and classic cars, Ellicottville's biggest late-summer events offer plenty of reasons to plan another visit.
If you think Ellicottville's summer season peaks with Summer Music Festival, think again. Around here, that's really just the halfway point. The second half of summer brings a different pace - one that invites you to wander the village, discover new flavors, take in free, live music, and maybe even develop a new annual tradition with your family and friends.
From smooth jazz and blues to incredible local cuisine to a weekend packed with classic cars, the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce has three signature events coming up on the calendar, and each offers its own reason to make another trip to the village.
JAZZ & BLUES WEEKEND
July 24-26
The soundtrack changes in just a little over a week when Jazz & Blues Weekend fills Ellicottville with live music from afternoon into the evening. Restaurants, patios, bars, and venues throughout the village become a musical map where visitors can wander from one performance to the next, discovering a fantastic bill of regional artists along the way.
Unlike a traditional festival with one main stage, this weekend encourages exploration. Grab a drink in the Beer Garden at Ellicottville Brewing Company, between sets browse all the boutique shops including Alexandra and GI Threads, enjoy dinner and a show at Villaggio or Balloons, then follow the music to your next stop. The best part? Everything is within walking distance, making it easy to park and simply enjoy the weekend on foot.
Look for a full schedule of performances in next week’s issue of ellicottvilleNOW.
TASTE OF ELLICOTTVILLE
August 8-9
If food is your love language, August belongs on your calendar! The Taste of Ellicottville transforms the village into one giant tasting experience as participating restaurants serve sample-sized versions of some of their most popular dishes. It's the perfect opportunity to revisit old favorites or discover a new restaurant you've never tried before.
One of the biggest changes this year is the introduction of advance Taste ticket sales. Rather than waiting in line to purchase tickets during the event, event-goers can buy them ahead of time, making it even easier to spend the day sampling delicious food and exploring downtown.
Expect over 20 restaurants to set up “cafe style” on the streets and sidewalks of Ellicottville’s downtown business district, serving everything from Asian tuna and beef on weck to Blue mushroom soup and brick oven pizza, plus a variety of custom mocktails and desserts of all kinds. Mmmm….
ROCK N’ ROLL WEEKEND
September 11-13
As summer gives way to early fall, Rock N' Roll Weekend delivers one last celebration before autumn festival season arrives.
Classic cars line the streets during Sunday’s Classic Car Show, live music keeps those dancing shoes hot, and visitors can enjoy everything that makes Ellicottville a favorite day trip destination.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to stay the whole weekend. Live music starts Friday and runs through Sunday - catch a performance, admire the beautifully restored vehicles, and kick back with a cold beverage. Saunter over to the Gazebo and you might just find the King of Rock himself putting on a show!
So if Summer Music Festival left you wishing for one more weekend in Ellicottville, you're in luck! Summer isn't over yet. And there’s more than one weekend to choose from. My advice: Come back for all of them!
For schedules, sponsorship opportunities, and to book your lodging, visit the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce at ellicottvilleny.com or call 800-349-9099.
