Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, New York State Parks and Be Our Guest Inc. today announced their exciting schedule for the Fourth of July on Buffalo’s waterfront. The free Independence Day events will culminate with the Official City of Buffalo Fireworks display lighting the sky at 10 p.m. with prime viewing from Canalside, Wilkeson Pointe, Lakeside Complex and Buffalo Harbor State Park. The holiday will be especially exciting this year with the Basil Port of Call Buffalo’s majestic parade of 12 historic tall ships, which will start at the Outer Harbor. The ships will be docked in the Buffalo River along Canalside and Erie Basin Marina.
“Buffalo’s waterfront is the best place to gather with family and friends and celebrate the Independence Day holiday,” said Erie Canal Harbor Development Chairman Robert Gioia. “Whether you’re coming down for the Basil Port of Call Buffalo, to see fireworks, hear some music or to relax by the water, it’s a great day to be patriotic and have fun.”
“The City of Buffalo’s waterfront is definitely the place to be this Fourth of July. This is a great opportunity for residents of Buffalo and Western New York, and our Canadian neighbors to experience the many great new spaces and activities on our world-class Inner and Outer Harbors,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “We expect the combined draw of the historic tall ships, Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum, entertainment at Canalside, and the City of Buffalo’s official fireworks, with prime views from both the Inner and Outer Harbors, will result in the largest, single-day visitor count our waterfront has ever experienced.”
Starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Canalside will host a family-friendly event featuring the arrival of the Basil Port of Call Buffalo Parade of Sail, a dance party with DJ Milk and DJ Yes and a variety of local food trucks. Visitors are welcome to bring folding chairs and blankets; however, no outside food, beverage or pets will be allowed.
The Outer Harbor will provide the best unobstructed viewing point to see not only the firework display, but also the Basil Port of Call Buffalo Parade of Sail, which will begin between 2 and 3 p.m. At Buffalo Harbor State Park and Safe Harbor Marina, boaters should expect access restrictions and launch delays before and after the Tall Ships procession. Park Police and the U.S. Coast Guard will create one lane for boat traffic to launch and then float in the Gallagher Beach area. It is recommended that slip holders launch their boats earlier in the day or stay in their slips during the parade to minimize congestion. Visitors to BHSP should plan to arrive early, as the Park will close to additional patrons once it reaches capacity. The Consumers Beer Garden at Wilkeson Pointe will be open throughout the day serving cold beverages and snacks.
Attendees at Canalside will be subject to security restrictions and screenings. Security screenings at Canalside will begin at 2 p.m. on Marine Drive. All bags and eventgoers are subject to security inspection. Check here for information designed to assist in expediting the entry process, including prohibited items. Please note that Canalside will be closed to public access from 1:30 to 2 p.m. while the security perimeter is established.
Recommended parking for Canalside is on Perry Street by the KeyBank Center and additional lots and ramps on the east side of Main Street. As the event concludes, the NFTA-Metro will have two buses parked along Washington Street as well as three trains ready at the Erie Canal Harbor Station to expedite moving guests out of the area.
For anyone planning to use the Queen City Bike Ferry to get back and forth between the Outer Harbor and Canalside, it will be run 45 minutes past the end of the fireworks show.
Check out the full schedule of events for the Fourth of July and find detailed parking information at www.buffalowaterfront.com.
Contacts:
Pamm Lent | [email protected] | 716-846-8309 | (800) 260-7313
Laura Magee | [email protected] | 716-846-8239 | (800) 260-7313