Gone are the days of Shooters and The Pier at the Outer Harbor - a place where many of us partied until the wee hours of the morning each and every summer. Since The Pier was demolished, this section of the Outer Harbor, controlled by the NFTA, has slowly been converted into bike trails and meadows... a place that is actually quite peaceful with incredible vistas of the waterfront. Starting Thursday July 28th and running to Sunday July 31st, Jason Riggs (photo) and Earl Springborn are planning on bringing this sleepy waterfront plot of land back to life.
For four days in July, the Outer Harbor will be converted into something that resembles Coney Island, featuring a gigantic beer garden, carnival rides, waterside picnic pavilion tents, floating docks, a music stage and massive fireworks displays. Two dozen tribute bands (along with some local favorites such as Free Henry!) will be featured along with BBQ pits, taco stands and wood-fired pizza, hamburger and hot dog huts. With the help of the NFTA, Jason and Earl have spent weeks cleaning up the site and installing docks in preparation for Outer Harbor Fest. "The NFTA is installing 300' of temporary docks," Jason told me. "In order to make the event boat friendly. We're planning on making the event a stop for the water taxi (see map), as well as recreational boaters. Last summer we were out on our boats looking for something to do. It was then that we decided that we would bring the family-friendly party to the waterfront. This parcel of land fits six times the amount of people as the Inner Harbor. There's room for a grass family picnic area, music fans, beer lovers, sun worshipers, boaters and everyone who loves a good beer bash."
Partial proceeds from the $5 admission charge will go towards the Buffalo Boys and Girls Club. The money collected by the NFTA from the site rental will go towards continued improvements, in hopes that more events will take place in the future. Jason and Earl are planning a series of different events that will utilize this same parcel of land at the Outer Harbor, including a concert series in on September 10th called Summer's Last Bash (featuring national music acts). Free parking is available along Fuhrmann Boulevard with additional paid parking the event as well as at Terminals A and B (free shuttle). Classic cars and motorcycles park for free, and boaters can reserve dock space by calling ahead to this number: 866-806-3917.
See Facebook for details. No coolers allowed at the festival - plenty of food and refreshments available for sale at affordable family-friendly prices. Bring your Hula Hoop, beach towels, beach chairs, a Frisbee etc.
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For four days in July, the Outer Harbor will be converted into something that resembles Coney Island, featuring a gigantic beer garden, carnival rides, waterside picnic pavilion tents, floating docks, a music stage and massive fireworks displays. Two dozen tribute bands (along with some local favorites such as Free Henry!) will be featured along with BBQ pits, taco stands and wood-fired pizza, hamburger and hot dog huts. With the help of the NFTA, Jason and Earl have spent weeks cleaning up the site and installing docks in preparation for Outer Harbor Fest. "The NFTA is installing 300' of temporary docks," Jason told me. "In order to make the event boat friendly. We're planning on making the event a stop for the water taxi (see map), as well as recreational boaters. Last summer we were out on our boats looking for something to do. It was then that we decided that we would bring the family-friendly party to the waterfront. This parcel of land fits six times the amount of people as the Inner Harbor. There's room for a grass family picnic area, music fans, beer lovers, sun worshipers, boaters and everyone who loves a good beer bash."
Partial proceeds from the $5 admission charge will go towards the Buffalo Boys and Girls Club. The money collected by the NFTA from the site rental will go towards continued improvements, in hopes that more events will take place in the future. Jason and Earl are planning a series of different events that will utilize this same parcel of land at the Outer Harbor, including a concert series in on September 10th called Summer's Last Bash (featuring national music acts). Free parking is available along Fuhrmann Boulevard with additional paid parking the event as well as at Terminals A and B (free shuttle). Classic cars and motorcycles park for free, and boaters can reserve dock space by calling ahead to this number: 866-806-3917.
"We're transforming this land from a dumping zone to a party zone". -Jason Riggs
See Facebook for details. No coolers allowed at the festival - plenty of food and refreshments available for sale at affordable family-friendly prices. Bring your Hula Hoop, beach towels, beach chairs, a Frisbee etc.
^Click to enlarge - map and music schedule
I was hoping that they'd have an event like this... I think I may have actually recommended it on my site! Kudos for making it happen! People need to be exposed to that fact that it is ONE lake, ONE waterfront, ONE city... it's ok to cut through the Old First Ward or drive over the skyway.... it's not like you'll end up in Kansas... You're still in Buffalo and you'll be able to enjoy one of our greatest assets! I can't wait for the event!