In the summertime, Buffalo and Western New York hosts countless fun festivals and music events. The variety of gatherings in the area is immense, especially given the selection of music, unique venues, food and the experiences presented to attendees. In the hills of East Otto in Cattaraugus County, there is one festival that checks all the boxes.
The Griffis Sculpture Park Summer Festival is returning for the seventh consecutive year on Sunday, August 11, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. It’s a day filled with music, vendors, creativity, exploration and much more.
The 2019 event is very special, as the Ashford Hollow Foundation is celebrating their 50th anniversary. The foundation resides at the Essex Arts Center on Buffalo’s westside and owns and operates Griffis Sculpture Park. The 400-acre park features 250 sculptures spread out through the fields and forests. It is the United States’ largest sculpture park is certainly one of the most unique spots in WNY
This coming Sunday, music will start run from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Buffalo all-star band, Dead Phish Funk, featuring Critt & friends is headlining the concert. As the band’s name indicates, they’ll be serving up some Grateful Dead, Phish and funk music. Regional jam and funk rockers, Funktional Flow are making their return to the festival, having previously played in 2016. A Buffalo band with a growing reputation, PA Line will start out the day with their Americana music.
The day will also include food vendors, arts vendors, kids area, plus guests are encourage to go out and explore the trails and experience the sculptures. The events will be taking place on the top of the hill at the Mill Valley site of the park. Guests must be able to endure a 10-minute walk uphill to the festival site. There will also be a shuttle helping attendees get to the top of the hill. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and small coolers.
Admission will be $15 advance, $20 day of show for adults, 12 and under FREE. Gates open at 12 noon. Tickets can be purchased here.
