On Monday, August 31 starting at 5:00 PM, Friends of the Riverline will be hosting an End of the Summer Happy Hour at Sportsmens Tavern. Not only is this a fundraiser for The Riverline, it’s also a chance to learn more about the progress that is being made to convert the abandoned rail line along the Buffalo River into a proposed 1.5-mile nature trail and greenway.
When I last conversed with Jeffrey Lebsack, Executive Director of Friends of The Riverline, this past May, he informed me that construction of the first section could begin in 2027. That’s a pretty exciting jumping-off point to consider.
I the meantime, the project is at the point where things are moving right along, which is why the upcoming happy hour – featuring live music by Something Anything – is the perfect time (and setting) to get a more intimate understanding of the project.
$25 per person includes entry for great music, tasty appetizers, and access to a cash bar. Between sets, Friends of The Riverline will introduce our 2026-2027 Board of Directors and provide an update on the future of The Riverline. Register for the Happy Hour here.
Sportsmens Tavern is located at 326 Amherst Street, between Grant St. and Military Rd.
Upcoming tours of the Riverline
Our free, one-hour tours of The Basswoods and The Del sections of The Riverline continue in September and October. The tours allow the organization to share their vision for transforming the former DL&W rail corridor into a vibrant and innovative nature trail with inspiring public spaces. Tours start at 5:30 PM, and run through October 8. Tours are limited to 20 people. Register for the tours and find more information here.
The Basswoods tours are on September 2 and October 7. Tours of the Basswoods feature a walk across the iconic double bridge and include special guests who discuss the verdant nature of the area.
Tours of The Del are on September 10 and October 8. Tours of The Del focus on the tight-knit neighborhoods and the plans for public spaces and nature trail access. Join Jeffrey Lebsack after each tour for refreshments at a local establishment to continue the conversation.