ELLICOTTVILLE, NY
Nothing complements a great day on the ski slopes than an evening of live music, and that’s just what Ellicottville’s Winter Blues Weekend is guaranteed to deliver. With over 15 bands scheduled in all the downtown hot spots, visitors can expect a full line-up of high-energy, soulful performances come the weekend of January 16th, 17th, and 18th.
Produced by the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, the music kicks off Friday evening and continues through Sunday afternoon, making it a weekend you won’t want to miss. The best part: all performances are free to enjoy! NO COVERS!
“Winter Blues Weekend is a great way to spend time with friends and family and discover some of the most talented Blues performers in our region,” said Barb Pump, Executive Director of the Ellicottville Chamber. “We’re looking forward to a full weekend of fun and we encourage visitors to book overnight accommodations so they can enjoy all that Ellicottville has to offer.”
Along with live music, Ellicottville boasts several breweries, distilleries and wineries, more than a dozen restaurants, and just as many retail shops. Browse an eclectic variety of one-of-a-kind gifts and keepsakes, fashionable clothing for men, women and kids, and even unique finds for your furry, four-legged friends. When it’s time for dessert, head to any of our coffee bars, candy stores, ice cream parlors or bakeries. It’s the icing on the cake… literally!
“Our downtown business district offers the whole package, and it’s all in a 4-block walkable footprint,” said Pump. “Park your car, shop, dine and bar hop on foot. You can easily take in all the sights and sounds of Winter Blues Weekend every which way you turn!”
Book your lodging now so you can look forward to enjoying a weekend of great music, fun dining, eclectic shopping and of course, freshly groomed ski conditions. A complete list of accommodations, restaurants and retailers, along with a schedule of live music for Winter Blues Weekend 2026 can be found at ellicottvilleny.com. Stay updated on other Chamber related news and events by following @visitellicottville on IG/FB. For questions or additional information, contact the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce at 800-349-9099 or info@ellicottvilleny.com.
More information here
THURSDAY
We start our weekend on Thursday at Balloons for Burgers and Brews & Trivia Night from 4-10pm. $15 gets your choice of any burger and any domestic beer plus house made chips. Trivia starts at 7pm and there’s prizes for first-third place.
The Gin Mill’s Thursday residency is hosted by the Chillbillys from 8-11pm. Try Evl’s only seven days a week kitchen, open till 9pm Sun-Thurs and 10pm Fri-Sat. Open for breakfast 9-11:30am Sat-Sun.
FRIDAY
We’re back at Balloons for Ten Cent Howl from 6:30-10pm. According to their bio they play an Americana/rock/folk/ blues set of covers. The back bar will host Dj A-Rock from 10-1pm playin tunes so you can bop until you drop and Dj KT Stylez will serve up some juice so you can really cut loose on the two dance floors from 10-2am.
The Gin Mill is back with Two Guys Drinking Beer from 8-12am. Terry and Ron play a rock/pop/blues/folk set of covers and originals. Try some of the 37 beers that are always on tap.
The Mill St Sports Pub joins the party with The Alexander James Band featuring special guest Ken Ryan from 8-11pm. This band plays a blues set with some country and rock thrown in. Try the fish fry, da bomb.
Madigans keeps the party going with Dj Kage, cookin up some sauce so you can shake it like a boss in the window on Washington from 9-2am.
SATURDAY
The Gin Mill is the early bird with Brian Rick from 2-5pm. Grab an early dinner or late lunch. Buffalo’s own Maria Aurigema takes the stage from 8-12am. Maria plays blues, rock originals and covers. If you like craft cocktails try the Carriage House Sidebar for some high-end spirits.
The T-Bar, up at Holiday Valley, hosts Two Guys Drinking Beer from 4-7pm. Take a break from skiing and grab a hot toddy with a great view of the slopes.
Madigans goes live with Rev 13 from 6-9pm. This band plays hard rockin tunes from the 70-90’s. Dj Larson will crank up the house sound with some thumpin for the bumpin till 2am.
The Pat Harrington Trio hits the stage at Balloons from 6:30-10pm. This band plays a blues/rock/folk/country set of originals and covers. Pat and Owen are going to switch over to acoustic guitars and play in the back bar from 10-1am. Dj Kage will fire up the sound booth, playin some jams so you can shake your gams from 10-2am.
Villaggio is up next with Miller and the Other Sinners from 7-10pm. Dave plays soul/r&b/blues originals and covers. Dine on some of the southern tiers finest Italian cuisine and look over the wine list while you’re at it.
Last but not least the Tommy Z Band rocks Mill St Sports Pub from 8-11pm. Tommy is a touring musician playing blues and blues influenced rock music that you can dance to.
SUNDAY
The Ratchet Hatchet hosts a Sunday Brunch with Ed and the Hotrods starting at 11am. I didn’t have a lot of detail so you might want to give em a call.
The Gin Mill presents The Chillbillys from 2-5pm. This husband-and-wife act plays a rock/pop/blues/folk/country set of covers and originals featuring smooth guitar riffs and sweet vocal harmonies. Two Guys Drinking Beer will take the stage from 7-10pm. Terry and Ron play a rock/pop/folk/blues set of covers and originals.
Villaggio hosts its weekly AYCE Pasta Night and Prime Rib Special from 5-9pm. Fresh, made to order, pasta with the toppings of your choice or savory prime cooked the way you like. The musical guests are The Girls of Grosh with special guest Grace Stumberg. You don’t want to miss this.
Balloons is back with a rare Sunday show. The Chumps will perform from 7-10pm. This duo plays acoustic rock from the 60-90’s.
MONDAY
The Gin Mill will host Red Gray, Monday, from 7-10pm. Red plays old and new country, folk and southern rock covers and originals and he likes requests.
TUESDAY
The Gin Mill’s Tuesday musical guests are The Hick Ups from 7-10pm. This group of local musicians from various bands plays a bluegrass/country/roots set of covers and originals. Don’t forget those 37 beers that are on tap while you’re listening.
WEDNESDAY
We close out the seven-day weekend at The Gin Mill with Wing, Wednesday from7-10pm. They’ve been hosting this night of music for 40+ years. Brian Rick is the host. He plays a rock/pop/country/ folk set of covers and originals.
This is one of the best lineups I’ve seen in my 15 years of living here and encourage you to see as many bands as you can. I also ask that wherever you are PLEASE, SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC!!!!!!!