By Kate Bartlett
During this weekend’s Ellicottville Fall Festival, Ellicottville Brewing Co. (EBC) transforms into a full concert venue with live music, food, and drink options. The village of Ellicottville comes alive during Fall Festival Weekend with live music, vendors, shopping, arts & crafts and more. EBC is in the heart of it all on Monroe Street with live entertainment all weekend.
The Fall Festival in Ellicottville has been one of Western New York’s largest and most anticipated annual autumn events for 49 years, and EBC has been a gathering place for the community during the festival throughout the years. “We’ve evolved as the festival has grown in order to accommodate larger crowds and the needs of the community,” explains Sara Cosi, Marketing Director for EBC. “Fall Fest Weekend in Ellicottville brings in 50,000 friends and travelers annually, and EBC’s Big Stage is a consistent top attraction.”
What started with live entertainment and drink specials at EBC during festival weekend many years ago has grown to accommodate larger crowds every year. “We started bringing live music outside in 2006, which has grown into the “Big Stage. We bring in popular local bands to provide top quality entertainment during Fall Fest Weekend,” says Sara. “We really pack the house.”
Friday, EBC brings Nineties by Nature to the inside stage with a high-energy 90’s tribute and party band with ultimate throwbacks to the decade from 8-11pm. “It’s always a great time,” says Sara. “Everyone is excited to kick off Fall Fest Weekend and this band is going to bring the energy.”
On Saturday, Cold Beer Creek kicks off the day with live music on the outdoor stage at 12pm, with Nerds Gone Wild at 4pm and MayDay Buffalo at 8pm, two of the most popular party and tribute bands in WNY, each bringing high-energy party vibes focused on distinct eras. Darkwater Duo & Company will play on the indoor stage from 2-8pm with DJ Gilroy at 9pm.
Sunday kicks off at 1pm with The Yachtfathers, WNY’s premier yacht rock tribute band until 4pm on the outdoor big stage (rain contingency under tent) and The Boys of Summer from 5-8pm keeping the party energy alive with a massive, multi-genre repertoire.
EBC has also flexed to accommodate larger crowds both physically with their space, and in terms of efficiency. “We structure the venue to accommodate a large crowd, keep lines moving, and help ensure everyone has a premium experience.”
EBC offers a festival food menu for the weekend, featuring crowd favorites like pulled pork sliders and Bavarian pretzels with beer cheese. The venue offers multiple tented concession areas for beverages, each with a varied drink selection. There’s plenty of variety offered this year, including craft beer, craft cider, hard seltzer, wine, EBC’s very own non-alcoholic fruited ales, and Good Boy Vodka Seltzers.”
Good Boy Vodka makes RTD (ready to drink) canned cocktails featuring premium vodka, natural fruit juices, and light carbonation or non-carbonated tea blends. The company was founded on the philosophy that great products should serve a greater purpose. “Not only do they offer a wide variety of premium beverages, but there’s purpose behind the pour,” explains Sara. “We’re proud to partner with them.” The brand operates its own 100% non-profit, zero-overhead foundation where everyone participates on a volunteer basis. 100% of the foundation’s raised proceeds go directly to charity.
EBC is also proud to partner with two deserving causes during Fall Festival – Hope Rises and WNY Heroes. For the first time, EBC will collect a $5 donation on Friday with 100% of proceeded to benefit these worthy organizations.
Founded in 2017, Hope Rises is a 100% volunteer-run, nonprofit organization based in WNY that shares uplifting stories and leads charitable giveback projects. The core focus is on spreading stories of love, kindness, and goodwill while turning positive media into practical community action.
WNY Heroes Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides immediate financial assistance, resources, and support services to military veterans, active-duty service members, and the families of deceased veterans. They focus on providing a “hand up, not a hand out” to bridge the gap during financial or transitional hardship and supports legal residents who are veterans in 14 counties across WNY.
For those looking for a more low-key alternative to the hustle and bustle of Fall Festival in Ellicottville, the EBC Little Valley Location will have drink specials and music from Tim Britt Solo Acoustic show from 6-9pm on Saturday. “Little Valley is a great little escape from the crowds,” explains Sara. “It offers a laid-back, family and dog friendly autumn paradise to comfortably enjoy Fall Fest Weekend.”
For more information visit EBC on Instagram and Facebook @ellicottvillebrewing and stop down to their main location at 28 Monroe Street Friday, October 9- Sunday October 11 to celebrate during Ellicottville’s Fall Festival. Follow on social media for updates.