By the Chautauqua County Visitor’s Bureau
Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau partnered with The Heron Farm and Event Center to present “Tour Chautauqua—What’s In Your Backyard” on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The Heron hosted local businesses and tourism industry representatives for a fun, informative, and memorable event.
team provided a history of The Heron and an
overview of current and upcoming activities. During
the presentation, it was evident that the Heron is a
shining example of entrepreneurial vision and success
within Chautauqua County’s tourism industry.
Approximately 25 people gathered at the Heron to learn more about its 33-year history as well as the current breadth of programs and experiences offered. Attendees enjoyed delicious samples from the farm, wine and beer tasting from Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewery, a competitive game of tourism trivia, a wagon ride tour of the extensive Heron grounds, and shopping at The Heron Farm Store.
Owners Julie and Steve Rockcastle and their excellent team provided a history of The Heron and an overview of current and upcoming activities. During the presentation, it was evident that the Heron is a shining example of entrepreneurial vision and success within Chautauqua County’s tourism industry.
The Heron’s most well-known enterprise is its Great Blue Heron Music Festival, which has taken place annually since 1992 over the July 4th weekend. The festival was started by Julie Rockcastle, whose family had owned the land since the 1970s, and local music promoter David Tidquist. The festival has grown over the years from 800 attendees in 1992, to more than 5,000 currently.
Numerous events are planned for the summer, headlined by the 32nd Annual Great Blue Heron Music Festival. Other event highlights include: Nature & Wellness Weekends, The Great Rhythm Revival,
Dave McDonald Memorial 5K Trail Run, Fire Lights Festival, and Heron Horse Trail Challenge.
Stemming from a combination of need, opportunity, and vision, the Heron has steadily identified new elements and experiences for customers. The Heron now hosts weddings, reunions and workshops. The campground is now open from May-October. Shiitake mushrooms, grass-fed beef and chicken, and more products from the grounds are sold at the Farm Store as well as local farmers’ markets. The tour of the grounds included numerous sites, such as the forthcoming new and improved bath house, trails at the Heron, campsites, and more.
The main takeaway from the “Tour Chautauqua—What’s In Your Backyard” event at the Heron is that there are some very impressive tourism businesses in our area. You just have to spend 30 seconds on the home page of https://theheron.org/ to see how Julie and Steve Rockcastle, along with their family and friends, have taken their land, their vision, and their abilities to create an impactful and long-lasting set of experiences for thousands of Chautauqua County visitors and residents. The Heron Farm & Events Center is truly a Chautauqua County success.