By Darlene Brace
The summer of 2023 was a great summer. The weather was warm and sunny, and there was always a lot to do in the area. Summer has now officially ended, and it’s the end of September. Early fall in Western New York is a beautiful, warm and colorful season, and there is still a lot to do outside. So, if you are still looking for some fun outdoor activities to participate in, read on and you might find just what you are looking for.
Experience the transformation of Chautauqua as autumn paints the grounds in a kaleidoscope of colors! Exciting events are in store for you this fall, as you embrace the changing seasons and explore the grounds, you can indulge in delightful dining, and discover unique shopping experiences. The fun begins in October with a “Mud Day”, more than a Mud Run on October 7, this 5k is packed with muddy maddnes. They are also offering a Forum om Democracy October 20-22 and to knock out the month with a bang, celebrate with the Oktoberfest held at the Athenaeum Hotel, October 27. For information on all of this log on to www.ciweb.org.
The Basil and Bones Fall Festival will be taking place this Saturday, September 30, at 2061 Foote Avenue Ext. in Jamestown from 12pm-6pm. This a festival of a variety of activities for young and old alike. One of the main attractions will be the live music entertainment. Mark Mincarelli will be performing from 12pm-2p. Music by Charity Nuse and Sara Rafalowski will follow starting at 3pm. Along with live music, there will be a variety of local vendors. There will be activities for children such as games, a petting zoo, and face painting. If you want more information about the Basil and Bones Fall Festival, you can call 716-488-7590.
Another family fun fall festival is the Panama Rocks Foliage Festival. This festival will be taking place at 11 Rock Hill Road in Panama NY on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 30 & Oct. 1, from 10am- 5pm. There will be an arts and crafts show with over 60 vendors. Chainsaw carving, blacksmithing, and glassblowing will be demonstrated. A variety of live music will entertain the crowd. Other activities include face painting, horse drawn wagon rides, and Halloween costume contests for children and adults. There will be trick or treating with the art vendors. If you would like more information about this event, look online at panamarocks.com or call 716-703-0021.
Now if the family festival type outing isn’t your thing, and you’re looking for some adult entertainment this weekend, the Pumpking Festival at the Southern Tier Brewery’s Empty Pint might be the festival for you. This festival will be held Saturday, September 30 from 1pm-9pm at 2072 Stoneman Circle in Lakewood, New York. The Pumpking Festival is a fun way to welcome the fall season and enjoy the brewery’s pumpkin flavored imperial beer and other beverages. At this festival, there will be some great music entertainment. The Riffriders will be playing their blues-rock to get the party started. Then the Tim Britt Band will entertain you with their modern alternative folk music. To rock the night away, get ready for Black Widow to start jamming at 6pm. Besides music, there will also be hatchet throwing and pumpkin bowling, as well as plenty of other beverages and food to please the crowd.
If you are looking for some adult fun in northern Chautauqua County this weekend, head on out to 21 Brix Winery on September 30th. This fall fest will be from 1pm-9pm. 21 Brix Winery is located at 6654 W. Main St in Portland, NY. They will still be having wine tasting and serving food, but the winery’s menu will be limited, as there will be a variety of food vendors at the event. There will also be local craft vendors and live music. Music will be performed by Miranda Wilcox and the Line starting at 2:30pm. Later in the day the Porcelain Busdrivers will be rocking it out from 6pm-9pm. If you want more information about this festival, you can look online at their Facebook page or go to 21brix.com.
Enjoying these fall festivals this weekend is a great way to celebrate the beginning of fall in Chautauqua County. In October, you can continue to enjoy outside activities in the nice fall weather, as there will be more fall festivals to come. Stay tuned for more information.