Dunkirk Festivals & Special Events

09/04/2024

Schools will open on September 5th   and the City of Dunkirk Police Department is reminding everyone to pay close attention to children as they walk to and from school and to obey the law…

09/04/2024

Dunkirk Festivals & Special Events would like to thank and give THUMBS UP to Sandra Shisler of Dunkirk NY Waterfront and Beyond who has photographed images of the Dunkirk waterfront and around Lake Erie throughout the entire summer!

Go visit her page and enjoy!

09/04/2024

The guys are just about ready!

Dunkirk's Music at the Point
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/yooZ4dPbFbT8rV3n/?mibextid=oFDknk

09/04/2024

The City of Dunkirk will wrap up this year's Music at the Point Sunset Concert Series on Wednesday, with Bill Ward and friends Bill Piper and John Cross. The event, held at

09/03/2024

Dunkirk city officials and members of Refresco's leadership team recently gathered with market vendors for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the official opening on the c

09/03/2024

Final Music at the Point Gig Slated
Dunkirk's Music at the Point w/Bill Ward Music

The City of Dunkirk’s Music at the Point Sunset Concert Series will host the final act this season on Wednesday, September 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. with Bill Ward and friends Bill Piper and John Cross. The event, held at Point Gratiot Park, is sponsored by Southern Tier Environments for Living, Inc. (STEL), Lawley Insurance and DFT Communications.

Singer/Songwriter/Promoter Bill Ward has been a mainstay of the Western New York music scene for some time, headlining shows and appearing with some of the best bluegrass, country and Americana acts in the business.

Fresh from his appearance at the Great Blue Heron Music Festival with the Buffalo Bluegrass All Stars, Ward brings his energetic and eclectic show to the north county.

He will also be performing with renowned band leader, recording artist, and multi-instrumentalist John Cross as well as Bill Piper, a well-known harmonica specialist from the North County who also plays with the Living Room Jam Band.

Visitors are reminded to bring a chair, snacks and refreshments and enjoy the sunsets and music at Point Gratiot.

The city has collaborated with several local eateries to offer a special Wednesday dinner pack menu for pick up with some places offering delivery to the park. The food places included in the promotion are Demetri’s on the Lake, House of Birria, Lena’s Pizza, Lil Ginger’s Deli, Mary’s Deli, Off The Hook, P*Dubs, Pizza Village, Spike Dailey’s Irish Pub, Taqueria Mexicana at the Point and The Spot on the Lake.

The menu can be viewed on the Dunkirk Festivals page and city website at www.cityofdunkirk.com.

A special thanks goes out to Roger Gloss of Atlas Comfort Cabins/Lawn Mowing/Enviro-Kleen Services for donating the use of the portable toilet located near the music pavilion.

For more information about Dunkirk’s summer schedule of events or local attractions, please visit www.cityofdunkirk.com, Facebook at Dunkirk Festivals & Special Events or call Mekus (716) 366-9848.

08/31/2024

The Familiar Spirit Band on stage now!

https://www.facebook.com/share/pS3QLgX2MvkELQAJ/?mibextid=9VsGKo

08/31/2024

The New Direction Band playing polka in 5 minutes!

08/31/2024

Dunkirk Heritage Festival TODAY (August 31, 2024) from 11 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. with live music, food trucks and vendors in grassy lot between Clarion Hotel and Tim Hortons in Dunkirk! Free community event!

https://www.facebook.com/share/pS3QLgX2MvkELQAJ/?mibextid=9VsGKo

08/28/2024

TONIGHT (Wed., Aug 28, 2024)!
Furious George

08/28/2024

Let's PACK THE POINT tonight and celebrate the end of summer with Furious George!

08/27/2024

Furious George Takes Point Gratiot Stage
Dunkirk's Music at the Point

The City of Dunkirk’s Music at the Point Sunset Concert Series continues Wednesday, August 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. with Furious George. The event, held at Point Gratiot Park, is sponsored by Southern Tier Environments for Living, Inc. (STEL), Lawley Insurance and DFT Communications.

Furious George is a classic/modern/original rock band from the Fredonia and Silver Creek areas. They play a variety of music ranging from The Beatles, Bad Company, Guns N’ Roses and Alice in Chains to name a few.
Band members include Nick Watkins (vocals), Tim Fote (guitar), Alex Phelka (bass), Paul Graves (guitar) and Robert Fote (drums).

“We’re so excited to host Furious George’s entire band this week,” said Scott Mekus, Dunkirk Festivals event specialist. “If you haven’t been to the Point Gratiot Wednesday night music series, this is the evening to come to hear great music, hang out with friends, see the beautiful sunset and support local eateries.”

The last performance of the Point Gratiot series will be Bill Ward with special guest John Cross on September 4.

Visitors are reminded to bring a chair, snacks and refreshments and enjoy the sunsets and music at Point Gratiot.

The city has collaborated with several local eateries to offer a special Wednesday dinner pack menu for pick up with some places offering delivery to the park. The food places included in the promotion are Demetri’s on the Lake, House of Birria, Lena’s Pizza, Lil Ginger’s Deli, Mary’s Deli, Off The Hook, P*Dubs, Pizza Village, Spike Dailey’s Irish Pub, Taqueria Mexicana at the Point and The Spot on the Lake.

The menu can be viewed on the Dunkirk Festivals page and city website at www.cityofdunkirk.com.

A special thanks goes out to Roger Gloss of Atlas Comfort Cabins/Lawn Mowing/Enviro-Kleen Services for donating the use of the portable toilet located near the music pavilion.

For more information about Dunkirk’s summer schedule of events or local attractions, please visit www.cityofdunkirk.com, Facebook at Dunkirk Festivals & Special Events or call Mekus (716) 366-9848.

08/25/2024

Back To School Bash Set in Dunkirk

The City of Dunkirk, Dunkirk City School District and United Ways Chautauqua County are proud to present this year’s Back To School Bash on Monday, August 26 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the main pavilion in Point Gratiot Park.

The free community event for Dunkirk city school children and families is sponsored by DFT Communications, National Grid, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Wells Enterprises, Personal Touch Food Service, Lions Club, KeyBank, Walmart, Save A Lot, Refresco, The Waterfront Foundation and Kosciuszko Club.

The event is coordinated by Scott Mekus, Dunkirk Festivals event specialist; Kristan Mackiewicz, Dunkirk City School District Director of Communications, Equity Initiatives and Engagement; Amy Rohler, Executive Director of the United Ways of Chautauqua County and Dan Siracuse, Community Relations Coordinator.

Bookbags with school supplies will be given to the Dunkirk students who check in that afternoon while supplies last.

Several local community agencies with giveaways and other information will be located under a tent provided by Piede Brothers.

Deejay Giulia Sowrey of Star Sirch will play music along with a bounce house set up by Bounce About. The Boys and Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County will provide carnival games and a balloon twisting clown will also be present.

The Dunkirk Fredonia Lions Club will host “Tame Your Mane” complimentary back to school kids’ haircuts provided by donated services of local stylists while time permits.

Complimentary hot dogs, ice cream donated from Wells, refreshments from Refresco and snacks will be served.

A rain date make up is scheduled the following day, August 29.
“This annual event is well-attended and a great way to prepare the students and families in Dunkirk for another fun year of learning and friendships,” said Mekus.

For more information about the event, contact Mekus at City of Dunkirk at (716) 366-9848 or [email protected].

08/22/2024

TONIGHT! These guys are good!
Reset To Vinyl, Midnight Blue Close Out Concert Series

Dunkirk's Music on the Pier Concert Series will host the final concert for the season on Thursday, August 22 in Memorial Park for Arena Rock Night.

Reset To Vinyl is scheduled at 5:25 p.m. with headliner Midnight Blue – The Foreigner Experience beginning their show at 7:15 p.m.

The concert is presented by DFT Communications with stage sponsor National Grid and production company Advanced Production Group (APG).

Reset To Vinyl brings back powerful nostalgic classic and alternative rock/pop and even sprinkle a bit of country into the mix with a polished sound and three-part harmonies. Since 2015, they have played smaller intimate shows as well as larger indoor & outdoor stages.

Fronted by powerhouse singer Leah Pinnavaia (2023 Nightlife Music Award winner for Female Rock Vocalist), Joe Pinnavaia (guitar), Keith Bielmeier (keyboards), John Caruso (bass), Eric Cymerman (drums), Reset To Vinyl is made up of award winning veteran musicians that have collectively won 13 Buffalo Music Awards during their careers including Female Rock Vocalist, Original Female Vocalist, Original Bassist, Original Band, New Rock Band, Tribute Band & as a group have consistently been nominated in the Nightlife Music Awards for Classic Rock Band.

They are known for playing an eclectic mix of music including Kansas, Heart, Adele, Linda Ronstadt, The Doors, Rush, VH, Genesis, U2, April Wine, Honeymoon Suite, Bad Company, Pat Benatar, The Doors, Styx, Led Zeppelin, Natalie Merchant, Sheryl Crow, AC/DC, Supertramp & more. They even play a Journey Tribute show a few times a year.

From Cleveland, OH, Midnight Blue - The Foreigner Experience has been on tour throughout the Eastern U.S. this summer, with their most recent performances in New Jersey, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and New York.

Playing to sold out crowds everywhere, the band’s high energy and exceptional musical talents bring the timeless music of Foreigner to life at each and every performance. Midnight Blue is fronted by the incredible Paul Vician, who toured nationally with Eddie Money and who flawlessly recreates Lou Gramm to deliver an extraordinary Foreigner concert experience that you won’t want to miss.

Midnight Blue’s lead guitar is held down by Timmy DeArmitt, who had the honor of playing in Blake Shelton’s band for 10 years, and he now tears up the stage with Foreigner’s searing guitar solos and signature lines.

Troy Sands on keyboards, Brain Dossa on bass, and Billy Cioce on drums round out the band’s outstanding line up of talented musicians who have performed nationally for the past 20 years. Midnight Blue will have you signing along to the Foreigner classic hit like “Juke Box Hero”, “Feels Like the First Time” and, of course, “Hot Blooded.” They even perform “Midnight Blue”, in honor of Lou Gramm’s invaluable contribution to Foreigner’s legacy over the past 47 years.

Food and other vendors will be on site along with the city’s beverage tent. The Dunkirk Boardwalk Marketplace and surrounding businesses will also be open. Guests are reminded to bring a chair.

For more information about Dunkirk’s summer schedule of events or local attractions, please visit www.cityofdunkirk.com or Facebook at Dunkirk Festivals & Special Events or call Scott Mekus at (716) 366-9848 or [email protected].
2 Photos/Captions:

08/21/2024

Playing NOW at Point Gratiot Park! See comments for photos...
DTO with Dunkirk's Music at the Point!

DTO Performs at Point Gratiot TONIGHT!
Dunkirk's Music on the Pier Concert Series

The City of Dunkirk’s Music at the Point Sunset Concert Series continues Wednesday, August 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. with DTO. The event, held at Point Gratiot Park, is sponsored by Southern Tier Environments for Living, Inc. (STEL), Lawley Insurance and DFT Communications.

DTO plays music for any occasion from the last 60 years, but with their own flavor with artist music covering anything you’ve heard on the radio in the last 50 years.

Band members are Roger Chagnon III (lead vocals, guitar, bass) and Brian Hornbuckle (keyboards) of Westfield, Jonathan Muck (drums, percussion, vocals) and Leslie Wille (vocals) of Fredonia and Chris Tiberio (bass, guitar, vocals) of Lakewood.

Upcoming performances include the following dates/bands: August 28 - Furious George and September 4 – Bill Ward (make up day).

Visitors are reminded to bring a chair, snacks and refreshments and enjoy the sunsets and music at Point Gratiot.

The city has collaborated with several local eateries to offer a special Wednesday dinner pack menu for pick up with some places offering delivery to the park. The food places included in the promotion are Demetri’s on the Lake, House of Birria, Lena’s Pizza, Lil Ginger’s Deli, Mary’s Deli, Off The Hook, P*Dubs, Pizza Village, Spike Dailey’s Irish Pub, Taqueria Mexicana at the Point and The Spot on the Lake.

The menu can be viewed on the Dunkirk Festivals page and city website at www.cityofdunkirk.com.

A special thanks goes out to Roger Gloss of Atlas Comfort Cabins/Lawn Mowing/Enviro-Kleen Services for donating the use of the portable toilet located near the music pavilion.

For more information about Dunkirk’s summer schedule of events or local attractions, please visit www.cityofdunkirk.com, Facebook at Dunkirk Festivals & Special Events or call Scott Mekus (716) 366-9848.

08/21/2024

DTO Performs at Point Gratiot TONIGHT!
Dunkirk's Music on the Pier Concert Series

The City of Dunkirk’s Music at the Point Sunset Concert Series continues Wednesday, August 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. with DTO. The event, held at Point Gratiot Park, is sponsored by Southern Tier Environments for Living, Inc. (STEL), Lawley Insurance and DFT Communications.

DTO plays music for any occasion from the last 60 years, but with their own flavor with artist music covering anything you’ve heard on the radio in the last 50 years.

Band members are Roger Chagnon III (lead vocals, guitar, bass) and Brian Hornbuckle (keyboards) of Westfield, Jonathan Muck (drums, percussion, vocals) and Leslie Wille (vocals) of Fredonia and Chris Tiberio (bass, guitar, vocals) of Lakewood.

Upcoming performances include the following dates/bands: August 28 - Furious George and September 4 – Bill Ward (make up day).

Visitors are reminded to bring a chair, snacks and refreshments and enjoy the sunsets and music at Point Gratiot.

The city has collaborated with several local eateries to offer a special Wednesday dinner pack menu for pick up with some places offering delivery to the park. The food places included in the promotion are Demetri’s on the Lake, House of Birria, Lena’s Pizza, Lil Ginger’s Deli, Mary’s Deli, Off The Hook, P*Dubs, Pizza Village, Spike Dailey’s Irish Pub, Taqueria Mexicana at the Point and The Spot on the Lake.

The menu can be viewed on the Dunkirk Festivals page and city website at www.cityofdunkirk.com.

A special thanks goes out to Roger Gloss of Atlas Comfort Cabins/Lawn Mowing/Enviro-Kleen Services for donating the use of the portable toilet located near the music pavilion.

For more information about Dunkirk’s summer schedule of events or local attractions, please visit www.cityofdunkirk.com, Facebook at Dunkirk Festivals & Special Events or call Scott Mekus (716) 366-9848.

08/17/2024

Today's Beach Bash was rained out early afternoon. It will not be rescheduled this year due to tight event schedule.

Sorry for any inconvenience...

08/15/2024

TODAY in 1/2 hour - see you at Memorial Park!

08/15/2024

Beach Bash Slated at Wright Park

The City of Dunkirk Festivals and Special Events Department will host their Annual Beach Bash on Saturday, August 17, throughout Wright Park starting at 8:15 a.m. through dusk. The event, sponsored by National Grid, DFT Communications and Beach House Bar & Grille, is open to the public.

The City of Dunkirk Recreation Department has a full slate of activities happening during this year’s Beach Bash including pickleball, slowpitch softball and volleyball tournaments.

The 3rd Annual Beach Bash Pickleball Tournament registration begins at 8:15 a.m. with the play beginning at 9:00 a.m. Gary Mirowka has organized the tournament for the past three years with assistance from the City of Dunkirk Recreation Department. Registration is $10 for Dunkirk residents and $15 for non-Dunkirk residents. Registration includes pizza and medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each age division. To register, contact Mirowka at (716) 545-3001.

The 2024 Co-Ed Slowpitch Softball Playoffs will be held at Promenschenkle Stadium and School #7 Field beginning at 9 a.m. Eight teams will compete in a single elimination tournament based on seedings from the last two months. Last year’s winners, Maniacs, are favored once again to win the championship.

The Chadwick Bay Volleyball League, run by Laura Corsi Haase, will have a single elimination playoff tournament to crown this year’s winners. Eight teams have battled since the end of June for their seedings for playoffs. Last year’s winning team “How I Set Your Mother” is no longer in the league, leaving the title up for grabs. Matches will begin at 11 a.m. at the two sand courts located in Wright Park with the final game scheduled for 5 p.m.

At the Wright Park Beach rails, DJ KT Stylez will spin the tunes from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Live music on the main stage is scheduled as follows: 2 p.m. Party McFly, 4 p.m. The Untouchables and 6:30 p.m. Grand Illusion - The Music of Styx.

Craft, gift, and food vendors will be set up from 12 noon to 6 p.m. in the grassy lot across from Wright Park Beach.

The Beach House Bar & Grille will be open along with food truck vendors including Arly & Izzy’s, 3C’s Catering and Bucket Brigade Pizza Company.

Other vendors featured are Crafty Jean, Whimsy & Sparkle Handmade Jewelry, S & P Designs Unlimited, Nalepa’s Novelties, Homemade Heart Jewelry, Belov’d Creations, The Gift Box 716, Dunkirk Historical Society, Jamestown Community College, Absolut Care of Westfield and the Roc Research Group.

Complimentary bounce houses and a dunk tank will at the event provided by Awesome Bouncers from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

The Boys and Girls Club will have free kids’ activities. Free balloon creations will be available from 12 noon to 3 p.m.

A kids’ sidewalk chalk drawing contest is slated from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. across the road of Serval Street with judging at 4:15 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three designs. Participants do not need to be present to win.

A family sand castle building contest starting at 12:30 p.m. and a water balloon toss challenge at 1 p.m. will be held at Wright Park Beach near the lifeguard stand.

Wright Park Beach will be accessible with lifeguards from 12 noon to 7 p.m. The splash pad, playground, basketball courts, skate park and the picnic grove will also be open to the public.

At dusk, El Rigby Theater will present “Barbie” movie for the community at the Promenschenkel Stadium.

The street in front of the Beach House Grille will be closed early morning Saturday until 10 p.m. Vehicle drivers near Wright Park are asked to drive slowly and be cautious of event participants crossing streets throughout the park.

For more information, contact Scott Mekus at City of Dunkirk at (716) 366-9848 or [email protected].

08/14/2024

Country music will fill the air at Dunkirk's Memorial Park for Week 11 of the city's Music on the Pier Summer Concert Series. Thursday's concert will open with OsbornNash at 5

08/14/2024

Dunkirk's Music at the Point with The Living Room Jam Band!

08/14/2024

Country Night Set at Memorial Park
Dunkirk's Music on the Pier Concert Series

Dunkirk’s Music on the Pier Summer Concert Series will continue Thursday, August 15, as opener OsbornNash (5:25 p.m.) and headliner Tim Britt Band (7:00 p.m.) take the stage for Country Night at Memorial Park.

Sponsored by Community Bank and The Resource Center, the concerts are presented by DFT Communications with stage sponsor National Grid and production company Advanced Production Group (APG).

The Tim Britt Band is a modern/alternative/folk group from Buffalo, NY. Singer, guitarist, songwriter, and Utica, NY native Tim Britt, formed the group in 2015 as an expansion of his award-winning solo career. Joined by seasoned Buffalo musicians, Gerald Michael, Evan Laedke, and Damone Jackson, the group uniquely blends their experience in blues, new wave, funk, disco, soul, and pop with Britt’s already established style, to create new takes on classic songs and wonderfully catchy originals.

OsbornNash, made up of Bob Campbell-Nash and Liz Osborn, is an acoustic duo out of Western New York and Nashville, Tennessee. Their performances feature original & cover material and have become an entertaining on-going conversation between themselves & their audience.

As singer-songwriter “artists” they incorporate country, Americana, folk and pop with overtures of jazz and rock when it suits the song. Their original music has taken them to Nashville where they recorded their debut album “This Is It”.

Previously, they have opened shows for Wynonna Judd and The Big Noise, Billy Currington, Easton Corbin and Craig Morgan. More recently, they were voted the WYRK Taste of Country Riser in 2022 and were given the opportunity to open for Tim McGraw along with Billy Currington, Walker Hayes & Thompson Square (June 2022) at the Taste of Country Concert - Sahlen Field, Buffalo, NY.

OsbornNash was also requested for and successfully opened concerts for Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts (August 2022) at Spiedie Fest - Binghamton, NY and one week later they shared the stage opening for Blake Shelton at the Darien Lake Amphitheater - Darien, NY.
Food and other vendors will be on site along with the city’s beverage tent. The Dunkirk Boardwalk Marketplace and surrounding businesses will also be open. Guests are reminded to bring a chair.

For more information about Dunkirk’s summer schedule of events or local attractions, please visit www.cityofdunkirk.com or Facebook at Dunkirk Festivals & Special Events or call Scott Mekus at (716) 366-9848 or [email protected].

08/13/2024

Send a message to learn more

08/13/2024

Music at the Point Continues Wednesday
Dunkirk's Music at the Point

The City of Dunkirk’s Music at the Point Sunset Concert Series continues Wednesday, August 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. with The Living Room Jam Band. The event, held at Point Gratiot Park, is sponsored by Southern Tier Environments for Living, Inc. (STEL), Lawley Insurance and DFT Communications.

As an event sponsor, Lawley will have their V.I.P. night that evening with a tent, sheet pizzas and beverages for their invited guests.
The Living Room Jam Band is a 3-piece acoustic band from Dunkirk that plays original music and classics. Outfitting the band is Keith Medley (guitar/vocals), Willie Fuentes (bass/backing vocals) and Bill Piper (harmonica/backing vocals).

Upcoming performances include the following dates/bands: August 21 – DTO, August 28 - Furious George and September 4 – Bill Ward (make up day).

Visitors are reminded to bring a chair, snacks and refreshments and enjoy the sunsets and music at Point Gratiot.

The city has collaborated with several local eateries to offer a special Wednesday dinner pack menu for pick up with some places offering delivery to the park. The food places included in the promotion are Demetri’s on the Lake, House of Birria, Lena’s Pizza, Lil Ginger’s Deli, Mary’s Deli, Off The Hook, P*Dubs, Pizza Village, Spike Dailey’s Irish Pub, Taqueria Mexicana at the Point and The Spot on the Lake.

The menu can be viewed on the Dunkirk Festivals page and city website at www.cityofdunkirk.com.

A special thanks goes out to Roger Gloss of Atlas Comfort Cabins/Lawn Mowing/Enviro-Kleen Services for donating the use of the portable toilet located near the music pavilion.

For more information about Dunkirk’s summer schedule of events or local attractions, please visit www.cityofdunkirk.com, Facebook at Dunkirk Festivals & Special Events or call Scott Mekus (716) 366-9848.

08/09/2024

Mayflower Hill and Hello City - Ba*****ed Ladies Tribute 8-8-2024 Photo Dump - Enjoy!

08/08/2024

Mayflower Hill is all ready for Dunkirk tonight!
Dunkirk's Music on the Pier Concert Series