Resurgence at Canalside and Buffalo Waterfront are officially kicking off the 2026 summer season with a full weekend of waterfront programming on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, featuring live music, family activities, local vendors, community organizations, food and drinks, and entertainment for all ages.
The weekend celebration begins with the Resurgence at Canalside Kickoff event on Saturday, June 6, 12-7 pm, followed by the first Sunday Social at Canalside of the season on Sunday, June 7, 10 am to 4 pm.
Together, the two events are designed to celebrate the return of summer at Buffalo’s waterfront while highlighting local businesses, nonprofits, artists, attractions, and family-friendly experiences.
“We’re excited to kick off another summer season at Canalside and create a weekend that feels welcoming, fun, and uniquely Buffalo,” said Madeline Mulholland, community engagement manager at Resurgence Brewing Co. “From live music and local vendors to family activities and waterfront attractions, these events are all about bringing the community together and celebrating everything that makes Buffalo summers special.”
Saturday, June 6: Canalside Kickoff Event
Saturday’s kickoff event will feature live performances from Buffalo musicians Grace Lougen, 12-3 pm and Nico Zarcone, 4-7 pm.
Food and beverage offerings will include ice cream from Charlap’s Ice Cream, and food, beer, cider, canned cocktails, and more from Resurgence at Canalside.
Family-friendly activities will include:
- Bounce house and slides
- Family-friendly sports games
- Lawn games
- Balloon art from Balloon Brothers
- Face painting by Funky Faces by Sarah
- Interactive activities and educational programming from Shakespeare in Delaware Park
Community organizations and local vendors onsite will include Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, Not A Basic Bleach, and Fate Fell Collective. Guests can also enjoy Canalside attractions throughout the day, including the Buffalo Heritage Carousel, BFLO Harbor Kayaks, Water Bikes of Buffalo, the Maritime Center, and the Longshed Exhibit.
This event also marks the beginning of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper’s “Waterkeeper Week” series. Throughout the day, they’ll be on site with a variety of interactive activities, including a trivia wheel with prizes, a Canalside scavenger hunt, and a water safety demonstration. They’ll also share information about their mission and volunteer opportunities, along with offering branded Silipints and dry bags for sale.
Resurgence at Canalside will also be partnering with Explore & More Children’s Museum for a special promotion during the event. Guests who show a Resurgence at Canalside receipt at the museum will receive $3 off admission and 10% off in the gift shop. Guests who show an Explore & More receipt at Resurgence at Canalside will receive 10% off their order. This offer is valid only on Saturday, June 6.
Sunday, June 7: Sunday Social at Canalside
The summer kickoff weekend continues on Sunday, June 7 with the season’s first Sunday Social at
Canalside from 10 am to 4 pm.
Sunday Social is a community-focused waterfront series that combines shopping, local vendors, food trucks, family-friendly programming, live entertainment, and outdoor activities in a relaxed boardwalk-style atmosphere. Additional Sunday Social events will take place on July 5 and August 2 throughout the summer season.
Both events are free and open to the public.
