The Beat

Hundreds of live butterflies will take flight this weekend at the Botanical Gardens. A new Butterfly Release encounter has also been added on select Fridays and Saturdays for those looking to make the most of their visit with the butterflies.

Buffalo, NY—The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens announced that its Butterfly Experience will return beginning this weekend from May 16 to July 19, 2026. Hundreds of live butterflies will take flight in the Tropical Orchard greenhouse. The live butterfly exhibit will be open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and a new Butterfly Release encounter will be available at a separate ticket price on select Fridays and Saturdays.

Park Enhancements, Fan-Favorite Events and New Guest Value Initiatives Headline Season of Fun

Darien Center, N.Y. (May 12, 2026) – Six Flags Darien Lake, Western New York’s premier destination for thrills and family fun, officially opens for the 2026 season May 15, welcoming guests back for weekends and select operating days in May before transitioning to daily operations beginning June 24.

Proceeds to benefit Artpark and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra education programs 

Lewiston, NY – Artpark, in partnership  with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, will be featuring an intimate Candlelight Concert, inside Artpark’s Mainstage Theater on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 1:00PM, featuring a string duo from The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Niagara Falls, NY (May 6, 2026) – For the second straight year, Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours in Niagara Falls, NY, has been named a finalist in USA Today’s 10BEST Readers Choice Awards for Best Helicopter Tour in the United States. Last year’s top-five finish in the newspaper’s poll came on the heels of Rainbow Air winning the Newsweek Magazine readers’ poll in 2024.

Limited-Time Offer Grants Kids Ages 3—5 Free, Unlimited Park Visits for the Entire Season at Participating Parks

Darien Center, N.Y. (April 22, 2026) – Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) invites families with young children to kick off summer early with a limited-time, free Pre‑K Pass offering children ages 3 to 5 free admission for the entire season at 22 parks across North America including Six Flags Darien Lake in Darien Center.

Lewiston, NY –  Artpark announces an evening of iconic 80’s hits with Howard Jones: Things Can Only Get Better Tour, featuring full performances by Howard Jones, Wang Chung, The English Beat & Modern English, and hosted by Richard Blade, will take place at the Artpark Outdoor Amphitheater in Lewiston, NY, on August 12 at 6:00PM.

To Celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup

12 Projects Selected Through the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program

Funding Will Support Public Viewing Events and Community Activations Across New York State

Program Helps Extend the Economic and Tourism Benefits of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Communities Statewide

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 12 community-based projects across seven regions of New York State have been selected as awardees through the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program. State funding will support locally organized public viewing events and related programming tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. More than $371,000 in grants will facilitate events designed to bring residents and visitors together while driving economic activity and increasing visitation to local businesses.

Lewiston, NY –  Artpark announces that Turnpike Troubadours will be coming to the Artpark Outdoor Amphitheater in Lewiston NY, on Friday, August 14 at 7:00PM with special guests Muscadine Bloodline & The Creekers. Tickets for this performance, presented by Live Nation, go on sale Friday, March 27 at 10am. Ticket prices include facility fee and additional fees apply for online orders.

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens popular Spring Flower Exhibit returns March 20 through April 13. Western New Yorkers will enjoy an early spring amidst winter weather.

Buffalo, NY— The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens welcomes the return of the annual Spring Flower Exhibit which opens Friday, March 20 and will be open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm through Monday, April 13. The blooms will bring an early spring for those looking to escape the winter weather and enjoy the sights and smells of fresh flowers. Plus, the Botanical Bunny will be on site March 28, April 3 and April 4 from 10:00am to 4:00pm for kids and families looking for seasonal photos.

Additional $5 Million in State Funding Announced To Support Project

Historic Capital Project Reflects $18.5 Million State Investment in Arts and Culture

New Addition Will Enhance Accessibility and Modernize Buffalo Venue

View Renderings Here and Video Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on a $34.6 million expansion of the historic Shea’s Buffalo Theatre plus an additional commitment of $5 million in capital funding from New York State. Driven by a $18.5 million state investment, the four-story, 25,600-square-foot addition will revitalize the theatre experience by introducing a new box office, expanded lobby and event space, concessions at each level, additional bathrooms and critical accessibility upgrades, including three new elevators.