Seneca Falls’ popular “Music in the Park” series will return this summer with a new twist and a fresh lineup of local and regional talent, according to Andrew Olden, Executive Director of the Seneca Falls Museum and Tourism Center.
The weekly concerts, typically held in People’s Park, will shift across the canal to the community center’s parking lot at 35 Water Street due to ongoing construction tied to the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). Despite the temporary relocation, the series remains rooted along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, preserving its waterfront charm.
Concerts every Thursday, June 5 to August 21
This year’s series kicks off June 5 with a performance by the local favorite Ende Brothers and will run every Thursday through August 21, concluding with the Rolling Heads. Other acts include Ruby Shooz, Cool Club and the Lipker Sisters, Old World War Boys, Restless, Indigo Breeze, 47 South, Rockin’ Boots, Other Side of Normal, and the Prison City Rockers.
All performances are free and will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. While coolers are allowed, alcohol is prohibited to maintain a family-friendly environment.
Expanded summer experience: shop, dine, and enjoy
Music in the Park is part of the broader “Summer Thursdays” initiative, designed to encourage community engagement and economic activity downtown. Participating shops will offer specials from 3 to 6 p.m., and local restaurants and bars will extend evening deals from 8 to 10 p.m. after the music ends.
Downtown eateries include Parker’s, El Bajio, Red Brick Pub, Downtown Deli, The Flint & Stave, Gould Hotel, The Perfect Pair Eatery, and Sackett’s Table, all within walking distance of the concert site.
New partnerships and amenities
This season introduces a new transportation option: boat rides to and from concerts offered by Stivers Marina. Attendees can sign up via QR code to travel from Geneva to Seneca Falls and back by 9 p.m., enjoying refreshments aboard. Proceeds support the museum and tourism center.
A rotating lineup of food trucks will be on-site during concerts, including Between the Buns, Macarollin, Mark’s Pizzeria, and Sip Beverage Co. Community organizations, such as the Seneca Falls Library, will also host outreach tables.
Part of broader revitalization efforts
The series’ move coincides with significant infrastructure upgrades along the canal, including repaved walkways, improved lighting, and increased accessibility. These enhancements are part of the town’s $10 million DRI investment, which also includes a major renovation of the Seneca Falls Museum and Tourism Center.
The museum, currently relocated to 106 Fall Street during construction, continues to serve as a hub for regional tourism information. When completed, the renovated facility will feature a new conference room, an exhibit on the Underground Railroad, upgraded boater amenities, and a large-scale mural highlighting the area’s industrial history. The mural, funded by the Bonafiglia Family Foundation and the Rochester Area Community Foundation, will overlook the canal and be completed by fall.
For more information and the full concert schedule, visit senecamuseum.com.
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