Sterling Renaissance Festival 15385 Farden Rd., Sterling July 7-Aug 19, 10am-7pm, Saturdays & Sundays only. Over 80 stage and street performances, more than 200 actors and stagehands recreate an authentic English Renaissance Village, join in a pub sing, wench auction, and trial & dunke. $22/adult, $8/kids 8-12. (1-800-879-4446) www.sterlingfestival.com

Strawberry Festival Goose Watch Winery, 5480 Route 89, Romulus Sat June 16, noon-5pm: Food, live music, fresh strawberries, strawberry desserts and strawberry wine. Free, fee for food. (315-549-2599) www.goosewatch.com

Strawberry Festival (Jewett Parkway) Sat June 23, 4-7pm: Gourmet strawberry desserts, cookout food, music, entertainment and activities for all ages. (833-1151)

Strawberry Festival (Merritt Estate Winery) 2264 King Road, Forrestville June 9, noon-10pm & June 10, noon-6pm.

Taking it to the Streets Rally Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 778 Best Street Aug 18-19. Gospel singing, drill step, drama team, recording artists, health and job fairs, DJs, pony rides, clowns and more. Free. (891-4760)

Taste of Buffalo downtown Buffalo July 7, 11am-9pm & July 8, 11am-7pm. The second largest Taste in the country, featuring more than 50 restaurants and 15 ethnic varieties, 20 musical acts and more. Free to enter, fees for food.(831-9376) www.tasteofbuffalo.com

Taste of Ellicottville Ellicottville Aug 11-12, noon-4pm. Sample the best that Ellicottville restaurants have to offer. (699-2345) www.ellicottvilleny.com

Taste of Niagara Outwater Park, Lockport June 15-17. Food, wine and live entertainment (439-9388)

Toronto Gay Pride Festival Toronto June 15-24. Hundreds of performers on multiple outdoor entertainment stages, parade, marches, and more. (416-927-7433) www.pridetoronto.com

Toyfest East Aurora Aug 24-26, times vary. EA’s annual celebration is a tribute to its toy-making tradition, in particular to Fisher-Price. (687-5151) www.toytownusa.com

Victorian Dazzle downtown Fredonia, Fredonia July 19-21. Experience the Victorian era with period costumes, cemetery ghost tours, lectures and demonstrations, antique vendors, architectural tours, a Victorian murder mystery, music in the park and more. (1-888-414-4818) www.fredchamber.org

War of 1812 Parade & Commemoration Ceremonies Wehrle and Aero Drive, Cheektowaga Sun June 10, noon: Parade from Wehrle and Aero to the War of 1812 Cemetery (897-7207) www.tocny.org

Waterfront Art Festival Kershaw Park, Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua July 28 & 29, 10am-5pm. Fine arts and crafts along the beauty of the Finger Lakes region. $3, children under 12 free. www.waterfrontartfestival.com

Wellsville Balloon Rally Island Park, Route 417/Route 19, Wellsville Launch dates: July 20 at 6pm, July 21 at 6am & 6pm, July 22 at 6am (weather permitting). (585-593-3752) www.wellsvilleballoonrally.com

Westfield Arts & Crafts Festival Moore Park, Rts. 394 and 20, Westfield July 27-28. More than 250 exhibitors, free parking and shuttle service.. (326-2011)

Rochester International Jazz Festival

What do legendary jazz musicians Dave Brubeck and Jack DeJohnette, singer Jerry Lee Lewis, Toots & the Maytals, singer/songwriter Dr. John, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, violinist Jean Luc Ponte and guitarist John Scofield have in common? Besides musical genius and fame, they’re among 600 artists from 13 countries appearing at the 6th annual Rochester International Jazz Festival, June 8-16. This year’s festival is the biggest, most diverse yet, drawing on musical roots and offshoots of the jazz tradition including R&B, blues, reggae, the New Orleans sound, samba, salsa, world beat and jazz from around the globe. The festival kicks off on Friday, June 8 with concerts at most of the 18 venues. Headliners Raul Midon and King Solomon Burke perform at the Eastman Theater while vibist Mike Manieri takes the stage with his famous R&B/jazz fusion band, Steps Ahead, at Harro’s East Ballroom. At the Montage Grill Madagascar Slim blends blues with traditional salegy dance music, while Jonathan Kreisberg’s Trio launches High Fidelity, a new festival club. Pushing the jazz envelope further is Los Lonely Boys, performing Texican, a fusion of electric blues and soul, Texas roots, rock and roll, plus Latin beats, June 9 on the stage at East Avenue and Chestnut, preceeded by the Mambo Kings, who blend Latin, rock and jazz. Also Saturday, Miami’s Tiempo Libre perform their incendiary dance-inducing Cuban jazz called “timba” at the Harro East Ballroom. Trumpet and flugelhorn virtuoso Randy Brecker performs with his quintet at Kilbourn Hall at the Eastman School while next door, at the Eastman Theater, rock icon Jerry Lee Lewis gyrates to “Great Balls of Fire” and other tunes he made famous in the 1950s and 1960s. A club pass gets you into all festival shows at eight venues. Club passes can be purchased for $129. at the festival office, while single concerts are $20 at the door. There are three public stages hosting dozens of free concerts. There are also a museum and gallery series of free concerts at the George Eastman House, Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester’s Museum & Science Center and Public Library, Strong Museum of Play and the Sam Patch Riverboat at Cornhill. For a complete schedule, ticket info, maps, etc., visit www.rochesterjazz.com.

—carl mrozek

Wines in the Wild Buffalo Zoological Gardens Wed July 25, 6-9pm: Sample food, beer and wine, enjoy live music and animal ambassadors. Tickets are $35/presale or $40 at the door. Must be at least 21 years of age. (837-3900 x131) www.buffalozoo.org

Women’s Weekend Ellicottville Village Ellicottville June 22-24. Females only, geared towards healthy & happy lifestyle, activities include hiking, networking, yoga, kickboxing, women speakers, seminars, purse party, female comedians, spa treatment and more. www.ellicottvilleny.com

Woofstock St. Lawrence Marketplace Front Street, Toronto June 9-10, 10am-6pm. The largest outdoor festival for dogs, featuring fashion shows, trick contests, dog make-overs, a parade and a walk-a-thon. Free. (www.woofstock.ca)

Youngstown Firemen’s Field Days Veterans Park Nancy Price Drive, Youngstown- Sept 2-3. Mid-way rides, food festival, car show, craft show, beer tent, games and parade. (754-2199)

Toronto Street Festival Yonge Street Toronto. July 6-8. Celebration of civic pride at five locations along the city’s famed Yonge Street (Dundas, Bloor, St. Clair, Eglinton and Lawrence). (416-338-0338). www.city.toronto.on.ca/special_events/streetfest

Music

Albright-Knox Summer Jazz Series 1285 ELmwood Ave Summer Jazz Series 25th year anniversary. Free concerts held every Sunday (July 5-Aug 5) at 2pm on the gallery lawn. Concerts depend on weather conditions. Contact 882-8700 or www.albrightknox.org

Amherst Museum 3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd, Amherst Thu Aug 23, 6:30pm: Amherst Symphony Concert (689-1440) http://www.amherstmuseum.org

Amherst Recreation Concert Series Basset Park , 359 Klein Rd, Amherst Wed July 4: Concerts every Tuesday & Thursday , July 4-Aug 23, 7:30pm Free Outdoor Concerts July 4-August 23 at 7:30pm. July 4: Independence Day Celebration with the Boomers (oldies) & Erie County Wind Ensemble; July 10: American Legion Band of the Tonawandas; July 12: McCarthyizm; July 17: Tommy Z; July 19: Buffalo Concertina All Stars; July 24: West of the Mark; July 26: Sentimental Journey; July 31: Big Wheelie & the Hubcaps; Aug 2: Steam Donkeys; Aug 9: The Dady Brothers; Aug 14: Lance Diamond Show; Aug 16: The Pointless Brothers; Aug 21: Them Jazzbeards; Aug 23: Jamie Moses Band. Contact 631-7132 or www.amherst.ny.us (689-1425)

Artpark 450 S 4th St, LewistonBig Band Series (June 25-Aug. 6). Concerts at 2 & 8pm, t$15-$27.50. June 25: Tommy Dorsey Orchestra; July 23: Junction West; Aug 6: Glenn Miller Orchestra. - Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Summerfest (July 7-29). Shows at 3 & 8pm, $15-$48. July 7: Holst’s The Planets/Lara St. John; July 8: Gershwin’s Greatest Hits; July 14: The Kingston Trio; July 15: Beethoven’s 9th; July 20: An Evening with the Neglia Ballet; July 21: Nadja Plays Mendelssohn; July 22: “From The Top” with Christopher O’Riley; July 27: Great Opera Arias; July 28: Argentine Tango; July 29: Dvorak’s New World Symphony. - Wednesdays at the Gorge (July 11-Aug. 22), 6:30pm. Free. July 11: Richie Havens; July 18: Lucinda Williams; July 25: Pure Prairie League; Aug 1: Kelley Hunt; Aug 8: Cajun Festival; Aug 15: Celtic Festival; Aug 22: Switch. - Tuesday in the Park (June 12-Aug. 28), 6:30pm. Free. June 12: Blue Rodeo; June 19: Little River Band; June 26: John Kay & Steppenwolf; July 3: Hootie & the Blowfish; July 10: Dave Mason Band; July 17: Coco Montoya & Walter Trout; July 24: Average White Band; July 31: Eric Burdon & the Animals; Aug 7: Kenny Loggins; Aug 14: Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo; Aug 21: Dickey Betts & Great Southern; Aug 28: America. - Special events: June 15: Rebecca St. James with Relevant Worship & Brooke Yaiser, $10-$40; June 16: Barenaked Ladies, $29.50-$49.50; June 30 & July 1: Tragically Hip, $35.50-$59.50; July 4: American Legion Band of the Tonawandas, free. Tickets available at the Artpark box office, Tickets.com, Tops Markets. (754-4375) http://www.artpark.net

Bemus Bay Pops Bemus Bay Waterfront, Bemus Point. Outdoor concert series held on floating stage. Sundays, June 24- Aug 31. June 24, 2:30pm: Germaine & Pappalardo Swing band; July 1, 2:30pm: Rod Stewart Tribute; July 8, 2:30pm: Jimmy & the Soul Blazers; July 29, 12pm: Irish Festival; Aug. 5, 2:30pm: Jimmy Beaumont & the Skyliners; Aug 9, 7pm: Young Ambassadors of Great Britain; Aug 12, 2:30pm: Pauly & the Greaseballs; Aug. 19, 2:30pm: Neil Diamond Tribute; Aug. 26, 2:30pm: Nik & the Nice Guys; Aug 31, 6:30pm: Trombone Salute; Sept 2, 6:30pm: Labor Day Finale with Fireworks featuring the Bemus Bay Pops Orchestra. Contact 386-7000 or www.bemusbaypops.com

Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens 2655 S Park Ave, Lackawanna June 26, 7pm: Free Concert by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra of patriotic music selections; June 27, 6-9pm: Starry Night in The Garden featuring REO Speedwagon, $40 (www.tickets.com) (827-1584) http://buffalogardens.com

Chautauqua Institution Route 394, Chautauqua: Concerts every Monday at the Amphitheater, 4pm. June 25: Ensemble WEWS (Wincenc, Eban, Wolf, Sherman); July 2: New Arts Trio; July 9: Janaki String Trio; July 16: Chautauqua Wind Quintet; July 23: Chautauqua Quartet; July 30 & Aug. 6: Audubon Quartet; Aug 13: The Hot Club of San Francisco; Aug 20: The Western Wind presents “O Beautiful” American Music

Cheektowaga Senior Concert Series 3349 Broadway, Cheektowaga. Every other Tuesday, 6-8pm. June 26: Ramblin Lou Family Band; July 17: All Star Concertina Band; July 31: The Music Crew; Aug 7: Kokomo Time Band; Aug 31: Nickel City Notes (686-3930) http://www.tocny.org

Darwin Martin House 125 Jewett Pkwy Fri June 22, 7-10pm: Roycroft Chamber Music Concert (856-3858) http://darwinmartinhouse.org

Drums Along The Waterfront UB Alumni Arena North Campus, Amherst Fri July 6, 7pm: - international drum and bugle competition. Educational music and marching clinics prior to the show at 5pm. Admission $18-$22, kids 12 & under half price. www.drumsalongthewaterfront.org (645-3141)

Ellicottville Summer Festival Holiday Valley, Rte. 219, Ellicottville Sat June 30, 8pm: Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra presents Superheroes & Legends, complete with cast of characters from Batman, Superman & Spiderman. Fireworks to follow. $25 advance (www.bpo.org)-$30 at the gate Sun July 1, 7:30pm: Eric Burdon & the Animals, Starship (featuring Mickey Thomas). $25 advance (www.ellicottvilleny.com)-$30 at the gate

Fredonia Opera House 9 Church St, Fredonia June 8-10: Bach & Beyond: A Baroque Music Festival. Fri & Sat, 8pm; Sun 4pm. $18 (box office); June 17: Father’s Day/Summer Solstice Celebration with Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly (American & Celtic Folk Music), 7pm. $10; June 24: Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, 7pm. $23-$25 (679-0891) http://fredopera.org

Geneva On The Lake Geneva Geneva on the Lake’s Classic Jazz Trio – each Tues, June 27-Aug 29 featuring Johnny Russo-piano/trombone/vocals, Brian Earle-clarinet/vocals, Doug Robinson-guitar/vocals, with al fresco dining to follow

Great Blue Heron Music Festival Exit 6 off Rte. 17, Jamestown. July 6-8. Festival features over 25 acts including Donna the Buffalo, the Horse Flies, Slo-mo, The Avett Brothers, the Town Pants, Big Leg Emma, John & Mary and many more. Weekend passes are available. Children under 12 are free (487-1781) http:www.greatblueheron.com

GreenField Gazebo behind Health & Rehab Center, 5949 Broadway, Lancaster Free Sumer Concert Series, every other Wednesday at 6:30pm, June 27-July 11. June 27: Civiletto sings Sinatra; July 11: Carnival Kids Steel Orchestra; July 25: Stone Country with Clay Moden; Aug 8: Terry Buchwald tribute to Elvis; Aug 22: Swing’n Jazz Quartet featuring Cheryl Ferris (716-684-3000)

Hennepin Park Gazebo 4th & Center St., Lewiston Blue Mondays (July 9-Aug 27). Blues concert series every Monday, 7-9pm. Contact 754-0166 www.crossborderblues.com. - Jazz Wednesdays - June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 4 . - Lewiston Jazz Project – July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9, 16, 23

High Falls Festival (Rochester) 4 Commercial St., Rochester Thursday Free Concert Series. June 7: Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk; June 14: Max Creek: June 21: Robert Cray Band; June 28: Cherry Poppin’ Daddies; July 5: Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad; July 12: Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes; July 19: Lucinda Williams; July 26: Donna the Buffalo; August 2: North Mississippi Allstars; August 9: New Riders of the Purple Sage (585-428-6697)

Jackson Square Concert Series Jackson & Center Sts., Batavia Friday Night in the Square, June 8-August 31, 7-9pm. June 8: Ghost Riders; June 15: Penny Whiskey; June 22: Red Creek; June 29: Westside Blues Band; July 6: Stone Row; July 13: Trilogy; July 20: Swing’n Jazz Band; July 27: Bart & Kevin (kids/family); August 3: OHMS Band; August 10: Formula; August 24: Craig Wilkins (Johnny Cash tribute); August 31: Civiletto sings Sinatra

Lakefront Park Concert Series Geneva Lakefront Park Concert Series – come to the Lakefront Park to hear live music, 7pm, Wednesdays July 5, 12, 19, 26 & Aug 2

Lewiston Jazz Festival Center St., Lewiston Aug 24–26. Acts to include John Pizzarelli, Andy Weinzler Jazz Quartet, Liberty Big Band, Tom Paladino Trio and many more. Call 754-9500 or visit the website. http://www.lewistonjazz.com

M&T Bank Plaza Event Series Downtown, One M&T Plaza. Outdoor concerts take place Mon–Fri, 12–1pm, June 6–Aug 26. Free. (842-5405) www.mandtbank.com/community/plazaevents.cfm

Mayville Bluegrass Festival Lakeside Park, Rte. 394, Mayville June 16-17. With Peter Rowan Trio, John McEuen & Sons, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, Doug Yeomans & Mountain Run, and many more (753-7464) http://www.mayvillebluegrassfestival.com

Molson Amphitheatre (Toronto) Ontario, Canada, 909 Lakeshore Blvd. West, Toronto June 19: True Colors; June 22: The Fray with OKGO & Mae; June 30: Ice Cream Summer Fest; July 4: Nickelback with Daughtry; July 5: the White Stripes; July 13: Billy Talent; July 16: Def Leppard; July 20: Jon Fogerty; July 24: Family Values Tour; July 25: Hippiefest; Aug 2: Incubus; Aug 5: Caribana Imagine Music Festival; Snow Patrol with Hot Hot Heat Aug 7; Aug 10: Marilyn Manson & Slayer; Aug 18: Dream Theater; Aug 21 : Projekt Revolution; Aug 2: Blue Rodeo; Aug 26: Scorpions; Sept 7: Brad Paisley. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.ca (416-260-5600)

Molson Canal Concert Series Gateway Park, Tonawanda June 17: Robert Cray; June 23: Sass Jordan, with Alison Pipitone, Dee Adams & the Housecats, Roadhouse Gypsies; June 30: 54/40, with Leroy Townes & the Lone Stars, Flatbed; July 7: Rockin’ the Colonies Tour with the Psychedelic Furs, the Fixx, the Alarm; July 28: Rik Emmett, with the Dave Constantino Band, Stealin’; Aug 4: Three Dog Night, with Great Train Robbery, Tom Stahl & the Dangerfields; Aug 11: Eddie Money, with the Jeremy Hoyle Band, Nancy’s Candy, 53 Days; Aug 25: Kansas, with Navigator, the Wynne Band; Sept 1: Rusted Root, with Big Leg Emma, Starlit City http://www.canalconcerts.com

Music is Art Festival Erie County Fairgrounds, Hamburg Sat Aug 11: Two stages of live music, visual art and performance festival featuring over 70 area bands and performers. Free (886-3540) http://www.musicisart.org

Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort 6380 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls Concerts in the Avalon Ballroom. June 8: Grand Funk Railroad; June 14-15: The Magic of Motown; June 21: Gretchen Wilson; June 22: Aretha Franklin; June 27: Peter Frampton; June 28-29: Heart; July 4-5: Jay Leno (stand-up comedy concert); July 12-13: Bobby Vinton; July 15-22: Star Spangled Celebration; July 24-25: Donna Summer; July 26: Doobie Brothers; July 31: Bruce Willis & the Accelerators; Aug 2-3: KC and the Sunshine Band; Aug 7-8: Gerry & the Pacemakers; Aug 10: Big and Rich; Aug 14-15: Temptations; Aug 16-17: Glenn Frey; Aug 23-24: Creedence Clearwater Revisited; Aug 30-31: Donny Osmond. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.ca or 1-877-833-3110. All prices reflect Canadian currency. (888-325-5788) http://fallsviewcasinoresort.com

On the Wine Trails

The New York Wine & Culinary Center has its first anniversary celebration this weekend (June 8-10) in scenic Canandaigua, kicking off a summer season of programs June 14-September 12. Located midway through the Finger Lakes Wine Trail region, the new Culinary Center highlights wines from throughout New York State, serving lunch and dinner daily and offering classes, demonstrations and what’s called a “Wine Spectator Educational Theater.” Celebrity chef seminars, knife skills workshops, wine and food pairing, beer and food pairing, winemaking and a Junior Chef Camp for kids (two sessions, July 16-20 and August 13-17) are just some of the programs available. (Visit www.nywcc.com for details.) The success of this project is another indication of the wine region’s growth, and the Finger Lakes area now boasts dozens of wineries along Canandaigua, Cayuga, Keuka and Seneca Lakes. (Visit www.newyorkwines.com.) Keuka Lake’s Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellar & Chateau earned six gold medals at the 2007 Taster’s Guild International contest, for its renowned Dry Rieslings, Blanc de Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewurtztraminer and, notably, one red—a Chateau Frank 2000 Blanc de Noirs. This year’s Finger Lakes Wine Festival takes place from July 20-22, with an opening night celebration on Friday, July 20, offering a toga party, wine and fireworks. The festival continues Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22, from 10am-5pm both days. (Visit www.flwinefest.com.) Closer to home, the Niagara wine region is similarly growing in range and reputation with each passing year. This summer’s events along the Niagara Wine Trail include “Cool Whites, Hot Nights” on July 14, a wine and jazz festival with participating wineries Eveningside, Freedom Run, Niagara Landing, Schulze Vineyards & Winery, Vizcarrra Vineyards and the Honeymoon Trail. Later in the summer, an “Artful Weekend” from August 18-19 gives an opportunity to see the work of local artists on display at each winery on the trail. (Visit www.niagarawinetrail.org.) Across the border the Ontario Wine Trail’s “Niagara New Vintage Festival” takes place from June 9-17, with more events scheduled throughout the month of June. (Visit www.winesofontario.org.)

—k. o’day

Niagara International Chamber Music Festival Ontario, Canada, Niagara-On-The-Lake July 24-Aug 16. Over fifty concerts in various different venues around the Niagara-on-the-lake region. Performers include Gould String Quartet, Atis Bankas, Peter De Soto, Un Poco Latino, Christopher Dawes, Warren Stirtzinger, Julian Milkis, Leonie Wall, Cordon Cleland and many more (877-687-3378) http://www.niagaramusicfest.com

Public Market (Rochester) 280 North Union Street , Rochester Free Friday Night Concerts. July 13: Latin Night with Orquesta Antonetti / Caliente; July 20: Leon Russell / Rockin’ Robin’ and a Bucket of Blues; July 27; Bike night with Roomful of Blues : The Nighthawks / Coupe DeVilles (585-428-6907)

Rochester International Jazz Festival Rochester Fri June 8: June 8-16. Over 100 shows and 500 musicians. Headliners include King Solomon Burke, Jerry Lee Lewis, Trio Beyond, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Wynton Marsalis, Madeline Peyroux & Dr. John. Tickets at Ticketmaster.com. (585-234-2002) www.rochesterjazz.com

Roycroft Chamber Music Festival St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 374 Main St., East Aurora Sun June 24, 7pm: New York’s best chamber musicians perform works by Mendelssohn, Roberto Sierra, Herbert Howells, Beethoven, and many more. $18 (856-3858)

Seneca Niagara Casino 310 4th St, Niagara Falls Rock the Falls Free Concerts at Seneca Square, 7pm. Aug 3: Foreigner; Aug 24: Kenny Rogers; Sept. 7: Dyno-mite Disco Dance Party ( 299-1100) http://www.senecaniagaracasino.com

Six Flags/Darien Lake 9993 Alleghany Rd, Corfu June 8: Brad Paisley; June 17: The Fray; June 21: Kenny Chesney; July 4: Rush; July 13: Roger Waters; July 24: Meat Loaf; July 28: Goo Goo Dolls; Aug 3: Family Values Tour 2007 featuring Korn & Evanescence; Aug 10: Vans Warped Tour; Aug 11: Bryan Adams; Aug 18: Projekt Revolution Tour 2007. Tickets at box office, www.ticketmaster.com, LiveNation.com (585-599-4641) http://sixflags.com

Summer Symphony Concert Series with the BPO Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Outdoor BPO performances July 6-28 at various locations. July 6: BPO & the Diamonds at Holiday Valley, 6:30pm; July 10: “Bears Are Back” at the Buffalo Zoo at 7pm; July 12: “A Festival of Dance” at Niagara on the Lake, 7:30pm; July 19: “Polo, Paris & Patriotism with JoAnn Falletta” at Strawbwrry Banks farm in East Aurora, 7:30pm; July 20: Falletta Returns to Fort Niagara in Youngstown, 7:30pm; July 27: Copland at Canisius with JoAnn Falletta, 7:30pm at Montante Cultural Center; July 27: American Journey at the Fredonia Opera House, 7pm; July 28: Led Zeppelin & the BPO at Artpark, 7:30pm (885-5000) http:www//bpo.org

Thursday at the Square Downtown, Lafayette Sq Concerts every Thurs., 5-9pm, June 7-Sept. 20. June 7: Son Volt, Juke Jinjer, Dali’s Ghost; June 14: Augustana, As Tall As Lions; June 21: Violent Femmes, Mobile, the REV; June 28: Joan Osborne, Will Hoge; July 5: Sam Roberts Band, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals; July 12: An evening with moe.; July 19: Nickel Creek, Glen Phillips, Rob Falgiano; July 26: Old 97’s, Yonder Mountain String Band; Aug 2: John Butler Trio, Melissa Ferrick; Aug 9: Keller Williams, Jonah Smith; Aug 16: Soul Asylum, the Alternate Routes, Floozie; Aug 23: North Mississippi Allstars, the Wood Brothers; Aug 30: the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Benevento-Russo Duo; Sept 6: the Romantics, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers; Sept 13: Anders Osborne, Charlie Hunter Trio: Sept 20: Dropkick Murphys, Jackdaw. Free (856-3150) http://www.buffaloplace.com

Toronto Jazz Festival Ontario, Canada, 82 Bleecker Street, Toronto June 20-July 2 in various locations throughout downtown Toronto. Featured performers include Oscar Peterson, Jean-Luc Ponty, Holly Cole, Micah Barnes, Dave Brubeck, Laila Biali Trio, Keith Jarrett, Mavis Staples, James Hunter & more. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.ca or 416-870-8000 (416-928-2033) http://www.tojazz.com

WNED Buffalo/Niagara Guitar Festival Various locations June 16: Barenaked Ladies at Artpark, 7:3opm. $29.50-$49.50 at Tops Markets, Tickets.com; June 17: Robert Cray at Gateway Park in Tonawanda, 5pm. FREE; June 18: North American Rock Guitar Competition at UB Center for the Arts, 7:30pm; June 18: Eduardo Fernandez at Nichols School Flickinger Center, 7:30pm; June 19: Richard Thompson at the Tralf, 8pm (845-7000) http://www.guitarfestival.org

Cruise the Erie Canal Amherst Marina, 1900 Campbell Blvd, Amherst A day trip through the Lockport Locks, visiting the canal museum for up to 8 adults, boats can accommodate 4 adults overnight. Day-long rentals $170; 3 days $440; 1 week $925 (691-6707) www.eriecanal.com

Darwin Martin House 125 Jewett Pkwy Behind the Scenes Tours of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece (856-3858) http://darwinmartinhouse.org

Dundurn Castle 610 York Blvd, Hamilton Ontario One hour guided tour runs every 15 minutes between 10am and 4pm, Tue–Sun; $5-$10; children under 5 are FREE. (905-546-2872)

museums/ galleries

Albright Knox Art Gallery 1285 Elmwood Ave Gusto at the Gallery Free Fridays, every Friday 3-10pm Fri June 15: Ken Heyman: Pop Portraits (through Aug. 26); Fri Aug 17: Beyond/In Western New york 2007 (through Oct. 28). (882-8700) http://www.albrightknox.org

Amherst Museum 3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd, Amherst Sat June 30, 10am-5pm: Amherst Celebrates the Arts (689-1440) http://www.amherstmuseum.org

Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society 25 Nottingham Ct Party on the Portico - June 15, July 20 & Aug 24, 5-8pm. Happy hour featuring refreshments, tours of the museum and live music. $10; Aug 4: Recollections of the Winner of the 1908 Great Automobile Race (873-9644) http://bechs.org

Buffalo Transportation/Pierce-Arrow Museum 263 Michigan Ave Open Saturdays, 12-5pm. July 25: National Carvair Club Parade down the Main Street Transit Mall from Goodell to Seneca Street, 12pm; July 26: National Judging show for Corvairs, 10am

Castellani Art Museum Niagara University, University Dr., Niagara Falls Mon July 9: In Focus: Highlights from the Castellani’s Photography Collection (through Sept. 16); Sun July 1: Focus on Tradition: Fifteen Years of Regional Folk Arts Documentation (through Nov. 4) (286-8200) http://www.niagara.edu

CEPA Gallery 617 Main St Sat June 16: The Art of Photography: Ken Heyman. The first major retrospective of the Magnum photographer’s important work (through Aug. 26) (856-2712) http://cepagallery.com

College St. Gallery 244 Allen St Sat June 9: Desultory 4 (through June 25) Sun July 8: Summer Art Show (through Aug. 4) (882-9727)

Happy Hour at the Burchfield-Penney 1300 Elmwood Ave June 8 & Aug 10, 5:30-7:30pm. Music, entertainment, drinks and more. Free for members, $10 for non-members. (878-4529)

Impact Artists’ Gallery 545 Tri-Main Center, 2495 Main St Sun Aug 26: Women of Color Show (through Sept. 16) ( 835-6817)

Kenan Center 433 Locust St, Lockport Fri Aug 10: Pulp Friction: Featuring the Work of Greg Lago, Chris Stangler and Rolf Hoeg (through Sept. 9) (433-2617) http://www.kenancenter.org

Market Street Art Center 247 Market St, Lockport Sat June 9: Buffalo Niagara Art Association Exhibition (through July 8) Fri Aug 10: Randall Dunlap Exhibition Fri June 29: Self-Portraits, in the upstairs gallery (through Aug 5); Tue July 24: Small Paintings Invitational (through Oct. 7) Fri July 13: The Locks: Then and Now. Erie Canal Heritage Exhibition (through Aug. 19) Fri Aug 24: Small Paintings Invitational (478-0239) http://marketstreetstudios.com

National Warplane Museum 17 Aviation Drive, Amherst Sat June 30: Airfest 2007

UB Art Galleries/Center for the Arts North Campus, Amherst Open figure drawing. Wednesdays through Aug 15, 7-9:30pm. $5 per session (645-ARTS)

Dance

Buffalo Contemporary Dance Great Arrow Industrial Park, Great Arrow Ave Tuesdays July 3 & 17, and Thursdays July 5, 19 & 26. Modern Dance Workshop for ages 8-11. $40 for the entire session. (884-2154)

Chautauqua Institution Route 394, Chautauqua All performances in the Amphitheater at 8:15pm. June 28: Chautauqua Dance Salon; July 10: Chautauqua Ballet Company; July 23: Chautauqua Festival Dancers; Aug 1: Dance Innovations with the North Carolina Dance Theatre; Aug 11: North Carolina Dance Theatre & Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra ($30); Aug 21: Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet

Flickinger Performing Arts Center Nichols School, 1250 Amherst St June 22-23, 8pm: Pick of the Crop Dance presents two works: “Not Two and Not One” and “Double Blind”. Pick of the Crop Dance Summer Intensive (July 5-15). Contact 837-6217 or www.poc.org to register (875-8212)

Neglia Ballet 1685 Elmwood Ave. Annual Summer Intensive (June 25-July 29). Five-week training course in dance for students ages 8 and up. Pre-ballet (9:30-10:30am); Ballet I (10:30-11:30 am); Ballet II (11:30am-12:30pm); $50. Contact (447-0401) or www.negiaballet.org to register (447-0401) http://www.negliaballet.org

Juneteenth

Juneteenth, a nationally celebrated festival in recognition of the African-American experience, began June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, to celebrate the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation there. The tradition was initiated in 1976 in Buffalo by B.U.I.L.D., a community organization whose legacy continues to resound throughout the city, as an alternative celebration to the country’s bicentennial. A family-centered, fun-filled weekend, Buffalo’s is now the third largest Juneteenth festival in the nation, with continuous musical entertainment on the main stage, an arts/culture stage, vendor’s market, drill team exhibitions, kickoff parade and many more events throughout the city. This year Juneteenth takes place on Saturday June 16, and Sunday June 17, in Martin Luther King Jr. Park, with affiliated events throughout the city earlier in the month. The parade, which travels down Genesee Street to the park, begins at noon on Saturday following a praise and worship service at 10am. Festivities ensue Saturday and Sunday with a myriad of musical talent, a free book fair, a poetry slam and a celebration of African-American animators presented by Squeaky Wheel. Music is provided by such notables as the Adrian Benton Group, the Macy Favor Big Band, Evolution, Nikki Hicks/Souljahs, Bessie Patterson & Friends, the Les Davis Quartet, the Unity Band with Patricia Edwards and Old School B Boys. Historical exhibits, children’s activities and Underground Railroad tours are all part of the excitement.

—laura masters

Riviera Theatre 67 Webster St, Tonawanda Lockport City Ballet Recital (June 15-16) (692-2413) http://rivieratheatre.org

UB Center for the Arts North Campus, Amherst UB Summer Dance offering workshops in modern, ballet and jazz for high school students, July 23-Aug 9. Contact 645-6898 ext. 1339 (645-ARTS)

Kid Stuff

ACTS Beacon Cafe 1470 Church St, Alden Summer Theater School for grades 3-8 (July 9-20). $60. Call 432-9102 by June 30 to register (432-9102)

African American Cultural Center/Paul Robeson Theater 350 Masten Ave Jumpin’ Jambalaya Summer Day Camp. Call for hours and registration information. (884-2013) (884-2013) http://www.paulrobesontheatre.com

Artpark 450 S 4th St, Lewiston Family Weekends, July 7-Aug 5; Camp Adventures Art Camp for ages 9-14, July 9-13, July 16-20 & July 30-Aug 3; Theater Camp for ages 9-14, July 23-27. (754-4375) www.artpark.net (754-4375) http://www.artpark.net

Buffalo Equestrian Center 950 Amherst St Tue July 3: Summer Camp July & August, Tue-Sun 9am-noon. $200/week. (877-9295/875-5010)

Buffalo Museum of Science 1020 Humboldt Pkwy Thu-Sat 10 am-5pm; Sun noon-5 pm. Discovery Camps, July 23-Aug 17, Mon-Fri. $7 adults; $6 seniors, $5 students & kids; children under 3 free. (896-5200) www.sciencebuff.org (896-5200) http://sciencebuff.org

Buffalo Museum of Science 1020 Humboldt Pkwy Sat July 28, 11am-4pm: Bubblefest 2006! (896-5200) http://sciencebuff.org

Buffalo Zoo 300 Parkside Ave: Open daily, 10am-5pm. June 9-10: Elephantastic weekend; July 9 to August 17: Summer Nature Camp, June 23: Earth Day Expo; July 14-15: Report Card Weekend (students 14 or younger receive free admission with a current report card); August 11: Party for the Planet; (837-3900 ext. 133) www.buffalozoo.org

Burchfield Nature & Art Center 2001 Union Rd, West Seneca Children’s Nature and Art Classes w/classes on Copper Embossing, Animal Homes & Habitats, Nature Mobiles, House of Twigs & Sticks, Flower Pot Bird Bath, Rainbow Flowers & Magical Stones and Print Making. Kids can sign up for the full session, full day, or individual classes. (677-4843) www.buffalo.com/burchfieldnatureandart (677-4843) http://buffalo.com/burchfieldnatureandart

Carnegie Art Center 240 Goundry St, Tonawanda Sat June 16, noon-4pm: Art Camp Day. Annual outdoor visual and performing arts festival. Kids of all ages work with professional artists in various media. Contact 694.4400 ext. 303 or www.carnegieartcenter.org for details (694-4400)

Castellani Art Museum Niagara University, University Dr., Niagara Falls Art Express: Kids art activities, every Saturday, 2-4pm. Kids ‘n Arts Summer Camp, July 24-Aug 18. Call to register (286-8200) http://www.niagara.edu

Chautauqua Institution Route 394, Chautauqua Tue June 12, 7pm: Family Entertainment Series (Smith Wilkes Hall, Chautauqua Institution). Free performances every Tuesday, 7pm. June 26: Barbara Bailey Hutchison; July 4: Cirque Sublime; July 10: Ion Jest Comedy Variety Show; July 18: Pendragons; July 24: Kuniko; July 31: Buck Howdy with BB; Aug 8: Barrage presents “High Strung”; Aug 14: Steve Songs; Aug 21: Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet . (1-800-836-ARTS) www.chautauqua-inst.org

Cradle Beach Camp 8038 Lakeshore Rd, Angola Summer camp for children ages 8-16 with sessions running June 25-Aug 18. Registration required. (549-6307 ex 205) www.cradlebeach.org (549-6307)

Genesee Country Village and Museum 1410 Flint Hill Rd. , Mumford Sat June 9: Bug Hunt! Sun June 17: Family Fun Day

Hamilton Children’s Museum Main St E, Hamilton July 4-Sept 2. Planting, watering, weeding and decorating. Free. (905-546-4848) www.hamilton.ca/museums

Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum 180 Thompson St, Tonawanda Fri Aug 17: Teddy Bear Picnic (693-1885)

Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Ave, Lancaster M&T Musical Series: The Sound of Music June1-June17, $14. (683-1776) www.lancopera.org (683-1776) http://lancopera.org

Locust Street Art 138 Locust St Painting and drawing for ages 4+ (July 5-26); Clay ages 8+; 3-5 Young Writers Workshop for ages 8-15 ( July 6-27); High School Black & White Photography classes (July 6-August 10). Free. (852-4562) www.buffnet.net/~locustst.

Neglia Ballet 1685 Elmwood Ave Annual Summer Intensive (June 25-July 2). Five-week training course in dance for students ages 8 +. Pre-ballet (9:30-10:30am); Ballet I )10:30-11:30pm); Ballet II (11:30am-12:30pm). Contact 447-0401 or www.negiaballet.org (447-0401) http://www.negliaballet.org

Parkside August Art Camp 2253 Main St Parkside Summer Arts Program Day Camp for kids ages 5-11 (August 13-31), 9am-3pm Mon-Fri. Located at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf. $120-$130 per week. Call 838-1240. (834-7200)

Shea’s Performing Arts Center 646 Main St Camp Broadway Mon-Fri 9am-5pm from July 9-13. Instruction in voice, acting, dance, movement and solo and ensemble singing for ages 10-17. (847-1410) www.sheas.org (847-1410) http://sheas.org

Strong Museum 1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm; Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12pm-5pm. Exhibitions: “Reading Adventureland”; “field of Play”; “National Toy Hall of Fame”; “Sesame Street”; “Super Kids Market”; “Kid to Kid”; “One History Place”; “Time Lab”; “Making Radio Waves”; “Making Things Happen”; “Rochester Business Hall of Fame”; “Lady Liberty.” $5-$7; children under two free (585-263-2700) www.strongmuseum.org

Summer Extravaganza Program Boys & Girls Clubs locations July 5-Aug 31, 8am-6pm. Diverse programming in creative writing, visual & performing arts, reading, staying fit & eating healthy, Job Ready, swimming, community service, and various field trips based on theme of the week. Registration required. (825-1016)

Summer in the Village Elmwood Ave July 16-20, 9am-3:30pm. An Elmwood-based Day Camp. Children will be conducting science experiments, cooking, expressing themselves through art, creating musical instruments and terrariums, playing games and more! Ages 8-14. $375/child; enrollment is limited. (896-5200 ext. 391)

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site 641 Delaware Ave Thu Aug 2: Teddy Bear Picnic (884-0095)

Toy Town Museum 636 Girard Ave, East Aurora Wed-Sat 10am-4pm. Free. (687-5151) www.toytownusa.com. See “Festivals” section for more information on ToyFest 2006

UB Center for the Arts North Campus, AmherstJuly 9-13. Explore the Arts Theatrical Arts Summer Program for children grades 5 and up. $275. Registration deadline is June 23. (645-6754 ext. 1388) www.ubcfa.org (645-ARTS)

War Veterans Park 551 East State Street, St. Bonaventure Fri Aug 10, 11am-3pm: City of Olean Kids Day Charity Carnival - games, prizes, raffles, refreshments (376-5666)

tours

Buffalo Boat Tours Miss Buffalo Dock, Erie Basin Marina A two-hour boat tour offers a sailor’s eye view of scenery along the Buffalo River and the City Ship Canal. Historic Buffalo River Tour July 4, July 21 & Aug 5 at 12:30pm, $13.50 (adult) & $9 (child); River, Lock & Canal sightseeing tours run from July through Labor Day (Sept 3) at 1pm & 3pm, $13.50 (adult) & $9 (child); Landmark Cruises on Thursdays in July and Aug at 3pm, $13.50 (adult) & $9 (child); TGIF Happy Hour Cruise in July and Aug on Fridays at 6pm, $15; Rockin’ DJ Party Fri & Sat nights in July and Aug at 8:30pm, $19.50; Fourth of July Rockin’ DJ Party at 8:30pm, $19.50. Children under three FREE. Dining cruises, party cruises and theme cruises also available (856-6696 or 800-244-8684) www.missbuffalo.com.

Renaissance People

The venerable Sterling Renaissance Festival opens on July 7, but the company of 40 or so actors who will populate this pastoral simulacrum of Warwick, England circa 1585, are already encamped and rehearsing their roles. The Bless the Mark Players will work 60-hour weeks throughout the month of June to ensure that you—whether you are seasoned festival-goer or one who finally says “What the hell?” and follows the sign on the I-90—enjoy an as-true-to-life-as-possible Elizabethan experience. If you are not already an aficionado of creative anachronism, cast your cynicism aside and say yes: You will be entertained. The scenarios the company rehearses include a visit from Queen Elizabeth, the Trial and Dunke, the Wench Auction, the Human Chess Match and the Final Pub Sing. There is, of course, swordplay, magic, juggling, jousting and, in general, much rejoicing. The available fare is less authentically Elizabethan, ranging from bagels to steak on a stick to tortellini salad to pita sandwiches—but trust me, that beats what they were actually eating in Warwick in 1585. Speaking of which, no dogs allowed. For more information and a complete list of special events and themed weekends, visit www.sterlingfestival.com.

—geoff kelly

Buffalo City Hall 65 Niagara Sq Daily tours, 12–1pm, conducted by the Landmark Society; FREE. (852-3300). (851-4200) http://www.ci.buffalo.ny.us

Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society 25 Nottingham Ct Pan-American Exposition Grounds Walking Tours every first Sunday of the month, weather permitting, 12:30pm, $10. Sunday in the Cemetery In Loving Memory Collaborative tours, June 3 & 17, July 1 & 29, Aug 5 & 19, Sept 2, 16 & 30 from 11am-3:30pm, $25, includes catered lunch, transportation to Forest Lawn Cemetery & guided tour with costumed actors. Reservations required (885-1606 ext 302)

Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park 1 Naval Park Cv Open daily 10am–5pm. $5–$8; free for children under 5. Group rates available. Two-hour guided tours for groups of 10 or more at 10am & 12:30pm Mon-Sat, reservations required two weeks in advance. (847-1773) buffalonavalpark.org.

Buffalo’s Best: History, Architecture and the Olmsted Crescent Bus Tour Historical Society, 25 Nottingham Terrace The four-hour tours depart daily, 12:30pm; includes drive-by (with commentary) of Buffalo Zoo, Albright-Knox Art Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House and more. Bus stops include Forest Lawn Cemetery, the Buffalo Theater District and the Buffalo Waterfront. Adults $39.95, children $15.95, children 5 and under free. (1-800-695-1603) www.graylinebuffalo.com.

Forest Lawn 1411 Delaware Ave Sun June 17, 11am: FOREST LAWN CEMETERY TOURS Sunday in the Cemetery tours in collaboration with Buffalo Historical Society’s In Loving Memory tours from 11am-3:30pm on June 17, July 1, 15 & 29, Aug 5 & 19, Sept 2, 16 & 30. $25, reservations required (885-1606 ext 302). Group and custom tours available (885-1600).

Grain Elevator District Walking Tour Swannie Restaurant, 170 Ohio St Thu Aug 2, 11am: Tours at 11am by reservation only on Aug 2, 9, 16 & 30. (585-676-5776).

Grand Lady Cruises 100 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island Thu June 7, noon: Cruise the Niagara River and Lake Erie while enjoying lunch, brunch or dinner. Reservations required. (774-8594 or 1-888-824-LADY) www.grandlady.com

Graycliff Estate 6472 Old Lake Shore Rd, Derby Summer estate for the Darwin Martin family, designed in 1926 by Frank Lloyd Wright. Hourly tours Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri at 11am & 2pm; Sat at 11am, noon, 1, 2 & 3pm; Sun at 11am, noon, 1, 2, 3 & 4pm. In-depth Architectural tours Saturdays at 1:15pm, $25. Reservations required; $14 adults, $10 students. (947-9217) http://graycliff.bfn.org

Grayline Tours Niagara Falls Canadian Rainbow Tour: $79.95 adult, $59.95 child. American Adventure Tour: $79.95 adult, $59.95 child. Presidential Tour (8-10hrs) $229.95 adult. VIP Tour (7-8hrs) $189.95 adult, $99.95 child. Reservations required. (1-800-695-1603) www.grayline-niagarafalls.com

Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier Thu June 7: Different and exciting City of Buffalo tours every day all summer! City Hall tours at noon daily; Buffalo Architecture and History Tuesday noon lectures from 12:15pm to 1pm, free to society members, donation suggested otherwise. Call for more information. (852-3300) www.landmark-niagara.org

Lockport Locks & Canal Tour 210 Market St, Lockport Mon June 18, 10am: June 18 to Sept 3, every day at 10am, 12:30, 3 & 5:30pm. $14 adult, $8 child. Children under 4 are free. (433-6155 or 1-800-378-0352) www.lockportlocks.com

Maid of the Mist Niagara Falls, 9am-7:45pm: $12.50 adult, $7.30 child, children 5 and under free. Ticket window open from 9am to 7:45pm daily. (284-8897) www.maidofthemist.com

Mid-Lakes Navigationi Co. 11 Jordan St, Skaneateles A variety of cruises offered along the Erie Canal and Skaneateles Lake. (1-800-545-4318) www.landmark-niagara.org

Miss Buffalo Erie Basin Marina, Marine Dr. Sun June 10, 8:30am: 7th Annual Nature Cruise and Buffalo Lighthouse Tour. Three-hour tour views Buffalo Harbor, Lake Erie, Niagara River and the Black Rock Canal. Concludes with Buffalo Lighthouse tour. $18 adults/ $15 children; $15/$12 for members. Call for reservations. (627-4560) www.penndixie.org (856-6696)

Niagara Wine Tours International Niagara Falls Bicycle, van and coach tours through the Niagara wine region. Reservations required. (1-800-680-7006) www.niagaraworldwinetours.com.

North Tonawanda History Museum 310 Oliver St, Tonawanda : Walking tours of the city every Wednesday (213-0554) http://nthistorymuseum.org

Preservation Coalition of Erie County Thu June 7: Offering walking, bicycle and boat cruises throughout Buffalo. Times, location & prices vary. Reservations may be needed. Unless noted, $10 for coalition members/$12 for non-members: Downtown Walking Tours: Tuesdays in June 1:30–3:30pm. Neighborhood Tours: Downtown Revealed, weekdays in July & Aug, 10am-noon; Artspace’s Backyard: An Emerging Neighborhood, Saturdays, 11am-noon; Legendary Lincoln Pkwy, Fridays at 5:30pm; Boat Tours: Saturday, June 16; Sunday, July 1; Saturday August 4. (852-3300) www.preservationcoalition.org

Underground Railroad Tour of WNY Michigan St Baptist Church, 511 Michigan Ave Daily tours Wed–Sun and by reservation, beginning at the Michigan Street Baptist Church and over the Whirlpool Bridge into Canada, following the footsteps of Harriet Tubman. Tours offered throughout the year. (282-1028) www.motherlandconnextions.com

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours 61 Meville St, Niagara-On-The-Lake Thu June 7: Departs from Lewiston and Niagara-on-the-Lake at varying times; $35–$50. Reservations required. (1-888-438-4444) www.whirlpooljet.com.

sports

Aquarium of Niagara 701 Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls Thu June 7, 9am-5pm: Open daily 9am-5pm. Night Golf Tournament at Newfane Pro Am July 20. $8 adults, $5.50 seniors and children; under age 3 admitted free. (285-3575) www.aquariumofniagara.org

Dunn Tire Park 275 Washington St Buffalo Bisons Home schedule: June 7, 1:05 vs. Scranton; June 8, 7:35 vs. Scranton; June 18-20, 7:05 vs. Louisville; June 21, 1:05 vs. Louisville; June 22, 7:35 vs. Norfolk; June 23, 7:05 vs. Norfolk; June 24, 1:05 vs. Norfolk; June 25, 7:05 vs. Norfolk; July 2, 7:05 vs. Rochester; June 3, 6:05 vs. Rochester; July 5, 7:05 vs. Durham; July 6, 7:35 vs. Durham; July 7, 7:05 vs. Durham; July 8, 1:05 vs. Durham; July 20, 7:35 vs. Syracuse; July 21, 7:05 vs. Syracuse; July 22, 1:05 vs. Syracuse; July 23, 7:05 vs. Syracuse; July 24-25, 7:05 vs. Charlotte; July 26, 1:05 vs. Charlotte; July 27, 7:35 vs. Charlotte; Aug 8, 7:05 vs. Ottawa; Aug 9, 1:05 vs. Ottawa; Aug 10, 7:35 vs. Ottawa; Aug 11, 7:05 vs. Ottawa; Aug 12, 1:05 vs. Scranton; Aug 13, 7:05 vs. Scranton; Aug 14-16, 7:05 vs. Rochester; Aug 17, 7:35 vs. Rochester; Aug 22, 7:05 vs. Pawtucket; Aug 23, 1:05 vs. Pawtucket; Aug 24, 7:35 vs. Pawtucket; Aug 25, 7:05 vs. Pawtucket; Aug 26, 1:05 vs. Scranton; Aug 27-28, 7:05 vs. Syracuse; Every Friday home game, celebrated with fireworks for Friday Night Bash! (716-THE-HERD) www.tickets.com. (843-4373)

Ellicottville Golf Classic Holiday Valley Resort, Ellicottville 2nd Annual Golf Classic, Aug 14-15. Foursome fee of $1,200 includes a chairlift ride to the top of the mountain (Aug 14 at 5), entertainment, wine and European beer tasting, and hors d’oeuvres at top. Casino night, BBQ, pool-side lunch before tournament. Tee off at 1pm, Aug 15. (800-349-9099).

Great Lakes Water Sport Expo Great Lakes Sports Institute, Inc., 3621 Stony Point Rd, Grand Island Great Lakes Sports Institute presents the Fifth Annual Great Lakes Water Sport Expo, July 21-22 on the Buffalo waterfront. Features water sports, booths, displays and demonstrations. Family-oriented live entertainment. Buffalo River Paddlefest to benefit adaptive water sports programs.

Lancaster Motor Sports 57 Gunnville Rd, Lancaster : Lancaster Speedway every Saturday night during race season. Pit gates open at 3pm, grandstand opens at 4pm, races begin at 6:30pm; $5-$15. Special Events: Hero’s Homecoming, June 9; ROC Traveling Modifieds, June 30; Autograph & Kid’s Night, July 7; Robosaurus, July 14; Blown Away Friday, July 20; Kumho Street Warriors, July 28; 15th Annual World Famous Sunday Niagara, Aug 10-12; Two Day Bike Blaster, Aug 24-25; Thunder Jam Drag Racing, Sept 1; Annual Mr. Modified, Sept 8; 19th Annual US Open, Sept 28-30. (759-6818) www.lancasterracing.com

Porter Cup Golf Tournament Niagara Falls Country Club, 505 Mountain View Dr., Lewiston July 24-28. Free admission to this prestigious amateur tournament. (282-1204) www.portercup.com

Ralph Wilson Stadium 1 Bills Dr, Orchard Park Fri Aug 17, 7pm: Buffalo Bills. Pre-season home games (all at 7pm): Aug 17, Atlanta Falcons; Aug 24, Tennessee Titans; Regular season home games: Sept 9, 1pm vs. Denver Broncos; Sept 30, 1pm vs. NY Jets; Oct 8, 8:30 vs. Dallas Cowboys; Oct 21, 1pm vs. Baltimore Ravens; Nov 4, 1pm vs. Cincinnati Bengals; Nov 18, 1pm vs. New England Patriots; Dec 9, 1pm vs. Miami Dolphins; Dec 23, 1pm vs. NY Giants. (1-877-BB-TICKS) www.buffalobills.com (649-0015) http://buffalobills.com/facility

SkyDome John St & Blue Jays Way, Toronto Thu June 7, 12:30pm: TORONTO BLUE JAYS Home schedule: June 7 vs. Tampa Bay; June 15-17 vs. Washington; June 19-21 vs. LA Dodgers; June 22-24 vs. Colorado; July 6-8 vs. Cleveland; July 20-22 vs. Seattle; July 23-25 vs. Minnesota; Aug 3-5 vs. Texas; Aug 6-8 vs. NY Yankees; Aug 14-16 vs. LA Angels; Aug 17-19 vs. Baltimore Orioles; Aug 20-22 vs. Oakland; Aug 31 vs. Seattle. (1-888-OK-GO-JAY) www.bluejays.mlb.com

Theater

Artpark 450 S 4th St, Lewiston Thu Aug 9, 2pm: Elton John & Tim Rice’s AIDA, Aug 9-19, $22.50-$39.50, 2pm & 8pm . (1-888-223-6000/754-4375) www.artpark.net (754-4375) http://www.artpark.net

Cabaret in the Square 5298 Main St, Amherst O’Connell & Company Diva By Diva: A Celebration of Women, open-ended run, Wednesdays at 7:30pm. (839-3949) www.oconnellandcompany.com (839-3949)

Chautauqua Institution Route 394, Chautauqua Ah, Wilderness! June 30-July 8; The Just, July 21-29; Much Ado About Nothing, August 11-18. Plays $25, play readings $10 (357-6444) www.ciweb.org All opera performances at 7:30pm in Norton Hall. The Elixir of Love, July 6&9; Carmen, July 20&23; Werther, Aug 3&6; Once Upon a Mattress, Aug 17, 19 (at 2pm) &20. $20-$50. (1-800-836-ARTS) http://opera.ciweb.org/norton_hall.html

Delaware Park Nottingham Terrace Thu June 7, 7:30pm: Shakespeare in the Park (Shakespeare Hill in Delaware Park, near Hoyt Lake) Everyday but Monday (except July 4), 7:30pm (preshows most nights at 6:45pm). All’s Well That Ends Well (June 21-July 15), Othello (July 26-Aug 19); Free. (856-4533) www.shakespeareindelawarepark.org

Fredonia Opera House 9 Church St, Fredonia Sat July 21, 7:30pm: Mike Randall is Mark Twain Live, $15. (679-1891) www.fredopera.org (679-0891) http://fredopera.org

HSBC Arena 1 Seymour H Knox III Plz Fri June 15, 8-8pm: Cirque de Soleil (Jun 15-17). $39.50-$47.50 (box office, www.Tickets.com, Tops Markets) Fri July 13, 7:30pm: Dancing With the Stars. Tickets at box office, Tickets.com, Tops Markets (855-4100) http://hsbcarena.com

Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Ave, Lancaste The Sound of Music, June 1-17, $16. (683-1776 or 683-3032) www.lancopera.org (683-1776) http://lancopera.org

Rust Belt Books 202 Allen St “sUBVERsIVE sHORTs 2007.” Series of one-act plays presented by Subversive Theatre Collective. Thurs., Fri., Sat. June 14-30 at 8pm. Call 408-0499 for details (885-9535) http://rustbeltbooks.com

Shaw Festival Niagara-On-The-Lake Festival Theatre: Mack and Mabel (April 3-Oct 28), Hotel Peccadillo (May 31-Oct 7), Saint Joan (April 21-Oct 27); Royal George Theatre: The Philanderer (May 1-Oct 7), The Circle (April 10-Oct 28), Summer and Smoke (June 23-Oct 27); Court House Theatre: The Cassilis Engagement (May 29-Oct 5), A Month in the Country (April 29-Oct 6), The Kiltartan Comedies (June 20-Oct 6), Tristan (July 12-Oct 6) (1-800-511-SHAW) www.shawfest.com

Stratford Festival Stratford Festival Theatre: King Lear (May 1-Oct 28), Oklahoma! (April 10-Nov 4), The Merchant of Venice (May 5-Oct 27), An Ideal Husband (July 31-Oct 27), To Kill a Mockingbird (April 30-Oct 27), My One and Only (May 12-Oct 28), The Comedy of Errors (May 17-Oct 2), Othello (May 21-Sept 22), Of Mice and Men (June 5-Sept 22), A Delicate Balance (July 29-Sept 23), The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead (May 17-Sept 2), Shakespeare’s Will (June 23-Sept 20), The Odyssey (July 27-Sept 28), Pentecost (Aug 3-Sept 21). $50-$93. (1-800-567-1600) www.stratford-festival.on.ca

venues/ miscellaneous

African Lion Safari Safari Rd, Cambridge, Ontario Open daily 10am–5:30pm; $21.95–$26.95/tour bus $4.95 (1-800-461-WILD) www.lionsafari.com.

Amherst Museum 3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd, Amherst (689-1440)/www.amherstmuseum.org Tu-Fri 9:30am-4:30pm; Sa Su 12:30-4:30pm

Arcade & Attica Railroad 278 Main St, Arcade Tours: 12pm & 2pm every Saturday and Sunday in June and September; 12pm & 2pm Wed, Sat and Sun in July and August; 2pm every Fri in July and August; $12 (adults), $10 (seniors), $7 (children 3-11). (585-496-9877) www.anarr.com.

Balloons Over Letchworth 6645 Denton Corners Rd, Castile $190–$200 per person. (585-493-3340) www.balloonsoverletchworth.com

Botanical Gardens 2655 South Park Avenue, Amherst Every Saturday, Farmers Market at the Gardens www.buffalogardens.com

Buffalo Transportation/Pierce-Arrow Museum 263 Michigan Ave Wed July 25, noon- National Carvair Club Parade Thu July 26, 10am: National Judging show for Corvairs

Fantasy Fair Indoor Amusement Park 500 Rexdale Blvd, Toronto Mon-Wed, 11am-7pm; Thurs-Fri, 11am-8pm; Sat-Sun, 11am-7pm; $10.95.-$13.95 Canadian $. (416-674-5437/416-674-5200) www.fantasyfair.ca

Canada’s Wonderland 9580 Jane St, Maple Open daily 10am, closing times vary; $26.45-$64.26 CAD. (905-832-7000) www.canadas-wonderland.com.

Darien Lake 9993 Alleghany Rd, Darien Center. $22.99–$29.99, age 2 and under free. Park opens at 10am. See the Events, Fairs & Festivals and Music sections of this calendar for summer events. www.godarienlake.com

Fort George Niagara-On-The-Lake Thu June 7, 10am-5pm: National Historic Site. Open daily, 10am–5pm; $5.45–$11; children under 6 FREE. Guided group tours/commercial bus tours $4.95-$6.90, reservations required (905-468-6614).

Genesee Country Village and Museum 1410 Flint Hill Rd. , Mumford (585) 538-6822/www.gcv.org

Marineland 7657 Portage Rd, Niagara Falls Mon–Fri 10am–5pm; Sat & Sun 10am–6pm; $31.95–$38.95 CDN. (905-356-9565) www.marinelandcanada.com

Martin’s Fantasy Island 2400 Grand Island Blvd, Grand Island Tues-Fri 11:30am-7:30pm, Sat & Sun 11:30am-8:30pm, closed Mondays. $19.95–$23.95. (773-7591) www.martinsfantasyisland.com.

Murphy Orchards 2402 McClew Rd, Burt Open daily 8:30am-6:30pm. Underground Railroad guided tours by reservation. Various agricultural, heritage and environmental conservation tours available by reservation. (778-7926) www.murphyorchards.com

Niagara Power Project Visitors Center Power Vista Lewiston Rd, Lewiston Open daily 9am-5pm. Explore energy and electricity with a wide variety of hands-on displays and computer games. Free. (285-3211) www.nypa.gov

Old Fort Niagara Amherst: Open daily 9am-7pm. $5-$8.50; 6 and under free. (745-7611) www.oldfortniagara.org

Ontario Place 955 Lakeshore Blvd West, Toronto Open daily 10am–6pm; $11.75-$21.75; children under 3 are FREE. Come see Barney, July 23-Aug 3; Canada Dry Festival of Fire fireworks display July 1, 4 and 7. For more information: (416) 314-9900 www.ontarioplace.com

Pierce Arrow Museum 263 Michigan Ave Open Sat 12–4pm; $3–$7; children under 5 are FREE. (853-0084) www.pierce-arrow.com. (853-0084) http://www.pierce-arrow.com

Toronto Zoo 361 Old Finch Ave, Toronto Open daily 9am-7:30pm. $11-$19 Canadian; 3 and under free. (415-392-5900) www.torontozoo.com

Water Safari Enchanted Forest Campgrounds Route 28, Old Forge Opening day June 13. Park opens at 9:30am. $21.95-$24.95. Children under 2 free. Special events: Aug 9, meet Patrick Star from SpongeBob SquarePants; July 26, Dora the Explorer; Aug 23, Diego from Go, Diego, Go. (1-800-CAMPING) www.watersafari.com.

Woodbine Center & Fantasy Fair 500 Rexdale Blvd, Toronto TMon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 9:30am-6pm, Sun noon-5pm. Shopping center and amusement rides. (416-674-5200)