Events in Ellicottville, New York

The tiny, one-square mile Village of Ellicottville in Western New York offers acres of year-round activities and special events. Located in the Enchanted Mountains in north-central Cattaraugus County, this quaint 19th century village sits in a rural area of rolling hills and open farmland. Collaborating with the surrounding Town of Ellicottville and nearby resorts and facilities, year-round sports competitions, rodeos, concerts and festivals keep Ellicottville jumping.

Winter Events in Ellicottville

Christmas in Ellicottville, November 27-29, 2009, features strolling carolers, breakfast and photos with Santa and his reindeer, a fire truck ride with Santa, or horse-drawn carriage rides. Stroll through a Victorian winter wonderland, with the scent of hot apple cider and roasted nuts following you on a walking tour of the gaily-decorated homes. At dusk, the town is aglow in white lights and fireworks.

Ellicottville's Christmas Stroll, December 5, 2009,  features tours of local churches and their displays, wagon rides, an ornament crafting session and cookies and cocoa with Mrs. Claus. The day is topped off with a parade and Living Nativity Scene, complete with live camel.

Spring/Summer Events in Ellicottville

Town Wide Garage Sale:  Ellicottville kicks off its event season with this two-day Sale, where you can browse the local "treasures" of the residents who have cleaned out their basements and cellars, and grandmothers' attics. Next Garage Sale scheduled for May 22, 2010.

The Summer Festival of the Arts weekend, opening July 2, 2010, at Holimont Ski Resort, will feature the Buffalo Philharmonic concert and firework display, and a rock concert. The Americana Folk Art and Music Fair runs concurrently.

Ellicottville's Championship Rodeo is held each July 4th weekend at nearby Somerville Valley Stables. Next rodeo dates are July 2-4, 2010.

Ellicottville's Jazz Weekend, a huge draw, is next scheduled for July 30 to August 1, 2010. Throughout the weekend, performances can be enjoyed at restaurants, nightclubs and bars, side streets and the Village Square.

The upcoming IBO Bowhunting Championship and Archery Festival is scheduled for August 12-15, 2009, at Ellicottville's Holiday Valley Resort. Qualified archers worldwide come to this event with their families, to vie for the world title. Non-qualified archers can try out the world-class ranges at the Archery Festival, and everyone is invited to the vendor booths and trade-show.

A Taste of Ellicottville:  The second weekend in August, Ellicottville's finest restaurants take to the streets for a food festival, inviting everyone to sample their wares.

"Children's First"  Festival:  Ellicottville's Rotary Club sponsors this child-oriented affair in mid-August, offering free activities for children and adults alike. Highlights include a circus, parade and fashion show, along with many hands-on events, topped off with an evening stage show and fireworks.

Autumn Activities in Ellicottville

Rock'N Oldies Weekend:  Get your poodle skirt and blue suede shoes out for the annual Rock'N Oldies Weekend, scheduled for September 18-20, 2009. Enjoy live oldies music in the clubs, bars and restaurants, and in the streets and Village Square, while your kids take part in organized games and activities. As you stroll through town, relive the past at the Antique and Custom Rods show, and the Classic Car show.

Ellicottville Golf Classic:  This year's Classic is scheduled at The Holiday Valley Resort, September 29-30, 2009, with a foursome fee of $1,200. A chairlift ride to the mountaintop on the 29th drops you at a party featuring Wine and European Beer Tasting, hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment. Ride back down for the Uptown BBQ and Fantasy Casino Night. On Sunday, the 30th, the classic commences at 1:00 p.m., with lunch, welcoming gift, hand-rolled cigars and martini bar. The weekend ends with a chef's demonstration dinner with seafood bar, open bar and prizes.

Fall Festival:  October in Western New York is breathtaking, and Ellicottville's two-day Fall Festival is set amongst the backdrop of the flaming foliage of the Enchanted Mountains. The festival offers live entertainment, carnival rides, an arts and crafts show, and food selections for every palette. The next Festival is set for October 10-11, 2009.

Year-Round Activities

If you just can't get to Ellicottville for the special events, not to worry. Ellicottville is surrounded by ski resorts
and state parks. The Seneca-Allegany Casino, Seneca-Iroquois Museum and Seneca Rail Museum are 15-minutes away, and the nearby "Amish Trails," will introduce you to the hidden Amish of western New York.

Nearby attractions include the always child and adult pleasing Pumpkinville, an alpaca farm and a waterfowl sanctuary. Visit the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce for more details on things to do in and around Ellicottville.

Sources: Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce; Additional information: Dining and Nightlife in Ellicottville; Affordable Family Vacations in Allegany State Parks