Events

A Tribute to the Edmund Fitzgerald

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:12:10 +0000

“The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
Of the big lake they called Gitche Gumee…”
— Gordon Lightfoot, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”

A Lewiston tradition, now in its thirteeth year, honoring the crew that perished with the The SS Edmund Fitzgerald, the “Mighty Fitz”, the American Great Lakes freighter that sank during a ferocious storm on Lake Superior on November 10, 1975. Join us for two special events “when the skies of November turn gloomy…”

Wednesday, November 4th, 2026, 7:10pm

Join us for an evening of remembrance, storytelling, friendship, art and music, all celebrated with a special brew and delicious eats at the Brickyard Brewing Company.

Admission is $10 for the general public and FREE for LCA members.
Optional buffet dinner for additional fee
Cash bar

Mighty Fitz 5K Race

Saturday, November 7, 2026

2:00 pm

Meet at the Brickyard Brewing Company

The Mighty Fitz 5K race will take runners through the Village of Lewiston, Artpark State Park and along the Niagara River waterfront. There will be a post race celebration and awards ceremony at the Brickyard with food, Gitchegumee beer specials, special edition “Mighty Fitz” commemorative t-shirts, and live music.

Summer of '69 - Academy Park

Thu, 21 May 2026 02:48:56 +0000

Where were you in the summer of ’69? Watching the moon landing on your 21-inch TV? Joyriding in the backseat of your best friend’s Chevy Corvair? Or were you just a twinkle in your daddy’s–or granddaddy’s!--eye?

Well, break out your favorite tie dyed T-shirt and your bell bottom jeans and head down to Academy Park for the grooviest summer happening around. Hang loose with Lewiston's own 1960's rock musicians as they reunite for a far-out, free concert of favorites from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Come feel the love!

Summer of ’69

Saturday July 11, 2026 at 7pm

Alphonse DiMino Memorial Bandshell in Academy Park

9th and Center Street, Lewiston, NY 14092

Featuring

Summer of '69 All-StarBand

Kevin Toohey · Tom Pieroni · Chuck Scrufari · Vanik Aloian · Brandy Scrufari · Gouv Cadwalder · Frank Fracassi · Abigail Nashwinter · Victoria Duncan · Rick Delzoppo · John Lynch

County Orphanage

Tim Walton · Nick Walton · Ray O'Keefe · David Mokhiber · Rip Westmoreland · Robert Johnson ·

The Invaders

Gary Baker · Neil Nicklas · Chuck Scrufari · Kevin Toohey · Tom Pieroni · Frank Fracassi · John Lynch · Frank Gercataino

Pre-party Open Rehearsal Fundraiser

TBA

Location TBA

775 Cayuga Street, Lewiston NY 14092

$10 per person to benefit the Lewiston Council on the Arts

Marble Orchard Ghost Walk

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:30:45 +0000

General Admission Tickets On Sale starting September 23, 2025

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Performances:
October 24, 26, 28, 29, 30
Shows start at 7pm
Meet at the Gazebo (4th & Center St.)

LCA MEMBERS ENJOY 15% OFF THE TICKET PRICE!

Members should email artstaff2@artcouncil.org for your member discount code

The dead do not rest easy in Lewiston…rather they come “alive” through stories and song on this walking tour through the historic, haunted Village of Lewiston.

Our newest GhostWalk, “Sailors, Soldiers and Saloons,” tells tales both tall and true, ghastly and grim, mystical, murderous….and musical! Follow our offbeat theatrical guides as they take you on an eerie adventure back in time to meet those who walked these roads before us, who were “only passing through,” but who met a very different fate than they had planned.

******************************************************************************************************

“We were able to attend on Saturday night and were so happy and appreciative to be there. Everything was right–organized/supported/thought-out–from the guides with flashlights, to the easy moving from place to place, to the wonderful, polished, memorable performances of each player and the great learning experience of each story. From zero, I’m about to do research on the Queenston Battle, the Cibola Burning, the Arsenic Murders–it will be such fun to learn about these and discover on my own–what an education should be. Bravo to all–we love it–also will join and for sure be there next year.”

-D. Pierce and B. Butler, Youngstown, NY

******************************************************************************************************

Performances begin promptly at the appointed time

LOCATION :The Gazebo at 4th and Center Street, Lewiston, New York, USA

Please contact artstaff@artcouncil.org with any ticketing questions.

“This program is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by Arts Services Inc.”

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:10:01 +0000

BPO Returns to Academy Park

Saturday, July 26 --Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

at Academy Park @ 7pm

The Lewiston Council on the Arts is thrilled to announce that the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing in the Alphonso DiMino Memorial Bandshell at Academy Park in Lewiston on Saturday, July 26th, at 7pm. This free concert is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Anthony DiMino, of DiMino’s Lewiston Tops.

Led by Agentenian conductor Fernanda Lastra, this world-class orchestra is playing a fun, family-friendly concert of favorite, familiar tunes.

Bring your blanket or some chairs and enjoy and evening under the summer sky with some incredible music–picnicking is encouraged!

Ciao! An Introduction to Italian Language and Culture

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 02:44:33 +0000

The Sewphisticate; getting dressed in the 1860's with Anneliese Meck

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 14:56:06 +0000

The Art of Writing Crime Fiction, with Lissa Redmond

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:50:00 +0000

Uncanny Medicine: The Gothic and Public Health with Dr. Laura Kremmel

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 17:25:34 +0000

Steeped in Romance; tea and conversation with Rom-Com author, Joelle Cullen

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:55:56 +0000

A Night at the Opera

Thu, 23 May 2024 00:11:19 +0000

Tickets available through Eventbrite at

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/856993419387?aff=oddtdtcreator

This engagement is supported by The Audience Building Project, a program of the Lake Placid Center for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts with support from the Governor and New York State Legislature

Darkness and Light Open Mic Poetry Reading with Slipstream

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 21:34:16 +0000

The Magic of the Voice with Michael Dean

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 23:42:06 +0000

Italian Cultural Programming

Sat, 23 May 2026 20:27:17 +0000

Viva Italia!

Italian Language Classes and Programming 2026

The Lewiston Council on the Arts offers various levels of Italian Language Classes

Led by instructors Dr. Linda Silvestri and Manola DeMunda.

Classes are held at the Lewiston Red Brick Schoolhouse, Lewiston Council on the Arts Meeting Space, Second Floor.

Contact Michelle at artstaff@artcouncil.org for details.

Complete Italian Step by Step

with Instructor Dr. Linda Silvestri, PhD,

University at Buffalo, Niagara University

A holistic and entertaining approach to learning Italian, employing the four language learning skills:

listening, reading, writing and speaking, with conversation through dialogue and song.

Classroom experiences are enhanced with access to online interactive app.

Mondays

4:00 to 5:30 Beginner Level 1

Beginning Monday, September 14th through November 16th

Saturdays

1pm-2:30 Level 2

11:00 to 12:30 Level 3

Beginning Saturday, September 19th through November 21st

Tuition: $200 for ten 90-minute classes

Special Price for LCA members: $175

Textbooks:

Complete Italian Step by Step, by Paola Nanni-Tate

Easy Italian Reader, Premium Third Edition, by Riccarda Saggese

Italian-English/English-Italian Dictionary--your choice

Beginner Italian Language Lessons

Essenziale 1, Part 1

with Manola DeMunda

Grammar and Vocabulary, Workbook exercises

Ten 90-minute classes

Monday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30pm

Beginning Monday, September 14th through November 16th

Tuition: $200

Special Price for LCA members: $175

Textbook: Italiano essenziale $30.00

FREE Italian Cultural Programs at the Lewiston Public Library

with Dr. Linda Silvestri and Michelle Kratts

In collaboration with the Lewiston Public Library, FREE Italian cultural programs are scheduled as a supplementary to the language classes and held at the library site, located at 305 S. 8th Street, Lewiston, New York. All are welcome!

Scopa: Thursdays from 2:30 to 3:45

Italian Conversation: Thursdays from 3:45 to 5:00

La Dolce Lettura: the first Tuesday of each month

Italian Language Book Club: the third Tuesday of each month

Italian Movie Matinee--every other month

La Dolce Lettura

The first Tuesday of each month from 4-6 pm

Discuss short stories, poetry and other forms of literature in Italian and English.

This is for beginners and those with an interest in Italian culture and literature.

Materials will be provided.

June 2--The Art of Italian Hand Gestures

July 7--Discussion of Luigi Pirandello's play, Sei personaggi in cerca d'autore

August 4--Discussion of Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan Novels,

and a viewing of Season #1, Episode #1, The Dolls

September 1--Discussion of Primo Levi's Holocaust memoir, Se questo è un uomo

October 6--Literature of the Diaspora

November 3--Italian Folklore

December 1--La Befana Folklore

Italian Language Book Club

The third Thursday of each month from 4-6 pm

This group is facilitated by Dr. Linda Silvestri.

This group will read The Da Vinci Code in Italian over several sessions.

Books may be purchased or borrowed. Italian copies will be provided.

May 19--Il Codice Da Vinci--be ready to discuss Chapters 88 through the Epilogo (end of book)

Friday, May 29th--View movie Da Vinci Code at 3:30

Italian Movie Matinee

SOUL~ A Special Photography Exhibit

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 19:50:29 +0000

For any questions, please contact Susanne at artstaff2@artcouncil.org

Vincent

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:35:43 +0000

A one-act play by

Leonard Nimoy

With Phillip Weld

Directed by Linda Silvestri

Join us for this tour-de-force one-man show that

explores the life and art of Vincent van Gogh.

The one-act play will be followed by the live music of the

Bistro Quartet, featuring Christina Custode,

accompanied by coffee, tea and delicious desserts.

Friday, February 20 at 7pm

Sunday, February 22 at 2pm

Messiah Lutheran Church

915 Oneida St, Lewiston, NY 14092

Tickets $25 plus processing fees

LCA members receive 15% discount

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Lewiston Art Festival 2026

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:09:03 +0000

Since 1966, the Lewiston Art Festival has welcomed art lovers from across Western New York, Southern Ontario, and beyond—including international visitors from nearby Niagara Falls, just minutes away. Each year, this beloved juried outdoor show draws more than 25,000 visitors to the charming, historic Village of Lewiston—where tree-lined streets, vibrant art, and a warm community atmosphere create an experience you won’t want to miss.

Presented by the Lewiston Council on the Arts, the festival showcases the work of more than 200 artists, musicians, performers, and concessionaires who gather in our beautiful riverfront village to celebrate creativity, culture, imagination, and skill.

Festival Highlights:
Free Admission & Parking
Emerging Artists Showcase: Featuring student artwork
Indigenous Experience: A celebration of traditional and contemporary Native American art, craft and culture
ArtZone: Hands-on activities for kids of all ages

Live Music and Fabulous Food

FREE Outdoor Concerts 2026

Thu, 21 May 2026 02:50:46 +0000

FREE Outdoor Concerts

2026

Summer in Lewiston is all about music! Once again, the LCA brings you a standout lineup of free concerts to soundtrack your summer evenings. With something for every taste, grab your cooler and head to the Village—we’ll see you there!

Bill Myers Photography

Monday, June 29

ACADEMY PARK

The 42nd Army Band

America 250 Armed Forces Salute

Join us as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an unforgettable musical tribute.

They do it all—jazz, rock, Latin, classical, pop, and patriotic marches!

From powerful ceremonial works to lively crowd favorites, this versatile ensemble delivers something for every listener.

Saturday, July 4

Celebration in Academy Park @ 7pm

Reflector

The heart of Lewiston, Academy Park, is the perfect place to gather to view the 4th of July fireworks.

The Lewiston Council on the Arts is adding to the Village’s Independence Day

celebration by presenting a concert by Reflector and then....FIREWORKS!!!

It is sure to be a wonderful evening—pack your cooler and meet us there!

Monday, July 6

Fredtown Stompers

7pm Gazebo at 4th and Center

"We swing that Hot Jazz and have that New Orleans Trad Jazz flavor --- anything to get those feet movin'!"

Get ready for an upbeat, high-energy set that captures the spirit of a classic street parade and keeps the crowd dancing.

Saturday, July 11

Summer of '69 The 20th Annual Concert

Academy Park @ 7pm

Break out your favorite tie dyed T-shirt and head down to Academy Park for the grooviest summer happening around. Hang loose with Lewiston's own 1960's musicians as they reunite for a far-out, free concert of favorites from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Come feel the love!

Featuring Grammy Award Winner Gary Baker and The Invaders; The County Orphanage and The Summer of '69 All-Star Band

Summer of '69 "Open Rehearsal"Fundraiser

Date and Time TBA

$10 per person to benefit the Lewiston Council on the Arts

Location TBA

Monday, July 13

Rockabilly Stevie Blues and BR3

7pm Gazebo at 4th and Center

They’re back! Serving up a musical gumbo of blues, rockabilly, R&B, rock, Americana, and zydeco—

this high-energy performance blends roots and rhythm into an irresistible sound.

Monday, July 20

Harmonia Vocal Jazz Ensemble

7pm Gazebo at 4th and Center

A 2025 Favorite Returns!

Pop tunes, heartfelt ballads, and timeless jazz standards—all brought to life with the backing of an exceptional jazz band.

Harmonia Vocal Jazz Ensemble, which made its debut at Babeville in 2022 and has since headlined the

Northwest Jazz Festival, is returning to Lewiston for another unforgettable performance.

Friday, July 24 --Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

Academy Park @ 7pm

The Lewiston Council on the Arts is thrilled to announce that the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing in the Alphonso DiMino Memorial Bandshell at Academy Park in Lewiston on Saturday, July 27th, at 7pm. This free concert is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Anthony DiMino, of DiMino’s Lewiston Tops.

Our very own world-class orchestra presents a fun, family-friendly concert filled with favorite, familiar tunes.

Bring your blanket or a few chairs and enjoy an evening under the summer sky with incredible music—

picnicking is encouraged!

Monday, July 27

Shakespeare In the Gazebo

7pm Gazebo at 4th and Center

Fools and Foes

A Collection of Shakespeare's Villains & Clowns

Directed by Nathanial Higgins

Raymond Lonsdale Photography

Monday, August 3

Hot Club of Buffalo

7pm Gazebo at 4th and Center

The award-winning gypsy jazz band delivers high-energy 1930s-style gypsy swing with a modern twist—

blending in influences from bossa nova, choro, and rhumba, along with unexpected nods to artists like Hendrix and Steely Dan.

Afternoons at Barton Mansion: Voices in Bloom

Tue, 12 May 2026 23:35:20 +0000

Afternoons at Barton Mansion Concert Series begins Sunday, May 17th!

Join us for Afternoons at Barton Mansion, a special concert series set in one of Lewiston, New York's most beautiful historic spaces.

Afternoons at Barton Mansion: Songs for the First Warm Winds

Sat, 23 May 2026 18:24:40 +0000

   Don't miss the second concert in the “Afternoons at Barton Hill” series, "Songs for the First Warm Winds" Sunday, May 31 at 3pm Featuring jazz vocalist Alex McArthur and pianist Lisa Hasselback in an afternoon of music and poetry welcoming the changing season.
  
    Exciting News! Win an overnight stay at Barton Hill Mansion for up to 10 guests-a $780 value! Guests who attended the May 17th concert or attend the May 31st concert will be automatically entered into the drawing upon check-in at the event. The winner will be selected at random and notified by email.

Italian Movie Matinee, The Da Vinci Code

Sat, 23 May 2026 20:25:13 +0000

Please join us for a screening of the popular film, The Da Vinci Code, on

Friday, May 29th at 3:30 pm at the Lewiston Public Library.

Our Italian Language Book Club recently successfully completed reading the Dan Brown novel,

in Italian and in English, under the guidance of Dr. Linda Silvestri.

All are welcome!!

FREE!

La Dolce Lettura, The Art of Italian Hand Gestures

Sat, 23 May 2026 20:25:51 +0000

The use of hand gestures to impart meaning has been a part of Italian culture for centuries. Learn how these nonverbal cues developed as a practical way to bridge communication.

Students from the American University in Rome will help demonstrate the most popular and iconic hand signs.

You don't want to miss this!!

And remember to bring something to share for our show and tell. Do you have a special memory of Italy, or of your Italian family? Do you have a memento to share? A photo? A story? We reserve the first moments of La Dolce Lettura for your own personal stories and reflections.

This program is FREE!

Email Michelle at artstaff@artcouncil.org for any questions.

La Dolce Lettura is a collaboration between the Lewiston Council on the Arts and the Lewiston Public Library.

Italian Language Book Club

Sat, 23 May 2026 20:23:58 +0000

The next installment of our Italian Language Book Club will be starting soon! Dr. Linda Silvestri is leading a reading and discussion of

Stephen King's, Misery,

beginning on Tuesday, June 16th, from 4-6pm,

at the Lewiston Public Library.

We are looking for new members!

Reading books in Italian is a great way to improve your language skills.

This program is a collaboration between the Lewiston Public Library and

the Lewiston Council on the Arts.