716 Celebrates: Stars, Stripes, and Signers
Saturday, September 5 | 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday, September 6 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fireworks show and USS Little Rock VIP Event: Saturday night only
716 Celebrates: Stars, Stripes & Signers transforms Buffalo’s waterfront into a 2-day patriotic festival experience honoring America’s 250th Anniversary. Made possible through the tremendous support and leadership of the New York State America 250 Commission and Erie County’s America 250 initiative, and the City of Buffalo, the event reflects a major regional investment in history, civic pride, tourism, and community celebration.
This event is free and open to the public.
1. LEARN – Hangar Building
Explore America’s story through engaging exhibits and presentations by historians, educators, and experts inside the Hangar Building throughout the afternoon and evening.
Saturday, September 5
- 11:00 AM: Seat of the Empire: New York 250 by Steven Tedesco
- 12:00 PM: Building the Buffalo Harbor: The story of Buffalo’s growth as the Erie Canal terminus by Mike Casella
- 1:00 PM: Rebuilding History: Constructing the 1825 Canal Boat Seneca Chief by John Montague
- 2:00 PM: Arab, Middle Eastern, North African Art and Culture: Shaping New York by Nada Odeh
- 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Cultural Dance & Performance Showcase: Including performances from the Fanghua Dance Ensemble, Roksana Rafique, Grace Tiedemann, Ira Sahu, Nusantara Arts, and BUF Boy’z
- 5:00 PM: Love, Hate, and Manipulation: Presidents and the Media by Jeff Schober
- 6:00 PM: Gaëni:yo Indigenous Dancers
- 6:40 PM: The Haudenosaunee and the American Founding by Melissa Leonard
Sunday, September 6
- 10:00 AM: The Irish, the Erie Canal, and the Making of Buffalo by Tim Bohen
- 11:00 AM: Two Wars: The Road to Integration by Steven Tedesco
- 12:00 PM: Forest Lawn Permanent Residents: Meet Buffalo’s Past
2. CELEBRATE – Canalside & Main Stage
Experience live music, patriotic performances, inspiring ceremonies, and a spectacular waterfront fireworks display during an unforgettable evening on the Main Stage. Also on display is the “We the People” A Patchwork of Our Community Quilt Project made possible by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library.
Saturday, September 5
- 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Electra Boat Rides: Enjoy a free ride on an electric launch replica, designed and built by the Buffalo Maritime Center. Departures leave every half-hour. Limited capacity.
- 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Seneca Chief Tours: Free dockside tours of the volunteer-built 1825 replica boat. Try traditional boat-building tools and explore Canal history that changed the nation.
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | SheDrums Drum Circle: Interactive community drumming.
- 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Buffalo Zoo Mobile: Get up close with educational animals.
- 5:00 PM | Shibuki Taiko Drums: High-energy drumming performance in front of the Main Stage.
- 7:15 PM | Formal Program & Fireboat Water Display on the Main Stage: Opening remarks.
- 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | The Unity Band on the Main Stage: Live concert.
- 9:10 PM | Fireworks Display: Spectacular show over the water.
Sunday, September 6
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Buffalo Waterfront Sunday Social: Relaxed waterfront gathering, community tables, and local vendor features.
- 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM | Bollywood Dancers on the Main Stage: Live performance.
- 1:00 PM | Buffalo Bills Mafia Boat Parade
3. DISCOVER– Naval Park Grounds
Encounter living history with military reenators, live amateur radio, community partners, and enjoy a special tour of the E.M. Cotter Fireboat, the oldest active fireboat in the world, operating in Buffalo since 1900.
Saturday, September 5
- 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Fireboat Cotter Tours: Open for public tours docked just past the Vietnam Memorial. Fee required for entry, which helps preserve the Cotter and Buffalo Naval Park.
- Military Reenactors and Recruiters: Living history presentations and interactive activities from the Military History Preservation Group and recruiters from the U.S. Army.
- Radio Association of Western New York (RAWNY): Interactive activities and radio demonstrations.
- Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight
- Daughters of the American Revolution
- Declaration of Independence Interactive Display
Sunday, September 6
- Military Reenactors: Living history presentations and interactive activities from the Military History Preservation Group.
4. TASTE – Naval Park Grounds
Savor the flavors of America with diverse local food vendors showcasing culinary traditions inspired by the cultures that built our nation.
Saturday, September 5
- Local food options including Tangos 716, Inchin Bamboo, Maharaja, and Moneybag Dumplings
Sunday, September 6
- Delicious features from Schwabl’s and Buffalo Vada-Pav and Bites.
5. EXPERIENCE – Local attractions
Explore the cultural attractions located at Buffalo’s Waterfront.
- Buffalo Naval Park
- Open Daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:00 PM
- Explore & More Childrens Museum
- Open Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- The Waterway of Change Exhibit at the Longshed
- Open Saturday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM- 5:00 PM
- Buffalo Heritage Carousel
- Open Saturday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Resurgence at Canalside
- Open Saturday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Bar Trailer open Saturday 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Buffalo Lighthouse
- Open Saturday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Closed Sunday
All guests and belongings are subject to security screening. Prohibited items may not be checked or stored at the entrance.
- No weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, pepper spray/mace, tasers, or realistic replica weapons.
- No outside alcohol, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia.
- No glass containers.
- No coolers, large bags, backpacks, or oversized purses. Small personal bags only.
- No fireworks, explosives, flares, smoke devices, or open flames.
- No drones or other unmanned aircraft.
- No bicycles, scooters, skateboards, or similar wheeled recreational devices inside the event footprint.
- No pets, except trained service animals.
- No professional photography/video equipment, tripods, or large lighting equipment without prior authorization.
- No signs, banners, poles, sticks, or items that could obstruct views or create a safety hazard.
- No outside tents, canopies, folding tables, or large chairs unless specifically authorized.
- No laser pointers, air horns, amplified speakers, or other disruptive devices.
- No items security determines could present a danger to guests, performers, vessels, or the Naval Park.