Artpark to celebrate 50th anniversary next week

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Artpark will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on July 24.

“It’s very exciting because it’s evolved so much over the years and it’s had different lives,” Artpark Interim President Dave Wedekindt said. “The 50th anniversary is a good time to look back, but we’re also looking forward, and we’re excited by the program we’ve built here and the scope of what we do here. A lot of great pieces have come together for an exciting future.”

In celebration of the milestone, Artpark will be holding a birthday bash — the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser of the year — with proceeds benefiting Artpark’s educational arts and cultural programs, which aren’t supported by ticket sales the same way concerts are.

“The generosity of individuals and companies and foundations really enables Artpark to do the breadth of what we do every year,” Wedekindt said.

Tickets to the venue’s birthday bash include access to the Artpark Skybox, an open beer and wine bar from 6-9 p.m., catering from Southern Junction and a spot to watch Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo perform at Artpark Amphitheater. There will also be celebratory fireworks following the show and Artpark has teased ‘fun surprises’ for guests.

Wedekindt is excited about the event and discussed what the Artpark Skybox offers.

“They get to support Artpark and show their support for what Artpark brings to the community,” he said. “They’ll have a great view of the stage and the gorge and hopefully get to catch a great sunset while they’re at it.”

Tickets to the fundraiser cost $150 each and are available at this link. The event is standing room only, however, guests are invited to move throughout the Skybox, the party deck and the amphitheater.

“Great people, a fun time, and of course, everybody loves Pat Benatar and Neil Geraldo,” Wedekindt said. “They put on a great show — high energy, sounds great, so I think it’s going to be a really special evening.”

Artpark’s season continues following the event with a jam-packed summer, including 13 concerts, a Buffalo Jazz Composers workshop and a new art installation called The Secret Symphony of Plants, a free event, which allows people to experience music created by the plants around the park, culminating in a concert of original music inspired by music from the installation. Wedekindt described the event as “a uniquely Artpark experience,” bringing together art, nature and culture.

Adam Duke is a digital contributor who joined WIVB in 2021. See more of his work here .