716 Celebrates: Stars, Stripes & Signers

716 Celebrates: Stars, Stripes & Signers transforms Buffalo’s waterfront into a full two-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, the event reflects a major regional investment in history, civic pride, tourism, and community celebration.
Centered at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park, the event blends live entertainment, historical storytelling, family activities, military heritage, food, fireworks, and immersive waterfront programming into one of the region’s signature summer celebrations.
 
Designed as a district wide activation, the event encourages visitors to explore Canalside, the Waterway of Change: Complex Legacies of the Erie Canal exhibit, the Buffalo Heritage Carousel, Explore & More Children’s Museum, waterfront dining, museum ships, and community partner experiences throughout the day and evening. Guests will encounter historical reenactors representing eras from the American Revolution through the Cold War, major educational exhibits including Seat of the Empire: Paths Through 250 at the Buffalo Naval Park, live cultural performances, and a headline concert by Avalanche, the official rock band of the 10th Mountain Division.
 
The evening of Saturday, September 5th concludes with a major waterfront fireworks spectacular produced by Skylighters, creating a seamless celebration of history, community, and national pride on Buffalo’s iconic waterfront.