Reasons to Go to the Borderland Festival Music & Arts Festival

By Drew Brown

Published on | Last Updated

Welcome to the Borderland! A festival beyond boundaries, the Borderland Music & Arts Festival is a fully immersive music, arts and food festival. But that might be oversimplifying it. The Buffalo area is home to natural wonders, talented people and an industrious spirit. Looking to capture the essence of that local energy, the folks behind Borderland have created a totally unique two-day music and cultural festival at one of Buffalo’s most historic sites. Here are all the reasons to head to Borderland Music & Arts Festival. And if you haven’t yet purchased your tickets, head to borderlandfestival.com.

The Lineup

Let’s get the big reason out of the way. As difficult a task as it may be, the musical acts for Borderland’s lineup keep getting better, year after year. Event organizers pulled no punches in the past getting premier acts like Portugal the Man, the Flaming Lips, Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Infamous Stringdusters, and many more. A mix of blues, bluegrass, folk and rock acts keep the energy high and will start cranking out the tunes Saturday and Sunday on Borderland’s two stages. Make sure to spend some time at the Homespun Stage to hear some of the best music coming out of Buffalo, too.

The Artists and Artisans

Borderland isn’t just about the music. It’s a place to showcase some of the best local talent when it comes to craft and trade, too. At the Artisan Alley and Craft Corral, and Art Garage, Borderland attendees will witness live art displays, textile artists, and metal and wood workers. Shop the handmade wares of more than two dozen vendors, plus check out interactive entertainment and installations like axe throwing, photography stations, animal and livestock showcases, and maybe even a hot air balloon!

The Food

Almost as good as the musical lineup, the food that’ll be available at Borderland is a feast fit for a king or queen. Nosh on the juicy, smoked pulled pork sandwiches, guilt-free vegan comfort food, on-the-go Asian fusion, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a treat from local bakeries and confectioners. Just make sure to grab and go so you don’t miss a minute of the music!

The Drinks

It wouldn’t be a music and “craft” festival without craft beer would it? The Buffalocal Beer Paddock will keep your whistle wet all day with beverages from eight breweries and cideries. Tap into local favorite brewers like Community Beer Works, 42 North Brewing Company, Labatt USA, Hamburg Brewing Company, Bold Rock Cider, Resurgence Brewing Company, Southern Tier Brewing Company, and 12 Gates Brewing Company.

The Location

Perhaps the most important part of Borderland is the venue. Knox Farm State Park is a place brimming with history. This 633-acre farm is a natural haven for outdoor lovers and history buffs. And as this former country estate of the prominent Knox family of Buffalo is located in the charming village of East Aurora, home of the American Arts & Crafts Movement, a better location for this festival couldn’t have been chosen. In order to preserve this beautiful location, Borderland Music & Arts Festival prides itself on being an environmentally-conscious and sustainable event. Guests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles to fill at no-cost filling stations. Behind the scenes, the organizers work to limit waste and ensure the festival leaves as small of a carbon footprint as possible.

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Experience the Borderland Music & Arts Festival, September 15 & 16, 2023
For tickets and information visit borderlandfestival.com

Drew Brown headshot

Drew Brown

Born in Buffalo's Historic Polonia District, raised in East Aurora, current resident of the West Side, and I'm still discovering new things in Buffalo every day. I'm proud to represent our community as the Director of Media & Content Strategy for Visit Buffalo Niagara. Let's go Buffalo!