By Jennifer Brazil
The Borderland Music and Arts Festival celebrates the rich history and renaissance of the region with a two-day music, arts, and cultural event in one of the most scenic locations in all of New York State, Knox Farm State Park. Knox Farm is a property steeped in history, as the former country estate of Buffalo’s renowned Knox Family. It is located adjacent to the historic village of East Aurora, home to the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement and the former home of U.S. President Millard Fillmore.
The park’s 633 acres are comprised of a variety of habitats, including 400 acres of grasslands and 100 acres of woodlands, plus ponds and wetlands. It is a place where people can observe wildlife, hike, cross-country ski in the winter, bike, ride horseback, and take nature walks. The Native Landscape Resource Center, located in the park, is a native plant nursery that grows plants for habitat restoration, landscaping, and gardening purposes. There is even a six-acre dog park for our canine friends.
Western New York’s proximity to Canada inspired the festival’s name, Borderland. The two-day event, September 18 and 19, embraces sustainability and our region’s unique culture, built on a foundation of music, food, and art. This year’s festival will showcase awe-inspiring artisans, exhibitions, and more than 20 bands on three stages who will be playing a diverse mix of rock, country, and Americana. The festival will also feature Stables at Knox, as the estate’s horse stables are transformed into a craft hall for artisans to display and sell their creations. And then there’s the food, offered by some of the region’s most acclaimed food trucks and restauranteurs.
This is the second year in a row that Borderland has partnered with Waste Free Earth to create a Zero Waste event. Waste Free Earth is a Vermont-based sustainability consulting and lifestyle organization whose mission is to create long-lasting systems that engage individuals, businesses, and special events to incorporate reusable products within their daily operations. Waste Free Earth averages an 80 percent waste diversion rate at festivals like Borderland.
With hundreds of historic acres of gorgeous scenery, Knox Farm State Park may be Western New York’s dreamiest venue for a music and art festival.
Learn more about Borderland at www.borderlandfestival.com. Purchase tickets online at https://borderlandfestival.frontgatetickets.com.
Jennifer Brazill is co-founder and owner at Borderland Music Festival. She has been a partner, marketing, and brand, and music manager for other national music festivals.
