BUFFALO, N.Y. — The University United Festival is celebrating 10 years of concerts and community.
On Saturday, August 10, the festival will host R&B group Silk, twice-platinum singer-songwriter Musiq Soulchild, and five-time Grammy-nominated artist Robin Thicke. They will be introduced by Buffalo-natives Vibrant Strings.
The concert will start at 3 p.m. at the University at Buffalo’s South Campus’ Rotary Field.
The festivities will kick off with the parade down Bailey Ave at 2 p.m. led by a King and Queen of the community.
It will feature food trucks, vendors, giveaways, amusement rides, local merchandise, community information, and of course live music.
Event organizer and University District Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt said the festival is important for the community.
“I'm glad that we were able to put something like this together and sustain it for the length of time that we have because it's something that again is truly phenomenal,” he noted. “People in our community can bring their lounge chairs and bring their children to an activity in their neighborhood, and that's free and it's fun and it's exciting.”
The festival allows community members to connect with block clubs, community-owned businesses, and neighbors as well as showcase local food.
For children, the festival has the “Kids Zone” with rides, games, and activities.
Most importantly, the festival is free.
“It's something that's so really important to this community, especially now with everything going up prices,” said Wyatt.
The festival started in 2014 and continues to grow. According to event organizers, the 2022 festival brought 23,000 visitors and more are expected this year.