The summer concert season is fast approaching, and Batavia Downs is looking forward to another season of its Rockin’ the Downs Friday night concerts.
The eight-concert series begins June 20 with Queensryche, sees former Foreigner lead singer Lou Gramm performing his final show Aug. 1 and ends with Kansas Aug. 15, with other talented acts in between.
Batavia Downs Vice President of Business Development Ryan Hasenauer says the open atmosphere of the concert venue and the convenience of free parking and on-site hotel lodgings make it a great spot to take in a show during the summer.
“Just being outside and hearing the music in the summer at a concert night, being around people—I think that’s some of the best parts about Batavia Downs in the summer,” he says.
People are already scooping up tickets. Hasenauer noted the Lou Gramm concert already sold out its VIP seating.
“Clearly the word is out it’s his last show, and that’s what’s making it a big deal,” he says.
Welcoming classic rock band Kansas to close out the series is also a big deal for Batavia Downs, as is the ability to bring in The Commodores, a classic Motown and R&B band known for “Easy Like Sunday Morning,” “Three Times a Lady” and “Brick House.”
“We’re going trying some new types of acts,” Hasenauer says. “We’re trying to diversify the type of offerings we have out here in Batavia.”
Another favorite act includes Almost Queen on July 11, a tribute band to Queen, making its third visit to Batavia.
“The lead singer looks just like Freddie Mercury,” Hasenauer says. “It’s just amazing. It’s a great show.”
First-time visitors to Batavia Downs might be surprised at the many conveniences of the venue. It’s halfway between Buffalo and Rochester, located off Route 90 at exit 48. People can bring chairs or blankets to a concert, but $5 chair rentals are an option (those fees are then donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation).
There’s also free parking, and the hotel on site means people don’t have to worry about post-concert driving, especially if they want to stay for the afterparty hosted by 97 Rock’s DJ Jickster. Batavia Downs also offers a shuttle to nearby hotels from 5 p.m. to midnight.
“I think a big part of this is that people want to go someplace and have as little hassle as possible,” Hasehauer says, “And also have a great time.”
People can purchase individual tickets for each show, as well as VIP options. There is a season pass for $156 to get access to each of the eight concerts. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the main acts take the stage around 8 or 8:30 p.m.
Rockin’ the Downs 2025 Concert Series Schedule
June 20: Queensryche
June 27: The Allman Betts Band
July 11: Almost Queen
July 18: The Machine
July 25: Little River Band w/special guest Ambrosia
Aug. 1: Lou Gramm
Aug. 8: The Commodores
