5 Powerful Reasons to Plan Your Performance Trip to Niagara Falls

We’ve just returned from a student trip to one of the big theme parks. You know… the one we spent two years fundraising for? It was magical… for a minute. Then we were overwhelmed by the crowds, stuck in lines that were hours long, and left with empty pockets after the first souvenir shop!

Falling for Niagara

If you’re ready to break from the usual park performance but NOT break your budget, you just might fall in love with Niagara!  Here are 5 powerful reasons to plan your performance trip to Niagara Falls USA.

1. A Cascade of Creative Performance Opportunities

Niagara Falls is one of the most unique spots in the country for incredible performance opportunities. Rather than just one or two run-of-the-mill experiences, you’ll find a variety of amazing venues ready to welcome your talented students.

Niagara Falls State Park

Perform with the world’s most magnificent natural wonders as your backdrop! Niagara Falls State Park boasts awe-inspiring scenery, miles of adventure, and three amazing waterfalls – no passport required!

Old Falls Street

For a truly unique experience, perform for the crowds strolling down Old Falls Street.  Cataract Commons is a fresh addition to the charming cobblestone thoroughfare and is perfect for an outdoor concert.  Food trucks, festivals, and other activities keep this street jumping!

Artpark

Artpark is a bohemian cultural treasure perched on the edge of Niagara Gorge. Here you’ll find world-class artists and performers, state-of-the-art facilities, and an influx of visitors from around the globe.

Whirlpool Commons at the Aquarium of Niagara

Blend aquatic antics with a lively performance at the Aquarium of Niagara. Your international audience just may include a few well-dressed guests!

Niagara Arts & Cultural Center

The Niagara Arts & Cultural Center embraces a “vibrant arts ecosystem” that includes your talented artists.  Perform in this historic 180,000 sq ft space that now houses three theatres, two public and numerous private galleries, a radio station, public classroom space, the Starry Night Café, and the NACC gift shop.

Everyone loves the vibe in a Hard Rock Café! Take the stage surrounded by the stuff of dreams… those inspirational bits of rock legend memorabilia.

2. A Torrent of Top Attractions

The fun doesn’t end with your performance! Make the most of your time in Niagara Falls by exploring its top attractions.

Outdoor Adventure

Get up close and personal with 600,000 gallons of water per second on the Maid of the Mist all-electric boat tour. Then face the thundering falls from just 20 feet behind at the Cave of the Winds.

Take a breath-stealing, 45-minute on the Niagara Gorge on a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour, or slow things down on a paddleboard from Niagara Outfitters.

Whatever you choose, Niagara’s outdoor adventures are second to none!

History

Old Fort Niagara brings the region’s past 300 years to vivid life for your student groups.  Its history includes three countries, conflict, control – and a castle!

You can also explore the inspiring stories of enslaved persons seeking freedom and abolitionists at the Underground Railroad Heritage Center.

Then go from the past to the electrifying present at the Niagara Power Vista. Here you’ll learn firsthand about hydroelectricity in a completely immersive STEM learning experience.

Fun with Friends

When the performance is done and the pressure is off, it’s time to have a little fun with friends. Get vertical at the Niagara Climbing Center or try to stay upright at the Rainbow Roller Rink.

Get your game on at the Great American Arcade or get in the game at Vortex VR Arcade. Knock down some pins at the Lewiston Events Center or slip and slide on the ice bumper cars at Cornerstone Ice Arena.

There’s so much fun for everyone!!

Hidden Gems

The Challenger Learning Center of Lockport is Niagara’s space science exploration opportunity.   The Challenger Centers were created by the families of the lost Challenger crew and offer dynamic and interactive programs for students interested in the space sciences.

The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute is an unexpected, upscale culinary experience in the heart of this travel destination.

Featuring state-of-the-art kitchens and its own restaurant, bakery cafe, TV studio, gift shop, and Barnes & Noble bookstore, NFCI is truly a hidden gem.  It’s a Michelin-star-style meal on a McDonald’s budget!

For a sweet way to end the day, check out Platter’s Chocolate Factory, a local favorite famous for its orange chocolate.  A guided tour takes your group behind the scenes of the chocolate manufacturing process and into a world of decadence!

3. A Stream of Shows

If you’re planning a performance trip (or any trip!) to Niagara Falls, be sure to take in a show while you’re here.  Top venues like the Riviera Theatre and Artpark host world-class entertainment that’s perfect for your group.

And just a 40-minute drive away is Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo. Originally a magnificent, 1926 movie theater, the campus now boasts 3 theaters offering top-notch live touring productions and local collaborations.

Pro Tip: Buffalo is a stellar addition to any Niagara Falls performance trip! Learn more about some of the incredible options for your band and choir groups!

The Band Should Go to Buffalo

4. A Deluge of Dining and Accommodations

While you’re here, you’ll have a wide variety of choices for student-friendly dining and accommodations.

5. A Surge of Savings

One of the best reasons to re-think your regular performance trip is COST.  You simply won’t find these fresh and fun performance opportunities or offbeat activities anywhere else – and at a price point that won’t break your budget.

Plan a longer trip with more to do or simply save some of that hard-earned fundraising money!

Plan Your Performance Trip to Niagara Falls with a Pro Partner

One of the best ways to plan your performance trip to Niagara Falls is to partner with an experienced company specializing in student performance travel.

Kaleidoscope Adventures is an outstanding choice with more than 30 years in the industry and granular attention to detail. Online registration and payments, convenient crowdfunding options, and an expert team make your planning simple and efficient.

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE FOR YOUR PERFORMANCE TRIP

KA will work with you to plan an exceptional travel experience and provide impeccable customer service from start to finish!

#NiagaraFallsUSA

Related Reading: 10 Travel Tips for Band Directors