Whether you're looking for a night of dancing, an evening on the lake or just a pitcher of beer and some chicken wings, the fun begins when the sun goes down this summer in Chautauqua County.
If dancing is in the air, Shawbucks is one place you can ''let loose.'' They feature live, local bands like The Porcelain Busdrivers and Big Leg Emma, on the weekends in addition to D.J. Fish who plays music on non-band nights. The bar is located in downtown Jamestown on the corner of Lafayette and West Second streets. Another choice for dancing in Jamestown is the new bar, Sky, located on the corner of Fairmount and West Eighth streets.
Fredonia offers a night club, Sunny's, that's also a great choice for dancing. It is fairly inexpensive and is frequented mainly by college students at Fredonia State when school is in session. BJ's in Fredonia also hosts local bands on weekends and offers a different drink special/combo for each night of the week.
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The Summer Wind hosts a variety of events throughout the summer season. “Rock the Boat,” a new addition, takes place from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Wednesdays featuring entertainment, food and spirits.
For a nice evening on the lake, try attending one of the performances by the Bemus Bay Pops at Chautauqua Institution. It offers various events throughout the summer at all times of day. Another event to consider is ''Teen Night on the Belle'' which is an evening of dancing onboard the Chautauqua Belle for teens only. It is Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. and includes a refreshment bar and a live DJ. No parents or alcohol allowed.
Also on the lake is the ''Summer Wind'' which is a yacht-type cruise boat that hosts a variety of events throughout the season. Dinner cruises are available Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and selected Sundays. It typically include a buffet-style dinner and some form of live entertainment. In addition, the Summer Wind has now added a ''Rock the Boat'' night club on board the Wind. It's from 8 to 10:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Entertainment, food and spirits are available.
Yet another great attraction for nighttime are the fireworks on the lake. Only three shows are remaining this summer, July 24, Aug. 30 and Sept. 13. The showings are from 7 to 10:30 p.m.
If it's wings and beer that's on your list, the Cherry Lounge is a casual restaurant and bar that features the two on special from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. It is located on the corner of West Fourth and Cherry streets in Jamestown, and it also feature a happy hour.
Jamestown Bowling Company is a good place to check out on Saturday nights. It offers what's called ''Cosmic Bowling.'' It's held every Saturday from 12 to 2 a.m. and includes a live DJ, a variety of lights and, of course, bowling. All ages are welcome.
From July 3 to Aug. 28, enjoy Concerts in the Park on Thursday evenings at the Village Square in Silver Creek. If you're looking for something a little closer to home, the Village of Mayville also offers a Thursday evening entertainment series as well concerts in the Village Green or Lakeside parks.
The Village Casino is yet another popular place to spend an evening in Chautauqua County. Monday nights feature two for one drink specials and half-off appetizers in addition to live entertainment. Tuesdays are family nights where all children under 8 eat for free off the children's menu when accompanied by an adult purchase. Every Thursdays you can sing karaoke at the Casino, and they offer quite a variety of concerts, comedy shows and game shows just about every day and night of the season. Visit their Web site, www.bemuspointcasino.com, for a complete listing of events this summer.