Thursday nights have never been hotter in the City of Hornell.
Hornell Partners for Growth has announced the lineup for nine sizzling summer concerts for “Thursdays at the Square” at Union Square Park.
The weekly event runs from June 25 to Aug. 27 and will include popular local and regional musicians in multiple genres performing classic rock, pop, jazz, blues, country and folk.
Each “Thursdays at the Square” will also be packed with family and children’s activities and attractions.
The concert series shines a spotlight on hometown organizations and businesses.
Food vendors will change throughout the season, providing attendees with a variety of local favorites and unique menu offerings.
“Thursdays at the Square” is free to attend and a great place to cool off under the park fountain on hot summer nights.
Here is the 2026 concert schedule and a rundown of the programs and activities planned for each night.
June 25: ‘Hornell Alumni Night’
Classic and Southern Rock band “Midnight Storm” performs from 6 to 9 p.m. for the kick-off of Hornell’s Thursday night summer concert series.
It’s also “Hornell Alumni Night” celebrating community connections and “Writing Night for Kids and Families.” Children will receive mini books to create their own summer stories while supplies last.
An Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes $450 grant is supporting the opening night performance by “Midnight Storm.”
Food vendor: JR’s ‘Back Alley BBQ
July 9: ‘Railroad Heritage Night’
Locally-based “Tin Lizard” performs original songs and covers across multiple genres, all inspired by locomotive and railroad themes as “Thursdays at the Square” celebrates Hornell’s rich railroad heritage.
The concert is from 7 to 9 p.m.
Youngsters can dive into a train-themed art zone and the Hornell Erie Railroad Museum will be on site with an interactive setup, artifacts and information about Hornell’s important place in railroad history.
Food vendor: Putnam Amusements
July 16: ‘Family Game Night’
“Ellen & the Fam” take to the park stage from 6 to 9 p.m. as part of “Family Game Night” at “Thursdays at the Square.”
The Friends of the Hornell Public Library will be on site with a wide selection of board games, card games for the whole family.
Be sure to stick around for the “Punch & Judy” puppet show.
Food vendor: JR’s Back Alley BBQ
July 23: ‘Feed the Community Night’
“North of Forty,” an original rock and roll cover band, will bring the energy for the second annual “Feed the Community Night” at the Hornell summer concert series. HPG is partnering with Fresh Start Church and Fidelis Care to provide a free meal to the first 500 people at the park.
Attendees are asked to bring a can or dry good donation to support the Fresh Start Food Pantry and help local families in need.
July 30: ‘Kids Night’
DJ Truth will keep the records spinning and everyone dancing during “Kids Night” at “Thursdays at the Square.”
Badger & Butterfly Studios will provide free professional face painting.
Fun That Pops will create free balloon animals and custom balloon art pieces throughout the evening.
The night will also feature two 30-minute Punch & Judy puppet shows, offering interactive storytelling, humor and classic puppet fun. The shows are at 5:30 and 7 p.m.
Food vendor: Putnam Amusements
Aug. 6: ‘Jazz Night’
Concert performances by the “John Neyerges Jazz Quintet” from 5 to 7 p.m. and “Dream Float” from 7 to 9 p.m. will entertain at “Jazz Night” in Union Square Park.
Families can participate in hands-on “Build-a-Band” jazz-themed craft stations while discovering the rhythms, sounds, and creativity that make jazz a uniquely American art form.
Aug. 13: ‘Create Your Own Puzzle Night’
“Dirt Turtles” brings honky-tonk, rockabilly and blues sounds to Union Square Park from 6 to 9 p.m.
Expect a relaxed, hands-on evening combining art, music and creativity for all ages.
Food vendor: Biggie’s Tex-Mex
Aug. 20: ‘Latin Jazz & Dance Night’
“Jorge T. Cuevas & The Caribe Jazz Allstars” will keep the energy up all evening long. Band members will teach dance moves to all-comers. Get a lesson in salsa, merengue, bachata, the cha cha and swing.
There will be a Punch & Judy puppet show at 5:30 p.m.
Food vendor: Slavidawgz
Aug. 27: ‘Lost Mixed Tape Night’
Close out the season with “Lost Mix Tape’s” high-energy ’90s hits and a final evening of family crafts and activities. It’s a nostalgic celebration filled with sing-alongs, throwback favorites, and summer memories in the making as Hornell gathers one last time for the 2026 season.
HPG thanks HP Hood, other supporters
HP Hood is the presenting Sponsor of the entire 2026 “Thursdays at the Square” season. HPG is also recognizing First Heritage Federal Credit Union, Matt Getman of Twin Tier Tent Rentals, Hornell Kiwanis Club, Maple City Savings Bank and the Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes for their commitment to supporting family-friendly events, community engagement and opportunities that bring residents and visitors together throughout the summer.
In the event of severe weather, cancellations, postponements or location changes will be announced through the Discover Hornell App and HPG social media channels. Community members are encouraged to download the free Discover Hornell App and like and follow HPG on Facebook for the latest event updates, announcements and schedule changes.
About Union Square Park
Located at the corner of Genesee and Seneca streets, Hornell’s Union Square Park opened in the fall of 2024.
In addition to the amphitheater with a raised stage, the park features an in-ground fountain, concrete walkways, benches, monuments, lighting and green space
Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: See the Hornell summer concerts lineup for ‘Thursdays at the Square’
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune | USA TODAY Network
