5 Best Performing Arts in Niagara Falls and Western New York, New York

Artpark State Park, Niagara's premier performing-arts center, hosts reasonably priced, world-class musical theater, dance performances, and classical, big-band, pop, and jazz concerts. Performances are held in the 2,400-seat Mainstage Theater or the outdoor amphitheater, which will be completely renovated for the 2010 season. Free Tuesday- and Wednesday-evening concerts, from June through August, draw big crowds, and this is the summer home of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

The 18,690-seat HSBC Arena presents family shows and concerts with big-name musicians. It's also a major sports venue.

I. M. Pei and Partners designed the Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center on the SUNY Fredonia campus, which opened in 1969. It has two theaters, a 1,200-seat concert hall, and two art galleries. The busy year-round schedule includes about 180 plays and productions each year.

Shea's Performing Arts Center presents concerts, opera, dance, and touring theater performances in an old movie palace reminiscent of a European opera house.

The University at Buffalo Center for the Arts encompasses four theaters, the largest of which is the 1,744-seat main stage. Operas, concerts, dance performances, theatrical productions, and musicals are among the events that take place here.