Mark your calendars for events and yearly traditions that always strive to bring the community together. Buffalo has so much to offer, so we made an event calendar for you to keep track.
Fall
Buffalo FALLiday Market — Fridays to Sundays from Oct. 2 - Nov. 1, 121 Porter Avenue
Visit this weekly fall-themed market featuring artisan vendors, seasonal sweets and plenty of fall activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Visitors will find homemade goods ranging from Buffalo Bills apparel to candles, home decor and so much more with live music to dance to.
Winter
Canalside Winter Activities — Nov. 20 - Feb. 28, Downtown Buffalo Waterfront
For those who want to get active, there is a massive outdoor rink, ice bumper cars and curling opportunities. They offer warm igloos, hot cocoa and fire pits for visitors, family and friends during the peak winter season.
The Buffalo Winter Market — Nov. 27 - Dec. 23, 121 Porter Avenue
This seasonal market transforms the outdoor space into a European-style holiday village featuring local and regional artisans and vendors. Shoppers can browse beautifully handcrafted decorations and gifts for the special people in their lives. They also sell warm seasonal treats and beverages like hot apple cider while festive holiday music is played as you stroll through the market.
The World’s Largest Disco — Nov. 28, Buffalo Convention Center
This legendary disco party gathers thousands of people for the 1970s retro dance party. dHighlighting classic music, disco balls and retro style, this serves as one of the most unique holiday-season kickoffs in the WNY area. This event also supports local charities who raise significant funds for cancer research like Camp Good Days.
The Festival of Slice — Jan. 30, Niagara Falls Convention Center
This massive pizza party celebrates Western New York's unique pizza culture. There are dozens of local pizzerias serving up a variety of slices for $1, alongside live music and craft beer. Tickets are available online and cost less than purchasing at the door.
The Mayville Winterfest (40th Anniversary) — Feb. 12-14, Lakeside Park in Mayville
A massive and traditional winter festival experience takes place just an hour and a half south of UB. This celebration features towering ice sculptures, a live snow-sculpting demonstration, an outdoor ice bar and luge and open curling. This is certainly a unique way to embrace winter, before spring arrives the following month.
Spring
The Buffalo Spring Market — March 28-29 and April 3-4, 121 Porter Avenue
This open-air market is known for its traditional baked goods, delicious foods and handcrafted spring gifts to support local businesses. The lively environment brings a special energy to the market as vendors prepare for the spring holidays.
Buffalo Dyngus Day — March 29, Historic Polish Broadway Market District and East Side
Dyngus Day is a celebration of Polish-American culture featuring polka bands, authentic food and dancing that take over the streets. This day marks the unofficial start of spring for many Buffalonians who are eager to gather outdoors after the long winter.
The Cherry Blossom Festival – April 25-26, Japanese Garden in Delaware Park
This festival spotlights beautiful cherry blossoms, Japanese cultural activities, music, boat rides, food and vendors. Stroll among the blooming pink trees surrounding Mirror Lake and enjoy the festivals’ delightful ambience. Visitors are invited to capture beautiful photos with their loved ones to cherish their visit in the future.
The Elmwood Village Farmers Market — May 8 to Nov. 27, Bidwell Parkway
This vibrant outdoor shopping experience is held on Saturdays throughout the warmer months of the year. Right in the heart of Elmwood, shoppers can find regional farmers, bakers and specialty producers offering fresh produce, flowers and artisanal goods.
The Mother’s Day Market — May 9, 121 Porter Avenue
“Mom and Me” activities take place on this special market day. Visitors can find unique gifts, treats and crafts and are invited to celebrate the mothers in their lives. A mothers’ bond with her child and her dedication to family is unlike any other, and this event honors that special connection.
Canalside Outdoor Fitness — May 25 to Aug. 28, Canalside Waterfront
Downtown along the waterfront, Canalside hosts a variety of outdoor fitness classes throughout the warmer months. These classes are a great way to stay active, boost confidence, enjoy time outdoors and meet others alike.
Summer
The Allentown Art Festival — June 12-13, Historic Allentown District
This celebration of the arts transforms the historic neighborhood into a vibrant and open-air gallery. Hundreds of national and regional artists display works ranging from oil paintings and ceramics to jewelry and photography. Visitors flock here to browse, buy art and enjoy local food stands.
Taste of Buffalo — July 10-11, Delaware Avenue and Niagara Square
This is one of nations largest food festivals that allows visitors to sample WNY favorites from hundreds of vendors. Throughout the two-day festival, visitors can sample various signature dishes and enjoy local wines with music stages and culinary demonstrations.
Lewiston Jazz Festival — Aug. 27-28, Center Street in the Village of Lewiston
The free festival features live jazz performances, local food vendors and wine tastings. Regional wineries and craft breweries line the streets while local boutiques and food stands are open for business. It’s a wonderful chance to enjoy classical music and shop with friends and family.
The National Buffalo Wing Festival — Sept. 4-5, Highmark Stadium
Each year, this festival hosts dozens of unique wing vendors from across the country serving up traditional and creative sauces for buffalo wings. Festival-goers can watch or participate in amateur eating contests and in the famous national wing-eating championship. The event also features live music, giveaways, and games as wing lovers from around the world gather to celebrate this delicious food.
The Niagara County Peach Festival — Sept. 9-12, Academy Park in the Village of Lewiston
This community staple centers around fresh, locally grown peaches served in various dishes and most famously known for the homemade shortcakes. The four-day event offers peach-themed food, carnival rides and games, competitions and live music. It’s the perfect late-summer traditional festivity that brings generations of families together.
Summer brings even more iconic gatherings to this lovely city. Fireworks spark at 10:00 p.m. from May through mid October at Niagara Falls every night for everyone to enjoy.
Fall (again!)
The Borderland Music + Arts Festival — Sept. 17-19, Knox Farm State Park
Just outside of the city of Buffalo in East Aurora, is a yearly three-day festival set in scenic pastures, attendees explore interactive art installations, local artisan markets and indulge in beers and food. The relaxed, country setting offers an ideal experience perfect for music lovers just outside of the city.
WNY Craft Beer Week and Fall Beer Fest — Sept. 24 to Oct. 3
Various breweries and venues across Buffalo and Erie County participate in a week-long celebration that highlights the region’s thriving craft brewing industry. Beer lovers are able to enjoy the craft beer while supporting local businesses all under one roof.
Whether you are a Buffalo native or temporary resident, these events, along with so many others, prove how special Western New York’s community is when we gather together. Fill up your calendar and rally your friends and family to make this coming year one to remember.
The features desk can be reached at features@ubspectrum.com
