Events, festivals, fairs & more in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and the suburbs of Western NY
JULY 2009
July 1st - 5th Friendship Festival
Riverside Park, Buffalo
Mather Arch, Fort Erie, Ontario
888-333-1987
www.friendshipfestival.com
Celebrate the friendship and history shared between the United States and Canada.
11th - 12th Taste of Buffalo
Delaware Avenue, Downtown Buffalo
(716) 652-0628
www.tasteofbuffalo.com
One of the largest food and entertainment extravaganzas in the nation, featuring more than 55 restaurants plus local wineries, live music and a children’s play area.
16th - 19th Italian Heritage & Food Festival
Hertel Avenue, Buffalo
(716) 877-1776
www.buffaloitalianfestival.com
A large assortment of Italian foods, entertainment stages, games and rides.
19th - 26th Canal Fest of the Tonawandas
Erie Canal Banks, Tonawanda
(716) 692-3292
www.canalfest.org
Nightly entertainment and daily youth activities along the banks of the Old Erie Canal.
21st - 25th Annual Porter Cup
Niagara Falls County Club, Lewiston
(716) 282-1204
www.portercup.com
The United States’ premier amateur stroke play golf tournament.
25th - 26th Annual Garden Walk
Elmwood Village, Buffalo
(716) 879-0123
www.gardenwalkbuffalo.com
Residents invite you to enjoy their lovely gardens as you walk along and admire some of the oldest neighborhoods and homes in the Allentown / Elmwood Village Districts.
Weekends in July
BPO Summer Fest
Presented by the Buffalo Pilharmonic
Orchestra at Artpark
450 S. Fourth Street, Lewiston
(716) 885-0331
www.bpo.org
Experience the symphony under the stars - 10 concerts on 4 weekends through August 2rd.
AUGUST 2009
3rd - 4th PABA-Italian Heritage Festival
Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls
(716) 285-0377
www.pineavenue.org
Great food, entertainment, bocce, heritage culture & fun!
5th - 9th Niagara County Fair
4487 Lake Avenue, Lockport
(716) 433-8839
www.cce.cornell.edu/niagara
Features events, displays and entertainment for the whole family!
8th - 9th Annual Lewiston Outdoor Fine Arts Festival
Center Street, Lewiston
(716) 754-0166
www.artcouncil.org
More than 150 exceptional artists from the USA and Canada are showcased.
12th - 23rd America’s Fair
Hamburg Fairgrounds
5600 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg
(716) 649-3900
www.americas-fair.com
Second largest county fair in North America, with 265 acres of food, exhibits, rides and family fun.
28th - 30th Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival
Center Street, Lewiston
(716) 754-9500
www.lewistonjazz.com
More than 150 musicians performing over a 4 day period at various venues. Antique show, car show with classic Jaguars.
28th - 30th Buffalo Irish Festival
Hamburg Fairgrounds
6400 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg
(716) 743-9348
www.buffaloirish.com
Celebrate the Irish heritage with live music, dancing, food and beverages.
29th - 30th Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts
Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo
(716) 830-2484
www.elmwoodartfest.org
This art, music and dance festival fosters awareness of Western New York’s artistic and cultural treasures.
SEPTEMBER 2009
5th - 6th National Buffalo Wing Festival
Coca-Cola Field, Buffalo
(716) 565-4141
www.buffalowing.com
Featuring many restaurants and sauces from Buffalo and around the country.
11th Curtain Up!
Downtown Buffalo’s Theatre District
Main St. between Chippewa & Tupper Streets
(716) 829-1181
www.curtainupbuffalo.com
Kick-off Buffalo’s theater season. Curtains go up simultaneously throughout downtown theaters followed by a party in the streets with live musical performances and roving entertainers.
11th - 13th Niagara County Peach Festival
Academy Park, Lewiston
716) 754-9500
www.lewistonkiwanis.org
Family festival with food, games, crafts, rides and entertainment.
17th Winds, Waves & Wines
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls
(716)285-3575 x 206
www.aquariumofniagara.com
Fifteen wineries from New York and Ontario will offer their wares along with desserts, hors d’oeuvres and plenty of other fancy stuff to be enjoyed, along with live music & prize giveaways.
19th - 27th Greater Niagara Falls Classic Fishing Derby
Public Waterways of Niagara, Erie, & Orleans Counties
(800) 338-7890
www.niagara-usa.com
The journey continues for salmon, trout, bass, walleye and carp; as anglers compete for cash prizes.
25th - 27th Oinktoberfest BBQ Cook-Off
Pumpkin Farm, 11163 Main Street, Clarence
(716) 759-4328 or (877) 585-4328
www.adventuresinheat.com
Barbeque vendors are in abundance making this Western New York’s only true taste of BBQ. Oinktoberfest is a part of WNY’s biggest family event, the Great Pumpkin Farm’s Fall Festival.
26th - Nov. 1st Great Pumpkin Farm Fall Festival
11199 Main Street, Clarence
(716) 759-2260
www.greatpumpkinfarm.com
Fall festival full of family events, seasonal displays, food, hayrides and the World Pumpkin Weigh-Off.
OCTOBER 2009
17th - 18th Annual Binational Doors Open Niagara
United States & Canada (see website)
888-849-5834
www.doorsopenniagara.com
Discover the rich historical and architectural treasures of the Buffalo/Niagara Region. Special programs and remarkable stories of the people and events that have shaped this dynamic region.
24th Halloween Happenings
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls
(716) 285-3575 x206
www.aquariumofniagara.org
Enjoy a haunting good time at the Aquarium 4-7pm! Win a prize for best costume & more! Celebrate a spooky time in a safe and fun environment.
29th Harvest Festival at the Farmers Market
Bidwell and Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo
(716) 881-0707
www.elmwoodvillage.org
Celebrating the Buffalo Niagara harvest, this festival brings to a close the Farmers Market season. Trick-or-Treating from 2-4 and a spooktacular sale all day on Elmwood.
NOVEMBER 2009
26th Annual Turkey Trot Road Race
Delaware Avenue, Buffalo
(716) 875-1283
www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org/turkytrot.html
8K-road race. The oldest foot race in North America. Festivities include a lively post-race party.
28th The World’s Largest Disco
Buffalo Convention Center, Downtown Buffalo
(716) 635-8668
www.worldslargestdisco.com
A giant retro party featuring 72,000 watts of disco sound and a quarter million watts of disco lights on New York’s largest dance floor.
DECEMBER 2009
4th, 11th, 18th, 25th Holiday Celebration
in the Elmwood Village
Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo
(716) 881-0707
www.elmwoodvillage.org
Every Friday evening eat, shop and be merry with caroling, carriage rides, music and more.
5th Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Fountain Plaza, Main @ Chippewa Streets, Buffalo
(716) 856-3150
www.buffaloplace.com
Free ice-skating and kiddie amusement rides, Santa Claus & Fireworks.
5th - 6th Christmas in the Village & Tour of Historic Homes
Center Street, Lewiston
(716) 754-9500
www.northofthefalls.com
Carriage rides, boutique shopping, carolers, roasted chestnuts, a parade, outdoor entertainment and complimentary refreshments served. The Lewiston Historic Society’s Tour of Homes offers visitors an opportunity to visit Lewiston’s most historic homes while decorated for the holiday season.
5th - 6th Roycroft Winter Festival
East Aurora Middle School
430 Main Street, East Aurora
(716) 655-7252
www.ralaweb.com
Over 35 Juried Artisans display and sell their wares for your holiday shopping. Entertainment and food available.
31st First Night Buffalo
Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, Buffalo
(716) 635-4959
www.firstnightbuffalo.org
A drug and alcohol free environment for people of all ages to celebrate the New Year with music, rides, games and fireworks.
FEBRUARY 2010
6th, 13th, 20st, 27th Storytelling Saturdays
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls
(716) 285-3575 x 206
www.aquariumofniagara.org
Performances by WNY’s most exciting storytellers twice each Saturday.
9th - 14th Buffalo Auto Show
Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, Buffalo
(716) 855-5555
www.nfada.com
www.nfada.com or www.buffaloautoshow.com
One of the biggest annual attractions featuring the largest display of vehicles under one roof. New, vintage, concept vehicles.
MARCH 2010
4th SEAsonings - Taste of Niagara
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls
(716) 285-3575 x 206
www.aquariumofniagara.org
Savory servings of food and wine provided by area restaurants and NY State wineries.
5th - 7th & 12th - 14th Buffalo Home & Garden Show
Buffalo Convention Center, Buffalo
(716) 855-5555
www.buffalohomeshow.com
Offering over 500 exhibits.
15th St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Delaware Avenue (Niagara Square to North Street, Buffalo)
(716) 875-0282
www.buffaloplace.com
Each year, thousands of people flock to downtown Buffalo to enjoy this annual parade.
20th - 21st Penguin Days
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls
(716) 285-3575 x 206
www.aquariumofniagara.org
Penguin encounters are scheduled for an up-close peak at the Peruvian penguins.
APRIL 2010
3rd SEAster Egg Hunt
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls
(716) 285-3575 x 206
www.aquariumofniagara.org
Search our exhibits for SEAster eggs. Win Prizes! Meet the SEAster Bunny!
5th Dyngus Day
(716) 833-5211
www.DyngusDayBuffalo.com
Enjoy this traditional Polish post-Easter celebration at 25 different locations across Western New York featuring over 30 polka bands.
JUNE 2010
4th - 6th 100 American
Craftsmen Festival
Kenan Center Arena
195 Beattie Avenue, Lockport
(716) 433-2617
www.kenancenter.org
Buffalo / Niagara’s only, and longest-running, festival dedicated to contemporary craft art and features leather, glass, metal, clay, wood, basketry, fiber, paper and mixed media.
12th - 13th Allentown Art Festival
Historic Allentown, Buffalo
(716) 881-4269
www.allentownartfestival.com
One of the largest annual outdoor art festivals in the nation featuring over 400 juried exhibitors.
12th, 13th & 19th, 20th Annual Roycroft Chamber Music Festival
St. Matthias Episcopal Church
374 Main Street, East Aurora
(716) 652-4413
www.roycroftchambermusic.org
Chamber music masterpieces performed by internationally renowned musicians.
26th - 27th Gus Macker 3 on 3
Basketball Tournament
Niagara Square/Chippewa District, Downtown Buffalo
(716) 851-4618
www.macker.com
A celebration of playground style basketball. It is a festival of fun for the whole family that benefits the Police Athletic League of Buffalo and the Kids Escaping Drugs program.
26th - 27th Roycroft Summer Festival
31 South Grove Street, East Aurora
(716) 655-7252
www.ralaweb.com
Annual outdoor arts festival, over 35 artisans display and sell their quality handcrafted wares. Entertainment & food.
ONGOING EVENTS
May 15th - Nov. 27th 2009
Elmwood Bidwell Farmers Market
Elmwood Avenue at Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo
(716) 881-0707
www.elmwoodvillage.org
Every Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
May 28th - Sept. 3th 2009
Annual Thursday at the Square Concert Series
Lafayette Square at Main & Court, Buffalo
(716) 856-3150
www.buffaloplace.com
A free public concert series that features local, national and regional musical acts from 6-10pm.
June 9th - Aug. 25th 2009
Tuesday in the Park
Artpark Outdoor Amphitheatre
450 South 4th Street, Lewiston
(716) 754-4375
www.artpark.net
FREE outdoor concerts and kids art activities. Amphitheater area opens at 2pm on event dates.
June 18th - August 16th 2009
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
Shakespeare Hill, Delaware Park, Buffalo
(716) 856-4533
www.shakespeareindelawarepark.org
Free outdoor performances Tuesday-Sunday @ 7:30pm. Shows include Tempest, June 18-July 12 and Julius Cesear, July 23-August 16.
June 21st, July 29th, August 23rd & Sept. 20th
Nickel City Chef
Artisan Kitchens and Baths
200 Amherst Street, Buffalo
www.NickelCityChef.com
Live cooking competition, featuring top chefs from our region, local ingredients and feisty challengers. Two chefs will battle to complete original and tasty dishes with a secret ingredient for our panel of celebrity and expert judges; all in less than one hour. Tickets, $20 per person, include a free drink from the bar and plenty of snacks.
June 28th & July 7th, 14th, 21th, 28th & August4th & 11th
Elmwood Bidwell Summer
Concert Series
Elmwood Avenue at Bidwell Parkway,
Buffalo (716) 881-0707
www.elmwoodvillage.org
Live music performed in the park every Tuesday in July and the first two Tuesdays in August from 7-9pm.
July 13th - August 17th 2009
Blue Monday Concerts
at Hennepin Park
4th & Center Streets, Lewiston
(716) 754-0166
www.artcouncil.org/bluemon.htm
Considered by many aficionados to be one of the best Blues venues in WNY, Blue Mondays features a different band every week and one will surely be your favorite!
July 15th - August 26th 2009
Wednesdays on the Gorge
Artpark Outdoor Amphitheatre
450 South 4th Street, Lewiston
(716) 754-4375
www.artpark.net
FREE concerts with themed music & kids art activities.
Nov. 2009 - March 2010
Free Ice Skating at Rotary Rink
Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza
Main at Chippewa Streets, Buffalo
(716) 856-3150
www.buffaloplace.com
The annual Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting on the 1st Saturday in December, marks the official opening of the free ice-skating season in downtown Buffalo.
Nov. 21st, 2009 - Jan. 3rd, 2010
Festival of Lights
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine
1023 Swann Road, Lewiston
(716) 754-7489
www.fatimashrine.com
15 Acres of spectacular Christmas lights including a nine foot angel hovering over a giant, one-of-a-kind nativity scene. Free.
NOTE: Events are subject to change - please call or visit websites to confirm dates and hours.