Buffalo, WNY: Festivals Not to Miss This Weekend

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini

12 minutes ago

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — As the month winds down and August approaches, crowds are preparing to gather to eat, drink and enjoy the outdoors at summer festivals across Western New York.

Discover below the list of celebrations for the weekend of July 26-27:

Buffalo

Galbani Italian Festival

The Galbani Italian Festival will bring the sights, sounds and aromas of Italy to Hertel Avenue starting Friday. Grape stomping, Sicilian puppet shows and cooking classes will entertain visitors throughout the weekend. Dozens of local vendors will serve Italian-American cuisine.

The festival starts at 11am on Friday and Saturday and 10am on Sunday. Admission is free.

Queen City Jazz Festival

Music will fill the streets of Buffalo Saturday for the 20th annual Queen City Jazz Festival. Performing acts include Javon Jackson, Adam Hawley, Kenny and Wade Hawkins & The All Star Band, among others. Seating will be outdoors on Lafayette Square, so lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged.

The festival runs from 1pm to 9pm on Saturday and admission is free.

Buffalo Irish Festival

The Buffalo Irish Festival, held at Canalside, celebrates the best of the culture through food, music, dance, merchandise and products. Banshee Irish Pub and Fat Bob’s Smokehouse will be on hand, along with local bands, a kids tent and a vendor tent.

The festival starts at 5pm on Friday and tickets can be purchased here. Ticket prices vary by day. Children 16 and under get in free.

Western New York

Niagara Falls Italian Festival

The Niagara Falls Italian Festival kicks off Friday in Hyde Park. Tribute bands for Frank Sinatra and Led Zeppelin will liven up the park as visitors sample pizza, pastries, Italian sausage, polenta, stuffed mushrooms, stuffed peppers, eggplant parmesan and more.

The festival runs from Friday to Sunday and admission is free.

Niagara Wine and Food Festival

At Lewiston’s Niagara Wine & Food Festival, attendees will enjoy local vendors and merchants, a farmers market, DJ music and bottle sales. Free performances by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Lewiston/Grand Island Dance are also included.

The festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are sold in advance for $40 per person and at the door for $45 per person. Tickets are valid for both days of the festival.

Cheektowaga Polish-American Arts Festival

A grand opening march will kick off the Polish American Arts Festival on Friday. Mister Pizza, Charlap’s Ice Cream and Sto Lat Bar will be among the vendors offering creatively reimagined Polish dishes. Authentic music, beer, wine and crafts from Polish culture will be on display.

The festival will start at 5pm on Friday and admission will be free.

East Aurora Street Festival

The 55th annual sidewalk sale and street festival will take place along Main Street in East Aurora and feature more than 100 vendors. The Saturday festival will feature a kids’ zone and chalk murals as well as performances by cheerleaders and martial artists. Vendors include Blue Eyed Baker, Vidler’s 5 & 10 and more.

The festival will take place from 9 a.m. on Saturday and a sidewalk sale will take place on Friday at 10 a.m.

Glen Park Arts Festival

An annual celebration of art is happening this weekend in Williamsville. The Glen Park Art Festival will feature more than 150 local artists along with local food and drinks. A live chalk art contest will take place while kids enjoy a scavenger hunt and free activities.

The festival takes place from Saturday to Sunday.