Buffalo, WNY festivals to attend this weekend

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — As the month wraps up and August draws near, crowds are preparing to gather to eat, drink and enjoy the outdoors at summer festivals in Western New York.

Check out a list of celebrations for the weekend of July 26 to 27 below:

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 all weekend. Dozens of local vendors will serve Italian-American cuisine.

The festival begins at 11 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday. Attendance is free.

Queen City Jazz Festival

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

The festival runs from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday and is free to attend.

Buffalo Irish Festival

The Buffalo Irish Festival, to be held at Canalside, celebrates the best of the culture through food, music, dancing, merchandise and wares. The Banshee Irish Pub and Fat Bob’s Smokehouse will be in attendance, as well as local bands, a children’s tent and a vendor tent.

The festival starts at 5 p.m. Friday and tickets can be purchased here. Ticket prices vary depending on the day. Kids 16 and under are free.

Western New York

Niagara Falls Italian Festival

The Italian Festival in Niagara Falls will begin Friday at Hyde Park. Frank Sinatra and Led Zeppelin tribute bands will serenade the park as visitors enjoy pizza, pastries, Italian sausage, polenta, stuffed mushrooms, stuffed peppers, eggplant parmesan and more.

The festival runs Friday through Sunday and admission is free.

Niagara Wine & Food Festival

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

The festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $40 per person for their presale and $45 per person at the door. The 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 the Sto Lat Bar will be among the vendors serving up creative twists on Polish cuisine. Authentic music, beer, wine and crafts from the Polonia culture will be cause for celebration.

The festival kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday and is free to attend.

East Aurora Street Festival

The 55th annual Sidewalk Sale and Street Festival will take place along Main Street in East Aurora and will feature over 100 vendors. The Saturday festival will include a Kid’s Zone and chalk murals as well as performances by cheerleaders and martial artists. Vendors include Blue Eyed Baker, Vidler’s 5 & 10 and many more.

The Festival takes place starting at 9 a.m. Saturday with a preview sidewalk sale at 10 a.m. Friday.

Glen Park Art Festival

An annual celebration of art is taking place this weekend in Williamsville. The Glen Park Art Festival will feature over 150 local artists along with local food and drinks. A live chalk art competition will take place as children enjoy a scavenger hunt and free activities.

The festival goes from Saturday to Sunday.

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.