Buffalo NY Best Food and Drink Festivals 

Buffalo, known for its vibrant history and distinctive character, has become a lively destination for food lovers and beverage enthusiasts. With a diverse range of dining options and a growing craft beer scene, the city hosts a variety of festivals that offer unique flavors and memorable experiences.

National Buffalo Wing Festival: August

The aroma of hot sauce and grilled wings fills the air as thousands of wing enthusiasts gather annually at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The National Buffalo Wing Festival features over 25 local and national vendors, including iconic names like Anchor Bar, Bocce Pizza, and La Nova Wings, serving up more than 100 styles of chicken wings alongside Buffalo-style comfort foods. Festival attendees, typically numbering around 50,000 during the two-day event, can participate in the United States Chicken Wing Eating Championship and amateur wing eating contests while enjoying local craft beers from Buffalo breweries.

Live music performances from regional blues and rock bands provide entertainment throughout the weekend on the main stage, though specific lineups vary each year. The festival hosts the National Buffalo Wing Festival Hall of Fame ceremony, recognizing significant contributors to wing culture and the Buffalo food scene. A highlight of the weekend is the Traditional Wing Sauce Competition, where restaurants compete for awards in categories including traditional medium, hot, extra-hot, and creative sweet sauces.

Buffalo on Tap Brew Fest: February

The largest craft beer festival in Western New York brings together over 50 craft breweries offering more than 200 different beers for sampling. Buffalo on Tap, hosted at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, features local favorites like Resurgence Brewing Company, Big Ditch Brewing Company, and Flying Bison Brewing Company alongside national craft beer brands. The event includes food vendors serving beer-friendly fare like soft pretzels, loaded nachos, and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches to complement the extensive beer selection.

Music performances throughout the day keep the atmosphere lively, with local rock bands and acoustic acts entertaining the approximately 3,000 attendees across two sessions. Special features include a VIP hour with exclusive beer tastings, a home brewing demonstration area, and educational sessions where guests can learn about beer styles and brewing processes from industry experts. The festival also showcases a designated area for New York State Farm Brewery license holders, highlighting the connection between local agriculture and craft brewing.

Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival: March

Western New York's most indulgent winter event brings together artisanal chocolate makers, regional wineries, and craft distilleries under one roof at the Buffalo RiverWorks. The Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival features over 50 vendors, including local favorites like Chow Chocolates, Park Edge Sweet Shoppe, and Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market offering decadent truffles, chocolate-covered treats, and specialty confections. Attendees can sample from 30 different wine varieties provided by regional vineyards including Merritt Estate Winery and Freedom Run Winery, while spirit enthusiasts enjoy tastings from Buffalo Distilling Co., Blackbird Distillery, and other craft whiskey producers.

The festival draws approximately 2,000 visitors and features live jazz performances by The Hot Club of Buffalo throughout the day. Special features include chocolate-making demonstrations, wine and chocolate pairing workshops, and an exclusive VIP hour that allows early access and premium tasting selections. Local food trucks and vendors provide savory options including wood-fired pizzas, gourmet grilled cheese, and other comfort foods to complement the sweeter offerings.

The Buffalo Wine Festival: April

The annual celebration of fine wines and culinary delights draws thousands of enthusiastic visitors to the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. The Buffalo Wine Festival features over 30 New York State wineries including Merritt Estate Winery, Freedom Run Winery, and Victorianbourg Wine Estate pouring their finest selections. Local restaurants and food artisans like Buffalo's own Osteria 166, Fat Bob's Smokehouse, and Nickel City Cheese serve perfectly paired small plates and charcuterie. Live jazz performances by The Hot Club of Buffalo and Mark Mazur Trio create an elegant atmosphere for the approximately 2,500 attendees who sample their way through the grand ballroom.

Festival-goers can participate in wine education seminars led by certified sommeliers and enjoy live cooking demonstrations from regional chefs throughout the day. A highlight of the event is the exclusive VIP tasting lounge where premium reserve wines and champagnes are featured alongside artisanal chocolate pairings from local chocolatier Blue Table Chocolates.

Buffalo's festivals are more than mere gatherings, they are celebrations of the city's fervor for food, wine, and beer, inviting you to immerse yourself in a world of delectable flavors and unforgettable experiences.