Arts, Culture, Recreation in the Buffalo New York Area | What’s happening in Buffalo

FEATURED EVENTS

Great Lakes Keychain Creature Craft

Drop-in Saturday, September 5th from 10-2pm at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center to make a Great Lakes Keychain Creature with Ranger Grace! Choose from a variety of Great Lakes species to make featuring a great egret, river otter, lake sturgeon, or brook trout! All instructions and materials will be provided. Date and Time: September 5th, drop in 10am-2pm Location: Iroquois NWR Visitor Center, 1101 Casey Rd. Basom NY 14013 No RSVP required.
Dates: 
09/05/2026
10am-2pm
Location: 
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Casey Rd, Alabama, NY, USA
See map: Google Maps
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The Great New York State Fair 2026

Join us at the 2026 Great New York State Fair! In the heart of New York, the 13-day Great New York State Fair is a celebration of delicious food, captivating exhibits, exciting entertainment, and unforgettable fun. As the oldest and most affordable state fair in the United States, it features a diverse array of animals, hundreds of attractions, thrilling midway rides, and performances by top entertainers. Whether you're a local, a visitor from across the country, or traveling from around the world, this iconic event offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Dates: 
08/28/2026
08/29/2026
08/30/2026
See website for details
Location: 
New York State Fairgrounds, State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse, NY, USA
See map: Google Maps
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Fossil Hunting at Penn Dixie

Imagine stepping into the past to search for fossils from an ancient undersea environment that existed 380 million years ago. Layers of rock deposited during the Devonian Period are now exposed at the surface and the 54-acre park provides ample opportunity for exploration. With 15,000 visitors annually, Penn Dixie (just south of Buffalo) is ranked as the #1 fossil park in the U.S. and welcomes guests from around the world. Our trained staff and volunteers will offer help with collecting, tools for digging, and cards to help you identify your fossils. Perfect for all ages, but there's no shade so wear your hats and sunscreen, bring water, and closed toe shoes are best.
Dates: 
08/28/2026
08/29/2026
08/30/2026
9 am - 4:30 pm
Location: 
Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve, 4050 North St, Blasdell, NY 14219, United States
See map: Google Maps
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Toddler Time: The Everything Trail at Trillium Nature Center

Join us for our first Toddler Time of the season! Bring your little one for a day of fun and learning in nature. We’ll enjoy a snack, make a craft, and read the book The Everything Trail by Meg Fleming.
Dates: 
09/01/2026
10 - 11 AM
Location: 
Trillium Nature Center / Buffalo Audubon Society, 1610 Welch Rd, North Java, NY, USA
See map: Google Maps
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Buffalo Water Lantern Festival 2026

Water Lantern Festival is a community event that encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to come together for a night of love and laughter. Gather with your loved ones, reflect on your life, and connect with new friends. As the sun sets, release your personalized lantern onto the water and watch it illuminate the night. Enjoy food trucks, live music, vendors, a scavenger hunt, and the lantern launch.
Dates: 
09/05/2026
5 pm
Location: 
Delaware Park, Buffalo, NY, USA
See map: Google Maps
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Delaware Park for Kids: Free Family Walking Tour

Buffalo's most beloved park just got even more fun — Explore Buffalo's Delaware Park for Kids Walking Tour is a free, 45-60 minute adventure designed just for families with children! Families will enjoy exploring Buffalo's beautiful Delaware Park during this mobility-friendly tour, experiencing the park's natural beauty, architectural landmarks, and captivating art. Your tour includes the exterior artwork of the AKG, a brief stop inside the museum’s Town Square and much more. Everyone can take advantage of the playground and picnic tables and have lunch in the park after their tour has finished! Spots are limited and registration is required. This tour is a kids and family-focused tour, geared towards children aged 5 to 10. All guests must be registered and parents are required to be with their children. Space is limited to 15 guests.
Dates: 
08/29/2026
11 am
Location: 
Lincoln Statue on Lincoln Parkway, Buffalo, NY
See map: Google Maps
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Summer's End, Fall’s Beginning at Reinstein Woods

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall during a walk in the woods. We will explore the changes taking place in our forests and ponds as the weather gets colder and the leaves start to turn.
Dates: 
09/05/2026
10 - 11:30 am
Location: 
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY 14043, United States
See map: Google Maps
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Canalside for Kids: Free Family Walking Tour

Looking for a fun, free way to discover Buffalo's waterfront with your little ones? Explore Buffalo's Canalside for Kids Walking Tour is the perfect adventure for families with kids ages 5 - 10! This tour takes kids and their families through Canalside and ends with a free ride on the Buffalo Heritage Carousel! This is a 45-60 minute walking tour for parents and children which includes a view of the Naval Ships, the memorial Park, Shark Girl and much more. This tour is stroller friendly as well as 100% handicapped accessible. All guests must be registered and parents are required to be with their children. Space is limited to 15 guests.
Dates: 
08/28/2026
10:30 am
Location: 
Waterway of Change, Prime Street, Buffalo, NY, USA
See map: Google Maps
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Niagara County Peach Festival

The Niagara County Peach Festival is an old fashioned festival complete with a parade, peach shortcake, food, vendors, carnival rides and 4 days of stage entertainment! Money raised at the Peach Festival supports children’s programs and related charities in our community. Our annual parade will be held Saturday on Center Street at 11 AM. Pre-Sale Ride Tickets are available.
Dates: 
09/10/2026
09/11/2026
09/12/2026
Varies; see website
Location: 
New York 18, Lewiston, NY 14092, United States
See map: Google Maps
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Locust Street Art Open House & Enrollment Day

Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is open! Enroll once per year, and you gain access to over 500 FREE community art classes. It's never too late to enroll during the year—just fill out the form, stop in during our scheduled class times, and create!
Dates: 
09/05/2026
1 - 3 pm
Location: 
Locust Street Art, 138 Locust St, Buffalo, NY 14204, United States
See map: Google Maps
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