This is the coolest event I've ever been to. Ever. I can't even describe the magnitude and feat of…read morethis. From 4pm to 4am, an otherwise usually-empty part of Buffalo is transformed into a huge art festival and free party of epic proportions. Grain elevators are decked out with huge art installations. I felt like I was in a video game of sorts walking around, with random adventures and surprises taking part on almost every corner. Going to this event made me feel like a gleeful tourist in my own city. From fire breathing to burlesque dancing to decked out psychedelic dance parties breaking out in random rooms of the silos and a huge main stage with projections, dancing and an awesome DJ. There's no use in having me write about every aspect of this event as there is just so much going on and it's bound to be different every year. All I can say is that if you missed it this year, be sure that you're there next year so you can be a part of something magical.

If I had to describe this event in one word it would be "WOW!"…read more Even though I had heard such positive things prior to attending, City of Night far exceeded my expectations. This past summer was my first time experiencing the magnitude of City of Night. Although in it's third year this was the first of which I could attend. City of Night is an art event that has so many unique features it is hard for me to even describe! Held at Silo City (92 Childs Street), the event cultivates a multi-disciplinary, sustainable, groundbreaking experience for all who attend. We parked in a lot near the First Niagara Center and waited for a shuttle bus to shuttle us over to 92 Childs Street. I guess I'm not the most patient person in the world because we actually ended up ditching the shuttle bus and walking. It was, however, much appreciated on the way back! The line to get into Silo City was long but moved quickly. I was pleased to see the bicycle check and donation based admission. Awesome. The event coordinators asked for attendees to share programs which is sustainable and appreciated. However, this was one of my first times at Silo City and it was difficult to determine which silos/buildings had installations, how to get into the buildings, etc. I really didn't want to miss anything. As the night went on, the people kept coming and the crowd was getting larger and larger. I hear the best part of City of Night is in fact the night time festivities, although I felt a little overwhelmed and left around 9pm. Don't get me wrong, I am happy so many Buffaloians came out to experience the art, music, and entertainment. The light installations were fascinating. I was puzzled at how these installations even came to be - from the creation process to the actual implementation. I hope to be in town and available year after year for this innovative, unique, creative, sustainable event. I plan to make it an all day event in the future. I can't even begin to imagine the amount of planning an event like this takes to pull off. Bravo to all those involved. Thank you for treating the people of Buffalo to City of Night!

Was invited by my sister to Canal Fest and I'm glad I decided to go. This was my first time ever…read more It was really fun we all had a good time. They had rides for all ages, games, food, snacks, and live music. It literally was something for everyone to do. Only issues I had was there were not enough sitting areas for people to sit and enjoy the food and like 90% of all the vendors only accepted cash which I normally don't carry around with me. Thank God I did that day. Also parking can be an issue if there is a huge crowd. Overall really nice festival to attend every year.

If it were a festival of boring idiosyncracies, it would be Banalfest. And if it were the San…read moreFernando Valley it would obviously be an*lfest. However it's actually the flagship fair & carnival of the Tonawandas, and it really really rocks. I came here many times, in fact I performed here once or twice thanks to a friend, and it was always a great time, in the summer, by the Erie Canal in the Tonawandas, with good food, excited people, interesting music (unless I was playing in which case it was crap), and lots and lots and lots of very good looking people. If you live in WNY or are visiting at the right time of year, and you've never been to Canalfest, you should come down. There are a thousand reasons to have a great time here and only one reason not to, which was me performing live music here, which no longer is a problem. At some point it'll be purchased by a conglomerate and watered down, at which point it'll become Clearchannelfest. You don't want that to happen, so get here and enjoy it before it does.

I actually kind of like the Allen West Festival better than the Allentown Art Festival. Sue me!…read more It's kind of a hurtful jab at the Allentown festival though; for the longest time I didn't know what to call this festival, though I heard through the grapevine about the "festival that wasn't actually a part of the Art Festival." This year they actually had a sign that read "Allen West Art Festival" out on the street, to alleviate the confusion and the blurred lines between either festival. Anyway, this festival just feels more like how I think an art festival should be. Where one will attract thousands of people who may end up spending hundreds of dollars on some admittedly redundant art, exploring Allen West will quickly put you in the heart of a funky sort of paradise, with quite a few vendors displaying some truly unique works, as well as foodstuffs and even clothes. It cramps you up on the already slender Allen Street, but there's always something interesting to see around here! I usually find at least one or two tents dedicated to dog treats and collars, which is always a plus in my book! There were a few tents that stood out to me this past year, such as the one with rings made out of absolutely anything you could think of (think: board game pieces, keyboard keys, doll heads), the one selling honey and flavored jellies, and children's blue jean planters. I hope they'll be returning in the future. There are almost always street musicians playing around Allen during the festival. Most of the popular businesses on Allen open their doors to customers as well, which is just awesome. I'm going to start putting this on all of my art festival reviews: PLEASE leave your dogs and puppies at home! This is no place to bring a pet, especially on a hot day! You try walking barefoot on the hot pavement in the summer heat!

Just up the street from Allentown Arts Festival is this festival. Same weekend. Similar type…read moreevent. It's on Allen from Elmwood to the end of Allen. Perhaps 4 blocks. It's been around for under a decade, but it's a busy and full event of its own. Most people travel from one festival to the other. Allen is closed to traffic so it's a very easy pedestrian experience.

Another great year at BurgerFest! It was definitely the hottest one I've been to with temperatures…read morenearing 90+°. First things first: there is no admission fee and parking is free. Always park along the side streets or in the school parking lot. It's a walkable distance. If you have a mobility impairment, it might be hard to find a parking spot during peak times since a lot is going on in the village. Food tickets: 50¢ per food ticket and no item is over 12 tickets (so for $6 you can get a full portion of a burger or other entree). I brought $20 with me and was FULL. I had around 10 tickets left over which I passed along to a friend who was staying later. The burgers: I am SHOOK that people say they can't seem to find burgers at BurgerFest... there had to be around 15-17 different types and styles of burgers! From a burger taco to pierogi and grilled cheese - to ice cream sandwiches- lots of creativity along with the classic burgers. Entertainment: Terry Buckwald is always a crowd pleaser and kept our spirits high in the heat! Lots of fun with those we sat by! Oh- did I forget to mention that there is shade areas with tables and chairs??? They have a good amount of tents to cool off under and sit/eat food! Main Street has a lot of fun with their performers and car show! Will be back again next year!!!

Think Taste of Buffalo but less crowded and a few less vendors. Dont get me wrong I love the…read moreconcept of the taste but its always so crowded, so hot, and each line is so long you sometimea lose your appetite. Hamberfest is awesome because you get the same concept but much less people, shorter lines and your not getting hit by a stroller every 20 feet. It also includes food vendors as well as people selling crafts, jewelry, face painting for the kids and various other items. This was mh first time coming and ill definitely be back next year!

Who doesn't love a carousel? This was a great addition to Canalside. And for only $1 a ride, it's…read morealso a great bargain. The music brings back childhood memories of going to amusement parks with my parents. Plus, it's solar powered! That kind of amazes me since after all, we are in Buffalo. Fun for all ages. 2023-52

Carousel rides were $3 per child. The staff was so amazing and you can tell they take pride in…read moretheir work and of this historical venue. The animals are beautifully made. They have an organ that plays music as you ride.. so lovely! The ride lasts for a good amount of time. Highly recommend if you are in the area!

Good luck with slow traffic and over priced parking. Free parking on high traffic road with long…read morewalk. Biggest complaint is the lack of adequate restrooms. Even local businesses like Tim Hortons close thier restrooms to paying customers durring the festival.Festival organizers should really work on making better acomadations for patrons supporting the event but only seem to focus on profits. How can anyone really feel comfortable there always wondering when and where they con use a restroom and how can they enjoy what the festival has to offer while they're walking around looking for restroom and then having to wait in absurdly long lines once you find restroom. The food and craft vendors are good and overall the festival has plenty to offer for all ages. More corn themed items and food would be a good adition. Overall it's a good festival but parking and restroom accommadations need improvement.

Eden was very good!! I feel like there was more vendors and stuff this yr than last and maybe I am…read morewrong but still. It was lots of fun. We didnt eat there as I am Celiac and eating in places like that is very hard. Everything is fried. Lol. But we went and walked around and just enjoyed watching people and looking at things. Go here! U wont be disappointed! Try the corn ice cream!!!! Sounds odd but super good.

Located at the Buffalo History Museum, over looking Hoyt Lake, and always the third Friday of the…read moremonth in June, July and August.For the price of admission you get one drink ticket for beer, wine or pop plus complimentary snacks like chips, doritis or fritos.Plus you get to hear some great artists perform the night away. Some of the past artists I have seen and enjoyed here include Bobby Militello, Strictly Hip and PA Line.It's always a fun night out.

Always an amazing night out here at the Buffalo History Museum in June, July and August the third…read moreFriday of these months.When you purchase a ticket you get to hear some fantastic music, a different band each month.I have previously enjoyed listening to Strictly Hip, Bobby Militello and PA Line.Your admission includes a free drink of pop, beer or wine plus free snacks like potato chips, dorritos or cheetos.A nice way to spend a Friday evening, listening to music and meeting new people.

Attended a show and the street festival at Curtains Up - Buffalo on Friday 9/20/2019. Had a great…read moretime. Plenty of activity and music. It was also very entertaining watching the police clearing the tracks that were crowded with people, so the Metro Rail train could pass through every 20 minutes or so. I was like Moses parting the Red Sea which quickly flooded again with festival goers as the train passed. This was our first time attending this event since we moved to Buffalo and we plan to attending again next year.

I know I'm kind of delayed with this review but it has been sitting in my drafts for the longest…read moretime and I figured I'd write it now. Everyone has always raved about Curtain Up! at Shea's Buffalo and I'm not sure why. I have had a vested interest in Broadway musicals since I was 5 and I would go around singing the Grease original soundtrack. I was excited to see that there was a Hamilton: The Musical sing-along during Curtain Up! this year and all the Hamilton-lovers in my family got tickets to it. The show was excellent and I was happy with that, but the after-party was kinda lame. There were a couple food trucks and other vendors, but not a lot of them. I was expecting there to be far more going on, with prizes and contests and games. I figured that Shea's would go all-out with something like this, but it just didn't seem to be there. Don't get me wrong. I had a good enough time, but I just wish that it was a bit more engaging.