Buffalo

National Buffalo Chicken Wing Festival honoring 'legends' to celebrate 25 years

Inductees include competitive eater Joey Chestnut, Buffalo Wild Wings co-founder Scott Lowery, and celebrity chef Bobby Flay.

Seth Greene

Seth Greene

Aug 28, 2026

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This weekend, the buffalo chicken wing festival returns to Buffalo, NY, inviting locals and visitors alike to celebrate the city’s signature dish in grand style.

 

For its 25th anniversary, the chicken wing festival is taking place at Sahlen Field, shifting a bit earlier than usual to accommodate the baseball season schedule.

 

The event pulses with energy and culinary creativity, drawing crowds hungry for classic flavors and bold new twists.

 

This year, attendees can expect exciting additions like chicken nuggets—an offering that’s been in high demand, especially among families and those craving a less messy option.

 

Though purists may raise an eyebrow at nuggets and ranch dressing, festival organizers acknowledge the importance of listening to the community’s evolving tastes.

 

Another highlight is the debut of a jumbo chicken wing from Perdue Farms, alongside the much-anticipated buffalo wing mac and cheese.

 

With 57 new sauce varieties featured this year, wing enthusiasts can expect everything from fiery, mouth-tingling creations to milder, tangy offerings.

 

A major moment for fans awaits with the launch of the Buffalo Wing Hall of Flame, a new tradition honoring culinary legends and influential figures in the wing world.

 

The festival’s magnetic pull crosses state lines and national borders, attracting travelers from far and wide—last year’s event drew wing lovers from dozens of states and many countries.

 

Locals say the buffalo chicken wing festival is more than a meal—it's a celebration of Buffalo’s unique character, generosity, and welcoming spirit.

 

Proceeds support community organizations, benefiting charities like Feedmore Western New York and the Alzheimer’s Association.

 

This weekend, Sahlen Field will buzz with laughter, delicious aromas, and a deep pride in the city’s signature dish, reinforcing why Buffalo remains the heart and soul of chicken wing culture.

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