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🔥Delaware North's $1 Million Gift Boosts Buffalo Olmsted Parks716 Day Celebration at Sahlen Field: Free Hot Dogs & Home Run ChallengeErie County Fair Announces Lower Prices on Admission and Food for 2026New York's Thriving Wine Regions: A Blend of Tradition and InnovationDiscover Clarence: A Charming Town Near Buffalo with Shops, Local Eats, and Cozy Stays5 Underrated Taste of Buffalo Vendors You Need to Seek Out This YearShea's Buffalo Theatre Honored as Distinguished Theatre Amid Centennial CelebrationsCosmic Baseball Lights Up Buffalo's Fourth of July Weekend at Sahlen FieldEllicottville Music Festival and July 4th Events in Western New YorkGateway Harbor Hosts Seneca Chief on 'Back to Buffalo' VoyageBuffalo Harbor State Park: A Splash Pad Paradise for FamiliesWest Seneca Couple Welcomes 14-Pound Baby at Golisano Children's HospitalMark Twain's Buffalo Legacy: A Literary Turning PointDiscussions Progress for Outdoor Sabres Game at Highmark StadiumBuffalo Science Museum Hosts WNY Invention Convention Showcasing Student InnovationsDiscover the Renovated Yates Town Park Between Buffalo and RochesterMeet Mozzarella: Buffalo Zoo's New Capybara in Rainforest Falls ExhibitMeet Me Downtown Initiative Brings Vibrancy to BuffaloAmerica 250: Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in BuffaloValkyrie International Film Festival Moves to Hallwalls for Fourth YearBuffalo Bills Inaugurate Highmark Stadium with Ribbon-Cutting CeremonyUrban Sketchers Buffalo: Capturing the City's Essence Through ArtMartin House Launches Thursday Evening Farmers MarketBuffalo Seeks Public Input on Niagara Square EnhancementsStrawberry Season in Western New York: Top U-Pick FarmsNine Rural Buffalo & Erie County Libraries Receive Grants for Community ProjectsJust Buffalo Literary Center Hosts 'In Gratitude' Celebration at Silo CityIKEA to Open First Western New York Store at Walden Galleria in 2027Experience the Roycroft Campus Art & Antique Show in East AuroraBuffalo Animal Shelter at Capacity: Urgent Call for Adoptions and FostersLegends Global Seeks 500 Workers for Highmark Stadium OperationsShakespeare in Delaware Park Announces 51st Season with Touring Production20th Annual Paddles Up Niagara Set for July 25, 2026King Condrell's: A Kenmore Icon Serving Homemade Ice Cream and CandiesBuffalo Zoo Welcomes Black and White Ruffed Lemur FamilyLights, Action, Camera Returns to Western New YorkPhase 2 Construction Begins at Ralph Wilson Park in BuffaloKenmore Porchfest Honors Young Musicians with ScholarshipsTop Barbecue Restaurants in Buffalo, NYRescued Beagles from Wisconsin Find New Life in New YorkOld Fort Niagara Celebrates 300 Years Amid America's 250th AnniversaryWayland Brewing Company Hosts Third Annual Lyme WNY 5K Race40th Annual Torch Run Honors Fallen Officers and Supports Special Olympics AthletesBig Boy 4014's Historic Visit to Western New YorkBuffalo Pride Weekend 2026: Events and CelebrationsBuffalo Bids Farewell to American Patriot in Historic Cruise DepartureDowntown Country Market Celebrates 44th Anniversary SeasonSenator Baskin Honors Buffalo Entrepreneurs During Small Business MonthStudents Enhance Community Gardens in Western New YorkTaste of Buffalo Announces 43rd Annual Festival LineupBuffalo Bills Inspire Students During Community Takeover DayWounded WNY Soldier to Receive Specially Built HomeBuffalo Music Series at Ralph Wilson Park Begins July 6Discover Summer Activities in Buffalo and Erie CountyGirl Scout's Guinea Pig Rescue Efforts in WNYWNY Families Honor Veterans at Buffalo Naval ParkBuffalo Marathon Celebrates 25th Anniversary with 7,500 RunnersJosh Allen's Charity Cap Supports Western New York FamiliesExperience Private Animal Encounters at the Buffalo ZooBuffalo Harbor State Park Reopens with New Sprayground and Art Sculpture

WNY Insider for July 8th

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WNY Insider
WNY Insider for July 8th
WNY Insider for July 8th
Seth Greene

Seth Greene

Jul 8, 2026

The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

Buffalo’s annual 716 Day Celebration returns to Sahlen Field on Thursday, July 16, uniting the community for a day of local pride from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

The first 716 guests will enjoy complimentary Sahlen’s Hot Dogs—an iconic Western New York favorite—before hot dogs switch to a $2 donation benefiting the Buffalo Bisons Charitable Foundation.

 

Guests can savor additional ballpark treats and craft beers at the popular Fatty Craft Beer Corner.

 

Baseball fans of all ages are invited to the On-Field Home Run Challenge, where a $16 donation gives each participant seven swings. Prize highlights include Bisons tickets and gift cards for impressive hits over the outfield fences, along with a shot at extra rewards from a special Sahlen’s target.

 

Tours, exclusive merch, and photo ops with the vintage Weber’s mustard-yellow Firebird round out this festive, charity-driven celebration of Buffalo’s spirit.


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The Erie County Fair is prioritizing affordability for families in 2026, introducing lower admission prices and expanded value options.

 

Advance sale tickets now cost $15, down nearly 12%, while regular admission drops to $19, a 16% cut.

 

Children 12 and under enter free with an adult, and parking stays complimentary.

 

Fair CEO Jessica Underberg highlighted these changes, stressing the importance of making the fair accessible for local families.

 

Recognizing food costs, organizers have worked with vendors to offer special value-priced menu items, and guests can bring their own snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and coolers.

 

Exciting new ride deals include $2 rides on August 13 and unlimited rides for $30 on August 16 and 23 from noon to 5 p.m.

 

The fair is set for August 12–23 at the Hamburg Fairgrounds.


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Delaware North has committed a transformative $1 million to the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, bolstering the long-term future of Buffalo’s beloved park system.

 

This major donation will fuel the Conservancy’s new Endowment Campaign, ensuring essential support for maintaining and stewarding 850 acres that include Delaware Park and Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

 

Beyond financial support, Delaware North will help place five AmeriCorps volunteers in the parks, partnering with staff on vital landscape and restoration projects.

 

CEO Jerry Jacobs Jr. underscored the significance, calling the parks “one of the things that make Buffalo so special.”

 

Executive Director Catie Stephenson noted this leadership gift will keep these historic landscapes thriving for generations.

 

This latest pledge builds on Delaware North’s ongoing partnership and previous gifts, reflecting the city’s strong commitment to preserving its green spaces.


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🌇 Make the Most of Your Weekend in WNY

🍔 Taste of Buffalo

📅 July 11–12
🕒 Saturday: 11 AM–8 PM | Sunday: 11 AM–7 PM
📍 Downtown Buffalo (Niagara Square & Delaware Ave.)
🎟️ Admission: Free (food available for purchase)

The nation's largest two-day food festival returns with dozens of local restaurants, food trucks, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and family activities.

 

🎶 South Buffalo Porchfest

📅 Saturday, July 11
🕛 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
📍 South Buffalo (Sheldon Park & surrounding neighborhood)
🎟️ Admission: Free

Enjoy dozens of local musicians performing on neighborhood porches throughout South Buffalo. Food vendors and an after-party keep the fun going into the evening.

 

🎭 Shakespeare in Delaware Park

📅 July 10–12
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Shakespeare Hill, Delaware Park
🎟️ Admission: Free (donations welcome)

Buffalo's beloved outdoor theater tradition continues with nightly performances in one of the city's most beautiful parks. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

 

🎸 Ziggy Marley – Brightside Tour

📅 Saturday, July 11
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Artpark, Lewiston
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed

The reggae icon brings his Brightside Tour to Artpark for an outdoor summer concert overlooking the Niagara Gorge.

 

🎻 Femmes of Rock

📅 Friday, July 10
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Western New York venue
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed

An energetic rock violin show featuring classic rock favorites performed with electric strings, choreography, and a full band.

 

🎵 Dogs In A Pile with Organ Fairchild

📅 Friday, July 10
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Buffalo area
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed

Jam-band fans can catch Dogs In A Pile alongside Buffalo favorites Organ Fairchild for an evening of improvisational rock.

 

🛍️ Elmwood Village Farmers Market

📅 Saturday, July 11
🕗 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo
🎟️ Admission: Free

Browse fresh produce, baked goods, local artisans, flowers, and specialty foods at one of Buffalo's most popular weekly markets.

 

🌃 Meet Me Downtown: Home by 10

📅 Saturday, July 11
🕕 6:00 PM–10:00 PM
📍 Chippewa Street, Downtown Buffalo
🎟️ Admission: Free

An evening of outdoor entertainment, music, games, food, and drinks designed to bring people downtown for a fun summer night.

 

🥕 South Buffalo Farmers Market

📅 Sunday, July 12
🕘 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Cazenovia Park
🎟️ Admission: Free

Shop local produce, handmade goods, baked treats, and more while enjoying one of Buffalo's historic Olmsted parks.

 

🎉 Friday Night Live

📅 Friday, July 10
🕕 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
📍 Downtown Buffalo (Ellicott Street)
🎟️ Admission: Free

Kick off the weekend with live music, food vendors, local businesses, and a lively downtown atmosphere.

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