WNY Insider
Latest News
|WNY Insider
Latest News

Subscribe

WNY Insider for February 13th

|
WNY Insider

WNY Insider

Archives

WNY Insider for February 13th

WNY Insider for February 13th
WNY Insider for February 13th

Seth Greene

Feb 13, 2026

The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

The Buffalo Bills are set to debut a cutting-edge stadium in Orchard Park, capturing excitement locally and nationally.

 

Construction stands at around 75% complete, with more than 1,500 workers hustling daily to finish in time for the 2026 NFL season.

 

This modern venue will replace the historic Highmark Stadium, revitalizing the team's home turf for the first time since 1973.

 

Fans can look forward to a 360-degree canopy shielding 65% of seats—perfect for Buffalo’s unpredictable weather—while the world’s largest snow melt system ensures year-round comfort.

 

April’s topping-off ceremony, when the final steel beam was installed, drew Governor Kathy Hochul and local leaders, highlighting the stadium’s regional importance.

 

Designed as a multipurpose destination, the new facility will also welcome concerts, festivals, and community gatherings, energizing the South Towns beyond football Sundays.

 

Anticipation grows as the opening approaches, promising a bold new chapter for the Bills and Western New York.


Read More...

Buffalo’s music scene in 2026 promises unforgettable moments for every listener.

 

On February 14, Shea’s Seneca sets the stage for a Tribute to Fleetwood Mac and a cozy Valentine’s Day Special, inviting fans to enjoy live music in an intimate setting.

 

March brings symphonic brilliance as the Buffalo Wind Symphony performs its Winter Concert in Williamsville, while April welcomes the electric FOREVER K-POP celebration concert at the UB Center for the Arts.

 

Don’t miss Barry Manilow’s emotional farewell at KeyBank Center on April 22, or Luke Bryan’s country hit parade beneath the summer sky at Sahlen Field on June 26.

 

For jazz lovers, the Art of Jazz 2026 series at Buffalo AKG Art Museum promises standout performances, and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will elevate classical fans with ‘Carmina Burana’ in May.

 

Music thrives in Buffalo, offering something special for all.


Read More...

Buffalo’s Community Action Organization of Western New York (CAO) has introduced the HOPE Initiative to tackle urban poverty by strengthening employment skills and supporting families with vital services.

 

Aimed at low- and no-income residents, the program provides financial literacy courses, workforce training, and counseling for personal and professional growth.

 

This effort supports the New York State Child Poverty Reduction Act’s mission to cut child poverty by 50% over the next decade. Dr. Marie Canon, CAO’s President and CEO, is a founding leader in these statewide efforts.

 

Affordable child care remains a central focus, addressing a major obstacle for working parents, as stressed by Vonetta T. Rhodes-Osi of the WNY Child Care Action Team.

 

Complementary regional programs—like PUSH Buffalo’s training in clean energy—further expand job opportunities, but challenges persist, including the prevalence of low-wage jobs.


Read More...
 

Local Love: Buffalo’s Must-Visit Small Businesses

  1. Public Espresso + Coffee
    📍 Location: 391 Washington St & 391 Main St, Buffalo, NY
    📄 Details: A downtown coffee staple roasting its own beans and partnering with local bakeries. A go-to for remote workers and morning commuters.

 

  1. Southern Junction
    📍 Location: 367 Connecticut St, Buffalo, NY
    📄 Details: An award-winning West Side restaurant blending Texas barbecue with bold Indian flavors.

 

  1. The BFLO Store
    📍 Location: 714 Main St, Buffalo, NY
    📄 Details: A Buffalo-pride apparel brand featuring hometown gear, game-day styles, and local-themed gifts.

 

  1. BreadHive Bakery & Cafe
    📍 Location: 402 Connecticut St, Buffalo, NY
    📄 Details: A worker-owned bakery known for organic sourdough breads and hearty breakfast sandwiches.

 

  1. Butter Block
    📍 Location: 217 Rhode Island St, Buffalo, NY
    📄 Details: An artisan bakery famous for flaky croissants and weekend lines.

 

  1. Moriarty Meats
    📍 Location: 728 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY
    📄 Details: An artisan butcher and sandwich shop offering house-made sausages and specialty meats.

 

  1. Thin Ice
    📍 Location: 719 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY
    📄 Details: A small-batch ice cream shop known for creative flavors and summer crowds.

 

  1. Left Bank
    📍 Location: 511 Rhode Island St, Buffalo, NY
    📄 Details: A cozy French-inspired bistro with classic dishes and curated wines.

 

  1. Rust Belt Books
    📍 Location: 202 Allen St, Buffalo, NY
    📄 Details: An independent bookstore specializing in used, rare, and regional titles.

 

  1. Winfield’s Pub
    📍 Location: 4535 Ridge Rd, Lackawanna, NY
    📄 Details: A neighborhood pub known for elevated comfort food and a standout WNY fish fry.

 

  1. The Grange Community Kitchen
    📍 Location: 22 Main St, Hamburg, NY
    📄 Details: A farm-to-table Southtowns favorite featuring locally sourced ingredients, seasonal menus, and craft cocktails in a restored historic space.

Stay connected to Western New York with just a few spare minutes! Don’t miss the WNY Insider Podcast. This is your spot for the best local spots, eats, experts & more...all in quick, easy listens!

/>
WNY Insider

© 2026 WNY Insider.

WNY Insider is your playful, punchy guide to everything happening in and around Buffalo, NY. From cool local events to neighborhood stories, we shine a spotlight on the people and places that make Western New York a standout community.

© 2026 WNY Insider.