The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

The University at Buffalo will welcome nearly 850 high school students from 29 area schools for the 33rd annual Science Exploration Day on March 18, 2026.

Students from across Western New York will get hands-on experience in workshops and lab tours, diving into fields like robotics, artificial intelligence, and genetics.

Led by university researchers and professionals, the event strives to ignite curiosity and encourage students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.

Allison Brashear, UB’s vice president for health sciences, emphasized the significance of empowering young minds by opening classrooms and labs for discovery.

Meanwhile, Buffalo is advancing major affordable housing projects. Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the $71 million Ellicott Town Center renovation on the East Side and a $254 million redevelopment of the Commodore Perry Homes, bringing hundreds of new affordable apartments to the city.

Together, these initiatives highlight Buffalo’s commitment to educational opportunity and vibrant community growth.

Buffalo’s culinary scene is ready to shine as the National Buffalo Wing Festival lands a coveted spot among the nation’s top specialty food festivals.

Industry experts have named Wingfest a Top 10 finalist, recognizing Buffalo’s signature celebration alongside major national events.

This milestone year marks the 25th anniversary of the festival, which took home third place nationwide last year.

Over its storied history, Wingfest has not only celebrated the best wings but has generously given over $550,000 to local charities.

Voting remains open until March 2, allowing fans to cast a ballot once per day.

This year’s Wingfest is set for August 29 and 30 at Sahlen Field in Downtown Buffalo, promising another unforgettable event.

Let’s put Buffalo at the very top—where it belongs.

Gus, a six-year-old from Western New York, has been impatiently waiting for spring so he can return to playing catch outside.

With the arrival of warmer weather, Gus and his family celebrated by heading back to their driveway, where he excitedly tried out a new-to-him glove—one donated by another family and marked with the name “Parker.”

This secondhand glove made all the difference, replacing frustration with pure joy and sparking Gus’s renewed enthusiasm for the coming Little League season.

Gus now carries the glove everywhere, proof that the right gear can transform a young player’s confidence and excitement.

His experience serves as a heartfelt reminder to consider donating gently used youth sports equipment—one family’s outgrown items can inspire a new generation of players across Western New York.

Spring can’t come fast enough for Gus and countless other kids eager to get back on the ballfield.

Buffalo’s Top Weekend Picks

Cavalcade of Cars 2026

• 📅 Date: Friday, February 27 – Sunday, March 1, 2026

• 🕒 Time: Varies by day

• 📍 Hamburg Fairgrounds Event Center, Hamburg, NY

• 🎟️ Admission: $18 Adults | Kids 12 & Under FREE

• 📄 Details: One of Western New York’s most anticipated annual shows returns with custom cars, hot rods, live music, vendors, and family-friendly fun. A perfect winter weekend outing for auto enthusiasts.

Zodiaque Dance Company – 51st Season Spring Concert

• 📅 Date: Friday, February 27 – Sunday, March 1, 2026

• 🕒 Time: Evening performances

• 📍 UB Center for the Arts, Amherst, NY

• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed event

• 📄 Details: Experience powerful contemporary dance performances from the University at Buffalo’s acclaimed resident company. A visually stunning and inspiring cultural event for the arts community.

Cabin Fever Antique Show & Sale

• 📅 Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026

• 🕒 Time: All Day

• 📍 Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, Buffalo, NY

• 🎟️ Admission: Included with garden admission

• 📄 Details: Shake off winter blues while browsing antiques, vintage collectibles, and historic treasures inside the warm, tropical conservatory setting.

2026 Brewer’s Invitational: VIP Beer Festival

• 📅 Date: Sat Feb 28

• 🕒 Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

• 📍 Orchard Park, NY (245 Windward Rd)

• 🎟️ Admission: Starts around $13+

• 📄 Details: Sample unique craft beers from around WNY, enjoy conversation with brewers, and sip seasonal brews during this cozy winter beer fest.

Luke Bryan – Country On Tour

• 📅 Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026

• 🕒 Time: 7:00 PM

• 📍 KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY

• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed event

• 📄 Details: Country superstar Luke Bryan brings his arena-sized hits and high-energy performance to downtown Buffalo for one night only. Expect a packed house and a big production show.

Greta Van Fleet – Live in Buffalo

• 📅 Date: Friday, February 27, 2026

• 🕒 Time: 8:00 PM

• 📍 Shea's Performing Arts Center, Buffalo, NY

• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed event

• 📄 Details: Grammy-winning rock band Greta Van Fleet delivers their electrifying sound and classic-rock energy at one of Buffalo’s most iconic theaters.

Brantley Gilbert – Live in Concert

• 📅 Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026

• 🕒 Time: 7:30 PM

• 📍 Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Niagara Falls, NY

• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed event

• 📄 Details: Country-rock powerhouse Brantley Gilbert closes out the weekend with a high-octane performance just a short drive from Buffalo.

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