The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

The Buffalo Bills’ “Billieve Together” Bus Tour ignited playoff excitement across Western New York, uniting fans from downtown Buffalo to West Seneca.

The celebration kicked off at Seneca One Tower, where crowds enjoyed the energetic ‘Shout’ anthem, gathered special souvenirs, and met famed former center Eric Wood.

Stops included the Westminster Community Charter School and a special visit to Golisano Children’s Hospital, bringing smiles to students and young patients alike.

The tour’s final stop at Southgate Plaza drew an enthusiastic community turnout, reflecting deep local pride.

M&T Bank’s Tracy Woodrow emphasized the strong connection between the Bills and the region’s fans, highlighting community unity.

Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan even entered a friendly playoff bet with Jacksonville’s mayor, underscoring the spirited atmosphere surrounding the postseason.

Despite the Bills playing away, local leaders anticipate packed venues and robust support for area businesses throughout the playoffs.

The Buffalo Sabres marked their sixth annual Pride Night on January 6, 2026, at the KeyBank Center, with an exciting matchup against the Vancouver Canucks.

A standout moment featured the unveiling of special practice jerseys designed by Adam Weekley, a prominent Western New York artist and professor.

These vibrant jerseys are available at auction until January 11, raising crucial funds for LGBTQIA+ organizations such as GLYS of WNY, Niagara Pride, Pride Center of WNY, and Upstate NY Black & Latino Pride.

Pride Night brought extra excitement as Zach Metsa, captain of the Rochester Americans, scored his first-ever NHL goal—clinching a win for the Sabres.

The Sabres will return to the KeyBank Center on January 12 to host the Florida Panthers, as the community continues its support for inclusion and local causes through the ongoing jersey auction.

Macy’s will close its Boulevard Mall location in Amherst, a move that reflects nationwide strategic shifts to strengthen stores and digital offerings where shoppers are now most active.

No definitive closure date has been announced, but many local customers are saddened, expressing reluctance to travel to the Walden Galleria or switch to online shopping.

The Boulevard Mall itself has faced ongoing struggles, with most of its stores shuttering in early 2024 as redevelopment gathered momentum.

After Douglas Development acquired most of the property in 2019, town officials approved plans, including eminent domain and a $31 million state infrastructure grant, to create a vibrant, mixed-use town center.

With demolition scheduled for early 2026, the closure of Macy’s signifies the end of an era and a major transition for Amherst’s shopping landscape.

Coming Soon to Buffalo & Western New York

• National Buffalo Wing Festival (Sahlen Field)
  📅 August 29–30, 2026
  📍 Sahlen Field, Downtown Buffalo
  🎟️ Tickets on sale now
  📄 The beloved WingFest returns to Sahlen Field for the first time not over Labor Day weekend, offering two days of wings, music, games, and family fun — a staple for food lovers and visitors alike.

• 🌳 Ralph C. Wilson Park (Phase 1)
  📅 Opening in 2026
  📍 Lake Erie Waterfront (Northwest of Downtown)
  📄 One of the region’s largest new parks is launching its first phase with waterfront trails, play areas, sledding hills, and natural habitats.

• 🏛️ Lipsey Architecture Center
  📅 Fall 2026
  📍 Richardson Olmsted Campus
  📄 A new museum space celebrating architectural innovators like Richardson and Frank Lloyd Wright, adding to Buffalo’s cultural tourism offerings.

• ☕ New Visitor Center at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff
  📅 Summer 2026
  📍 Graycliff Estate, Derby
  📄 A café and exhibition space will open, enhancing the Graycliff visitor experience after years of restoration efforts.

• 🎸 Goo Goo Dolls Museum Exhibit
  📅 2026 (Date TBA)
  📍 Buffalo History Museum
  📄 A special exhibit honoring Buffalo’s own rock legends, celebrating their music and local roots.

• 🖼️ Northern Lights & Other Art Exhibits
  📅 Ongoing into Early 2026
  📍 Buffalo AKG Art Museum & Other Galleries
  📄 Browse regional and international art exhibitions through early 2026.

• 🌎 Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute
  📅 Summer 2026
  📍 Niagara Street, Buffalo
  📄 A new cultural hub celebrating Hispanic arts, theater, and community programming in the heart of the heritage district.

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