The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

Shea's Theater in Buffalo has announced its eagerly awaited 2026 musical season, thrilling Western New York audiences with a dynamic slate of productions.

The season opens in September with the Tony-winning Buena Vista Social Club, celebrating Havana’s legendary music.

October brings Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen, drawing from the superstar’s own life story and songs.

November showcases a modern rock adaptation of The Great Gatsby, while December invites families to relive The Sound of Music.

In early 2027, comedy Death Becomes Her makes its debut, followed by the spellbinding Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in spring.

The season finale is the Tony-winning Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical in June.

With national tours launching at Shea’s, each show enriches Buffalo’s arts scene and supports downtown businesses.

Tickets go on sale April 1, 2026, with strong demand expected for this show-stopping lineup.

The University at Buffalo has forged a groundbreaking 15-year, $31.75 million partnership with Broadview Federal Credit Union, ushering in sweeping changes to campus athletics and student support.

UB Stadium and Alumni Arena will be renamed Broadview Stadium and Broadview Arena, while the connecting area becomes Broadview Village.

This deal, the largest ever in the Mid-American Conference, supports UB’s student-athletes and provides critical financial resources across the campus.

Broadview will donate $100,000 annually to student scholarships and $50,000 to an emergency fund, totaling $2.25 million to help students in need and foster academic achievement.

UB leaders, including President Satish K. Tripathi and Athletics Director Mark Alnutt, highlighted the partnership’s power to elevate student experiences and community engagement throughout Western New York.

The collaboration marks a bold chapter for both institutions, cementing their shared commitment to education and local impact.

Buffalo’s vibrant food scene has earned national recognition, with two major festivals ranked among the best by USA Today. The Taste of Buffalo was named the #2 Best City Food Festival in the U.S., marking its fourth mention since 2020 and following its #1 win last year.

The 2026 festival returns July 11–12 along Delaware Avenue, promising an array of dishes from more than 50 local restaurants and food trucks.

The National Buffalo Chicken Wing Festival also celebrated a top honor, landing at #5 for Best Specialty Food Festival.

Next year, the event moves to August 29–30 at Sahlen Field, avoiding Labor Day to welcome more wing fans. Founder Drew Cerza believes the date change will boost attendance and excitement.

Both beloved festivals showcase Buffalo’s culinary heritage while supporting local charities, with the wing festival’s donations surpassing $525,000 since 2002.

Admission details and tickets are available on each event’s official websites, inviting everyone to celebrate the city’s rich flavors and community spirit.

Weekend Happenings Around Buffalo

1. Downtown Buffalo St. Patrick’s Day Parade

• 📅 Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026

• 🕒 Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

• 📍 Location: Delaware Avenue, Downtown Buffalo

• 🎟️ Admission: Free

• 📄 Details: Buffalo’s biggest St. Patrick’s celebration returns with marching bands, Irish dancers, festive floats, and community groups. Thousands of locals line Delaware Avenue each year to celebrate Irish heritage.

2. St. Patrick’s Day Music Fest

• 📅 Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026

• 🕒 Time: 1:00 PM – 10:30 PM

• 📍 Location: Ebenezer Ale House, West Seneca

• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed

• 📄 Details: An all-day St. Patrick’s themed party featuring live bands, food vendors, Irish dancers, and a heated outdoor beer tent.

3. Riverdance

• 📅 Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026

• 🕒 Time: 1:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Shea’s Performing Arts Center

• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed

• 📄 Details: The internationally famous Irish dance show brings energetic choreography, traditional music, and storytelling to Buffalo for a special St. Patrick’s weekend performance.

4. Tim Burton's Batman (1989) with Live Orchestra

• 📅 Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026

• 🕒 Time: 7:30 PM

• 📍 Location: Kleinhans Music Hall

• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed

• 📄 Details: Watch the classic Batman movie while a full orchestra performs Danny Elfman’s score live alongside the film.

5. LIGHTS – Live in Concert

• 📅 Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026

• 🕒 Time: Doors at 9:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Town Ballroom

• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed

• 📄 Details: Canadian pop artist LIGHTS performs an energetic live show with fan-favorite songs and new music.

6. Family Art Workshop

• 📅 Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026

• 🕒 Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Buffalo AKG Art Museum

• 🎟️ Admission: Free with museum admission (kids often free)

• 📄 Details: Families can create their own artwork inspired by pieces in the museum. These workshops are designed for kids and parents to explore creativity together.

7. Explore & More – Family Activity Day

• 📅 Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026

• 🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Explore & More Children’s Museum, Canalside

• 🎟️ Admission: Museum admission required

• 📄 Details: Hands-on exhibits, craft stations, and themed activities make this a great indoor option for families looking for interactive fun.

8. Canalside Winter Fun & Ice Skating

• 📅 Date: Saturday–Sunday, March 14–15, 2026

• 🕒 Time: Various public skate sessions

• 📍 Location: Canalside, Buffalo Waterfront

• 🎟️ Admission: Free entry (skate rental extra)

• 📄 Details: Enjoy outdoor skating, winter activities, and views of the Buffalo waterfront. A fun, budget-friendly activity for families and groups.

9. Free Community Game Night

• 📅 Date: Friday, March 13, 2026

• 🕒 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

• 📍 Location: Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (Downtown)

• 🎟️ Admission: Free

• 📄 Details: Bring friends or family to play board games, card games, and puzzles. The library provides games and a relaxed community atmosphere.

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