The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

Buffalo’s culinary legacy is defined by iconic favorites, but kielbasa is quickly rising as a beloved local delicacy.

This flavorful Polish sausage has deep roots in Western New York, cherished especially during Easter and celebrated by generations of home cooks and artisans.

The Buffalo’s Best Kielbasa Contest marks 12 years of celebrating this tradition, drawing amateur sausage makers to Potts Banquet Hall in Cheektowaga on March 28.

With free admission and live music by Captain Tom & The Hooligans, the event invites everyone to enjoy authentic flavors and vibrant Polish polka.

Home chefs compete in five creative kielbasa categories, striving for prizes and hometown pride.

Judges including Roy Bakos, Kelly Dudzik, and David Franczyk will select the winners.

Locals and visitors alike can savor tradition, community, and culinary craftsmanship at this uniquely Buffalo celebration.

Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper is launching a transformative $1.6 million grant program to advance environmental restoration in Western New York.

Funded by the U.S. EPA through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, this program targets the Niagara River and Lake Erie watersheds.

Local non-profits, tribal and municipal governments, schools, and community organizations can apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 for projects addressing invasive species, habitat restoration, and water pollution.

The first application window is set for February 2026.

This initiative reinforces Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper’s dedication to environmental justice and local engagement.

Recent successes include securing $5.6 million from the EPA for projects in underserved communities, while the Envision Neighborhoods and Legacy Cities efforts further support neighborhood renewal and infill housing in areas like Hamlin Park and Masten Park.

This collaborative approach strengthens Buffalo’s sustainable development and community resilience.

M. Steffan’s & Sons, Buffalo’s beloved family-owned leather goods shop, will close after an astonishing 175 years on Main Street.

Founded in 1851, the store has seen generations of Steffans tend to boots, belts, and bags—each one crafted by hand.

Memorabilia lines the shop at 761 Main Street: antique cash registers, shoe stretchers, and handwritten ledgers evoke a lost era of artisanship.

Linda Steffan, who has managed the business for over three decades, now faces emotional farewells as she retires and the store’s inventory—spanning a century—is offered for sale.

Reflecting Buffalo’s changing landscape, new ventures like The Monroe’s $8.4 million redevelopment and Market Arcade 8’s reopening point to Main Street’s ongoing blend of tradition and modern growth.

The closing marks the end of a remarkable legacy for both the Steffan family and the local community.

Get Out & Explore: Buffalo Weekend Events

1. AMP Dance Competition

• 📅 March 20–22

• 📍 Buffalo Niagara Convention Center

• 🎟️ Ticketed

• A high-energy weekend of competitive dance featuring performers from across the region in styles like hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary.

2. Eid Festival Celebration

• 📅 March 21

• 🕒 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• 📍 Buffalo History Museum

• 🎟️ Free

• A vibrant cultural event with food, music, performances, and family-friendly activities celebrating Buffalo’s diverse community.

3. Suminagashi Paper Marbling Workshop

• 📅 March 21

• 📍 Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens

• 🎟️ Ticketed

• A relaxing, hands-on workshop where you can learn traditional Japanese paper marbling and create your own designs.

4. Spring Flower Exhibit

• 📅 Ongoing (through April 13)

• 📍 Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens

• 🎟️ Included with admission

• Stroll through colorful spring blooms like tulips and hyacinths in this seasonal showcase.

5. Indoor Walking Tour: Return to the Rainbow City

• 📅 March 20–21

• 📍 Buffalo History Museum

• 🎟️ Included with admission

• An immersive historical tour exploring Buffalo’s 1901 Pan-American Exposition.

6. Live Music Night at Electric City

• 📅 March 21

• 📍 Electric City (Downtown Buffalo)

• 🎟️ Cover charge likely

• Enjoy a lively night of local music with indie, rock, and alternative performances.

7. Family Fun Day at Explore & More

• 📅 March 21–22

• 📍 Explore & More Children’s Museum (Canalside)

• 🎟️ Included with admission

• A perfect outing for kids with hands-on exhibits, crafts, and interactive activities.

8. Buffalo Sabres Home Game

• 📅 March 22

• 📍 KeyBank Center

• 🎟️ Ticketed

• Catch the Sabres live and experience the excitement of NHL hockey in downtown Buffalo.

9. Winter Market at Chandler Street

• 📅 March 21

• 🕒 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• 📍 Chandler Street Market

• 🎟️ Free

• Shop local vendors offering handmade goods, fresh foods, and artisan products.

10. Comedy Night at Helium Comedy Club

• 📅 March 20–22

• 📍 Helium Comedy Club

• 🎟️ Ticketed

• A weekend lineup of stand-up comedy featuring touring comedians in an intimate setting.

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