The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

The Heart of Music Festival returns to East Aurora, NY, on June 7, 2026, with an exciting addition: a kids’ competition spotlighting rising musicians from across the region.

Young performers will have the chance to play alongside established artists, strengthening community ties and inspiring the next generation.

The much-loved ‘Grills Mafia’ event is also back, offering festival-goers a flavorful journey through Western New York’s renowned barbecue scene with dishes prepared by famed local pitmasters.

Over the years, this festival has become a beloved tradition, drawing crowds from across the state to venues like 42 North Brewing Co., Elm Street Bakery, and the Classic Rink for acts from bluegrass to rock.

With ticket sales capped at 7,000 for a relaxed experience, early purchase is encouraged.

Buffalo’s vibrant summer also features the Taste of Buffalo on July 11-12, 2026, celebrating the city’s culinary heritage alongside its thriving music scene.

Tully’s Good Times is gearing up to open a new restaurant in Greece, taking over the former Buffalo Wild Wings spot on West Ridge Road.

The beloved New York eatery, famous for its chicken tenders and lively sports-themed setting, will add a fresh burst of energy to the neighborhood.

Already familiar to fans in Henrietta and Clarence, this third location highlights the brand’s continued rise in the region.

Families and food lovers alike can look forward to crowd-pleasers such as the Mountain Melt Burger and Cajun Chicken Pasta, all in a welcoming atmosphere.

The arrival of Tully’s is set to spark new job opportunities, fueling local economic growth.

As Greece attracts exciting businesses, anticipation builds for Tully’s opening—though the official launch date is still under wraps.

Locals eager for a taste of Tully’s signature menu won’t have much longer to wait.

Pothole season has returned to Western New York, placing intense focus on road repairs across the region.

In Buffalo, crews from the Department of Public Works are out patching potholes using a cold patch method, a temporary fix until hot asphalt becomes available.

Mayor Sean Ryan recently oversaw this process, emphasizing its short-term nature and the need for community participation in identifying trouble spots.

Residents are encouraged to report potholes through 311, Erie County’s tip line, or the New York State Thruway hotline to expedite repairs.

Potholes are more than a nuisance; they lead to costly car repairs, with local mechanics reporting increased tire and wheel damage, sometimes exceeding $500 in expenses.

Some towns, like Tonawanda, now use asphalt recyclers to create durable hot patches even during cold snaps.

Prompt attention and community reporting remain vital to keeping Western New York’s roads safer.

Egg Hunts, Brunch & Buffalo Traditions: Easter in WNY

1. Easter Sunday Church Services (All Across WNY)
   • 📅 Easter Sunday (morning)
   • 📍 Churches throughout Buffalo, Amherst, Hamburg, Orchard Park
   • Details: Sunrise services, packed late-morning masses, and big family attendance are a core part of Easter in WNY—especially in Catholic and Polish communities.

1. Easter Brunch at Local Restaurants (Very Popular)
   • 📅 Easter Sunday (10 AM–3 PM typical)
   • 📍 Places like waterfront restaurants, Elmwood Village, and suburbs
   • Details: One of the busiest dining days of the year—prix fixe menus, buffets, carving stations, and cocktails. Reservations are usually required well in advance.

1. Dyngus Day Prep + Polish Easter Traditions
   • 📅 Easter Sunday → leads into Monday
   • 📍 Buffalo’s East Side / Broadway-Fillmore
   • Details: Families prepare Polish foods like pierogi, kielbasa, and babka on Easter Sunday before the huge Dyngus Day celebration the next day.

1. Traditional Easter Meals at Home
   • 📅 Easter Sunday (afternoon)
   • 📍 Homes across WNY
   • Details: Big family dinners featuring ham, lamb, kielbasa, potato dishes, horseradish, and desserts like coconut cream pie or babka.

1. Easter Basket & Egg Hunts (Family Tradition)
   • 📅 Easter Sunday morning
   • 📍 Backyards + some community centers
   • Details: While most public egg hunts happen before Easter, many families still do their own hunts at home Sunday morning.

1. Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens – Easter Visits
   • 📅 Easter Sunday (typically open daytime hours)
   • 📍 South Buffalo
   • Details: A popular spot for families—spring flowers in bloom, great photo ops, and a relaxed holiday outing.

1. Canalside / Outer Harbor Walks
   • 📅 Easter Sunday (weather permitting)
   • 📍 Downtown Buffalo waterfront
   • Details: After brunch or church, locals often head to the waterfront for a walk—classic early spring Buffalo activity.

1. Easter Bunny Appearances (Malls & Attractions)
   • 📅 Easter Sunday (limited hours)
   • 📍 Walden Galleria & local plazas
   • Details: Last chance for photos with the Easter Bunny—more low-key than earlier in the week but still active.

1. Community Easter Dinners & Church Meals
   • 📅 Easter Sunday
   • 📍 Local churches & community centers
   • Details: Some churches host free or donation-based Easter meals, especially for seniors or those in need.

1. Lent Ending + Final Fish Fry Weekend Wrap-Up

• 📅 Easter weekend
• 📍 Throughout Buffalo region
• Details: Fish fry season (a HUGE WNY tradition) wraps up, transitioning into Easter feasting—this shift is very specific to the Buffalo area.

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