The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

Buffalo’s Botanical Gardens is launching an enchanting Butterfly Experience from May 16 to July 19, inviting visitors into a magical environment teeming with hundreds of live butterflies.

Guests can observe local and exotic species like monarchs, swallowtails, and painted ladies up close in a lush, tropical setting.

The Gardens will also host special Butterfly Release events on select Friday and Saturday mornings, where participants help release butterflies into the exhibit while learning about their fascinating life cycles.

These exclusive sessions are limited to 15 people for a truly personal experience.

General admission is $21 for adults and $9.50 for kids, while the release event is $27 for adults and $18 for children.

Advance ticket purchase is advised, as interest is expected to soar.

Don’t miss this rare chance to make summer memories surrounded by fluttering beauty in Buffalo.

Mama Duck is making a highly anticipated return to Buffalo’s waterfront this July, promising plenty of fun and photo ops for families and visitors.

The World’s Largest Rubber Duck, known for towering six stories, will appear at Canalside from July 3 to July 5, accompanied by her adorable 10-foot-tall duckling, Timmy.

Celebrating 250 years of American independence, both ducks will be stationed on land for the Fourth of July weekend, giving fans close-up access and memorable snapshots.

The festivities also include a free concert by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Terminal B on July 3 at 7 p.m., followed by a dazzling fireworks show over the water.

Guests can enjoy rubber duck giveaways, creative sidewalk art, face painting, and a pop-up from BuffaLove Apparel. Buffalo is set for a joyful and unforgettable celebration by the lake.

The new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park has set a record for minority and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) participation, disbursing over $490 million to these firms—marking the largest inclusion of MWBEs in any public-private project in Western New York.

Governor Kathy Hochul praised the milestone, emphasizing how local MWBE involvement is creating generational wealth and a new standard for inclusive opportunities across the state.

To date, 304 contracts have been awarded to nearly 140 MWBE firms, with 83 businesses located in Western New York receiving 216 of those contracts.

Penny Semaia, Buffalo Bills Vice President of Stadium Relations, highlighted the achievement as a reflection of the team's dedication to the community.

The $1.54 billion stadium is slated to open for the 2026 season, featuring a 360-degree canopy, heated concourses, and the world's largest snow melt system to serve approximately 60,000 fans.

Where To Go This Weekend in Western New York

1. 🎸 Dance Gavin Dance with Special Guests

• 📅 Date: Saturday, May 23
• 🕒 Time: 6:30 PM
• 📍 Location: Buffalo RiverWorks, Buffalo
• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed Concert
• 📄 Details: Popular post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance brings a high-energy show to RiverWorks with special guests and a massive crowd expected.

2. 🛍️ Totally Buffalo Festival 2026

• 📅 Date: Saturday, May 23 – Sunday, May 24
• 🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Buffalo RiverWorks
• 🎟️ Admission: Free to Attend
• 📄 Details: One of WNY’s biggest shop-local festivals featuring food vendors, local makers, live entertainment, and Buffalo-themed merchandise.

3. 🎤 The American Ride – Toby Keith Tribute

• 📅 Date: Friday, May 22
• 🕒 Time: 7:30 PM
• 📍 Location: Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda
• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed Event
• 📄 Details: Country fans can enjoy a tribute performance celebrating the music and legacy of Toby Keith at the historic Riviera Theatre.

4. 🎭 Hairspray

• 📅 Date: Friday, May 22 – Sunday, May 24
• 🕒 Time: Multiple Showtimes
• 📍 Location: 710 Main Theatre, Buffalo
• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed Broadway Performance
• 📄 Details: The hit Broadway musical continues its Buffalo run with colorful performances, comedy, and iconic songs.

5. 🌿 Feed the Fish at the Botanical Gardens

• 📅 Date: Saturday, May 23
• 🕒 Time: Daytime Hours
• 📍 Location: Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens
• 🎟️ Admission: General Admission Required
• 📄 Details: A relaxing family activity where visitors can feed koi fish while exploring beautiful spring blooms and greenhouse exhibits.

6. 🚤 Canalside Waterfront Activities

• 📅 Date: All Weekend
• 🕒 Time: Throughout the Day
• 📍 Location: Canalside, Buffalo
• 🎟️ Admission: Free Entry (select activities extra)
• 📄 Details: Spend the weekend at Buffalo’s waterfront with kayak rentals, bike rides, food vendors, public art, and lakefront views.

7. 🎧 Ship Wrek Live

• 📅 Date: Sunday, May 24
• 🕒 Time: 6:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Buffalo RiverWorks
• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed Concert
• 📄 Details: EDM duo Ship Wrek headlines a waterfront electronic music show with upbeat dance tracks and festival energy.

8. 🎨 Art, Food & Spring Walks in Ellicottville

• 📅 Date: All Weekend
• 🕒 Time: Daytime & Evening
• 📍 Location: Ellicottville, NY
• 🎟️ Admission: Free to Explore
• 📄 Details: A perfect WNY getaway weekend with boutique shopping, restaurants, hiking trails, breweries, and spring scenery.

9. 🍷 Niagara Wine Trail Weekend

• 📅 Date: Saturday, May 23 – Sunday, May 24
• 🕒 Time: Various Hours
• 📍 Location: Niagara County Wineries
• 🎟️ Admission: Varies by Winery
• 📄 Details: Spend the weekend exploring local wineries, tasting rooms, scenic vineyards, and seasonal wine releases throughout Niagara County.

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