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WNY Insider for September 16th
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WNY Insider for September 16th
WNY Insider for September 16th
Seth Greene

Seth Greene

Sep 16, 2026

The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

The Borderland Festival returns to Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora, drawing music lovers for a celebration packed with live performances, local flavor, and community pride.

 

This year’s event features headliners like Jack White and the Pixies, while beloved Buffalo acts such as Witty Tarbox and Olmsted Dub System showcase the city’s vibrant sound.

 

Americana, rock, and an eclectic mix set this festival apart from other music gatherings in the Buffalo area.

 

Families will enjoy a lively kid zone, plus creative workshops and face painting.

 

Sustainability is front and center, with compostable products and ample water stations.

 

Local food trucks, craft brewers, micro-THC drinks from ayrloom, and CBD offerings from Bison Botanics highlight the festival’s dedication to regional tastes.

 

From axe throwing to wellness sessions, Borderland’s community spirit and Western New York roots shine.


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Fans arriving at Highmark Stadium this season are greeted by more than just football energy—they’re also drawn to a vibrant Lego display near Gate B, Entry 4.

 

The installation, dubbed "12th Man in Pieces," is a heartfelt tribute created by local Lego enthusiasts, capturing the spirit of Buffalo Bills fandom in remarkable detail.

 

Over 2,000 Western New Yorkers, from students to long-time Bills supporters, joined forces at community centers and schools to contribute their own sections, each reflecting the city’s love for the game.

 

The display features everything from lively tailgates to a shimmering Buffalo skyline, anchored by an intricate model of the new stadium surrounded by red, white, and blue fans.

 

This project is more than just bricks—it’s a testament to Buffalo’s unity, creativity, and enduring football pride.


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The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is poised for a lively return to Kleinhans Music Hall, captivating Buffalo’s cultural scene with its latest season.

 

The schedule combines timeless symphonic works with innovative programming for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

 

Music lovers are eagerly anticipating the return of celebrated pianist Lang Lang, headlining a powerful season opener after more than a decade away.

 

Opening night will feature Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto and Debussy’s La Mer, setting an ambitious tone for the year.

 

This season extends far beyond the classics.

 

From movie scores and jazz evenings to adult-focused festivities—like the debut “Hauntingly Halloween” event—there’s something fresh for everyone.

 

Family favorites, such as “Coco in Concert” and ‘Home Alone,’ promise fun for younger guests.

 

Under JoAnn Falletta’s leadership, the BPO’s welcoming approach is drawing an ever-wider, intergenerational audience and energizing Buffalo’s arts community.


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Your WNY Weekend Lineup

Borderland Festival 2026 🎶🌳
📅 Date: Sept. 18–20
🕒 Time: Times vary
📍 Location: Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: The three-day music and arts festival returns with Jack White, Alabama Shakes, Lord Huron and many more performers.

 

Curtain Up! 2026 🎭✨
📅 Date: Friday, Sept. 18
🕒 Time: Starting at 5 p.m.
📍 Location: Buffalo Theatre District
🎟️ Admission: Varies by show
📄 Details: Buffalo’s annual celebration of the professional theater season features performances, street entertainment, dining and parties throughout the Theatre District.

 

Buffalo Bisons vs. Rochester Red Wings — Too Early for Halloween ⚾🎃
📅 Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
🕒 Time: 1:05 p.m.
📍 Location: Sahlen Field, Buffalo
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: The Bisons celebrate their annual Halloween-themed game with a pumpkin giveaway, pregame pumpkin painting, trick-or-treating, costumes and kid-friendly characters.

 

Friends of Reinstein Woods Fall Festival 🍁🦉
📅 Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
🕒 Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
📍 Location: Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, Depew
🎟️ Admission: Donations appreciated
📄 Details: A family-friendly celebration of nature featuring live animals, crafts, hands-on activities, food, a kids’ scavenger hunt and guided walks.

 

Hamburg Oktoberfest 🍺🥨🎶
📅 Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
🕒 Time: Times vary
📍 Location: Hamburg Memorial Park
🎟️ Admission: Varies
📄 Details: An authentic German festival featuring traditional food, beer, wine, music, dancing and live entertainment.

 

Enchanted Pumpkin Trail 🎃✨
📅 Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
🕒 Time: 6:30–10:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave.
🎟️ Admission: Adults $19.95; children $15.95
📄 Details: The Buffalo Zoo transforms after dark with glowing jack-o’-lantern displays, themed photo spots, autumn food and drinks, and special access to Destination Dinosaur.

 

Buffalo Cigar & Music Festival 🎸🔥
📅 Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
🕒 Time: Noon–7 p.m.
📍 Location: The Wings Meeting Place, Orchard Park
🎟️ Admission: $163
📄 Details: The annual festival combines live music, food, drinks, vendors and premium cigars in a full-day event near Highmark Stadium.

 

Opening Night with Lang Lang 🎹🎼
📅 Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
🕒 Time: 7 p.m.
📍 Location: Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra opens its season with internationally acclaimed pianist Lang Lang.

 

How-To Festival 🛠️📚
📅 Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
🕒 Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
📍 Location: Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
🎟️ Admission: Free
📄 Details: A hands-on community event where attendees can learn practical skills and discover new hobbies through demonstrations and activities.

 

Blue & Gold Scrimmage 🏒💙💛
📅 Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
🕒 Time: Check event schedule
📍 Location: KeyBank Center, Buffalo
🎟️ Admission: Check event details
📄 Details: Hockey returns to KeyBank Center for the annual Blue & Gold Scrimmage, giving fans an early look at the team ahead of the preseason

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