We love our festivals so much in Western New York that we should start referring to the summer season as our festival season. ¶ In fact, it’s not even officially the start of summer, yet this weekend is already jampacked with festivals celebrating such diverse topics as the blues, Amherst Street, Germany, the river and even brews. Still to come: garden walks, heritage festivals, lawn fetes, fairs and cultural celebrations. Do you like food? Fill up on events celebrating burgers, BBQ, strawberries, corn and wings, of course. Can’t get enough of live music outdoors? Enjoy festivals catering to specific sounds like jazz, blues and local music. Here is our annual festival guide to help you plan your summer.
∆JUNE∆
Friday through Sunday: Buffalo River Fest. 6 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Buffalo River Fest Park, 249 Ohio St. Entertainment, crafts, children’s activities, tours, contests and a Rigidized River Fest Regatta (11 a.m. Saturday. 849-4780. www.rigidizedregatta.com. $20 entry fee (advance), $25 entry fee (day of event). 823-4707. www.thevalleycenter.com.
Saturday: Blues Cruise. 1 p.m. The Rose Garden, 2753 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville. Music, food, car and bike show. 632-9871, 542-2425, 875-8195. $20 advance, $25 day of event.
Saturday: Discover Amherst Street Festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Amherst Street between Elmwood Avenue and Tonawanda Street. Parade (noon), contests, music, food, trolly rides, crafts, activities and games. 510-4007.
Saturday: German Festival. Noon to 8 p.m. Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst. Food, vendors, ethnic music, competitions, car show and activities. 689-1440. www.bnhv.org. $6 adults, $4 children.
Saturday: Hope Chest Buffalo Niagara Dragon Boat Festival. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gallagher Beach, NFTA Boat Harbor. Children’s activities, music, vendors, food, raffles and boat competition. 713-4179. www.hopechestbuffalo.org.
Saturday and Sunday: Crossborder Blues, Brews & Que. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Woodcock Brother’s Brewery, 638 Lake St., Wilson. Music, barbecue and microbrew crafters. 622-8329. http://crossborderbbq.com.
Saturday and Sunday: Juneteenth of Buffalo. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Fillmore Avenue and Best Street. A parade (Saturday), vendors, food, entertainment and activities. www.juneteenthofbuffalo.com.
Saturday and Sunday: Strawberry Fest. Noon to 4 p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Church, Main Street, Youngstown. Food, raffles and music by the Lockport Community Band.
Sunday: Buffalo Blues and Brews Festival. Noon to 9 p.m. Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst. Blues music, food and vendors. 689-1440. www.bnhv.org. $25 VIP, $10 general.
Wednesday: Strawberry Festival. 4 to 7 p.m. New Hope United Methodist Church, 2846 Seneca St., West Seneca. Food and entertainer DJ Kazoo.
next thursday: Taste of Alden. 5 to 8 p.m. Alden Town Park, 13118 Main St., Alden. Food by local establishments and music. 937-6177. www.aldenny.org.
June 21: BBQ & Blues Bash. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cobblestone District, Mississippi Street. Barbecue, drinks, raffles and music by Mike Hayes Band and Dave Constantino Band. www.bbqbluesbash.com. $20 advance, $25 door.
June 21: St. Gregory the Great Race. 2 p.m. St. Gregory the Great Ministry Center, 100 St. Gregory Court, Williamsville. 5K race, food and music. www.stgregs.org/greatrace. $10 admission, $25 race preregistration, $30 day of race registration, $15 fun walk preregistration, $20 fun walk day of race registration.
June 21-23: Lawn Fete. St. Mary of the Lake, 4737 Lakeshore Road, Hamburg. Rides, family activities, games and food. http://smolparish.org.
June 22-23: Heritage Arts Fair. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hull Family Home and Farmstead, 5976 Genesee St., Lancaster. Historic music, arts and crafts demonstrations, tours, activities and vendors. $5 adults, $2 children ages 10-18, free for ages younger than 10.
June 22-23: Lewiston GardenFest. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Center Street, Lewiston. Tours, vendors and presentations. www.lewistongardenfest.com.
June 23: Family Festival. 10:30 a.m. Greater Niagara Falls Church of God, 2334 Lockport Road, Sanborn. Food, music, children’s activities and visit with Nickel City Reptiles. 731-4090. www.gnfcog.com.
June 23: LakeJam ’13. Noon, Mickey Rats Beach Club, 8934 Lakeshore Road, Angola. Music and food. Ages 21 and older. 549-3000. $10.
June 26: Strawberry Festival. 4 to 7 p.m. Christ Episcopal Church, 7145 Fieldcrest Drive, Lockport. Food, games, children’s activities and music by the Lock City Glee Club and Lockport Chorale.
June 28-30: City of Lackawanna Festival. Veterans Stadium, South Park Avenue, Lackawanna. Music, children’s activities, food, arts and crafts, vendors and fireworks. 827-6455.
June 28-30: WNY BBQ and Music Festival. Fundraiser for Patchin Fire Company includes music, car show, rides, barbecue competition, food and drinks. Hamburg Fairgrounds, 5600 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg. www.wnybbqfest.com. $5.
June 29: Strawberry Festival. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 345 Main St., East Aurora. Food and a jumble sale. 652-0500.
June 29: Taste of Diversity Festival. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Grant Street between Lafayette and Auburn avenues. Food, performances, vendors and music. www.tasteofdiversity.org.
June 29: Wurstfest. 2:30 p.m. Bowen Road Grove, 3937 Bowen Road, Lancaster. German music, food, children’s activities and vendors. 864-1965. www.buffalogermanband.com. $8 advance, $10 day of event, free for children ages 12 and under.
June 29-30: Lockport Outdoor Arts & Crafts Festival. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Main Street, Lockport. Vendors, arts and crafts and food. 9940-0554.
June 29-30: Roycroft Summer Arts & Crafts Festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crafters and artisans, raffles, food, music and vendors. Parkdale Elementary School, 141 Girard Ave., East Aurora. 655-7252. www.ralaweb.com.
∆JULY∆
July 4: Picnic in the Park. Noon to 5 p.m. July 4. Music by the Batavia Concert Band, arts and crafts, food and children’s activities. Centennial Park, Richmond and Ellicott avenues, Batavia. (585) 343-9313. www.goart.org.
July 5-7: Ellicottville Summer Music Festival. Holiday Valley, Ellicottville (performances) and Jefferson and Washington streets, Ellicottville. Performances by Tammy Pescatelli and Tony Deyo, Gretchen Wilson and Creedence Clearwater Revisited plus vendors, arts and craft show and pet parade. www.ellicottvilleny.com.
July 6-7: Americana Days. 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 6 and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. July 7. Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst. Games and crafts, contests, food and activities. 689-1440. www.bnhv.org. $5.
July 12-13: Tuscarora Nation Picnic and Field Days. North of Route 31 on Walmore Road, Tuscarora Nation. 10K run, parade, smoke dance competition, activities, games, entertainment, food, native arts and crafts and music. 609-0747 or 628-5424.
July 13: Perry Chalk Art Festival. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Village Park, Lake Street, Perry. Displays, activities, vendors, crafts, food and music. (585) 237-5375. www.perrychalkfestival.com.
July 13-14: Hamburg Garden Walk. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Maps available at Memorial Park, corner of Lake and Union streets, Hamburg. 648-7544. www.hamburggardenwalk.com.
July 13-14: Olde Sanborn Days. Sanborn Fire Company Grounds, 5811 Buffalo St., Sanborn. Family activities, crafts, vendors, food, entertainment, children’s games and vintage car show. 693-1946.
July 13-14: St. Aloysius Lawn Fete. 5 to 11 p.m. July 13, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 14. St. Aloysius Church, 190 Franklin St., Springville. Games, raffles, music, food, children’s activities and classic car show. 592-2701.
July 13-14: Taste of Buffalo. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 13 and 11 a.m. 7 to p.m. July 14. Delaware Avenue from Chippewa Street to Niagara Square. Food from area restaurants and food trucks, wineries and music. Food ranges from $1-$4. www.tasteofbuffalo.com.
July 13-14, 20-21: Wild Renn Fest. Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, Luther and Grover roads, East Aurora. Exhibits, activities, food, music, displays and wildlife demonstrations. www.hawkcreek.org. $16 adults, $13 veterans and seniors, $9 children.
July 14: Ford Lords Inc. CAR SHOW. 8:30 a.m. George F. Lamm Post, American Legion, 962 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville. Car show, food, music by Crash Cadillac and a Kids Korner. 633-9242.
July 14-21: Canal Fest of the Tonawandas. Along the Erie Canal in Tonawanda and North Tonawanda. Rides, games, vendors, food, contests, crafts, tours,and entertainment. www.canalfest.org.
July 20: Burger Fest. Main and Buffalo streets, Hamburg. Music, food, classic car show, children’s activities, contests and arts and crafts. 648-4167. www.hamburgburgerfest.com.
July 20: Wooden Boat Rendezvous. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Canalside waterfront, 1 Naval Park Cove. Classic wooden powerboats and sailboats on display presented by the Buffalo Maritime Center and Niagara Frontier Antique and Classic Boat Society. 778-5704. bhellner@att.net.
July 20-21: Rock the Barn Music Festival. 2 p.m. July 20 and 11 a.m. July 21. 9015 Main St., Clarence. Music, food and children’s activities. www.rockthebarn.com. $15 advance, $20 day of show.
July 21: South Buffalo Alive Garden Tour. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. South Buffalo and the Old First Ward. www.southbuffaloalive.com.
July 21: St. Mary Swormville Parish 5K Chowder Chase and Parish Picnic. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. St. Mary’s Parish, 6919 Transit Road, Swormville. Entertainment, children’s activities, games, food and vendors. 688-9380. www.stmaryswormville.org.
July 21 and 28: Masten District 18th Annual Jazz Festival. 3 to 8 p.m. Buffalo Museum of Science, 1020 Humboldt Parkway. Music hosted by James “Pappy” Martin.
July 22-27: Orleans County Fair. On the fairgrounds at 12690 Route 31, Albion. Exhibits, livestock, rides, vendors, games food and entertainment. (585) 798-4264. www.orleans4-hfair.com.
July 22-28: Chautauqua County Fair. Gates open at 9 a.m. on the fairgrounds at 1089 Central Ave., Dunkirk. Midway rides, food, livestock, displays, vendors, games and entertainment. www.chautauquacountyfair.org. Free-$12.
July 25: Country on the Coast. 4 p.m. Mickey Rats Beach Club, 8934 Lakeshore Road, Angola. Performance by Joe Nichols with the Heritage and Ashton Hollow, plus food and activities. Ages 21 and older. 549-3000. $10.
July 25-28: St. John Vianney Church Lawn Fete and 5K Run. St. John Vianney Church, 2950 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park. Kids’ tent, raffles, games, food, music and fireworks. www.sjvlawnfete.com.
July 25-Aug. 4: Buffalo Infringement Festival. Local and visiting theater and dance companies, poets, comics and musicians. Performances are at various locations throughout Buffalo. www.infringebuffalo.org.
July 26-28: Lebanese Festival. 5 to 11 p.m. July 26, 4 to 11 p.m. July 27 and noon to 5 p.m. July 28. St. John Maron Church, 2040 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville. Ethnic food, entertainment, rides, raffles, games and vendors. 634-0669. www.stjohnmaron.org.
July 26-28: St. Martha Parish Lawn Fete. St. Martha Parish, 10 French Road, Depew. 5 p.m. to midnight July 26, 1 p.m. to midnight July 27, 1 to 9 p.m. July 28. A midway, games, food and entertainment. 684-6342. www.stmarthadepew.org.
July 27: Queen City Jazz Festival. Noon to 8 p.m. Colored Musicians Club, 145 Broadway Ave. www.coloredmusiciansclub.org/festival.html.
July 27-28: Garden Walk Buffalo. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Along Buffalo’s West Side. Self-guided tour of hundreds of Buffalo gardens. Shuttle buses and maps available. 879-0123. www.gardenwalkbuffalo.com.
July 27-28: Glen Park Art Festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Glen Park, Glen Avenue, Williamsville. Artists and craftsmen, entertainment, food, children’s activities and displays. 632-4120.
July 27-28: Serbfest. Noon to 10 p.m. St. Stephens Serbian Orthodox Church, 177 Weber Road, Lackawanna. Food, music, tours and vendors. www.saintstephenlackawanna.org.
July 27-28: Wine & Culinary Festival. Noon to 7 p.m. July 27 and noon to 6 p.m. July 28. Academy Park, 841 Center St., Lewiston. Presented by the Niagara Wine Trail, USA. http://niagarawineandculinaryfestival.com. $25 advance, $30 gate.
July 28: Marilla Car, Truck and Cycle Show. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Alden Town Park, Broadway and West Main Street, Alden. Music, food, displays and contests. www.marillaautoshow.com.
July 29-Aug. 4: Cattaraugus County Fair. On the fairgrounds at 501 Erie St., Little Valley. Rides, exhibits, games, food, vendors and entertainment. 938-9146. www.cattarauguscofair.com. $6-$9.
July 31-Aug. 4: Niagara County Fair. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 31 through Aug. 3 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 4. Niagara County Fairgrounds, 4487 Lake Ave., Lockport. Midway rides, games, food, livestock, displays, vendors and entertainment. 433-8839. www.cceniagaracounty.org. $3, free for children ages 6 and under.
∆AUGUST∆
Aug. 1-4: Sorrento Cheese Italian Heritage Festival. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 1-3 and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 4. Hertel Avenue between Delaware and Colvin avenues. Food, contests, entertainment, vendors and activities. www.buffaloitalianfestival.com.
Aug. 1-4: Eden Corn Festival. 5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 1, noon to midnight Aug. 2, 11 a.m. to midnight Aug. 3 and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 4. Off Route 62 in Eden. The 50th annual event includes food, contests, music, parade and rides. 992-9141. www.edencornfest.com.
Aug. 2-4: Resurrection Outdoor Festival. Resurrection Church, 130 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga. Food, music, raffles and games.
Aug. 3-4: Down-Home Country Weekend. 4 p.m. Aug. 3, noon Aug. 4. Langford Tractor Pull Grounds, Routes 75 and 249, North Collins. Jamboree and tractor pull. www.downhomecountryweekend.com. $20 Aug. 3, $15 Aug. 4, free for children younger than age 12.
Aug. 4: CityJam. 1 to 10 p.m. Mickey Rats Beach Club, 8934 Lakeshore Road, Angola. Live music and food. Ages 21 and older. 549-3000. $10.
Aug. 7-18: Erie County Fair. 1 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 7 and 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 8-18. On the fairgrounds at 5600 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg. Displays, a midway, entertainment, food, vendors, games and activities. www.ecfair.org. $10 adults, $7 seniors, free children ages 12 and younger.
Aug. 10: BEAT Fest. Breezy Hill, 10458 Chautauqua Road, New Albion. Music festival includes Jony James Band and the Observers. http://thebeatfest.com.
Aug. 10-11: LewistOn Art Festival. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Center Street, Lewiston. Artists and crafters, vendors, food and music. www.artcouncil.org.
Aug. 16-17: Newfane August Festival and Bike Cruise. 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 16 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 17. Main Street, Newfane. Music, bike cruise, food, family entertainment and vendors.
Aug. 16-18. Annunciation Church Summer Picnic. 5 p.m. Aug. 16, 1 p.m. Aug. 17, 11:30 a.m. Aug. 18. Annunciation Church, 7580 Clinton St., Elma. Classic car cruise, music, food and raffles. 683-5254. www.annunciation.cc.
Aug. 16-18: Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival. Corpus Christi Church, 199 Clark St. Vendors, food, ethnic music and a pierogi contest. http://dozynki.corpuschristibuffalo.org.
Aug. 17: Scottish Festival. Noon to 8 p.m. Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst. Vendors, food, Highland games, activities and music. 689-1440. www.bnhv.org. $10.
Aug. 17-18: Sweet Chalk Festival. Canal Street, Lockport. Artwork created by professional and amateur artists. http://sweetsweetsummer.com.
Aug. 17-18: Taking it to the Streets International Crusade Rally and Festival. 11 a.m. Martin Luther King Park, Fillmore and Best streets. Car shows, entertainment, family activities, vendors and food. 891-4760. http://takingittothestreetsbuffalo.org.
Aug. 23-24: Infant of Prague Church Lawn Fete. Infant of Prague Church, 921 Cleveland Drive, Cheektowaga. Midway rides, games, food, car show, raffles and entertainment. 634-3660. http://iopparish.com.
Aug. 23-24: Lewiston Jazz Festival. 5 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 23 and noon to 10 p.m. Aug. 24. Center Street, Lewiston. Jazz music, food, wine tastings and classic car show. 754-8271. www.lewistonjazz.com.
Aug. 23-25: Buffalo Irish Festival. 5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 23, noon to 11 p.m. Aug. 24 and noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 25. Canalside on Buffalo waterfront. Opening parade, food, Irish entertainment, exhibits, vendors, crafts, activities and raffles. www.buffaloirish.com. $10 adults, $8 children ages 4-12 and seniors.
Aug. 23-25: Fourteen Holy Helpers Summerfest Lawn Fete. Fourteen Holy Helpers Parish, 1345 Indian Church Road, West Seneca. Rides, games, music and food.
Aug. 24: Mount St. Mary Academy Music Festival. Noon to 9 p.m. Mount St. Mary Academy, 3756 Delaware Ave., Kenmore. Car show, crafts, food, raffles and music. 316-3518.
Aug. 24-25: Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 25. Elmwood Village. Artisans and crafters, vendors, food, entertainment and children’s activities. 830-2484. http://eafa.techriver.net.
Aug. 25: Wild Wing Festival. Noon to 5 p.m. Gooseneck Hill Waterfowl Sanctuary, 5067 Townline Road, Delevan. Music, food, tours and activities. 942-6835. www.gooseneckhillwaterfowlfarm.com. $5.
Aug. 25: Ukrainian American Day Festival. 1 p.m. “Dnipro” Ukrainian Cultural Center, 562 Genesee St. Food, cultural programs, music, dance, raffles and vendors. 674-4916.
Aug. 30-Sept. 1: Niagara Falls Blues Festival. 4 to 11 p.m. Aug. 30, noon to 11 p.m. Aug. 31 and noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 1. Old Fall Street, Niagara Falls. Music, food, crafts and vendors. www.niagarafallsbluesfest.org.
Aug. 31 and Sept. 1: Western New York German-American Heritage Festival. Noon to 10 p.m. Cheektowaga Town Park, Harlem Road, Cheektowaga. European car show, games, crafts, contests, demonstrations, food and entertainment. www.BuffaloGerman.com. $6, free children ages 12 and younger.
Aug. 31-Sept. 1: National Buffalo Wing Festival. Noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 31, noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 1. Coca-Cola Field, 275 Washington St. Wings from restaurants across the country, plus contests, vendors, entertainment and activities. www.buffalowing.com. $5, free for children ages 8 and younger.
∆SEPTEMBER∆
Sept. 6-7: Fall Fest. 6 p.m. Winchester Fire Company, 514 Harlem Road, West Seneca. Music and raffles. 558-0711. $5.
Sept. 6-8: Niagara County Peach Festival. 5 to 11 p.m. Sept. 6, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 7, noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 8. Academy Park, Center Street, Lewiston. Food, contests, a 5K run, parade, entertainment, rides and vendors. www.lewistonkiwanis.org.
Sept. 7: Brick House Corners Fair. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pembroke Town Hall, corner of Routes 5 and 77, Corfu. Children’s games, craft demonstrations, vendors, entertainment and food.
Sept. 7: Oktoberfest. 5 to 9 p.m. Calvary Episcopal Church, 20 Milton St., Williamsville. Music by the Auslanders and food. 633-7800. www.calvaryepiscopal.net.
Sept. 7-8: Colden Festival. Throughout Colden. Art show, vendors, car show, food and music. www.coldenfestival.com.
Sept. 13: Brothers of Mercy Oktoberfest and 5K Nature Run. Brothers of Mercy Campus, 4520 Ransom Road, Clarence. Music by the Auslanders, German food, raffles and beer. 759-7808. http://brothersofmercy.org. $10 Oktoberfest, $20 race advance, $25 race day of event.
Sept. 13-14: Night Lights Fall Music Festival. The Heron, 2361 Waits Corners Road, Sherman. www.nightlightsfest.com. $55 advance, $70 gate.
Sept. 14: Oktoberfest. 3 to 11 p.m. Memorial Park, corner of Lake and Union streets, Hamburg. German music and dancers, German car show, food and a beer-making contest.
Sept. 15: Ukrainian Festival. Noon to 7 p.m. St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 3275 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore. Activities, music, dance, ethnic food, tours and vendors. 873-5011.
Sept. 21: MUSIC IS ART. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Delaware Park by Marcy Casino. More than 100 bands and DJs, plus artists, dance troupes, a kids village and food. 880-3377. www.musicisart.org.
Sept. 21-22: Quaker Arts Festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 22. Orchard Park Middle School, Route 20A and Lincoln Avenue, Orchard Park. Entertainment, food, vendors and exhibits. 667-2787. www.opjaycees.com.
Listings compiled by Evonne Austin
∆JUNE∆
Friday through Sunday: Buffalo River Fest. 6 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Buffalo River Fest Park, 249 Ohio St. Entertainment, crafts, children’s activities, tours, contests and a Rigidized River Fest Regatta (11 a.m. Saturday. 849-4780. www.rigidizedregatta.com. $20 entry fee (advance), $25 entry fee (day of event). 823-4707. www.thevalleycenter.com.
Saturday: Blues Cruise. 1 p.m. The Rose Garden, 2753 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville. Music, food, car and bike show. 632-9871, 542-2425, 875-8195. $20 advance, $25 day of event.
Saturday: Discover Amherst Street Festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Amherst Street between Elmwood Avenue and Tonawanda Street. Parade (noon), contests, music, food, trolly rides, crafts, activities and games. 510-4007.
Saturday: German Festival. Noon to 8 p.m. Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst. Food, vendors, ethnic music, competitions, car show and activities. 689-1440. www.bnhv.org. $6 adults, $4 children.
Saturday: Hope Chest Buffalo Niagara Dragon Boat Festival. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gallagher Beach, NFTA Boat Harbor. Children’s activities, music, vendors, food, raffles and boat competition. 713-4179. www.hopechestbuffalo.org.
Saturday and Sunday: Crossborder Blues, Brews & Que. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Woodcock Brother’s Brewery, 638 Lake St., Wilson. Music, barbecue and microbrew crafters. 622-8329. http://crossborderbbq.com.
Saturday and Sunday: Juneteenth of Buffalo. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Fillmore Avenue and Best Street. A parade (Saturday), vendors, food, entertainment and activities. www.juneteenthofbuffalo.com.
Saturday and Sunday: Strawberry Fest. Noon to 4 p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Church, Main Street, Youngstown. Food, raffles and music by the Lockport Community Band.
Sunday: Buffalo Blues and Brews Festival. Noon to 9 p.m. Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst. Blues music, food and vendors. 689-1440. www.bnhv.org. $25 VIP, $10 general.
Wednesday: Strawberry Festival. 4 to 7 p.m. New Hope United Methodist Church, 2846 Seneca St., West Seneca. Food and entertainer DJ Kazoo.
next thursday: Taste of Alden. 5 to 8 p.m. Alden Town Park, 13118 Main St., Alden. Food by local establishments and music. 937-6177. www.aldenny.org.
June 21: BBQ & Blues Bash. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cobblestone District, Mississippi Street. Barbecue, drinks, raffles and music by Mike Hayes Band and Dave Constantino Band. www.bbqbluesbash.com. $20 advance, $25 door.
June 21: St. Gregory the Great Race. 2 p.m. St. Gregory the Great Ministry Center, 100 St. Gregory Court, Williamsville. 5K race, food and music. www.stgregs.org/greatrace. $10 admission, $25 race preregistration, $30 day of race registration, $15 fun walk preregistration, $20 fun walk day of race registration.
June 21-23: Lawn Fete. St. Mary of the Lake, 4737 Lakeshore Road, Hamburg. Rides, family activities, games and food. http://smolparish.org.
June 22-23: Heritage Arts Fair. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hull Family Home and Farmstead, 5976 Genesee St., Lancaster. Historic music, arts and crafts demonstrations, tours, activities and vendors. $5 adults, $2 children ages 10-18, free for ages younger than 10.
June 22-23: Lewiston GardenFest. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Center Street, Lewiston. Tours, vendors and presentations. www.lewistongardenfest.com.
June 23: Family Festival. 10:30 a.m. Greater Niagara Falls Church of God, 2334 Lockport Road, Sanborn. Food, music, children’s activities and visit with Nickel City Reptiles. 731-4090. www.gnfcog.com.
June 23: LakeJam ’13. Noon, Mickey Rats Beach Club, 8934 Lakeshore Road, Angola. Music and food. Ages 21 and older. 549-3000. $10.
June 26: Strawberry Festival. 4 to 7 p.m. Christ Episcopal Church, 7145 Fieldcrest Drive, Lockport. Food, games, children’s activities and music by the Lock City Glee Club and Lockport Chorale.
June 28-30: City of Lackawanna Festival. Veterans Stadium, South Park Avenue, Lackawanna. Music, children’s activities, food, arts and crafts, vendors and fireworks. 827-6455.
June 28-30: WNY BBQ and Music Festival. Fundraiser for Patchin Fire Company includes music, car show, rides, barbecue competition, food and drinks. Hamburg Fairgrounds, 5600 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg. www.wnybbqfest.com. $5.
June 29: Strawberry Festival. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 345 Main St., East Aurora. Food and a jumble sale. 652-0500.
June 29: Taste of Diversity Festival. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Grant Street between Lafayette and Auburn avenues. Food, performances, vendors and music. www.tasteofdiversity.org.
June 29: Wurstfest. 2:30 p.m. Bowen Road Grove, 3937 Bowen Road, Lancaster. German music, food, children’s activities and vendors. 864-1965. www.buffalogermanband.com. $8 advance, $10 day of event, free for children ages 12 and under.
June 29-30: Lockport Outdoor Arts & Crafts Festival. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Main Street, Lockport. Vendors, arts and crafts and food. 9940-0554.
June 29-30: Roycroft Summer Arts & Crafts Festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crafters and artisans, raffles, food, music and vendors. Parkdale Elementary School, 141 Girard Ave., East Aurora. 655-7252. www.ralaweb.com.
∆JULY∆
July 4: Picnic in the Park. Noon to 5 p.m. July 4. Music by the Batavia Concert Band, arts and crafts, food and children’s activities. Centennial Park, Richmond and Ellicott avenues, Batavia. (585) 343-9313. www.goart.org.
July 5-7: Ellicottville Summer Music Festival. Holiday Valley, Ellicottville (performances) and Jefferson and Washington streets, Ellicottville. Performances by Tammy Pescatelli and Tony Deyo, Gretchen Wilson and Creedence Clearwater Revisited plus vendors, arts and craft show and pet parade. www.ellicottvilleny.com.
July 6-7: Americana Days. 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 6 and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. July 7. Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst. Games and crafts, contests, food and activities. 689-1440. www.bnhv.org. $5.
July 12-13: Tuscarora Nation Picnic and Field Days. North of Route 31 on Walmore Road, Tuscarora Nation. 10K run, parade, smoke dance competition, activities, games, entertainment, food, native arts and crafts and music. 609-0747 or 628-5424.
July 13: Perry Chalk Art Festival. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Village Park, Lake Street, Perry. Displays, activities, vendors, crafts, food and music. (585) 237-5375. www.perrychalkfestival.com.
July 13-14: Hamburg Garden Walk. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Maps available at Memorial Park, corner of Lake and Union streets, Hamburg. 648-7544. www.hamburggardenwalk.com.
July 13-14: Olde Sanborn Days. Sanborn Fire Company Grounds, 5811 Buffalo St., Sanborn. Family activities, crafts, vendors, food, entertainment, children’s games and vintage car show. 693-1946.
July 13-14: St. Aloysius Lawn Fete. 5 to 11 p.m. July 13, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 14. St. Aloysius Church, 190 Franklin St., Springville. Games, raffles, music, food, children’s activities and classic car show. 592-2701.
July 13-14: Taste of Buffalo. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 13 and 11 a.m. 7 to p.m. July 14. Delaware Avenue from Chippewa Street to Niagara Square. Food from area restaurants and food trucks, wineries and music. Food ranges from $1-$4. www.tasteofbuffalo.com.
July 13-14, 20-21: Wild Renn Fest. Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, Luther and Grover roads, East Aurora. Exhibits, activities, food, music, displays and wildlife demonstrations. www.hawkcreek.org. $16 adults, $13 veterans and seniors, $9 children.
July 14: Ford Lords Inc. CAR SHOW. 8:30 a.m. George F. Lamm Post, American Legion, 962 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville. Car show, food, music by Crash Cadillac and a Kids Korner. 633-9242.
July 14-21: Canal Fest of the Tonawandas. Along the Erie Canal in Tonawanda and North Tonawanda. Rides, games, vendors, food, contests, crafts, tours,and entertainment. www.canalfest.org.
July 20: Burger Fest. Main and Buffalo streets, Hamburg. Music, food, classic car show, children’s activities, contests and arts and crafts. 648-4167. www.hamburgburgerfest.com.
July 20: Wooden Boat Rendezvous. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Canalside waterfront, 1 Naval Park Cove. Classic wooden powerboats and sailboats on display presented by the Buffalo Maritime Center and Niagara Frontier Antique and Classic Boat Society. 778-5704. bhellner@att.net.
July 20-21: Rock the Barn Music Festival. 2 p.m. July 20 and 11 a.m. July 21. 9015 Main St., Clarence. Music, food and children’s activities. www.rockthebarn.com. $15 advance, $20 day of show.
July 21: South Buffalo Alive Garden Tour. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. South Buffalo and the Old First Ward. www.southbuffaloalive.com.
July 21: St. Mary Swormville Parish 5K Chowder Chase and Parish Picnic. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. St. Mary’s Parish, 6919 Transit Road, Swormville. Entertainment, children’s activities, games, food and vendors. 688-9380. www.stmaryswormville.org.
July 21 and 28: Masten District 18th Annual Jazz Festival. 3 to 8 p.m. Buffalo Museum of Science, 1020 Humboldt Parkway. Music hosted by James “Pappy” Martin.
July 22-27: Orleans County Fair. On the fairgrounds at 12690 Route 31, Albion. Exhibits, livestock, rides, vendors, games food and entertainment. (585) 798-4264. www.orleans4-hfair.com.
July 22-28: Chautauqua County Fair. Gates open at 9 a.m. on the fairgrounds at 1089 Central Ave., Dunkirk. Midway rides, food, livestock, displays, vendors, games and entertainment. www.chautauquacountyfair.org. Free-$12.
July 25: Country on the Coast. 4 p.m. Mickey Rats Beach Club, 8934 Lakeshore Road, Angola. Performance by Joe Nichols with the Heritage and Ashton Hollow, plus food and activities. Ages 21 and older. 549-3000. $10.
July 25-28: St. John Vianney Church Lawn Fete and 5K Run. St. John Vianney Church, 2950 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park. Kids’ tent, raffles, games, food, music and fireworks. www.sjvlawnfete.com.
July 25-Aug. 4: Buffalo Infringement Festival. Local and visiting theater and dance companies, poets, comics and musicians. Performances are at various locations throughout Buffalo. www.infringebuffalo.org.
July 26-28: Lebanese Festival. 5 to 11 p.m. July 26, 4 to 11 p.m. July 27 and noon to 5 p.m. July 28. St. John Maron Church, 2040 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville. Ethnic food, entertainment, rides, raffles, games and vendors. 634-0669. www.stjohnmaron.org.
July 26-28: St. Martha Parish Lawn Fete. St. Martha Parish, 10 French Road, Depew. 5 p.m. to midnight July 26, 1 p.m. to midnight July 27, 1 to 9 p.m. July 28. A midway, games, food and entertainment. 684-6342. www.stmarthadepew.org.
July 27: Queen City Jazz Festival. Noon to 8 p.m. Colored Musicians Club, 145 Broadway Ave. www.coloredmusiciansclub.org/festival.html.
July 27-28: Garden Walk Buffalo. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Along Buffalo’s West Side. Self-guided tour of hundreds of Buffalo gardens. Shuttle buses and maps available. 879-0123. www.gardenwalkbuffalo.com.
July 27-28: Glen Park Art Festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Glen Park, Glen Avenue, Williamsville. Artists and craftsmen, entertainment, food, children’s activities and displays. 632-4120.
July 27-28: Serbfest. Noon to 10 p.m. St. Stephens Serbian Orthodox Church, 177 Weber Road, Lackawanna. Food, music, tours and vendors. www.saintstephenlackawanna.org.
July 27-28: Wine & Culinary Festival. Noon to 7 p.m. July 27 and noon to 6 p.m. July 28. Academy Park, 841 Center St., Lewiston. Presented by the Niagara Wine Trail, USA. http://niagarawineandculinaryfestival.com. $25 advance, $30 gate.
July 28: Marilla Car, Truck and Cycle Show. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Alden Town Park, Broadway and West Main Street, Alden. Music, food, displays and contests. www.marillaautoshow.com.
July 29-Aug. 4: Cattaraugus County Fair. On the fairgrounds at 501 Erie St., Little Valley. Rides, exhibits, games, food, vendors and entertainment. 938-9146. www.cattarauguscofair.com. $6-$9.
July 31-Aug. 4: Niagara County Fair. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 31 through Aug. 3 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 4. Niagara County Fairgrounds, 4487 Lake Ave., Lockport. Midway rides, games, food, livestock, displays, vendors and entertainment. 433-8839. www.cceniagaracounty.org. $3, free for children ages 6 and under.
∆AUGUST∆
Aug. 1-4: Sorrento Cheese Italian Heritage Festival. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 1-3 and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 4. Hertel Avenue between Delaware and Colvin avenues. Food, contests, entertainment, vendors and activities. www.buffaloitalianfestival.com.
Aug. 1-4: Eden Corn Festival. 5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 1, noon to midnight Aug. 2, 11 a.m. to midnight Aug. 3 and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 4. Off Route 62 in Eden. The 50th annual event includes food, contests, music, parade and rides. 992-9141. www.edencornfest.com.
Aug. 2-4: Resurrection Outdoor Festival. Resurrection Church, 130 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga. Food, music, raffles and games.
Aug. 3-4: Down-Home Country Weekend. 4 p.m. Aug. 3, noon Aug. 4. Langford Tractor Pull Grounds, Routes 75 and 249, North Collins. Jamboree and tractor pull. www.downhomecountryweekend.com. $20 Aug. 3, $15 Aug. 4, free for children younger than age 12.
Aug. 4: CityJam. 1 to 10 p.m. Mickey Rats Beach Club, 8934 Lakeshore Road, Angola. Live music and food. Ages 21 and older. 549-3000. $10.
Aug. 7-18: Erie County Fair. 1 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 7 and 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 8-18. On the fairgrounds at 5600 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg. Displays, a midway, entertainment, food, vendors, games and activities. www.ecfair.org. $10 adults, $7 seniors, free children ages 12 and younger.
Aug. 10: BEAT Fest. Breezy Hill, 10458 Chautauqua Road, New Albion. Music festival includes Jony James Band and the Observers. http://thebeatfest.com.
Aug. 10-11: LewistOn Art Festival. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Center Street, Lewiston. Artists and crafters, vendors, food and music. www.artcouncil.org.
Aug. 16-17: Newfane August Festival and Bike Cruise. 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 16 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 17. Main Street, Newfane. Music, bike cruise, food, family entertainment and vendors.
Aug. 16-18. Annunciation Church Summer Picnic. 5 p.m. Aug. 16, 1 p.m. Aug. 17, 11:30 a.m. Aug. 18. Annunciation Church, 7580 Clinton St., Elma. Classic car cruise, music, food and raffles. 683-5254. www.annunciation.cc.
Aug. 16-18: Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival. Corpus Christi Church, 199 Clark St. Vendors, food, ethnic music and a pierogi contest. http://dozynki.corpuschristibuffalo.org.
Aug. 17: Scottish Festival. Noon to 8 p.m. Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst. Vendors, food, Highland games, activities and music. 689-1440. www.bnhv.org. $10.
Aug. 17-18: Sweet Chalk Festival. Canal Street, Lockport. Artwork created by professional and amateur artists. http://sweetsweetsummer.com.
Aug. 17-18: Taking it to the Streets International Crusade Rally and Festival. 11 a.m. Martin Luther King Park, Fillmore and Best streets. Car shows, entertainment, family activities, vendors and food. 891-4760. http://takingittothestreetsbuffalo.org.
Aug. 23-24: Infant of Prague Church Lawn Fete. Infant of Prague Church, 921 Cleveland Drive, Cheektowaga. Midway rides, games, food, car show, raffles and entertainment. 634-3660. http://iopparish.com.
Aug. 23-24: Lewiston Jazz Festival. 5 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 23 and noon to 10 p.m. Aug. 24. Center Street, Lewiston. Jazz music, food, wine tastings and classic car show. 754-8271. www.lewistonjazz.com.
Aug. 23-25: Buffalo Irish Festival. 5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 23, noon to 11 p.m. Aug. 24 and noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 25. Canalside on Buffalo waterfront. Opening parade, food, Irish entertainment, exhibits, vendors, crafts, activities and raffles. www.buffaloirish.com. $10 adults, $8 children ages 4-12 and seniors.
Aug. 23-25: Fourteen Holy Helpers Summerfest Lawn Fete. Fourteen Holy Helpers Parish, 1345 Indian Church Road, West Seneca. Rides, games, music and food.
Aug. 24: Mount St. Mary Academy Music Festival. Noon to 9 p.m. Mount St. Mary Academy, 3756 Delaware Ave., Kenmore. Car show, crafts, food, raffles and music. 316-3518.
Aug. 24-25: Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 25. Elmwood Village. Artisans and crafters, vendors, food, entertainment and children’s activities. 830-2484. http://eafa.techriver.net.
Aug. 25: Wild Wing Festival. Noon to 5 p.m. Gooseneck Hill Waterfowl Sanctuary, 5067 Townline Road, Delevan. Music, food, tours and activities. 942-6835. www.gooseneckhillwaterfowlfarm.com. $5.
Aug. 25: Ukrainian American Day Festival. 1 p.m. “Dnipro” Ukrainian Cultural Center, 562 Genesee St. Food, cultural programs, music, dance, raffles and vendors. 674-4916.
Aug. 30-Sept. 1: Niagara Falls Blues Festival. 4 to 11 p.m. Aug. 30, noon to 11 p.m. Aug. 31 and noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 1. Old Fall Street, Niagara Falls. Music, food, crafts and vendors. www.niagarafallsbluesfest.org.
Aug. 31 and Sept. 1: Western New York German-American Heritage Festival. Noon to 10 p.m. Cheektowaga Town Park, Harlem Road, Cheektowaga. European car show, games, crafts, contests, demonstrations, food and entertainment. www.BuffaloGerman.com. $6, free children ages 12 and younger.
Aug. 31-Sept. 1: National Buffalo Wing Festival. Noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 31, noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 1. Coca-Cola Field, 275 Washington St. Wings from restaurants across the country, plus contests, vendors, entertainment and activities. www.buffalowing.com. $5, free for children ages 8 and younger.
∆SEPTEMBER∆
Sept. 6-7: Fall Fest. 6 p.m. Winchester Fire Company, 514 Harlem Road, West Seneca. Music and raffles. 558-0711. $5.
Sept. 6-8: Niagara County Peach Festival. 5 to 11 p.m. Sept. 6, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 7, noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 8. Academy Park, Center Street, Lewiston. Food, contests, a 5K run, parade, entertainment, rides and vendors. www.lewistonkiwanis.org.
Sept. 7: Brick House Corners Fair. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pembroke Town Hall, corner of Routes 5 and 77, Corfu. Children’s games, craft demonstrations, vendors, entertainment and food.
Sept. 7: Oktoberfest. 5 to 9 p.m. Calvary Episcopal Church, 20 Milton St., Williamsville. Music by the Auslanders and food. 633-7800. www.calvaryepiscopal.net.
Sept. 7-8: Colden Festival. Throughout Colden. Art show, vendors, car show, food and music. www.coldenfestival.com.
Sept. 13: Brothers of Mercy Oktoberfest and 5K Nature Run. Brothers of Mercy Campus, 4520 Ransom Road, Clarence. Music by the Auslanders, German food, raffles and beer. 759-7808. http://brothersofmercy.org. $10 Oktoberfest, $20 race advance, $25 race day of event.
Sept. 13-14: Night Lights Fall Music Festival. The Heron, 2361 Waits Corners Road, Sherman. www.nightlightsfest.com. $55 advance, $70 gate.
Sept. 14: Oktoberfest. 3 to 11 p.m. Memorial Park, corner of Lake and Union streets, Hamburg. German music and dancers, German car show, food and a beer-making contest.
Sept. 15: Ukrainian Festival. Noon to 7 p.m. St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 3275 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore. Activities, music, dance, ethnic food, tours and vendors. 873-5011.
Sept. 21: MUSIC IS ART. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Delaware Park by Marcy Casino. More than 100 bands and DJs, plus artists, dance troupes, a kids village and food. 880-3377. www.musicisart.org.
Sept. 21-22: Quaker Arts Festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 22. Orchard Park Middle School, Route 20A and Lincoln Avenue, Orchard Park. Entertainment, food, vendors and exhibits. 667-2787. www.opjaycees.com.
Listings compiled by Evonne Austin