26 Things to Do in 2026 Buffalo, New York

Looking for a reason to visit Buffalo in 2026? How about 26 of them? This list of can’t-miss experiences blends iconic sights and new happenings with only-in-Buffalo fun. Whether you’re paddling a pink flamingo boat, grooving at a waterfront concert or exploring a brand-new museum, this is the year to dive in. You’ll uncover rich history, world-class art, vibrant festivals, and serious flavor, plus plenty of surprises along the way. Here is your ultimate guide to Buffalo’s best picks for ‘26.

Grab a selfie inside Yayoi Kusama’s dazzling Infinity Mirror Rooms at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. It’s a color-soaked spectacle you won’t want to miss. Exhibit open through spring 2026.

Get into the groove! Jam out at Borderland Music + Arts Festival, feel the soul at Pappy Martin Jazz Fest, turn up the energy at Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration and catch concerts on the water at Terminal B.

The $200 million Ralph Wilson Park will span 100 acres along Buffalo’s Lake Erie shoreline—an iconic, philanthropy-powered public space opening this summer, designed for year-round waterfront recreation.

Soak up the color and creativity of Buffalo’s garden scene! Wander the Buffalo Botanical Gardens, stroll Garden Walk Buffalo, shop the Garden Art Sale, and explore Open Gardens and community garden walks all summer long.

Buffalo’s dining scene dazzles with award-nominated excellence and local favorites. Taste James Beard semifinalist Southern Junction’s Indian/Texas-fusion BBQ, savor curated wine pairings at Waxlight Bar à Vin, enjoy a chocolate croissant at Butter Block bakery or partake in flavorful dishes on the patio at Beacon Grille in the Allentown neighborhood.

Buffalo is celebrating not one, not two, but three centennials—Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff, and Our Lady of Victory Basilica. Three iconic landmarks. One more reason to visit this year!

The new Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute will promote awareness and appreciation of the contributions made by the Hispanic community in Western New York. Located in the heart of Buffalo’s Hispanic Heritage District, the institute will serve as a dynamic hub for artistic and cultural programming.

Once used for the storage of flour and grain, Silo City has been reimagined as a cultural hub for artists, performers and curious travelers. Tour our century-old grain silos as part of an Explore Buffalo or aboard a Buffalo River History Tour. Don’t forget to save room for a beer or brunch at duende.

Experience MusicalFare’s Broadway-style productions at Shea’s 710, an intimate theater experience with a new two-story lounge and patio for the ultimate night out.

Step into the heart of Buffalo’s African American history along Michigan Street. Explore the newly opened museum at WUFO Radio, Buffalo’s first African American radio station, then visit the historic Nash House to experience the civil rights stories that shaped a community.

Roar, explore, and so much more! From wild creatures at the Buffalo Zoo to brain-boosting experiments at the Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo’s packed with memory-making moments.

Hop on an ice bumper car and zigzag your way across the Ice at Canalside, where winter becomes a full-contact sport with family and friends.

Honor 125 years of Pierce-Arrow, the luxury car brand born in Buffalo, by exploring the Buffalo Transportation Museum’s collection of classic vehicles and rich automotive stories.

Score a souvenir that’s so Buffalo. Pick up one of Oxford Pennant’s cheeky camp flags, Thin Ice’s quirky crafts, and Stitch Buffalo’s hand-embroidered pins—perfect for showing off your Queen City cred back home.

If you’re making a bucket list, check it twice to ensure a visit to Niagara Falls is on it. No trip to the falls is complete without experiencing the Hurricane Deck at the Cave of the Winds. While you ring out your shirt, take a couple wet, squishy steps to the trolley and ride over to the Maid of the Mist. The Maid – one of the oldest attractions in North America – has carried millions of guests since 1846.

See Buffalo from every angle—sky-high at City Hall (free!), street-level on Explore Buffalo’s Masters of American Architecture tour, or floating by on a river cruise. History, views, and photo ops included.

Nestled south of Buffalo, the Blueberry Treehouse Farm awaits – a spring-through-fall café in the trees with live music, local beer and blueberry-themed snacks, a forested playground, and thousands of blueberry bushes.

Glide across Buffalo’s Hoyt Lake in a bright pink Floatmingo paddle boat! The floating flock can be rented every day in the summer from noon-7pm.

Our local breweries and distilleries have turned former industrial neighborhoods and once overlooked locales into revitalized hotspots like Britesmith Brewing, Resurgence Brewing and Big Ditch. Oh, and we hear that wings go PERFECT with beer.

This 3^rd generation family-owned business is considered America’s largest five-and-dime. For the last 96 years, customers have been exploring the endless aisles of Vidler’s knick-knacks and quirky finds in the charming village of East Aurora.

Buffalo is abuzz with a percolating coffee scene! Pick up a pound of Unapologetic Coffee’s signature roast, sip the comforting warmth of Yemeni coffee at Raha Coffee House and enjoy a latte inside a former funeral home at Undergrounds Coffee.

Catch a flick and some vintage charm at one of Buffalo’s classic theatres – North Buffalo’s crown jewel, the North Park Theatre, East Aurora’s historic Aurora Theatre or the 100-year old Palace Theatre in Hamburg.

Take a scenic drive through Buffalo’s backyard and uncover quirky, hands-on history: tour a 19th-century village at Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, buzz through the Kazoo Factory, and dig fossils at Penn Dixie!

For the last 51 years, the Bard comes to life in Buffalo at Shakespeare in Delaware Park. Every summer, a stage is set in Delaware Park’s Rose garden and forms a natural spot from which to enjoy the free shows (Tuesdays through Sundays at 7:30 pm). Each season comprises a comedy and a drama.

Buffalo’s history meets hospitality in standout stays like The Richardson Hotel, Mansion on Delaware, and InnBuffalo—boutique hotels where stunning architecture and local character create a uniquely Buffalo overnight experience.

No offseason here. Buffalo’s sports scene brings the energy year-round. Watch NFL MVP Josh Allen take the field this fall in the Bills’ new state-of-the-art digs, catch a Sabres or Bisons game and soak in some championship caliber lacrosse action with the Buffalo Bandits.