Spring into Buffalo Action!
For those of us who relate to the lyrics of Lorde’s “Solar Power” a little too much, we’re finally close to seeing the (literal) light—and might be feeling the desire to spend some time outside again. The good news is that there are plenty of things to do in WNY this spring. We’ve gone ahead and rounded up a list of activities to bring inspiration to anyone that might be stumped on how to celebrate the change of the seasons—so get out your calendars, and get ready to make plans!
Take a Stroll Though the Cherry Blossoms in Delaware Park
When the topic of spring activities in Buffalo comes up, of course we have to recommend a stroll through Delaware Park’s Japanese Garden—taking in the beautiful blooming cherry blossoms are the perfect way to feel alive after a dark and dreary Buffalo winter. The Japanese Garden serves as a special friendship initiative between Buffalo and our sister city of Kanazawa, Japan, and is free for all to enjoy.
The garden is also located behind the Buffalo History Museum, which hosts the annual Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival for those who wish to experience the history and culture behind the garden even more hands-on. This year’s festival will be held on April 29-30, 2023 and features various activities, boat rides, and live music.
Find more info about the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival here: https://www.buffalocherryblossomfestival.org/
Shop at the 2023 Spring Holiday Market
One of our favorite things to do during any time of year is to visit local artisan markets and festivals, and Buffalo Collective has us covered when it comes to spring! The Downtown Buffalo Easter Market runs from March 31-April 2 and April 7-8, 2023 at 223 South Park Avenue, and will feature seasonal favorites from over 50 craft and artisan vendors—including everyone’s favorite gourmet Easter foods such as butter lamb, polish sausage, and pierogies. The market is free for all to attend and browse, and even includes child-friendly activities and photos with the Easter Bunny!
Find out more about the Buffalo Spring/Easter Market here: https://www.buffaloveholidaymarket.com/spring
Visit the Erie County Botanical Gardens – Annual Spring Flower Exhibit
Another great option for those who can’t get enough of springtime blooms and want to take a stroll through a beautiful flower setting is the Buffalo Botanical Gardens. The botanical gardens provide a fantastic experience at any time, and the annual Spring Flower Exhibit is the perfect addition to its already natural atmosphere. The Spring Flower Exhibit will be available from March 18-April 16, 2023 and is included in your regular admission ticket to the Botanical Gardens—and for those who will be missing the Easter Bunny at the holiday market, he will also be around for visits at the Botanical Gardens on April 7th and 8th!
For more information, check out the following links:
https://www.buffalogardens.com/products/spring-flower-exhibit
Take Part in the Buffalo Mac and Cheese Festival and Wing a Ding Ding Festival
The existence of this festival is like something out of a dream for fellow mac and cheese enthusiasts. This year’s festival will be held on May 20, 2023 at Buffalo Riverworks and will include not only dozens of different mac and cheese vendors to try from, but various chicken wings and fried chicken samples now that the Mac and Cheese Festival has combined with the Wing a Ding Ding Festival. That means it’s time to put on your comfiest stretchy pants, and get ready for the greatest day of taste-testing known to man!
Tickets range from $20-$55 and give you access to over 30 kinds of mac and cheese, wings, and fried chicken to sample and vote for by top chefs and food vendors in the area; craft beers and other alcoholic beverages to pair with your meal; and live music and entertainment.
Find out all the cheesy information here: https://macandcheesefestival.com/city-events/buffalo-mac-and-cheese-festival-wing-a-ding-ding-2/
Visit Comic Book Stores on Free Comic Book Day
Did you know that there is a day each year where you can get a comic book for free with absolutely no drawbacks? If not, then let this be the year you get to celebrate! Free Comic Book Day is a national promotional effort by the North American comic book industry to support local bookstores and attract new readers to the genre. It takes place on the first Saturday of May each year, making May 6, 2023 the big day this year. Whether you’re a comic book enthusiast yourself, know somebody who is, or are just looking to explore something new, there are plenty of indie comic book stores in WNY that participate in this awesome tradition!
Search for participating stores in your area here: https://www.freecomicbookday.com/StoreLocator
Celebrate Dyngus Day
As the official Dyngus Day capitol of America, we in Buffalo know how important of a celebration this is for our community. Whether you come from a Polish background or not, the Dyngus Day celebrations will provide ample opportunity to get your Polka on and relish in the cultural traditions that signify the end of lent for many and the entrance of spring for all. The annual festival and parade will take place on April 10, 2023 in the historic Polonia district, and other events and parties can be found at participating venues throughout Western New York during the week. Our celebration of Dyngus Day attracts people nationwide and is considered one of the largest and most unique ethnic celebrations in the country—so it’s time to get your festive gear on and join the party!
For more information on the events taking place and the history of Dyngus Day, visit the official website here: https://www.dyngusday.com/2021-info