Don't let summer escape without one last celebration over Labor Day weekend. There are plenty of events, games and even historical reenactments around Buffalo to spend the long weekend sitting on your couch. Here are the best things going on in and around Buffalo during Labor Day.
Eat Buffalo Chicken Wings Because It's Your Civic Duty
Help fete the city's quintessential dish at the National Buffalo Chicken Wing Festival, the 18-years-young festival celebrating the humble bar snack. There are eating contests ranging from youth competitions to masochistic, super spicy eating contests. There's music to drown out the grunts of ravenous eaters. And of course there are lots of wings to gobble down from restaurants all over Buffalo.
National Buffalo Chicken Wing Festival
275 Washington St. Buffalo, NY 14203
Watch the Bills Crush the Vikings
Kick off your long weekend early on Thursday with some NFL football. The Bills welcome the Vikings to New Era Field (and to their demise) for the last preseason game before things really heat up. No one is really planning to work much Friday anyway, so you might as well consider your holiday officially begun at kickoff at 7 p.m.
1 Bills Dr, Orchard Park, NY 14127
Tailgate the University at Buffalo Opener
If you prefer college ball, you're in luck. The beloved Tailgate Concert Series returns for the seventh season, with country artist RaeLynn breaking in the mic on August 29. The tailgate opens in Stampede Square three hours before the game, so fans and UB alumni can line up to cheer on the home team as they arrive to the stadium. Bring plenty of food, drink and good spirits for one of the best parties of fall.
102 Alumni Arena, Buffalo, NY 14260
Devour Shellfish and Draft Beers
Buffalo Riverworks is celebrating the changing of the seasons with an old fashioned clambake. The waterfront complex is launching an annual clambake this year, loading up guests with all-you-can-eat clams, mussels, crawfish, mac salad, corn on the cob, hot dogs, shrimp and sausage. Combined with two free draft beers and margarita specials, plus live entertainment and backyard games like corn hole, the $39 ticket goes a long way.
Buffalo Riverworks 1st Annual Clambake
359 Ganson St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Reenact a War
The War of 1812 may not get much attention after high school history class, but that doesn't make the reenactment at Old Fort Niagara any less thrilling. In a special night battle, watch as British forces attack and eventually defeat Americans holed up in the fort, a critical position along the Canadian border. But be sure to come earlier in the day to enjoy artillery and musket demonstrations, English country dancing, exhibits of uniforms and other artifacts, and fort tours.
102 Morrow Plaza, Youngstown, NY 14174
