Op-Ed: It’s not too late to enjoy WNY’s summer events

We all know Western New York makes headlines for snowfall, but don’t let that overshadow the gorgeous spring, summer and fall weather that we have here in the Buffalo area. While many great festivals and activities have already come and gone this year, there are still a variety of ways to make the most of the summer and fall before cold weather arrives.

Make sure to stop in at the Buffalo Zoo, where you can walk the historic campus after regular hours for Zoomagination: The Festival of Lanterns and Lights. You can take in the stunning light displays and enjoy popular zoo attractions like the train and carousel. This evening festival has just been extended through Monday, Sept. 4, so there’s still time to visit.

The Buffalo Zoo will also be one of the participants in the Kids Zone at the Elmwood Village Art Fest Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26 and 27. I am partnering with the Elmwood Village Association and the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church to create kid-friendly activities both indoors and outside the church on Elmwood Avenue. The event will also feature activities from the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, the Burchfield Penney Art Center and the YMCA. From food trucks to live music, the Elmwood Art Fest is going to have something for everyone, so be sure to stop by and support our local artists and small businesses.

On Tuesday, Aug. 29, Food Truck Tuesdays in Larkin Square ends for the season. If you haven’t yet taken part, you’ve got one last chance to enjoy live music and a wide variety of local flavor. And speaking of food, the National Buffalo Wing Festival is fast approaching. It’s year 22 for this two-day celebration of one of Western New York’s great creations. The event at Highmark Stadium will feature more than 20 vendors, including one who’s coming from Iceland to showcase their wings. Flavors range from the classic (hot/ medium/mild) to the experimental (peanut butter and jelly). If you’re seeking something a little healthier, Western New York has great farmers markets, from the Elmwood Village to Williamsville to Kenmore and beyond.

The following weekend is the Music is Art festival. This free event takes place at Buffalo Riverworks, with more than 250 bands scattered throughout historic grain silos. Music is Art is a celebration of Buffalo’s creative community. The 21st annual event will take place Saturday, Sept. 9. And for the colder days to come, M&T Bank sponsors free Friday programs at several of Buffalo’s most well-loved cultural institutions. On the first Friday of each month, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum will host local musical acts on the Sculpture Terrace. (The AKG also hosts a free evening of live music in their new Town Square on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month.) On the second Friday of each month, the Burchfield Penny is free to the public and stays open beyond its regular hours. On the third Friday, patrons can enjoy free admission to the Buffalo History Museum, and on the fourth Friday, guests can partake in special events at the Buffalo Arts Studio at Tri-Main Center.

Buffalo has lots to do all year-round, but don’t take our beautiful summers for granted. There’s still plenty of time to take advantage of all that Western New York has to offer!