What to See & Do
Festivals & Special Events
Buffalo loves a good party. From late May through mid-October, the streets of Western New York come to life with every conceivable kind of celebration—ethnic heritage festivals, free concerts, food fests, tours of local homes and gardens, and much, much more—and when the weather gets a little cooler, the action simply moves indoors! For the LGBT community, of course, the high point of the summer is Pride Week. This annual extravaganza gets bigger and better every year, growing to include theatrical presentations, concerts, lectures, workshops, and other special events, all capped off with a Dyke March on Saturday night, a street party on Allen Street that night, and one of Buffalo’s best annual parades (south along the busiest urban stretch of Elmwood Avenue) on Sunday afternoon, followed by a giant gathering at Canalside, featuring both national and local performers. In recent years, the main festivities have taken place the first weekend of June, but the exact details do vary from time to time, so be sure to check the organizers’ website at www.pride-buffalo.org before planning your trip. 
One of the newest arrivals on the scene for gay men is the annual Bear Trap in early October. Organized by the Buffalo Bears, this three-day extravaganza attracts hundreds of men from throughout the Northeastern U.S. and Canada who converge on Buffalo to eat, drink, dance, and socialize. The first Saturday in December brings Women’s Gifts, one of the holiday season’s most fun activities for well over 10 years. This largely (but by no means exclusively) lesbian event celebrates the creativity of Buffalo’s women artists, craftspeople, and musicians. The location and lineup change from year to year, so check their website for updates.
OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST
As we’ve suggested, there’s no shortage of reasons to celebrate around here. What follows are several additional annual summer and fall events, organized by month, that you may want to incorporate into your travels.
JUNE-AUGUST
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
Shakespeare in Delaware Park has been a Buffalo summer tradition since 1976. It is one of the country's largest and most successful outdoor Shakespeare festival in terms of audience, attracting an average of more than 40,000 patrons each summer. Two plays are featured, Merchant in Venice from mid-June through mid-July, with As You Like It through mid-August.
JUNE
Allentown Art Festival
Second weekend in June. One of the largest arts and crafts festivals in North America, right in the heart of the gayest neighborhood in the city.
Pride Weekend
First weekend of June. Recognizes, celebrates and affirms the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people. Festivities include the Dyke March and LGBT pride parade and celebration.
JULY
Garden Walk
Last weekend of July. Free, self-guided tours of over 250 gardens throughout Allentown, the Elmwood Village, and surrounding neighborhoods.
JULY
Taste of Buffalo
Held the second weekend of July, the Taste of Buffalo is one of the nation's largest food festivals and attracts more than 450,000 people annually to the event. The Taste features dozens of Buffalo's best restaurants serving some of the most enjoyable foods the region has to offer..
AUGUST
Elmwood Festival of the Arts
Last weekend of August. The emphasis is on local artists, craftspeople, vendors, musicians, and dancers in this beloved end-of-summer tradition.
SEPTEMBER
Curtain Up!
Date varies. The Theater District kicks off its new season with simultaneous openings and a giant street party on Main Street between Tupper and Chippewa.
