The National Buffalo Wing Festival, presented by Empower Federal Credit Union, returns to Sahlen Field this Labor Day Weekend, Saturday, Aug. 30 (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Sunday, Aug. 31 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), with a hotter-than-ever celebration of America’s favorite finger food.
Since its founding in 2002 by Buffalo’s own “Wing King” Drew Cerza, the USA Today’s #3 Best Specialty Food Festival has grown into a national phenomenon. Last year alone, 23,000 wing lovers from 45 states and 24 countries flocked to Buffalo for the ultimate celebration, with over 500,00 visitors since its inception.
Festivalgoers can expect over 100 styles of wings from 20 eateries, including 15 of the nation’s top wing joints featuring 60 new wing flavors this year including Blackberry & Burgundy BBQ, Maple Chipotle, Peppermint Paddy, Wisconsin Old Fashioned, Butterbeer, and Maple Bourbon Chicken and Waffles, just to name a few.
In addition to the wings, the festival features live music, interactive contests, cooking demonstrations, and special appearances from sports and entertainment figures.
Festival Highlights
• Win Big: Enter for a chance to win a two-year lease on a Nissan Rogue Rock Creek and other great prizes from festival sponsors.
• Special Guests: Buffalo Bills star Greg Rousseau appears Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.
• Special appearance by former NFL star and current Food Network celebrity Eddie Jackson.
• Armed Forces Night: Honoring former Vietnam POW Frank Cruz. Veterans and active military receive free admission from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday.
• VIP Party Deck: $45 admission includes first drink free, private seating and bar access.
• VIP Craft Beer Fundraiser: $65 includes wings as well as beer from local craft breweries.
• The Wingfest is hosting and offering free admission to 100 Canadian wing fans from the Hamilton, Ontario region as a goodwill gesture out of respect of the border tension.
Contests and Entertainment
• Wing It On! U.S. Chicken Wing Eating Championship, hosted by Major League Eating’s George Shea, featuring returning champions James Webb, Miki Sudo and Eric “Badlands” Booker.
• Hot Wing Eating, Amateur Wing Eating, Buffalo Buffet Bowl, bobbing for wings in blue cheese, and the Baby Wing Costume Pageant.
• Live local music all weekend long and cooking demonstrations from amateur chefs and wing experts.
Charitable Focus
• Over the past 23 years, Wingfest has donated over $500,000 to local organizations. This year, proceeds support FeedMore WNY, Alzheimer’s Association of WNY and Hope Rises.
For more information, please visit www.BuffaloWing.com.
