I LOVE this time of the year!  It is summer time so that means the weather is gorgeous and you don’t have to bundle up on eight layers to go outside.  Another benefit of summer in Buffalo is we only have a few months to cram in as many festivals and activities as possible until winter rolls around.  If you’re looking for a few fun things this weekend here are a couple that are a definite MUST!

This weekend in North Buffalo is the Italian Heritage Festival.  Seriously even if you don’t have an ounce of Italian in you still check out this festival it is AWESOME!!  You’ll get a chance to take in the sights, sounds, food, and culture that make the Italian American experience so special.  This festival has so much going on you won’t even have a moment to sit.  First of all there is some of the best local entertainment playing this weekend, along with bocce tournaments, Miss Italian Festival, Italian Idol contest, and that’s just the beginning.  While you’re there make sure you check out the crafts for the kids and of course all of the amazing food!  The Buffalo Italian Heritage festival runs today and tomorrow between Colvin and Delaware in North Buffalo.

Another favorite that kicks off tomorrow is Canal Fest.  This festival gives you 8 days of family fun for you to participate in!  Tomorrow for the opening day you’ll definitely need to head out at noon for the 30th Annual Canal Fest Opening Ceremonies on the Renaissance Bridge.  Afterwards stick around for activities like the Canal Fest Kick off which will include water themed activities and crafts or the Chalk it up Street Chalk art contest.  Events run all day each day at Canal Fest.  Later in the evening at Canal Fest tomorrow make sure you stick around and check out some of their great live entertainment.  Starting at 4pm they will have Nighteagle, 50s and 60s with a tribute to Elvis and then starting at 8p is Battery the Masters of Metallica.  Both events will be taking place on the Gateway Stage at the water on Sweeney Street.  Canal Fest is located in Tonawanda and North Tonawanda with events running all week.

Finally another great activity that the family will love is the Wild Renn Fest at Hawk Creek Wildlife Center in East Aurora.  This event is super cool in my personal opinion.  At this event you’ll get a chance to witness live jousting on horseback, falconry and more!  Seriously how many places can you say you’ll see something like that at!  Along with that you’ll have the chance to check out the flying bird show, have wildlife encounters, and watch medieval reenactments.  This event has something for everyone of all ages.  It’s the Hawk Creek’s 25th Annual fundraiser.  Event parking is even free to this one!  It’s the Wild Renn Fest at the Hawk Creek Wildlife Center in East Aurora.

This weekend make sure you head over to the Olivencia Community Center in Buffalo for the Grease Pole Festival.  This one is will have something for the entire family!  Running all day today you’ll get the chance to join in on the celebration of all sorts of traditions!  You’ll get to experience traditional music, ethnic food, and even dancing.  This event is a celebration of the community and culture.  It’s the Grease Pole festival today at the Olivencia Community Center on Swan Street in Buffalo. 

Also today head over to the Cheektowaga Town Park and participate in their Family Days!  The festival runs all day today.  There is a bunch of family activities that you’ll want to check out like the Buffalo Zoo – Zoomobile, Arts and Crafts, Face Painting, rides, and more.  There are activities for everyone of any age in your family!  The event happens Rain or Shine which looking at our weather we might not ever get rain anyways so let’s just go with shine!  The Cheektowaga Town Park is located on Harlem Road near Walden Ave.  Today make sure you check out the Cheektowaga Family Days!

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