National Buffalo Wing Festival
Celebrate the end of summer in the city where the Buffalo wing was born! The 2025 National Buffalo Wing Festival returns to Sahlen Field in downtown Buffalo, New York, on Labor Day weekend—August 30 and 31—with two full days of unbeatable flavor, fun, and fiery competition.
What is the National Buffalo Wing Festival?
The National Buffalo Wing Festival celebrates the “Chicken Wing”, known nationally as “Buffalo Wings”, which have become a national food icon—so much so it’s America’s #1 appetizer. Now in its 24th year, this beloved food festival draws over 50,000 visitors annually from across the country—and even overseas. Whether you prefer sweet and smoky, tangy BBQ, or off-the-charts hot, there’s a wing (or 20) waiting for you in Buffalo.
What to expect at the National Buffalo Wing Festival
Held in Sahlen Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons, the Buffalo Wing Festival brings together more than 20 of the best wing vendors from around the nation—and the world. Sample over 100 unique wing flavors while enjoying live entertainment, interactive games, and a full lineup of competitions and family-friendly activities.
Wings from Across the U.S.
Come hungry! You’ll find classic Buffalo-style wings alongside creative, global-inspired flavors from restaurants in New York, Georgia, Texas, California, and beyond. The festival is a one-stop tasting tour of America’s wing culture.
Wing-Eating Competitions & Contests
Don’t miss the high-stakes excitement of the U.S. Chicken Wing Eating Championship, where top competitive eaters go wing-for-wing in front of a roaring crowd. Feeling brave? Take on the Spicy Wing Challenge, or test your culinary chops in the Amateur Sauce-Off.
Live Music & Entertainment
The festival stage keeps the energy going with live music performances, wing-themed games, and fun surprises all weekend long. Local bands, DJs, and entertainers keep the vibe festive and family-friendly
Fun for the Whole Family
This event is about more than wings! Families can enjoy a Kids Zone with bounce houses, games, face painting, and more. Come in costume for a chance to win the Best Buffalo Wing Look contest—extra points for creativity and sauce-proof attire!
.
Festival Awards
Each year restaurants arounds the country are crowned winners in various categories. And only one can take the title of Festival Favorite.
Three wings will be crowned Best In Show.
Sauces are crowned in catgoeires such as: Traditional Medium, Creative Sweet, Hot and Creative Spicy.
When is the National Buffalo Wing Festival?
The 24th festival will take place on Labor Day Weekend at its original home Sahlen Field.
Saturday, August 30th: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday, August 31st: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Ticket Info
This celebration of America’s favorite appetizer is not just that, but rather a community charity event. What else can you do but give back to the local community that gave this dish its start. Since 2002, over $500,000 has been donated back to local charities.
Tickets are currently available for presale at a lower cost for $20 per day for General Admission.
Wings are purchased with food tickets and you can buy any increment of wings. On average, an order of wings (10 wings) all cost $13.80.
And if you’re not feeling up for wings (which why would you not be?) food vendors will be offering dishes at various prices.
Purchase event tickets here.
Take Amtrak to the National Buffalo Wing Festival
For Directions to Buffalo-Exchange Street Station, click below.
Enjoy this finger-licking good festival via Amtrak to Buffalo-Exchange Street Station, only five minutes from Sahlen Field—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!
Get picked up from Buffalo Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Buffalo office today at: 716-884-6666.
