Labor Day Weekend Events Near Buffalo, NY

The unofficial end of summer, Labor Day weekend, is upon us. If you're looking for a way to close out the summer on a high note, start with these events featuring plenty of music, food, and fun.

moe.down XI - Friday through Sunday, September 3rd through 5th at Gelston Castle Estate in Mohawk, NY. Buffalo's own moe. moves their annual Labor Day weekend music festival to this beautiful castle for 2010. moe.down features the music of moe. all three nights, plus appearances by the Black Keys, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, Punch Brothers, Tortoise, Monkey Wrench, and others (subject to change). Tickets are available through www.moe.org., www.moedown.com, by calling 1-888-812-SHOW, or at Terrapin Station, 1172 Hertel Ave. in Buffalo. Find schedules, prices, camping information, and more at www.moedown.com.

German American Heritage Festival - Saturday and Sunday, September 4th and 5th at Cheektowaga Town Park, 2600 Harlem Rd. in Cheektowaga. Features German cuisine and beverages, wine garden, Kinder Park area for kids, games, and music daily (The Bergholz Blaskapelle and The Auslanders on Saturday, The Frankfurters and The German-American Musicians Association on Sunday).Admission is $3, children 4 and under are free; hours are noon to 10 p.m. both days. For more information, visit www.buffalogerman.com.

Clarence Center VFC Labor Day Fair - Saturday through Monday, September 4th through 6th on the grounds of Clarence Center Volunteer Fire Company, 9415 Clarence Center Rd. in Clarence Center. Food and beverages, games, rides, raffles, and more. Music by Hit N Run Saturday and Sunday nights, Demolition Derby and fireworks on Sunday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday; visit www.ccfvc.net for more information.

National Buffalo Wing Festival - Saturday and Sunday, September 4th and 5th at Coca Cola Field in downtown Buffalo. The annual festival honoring one of Buffalo's best contributions to the food world will featured over 100 types of wings from more than 30 local and national restaurants. Also on the schedule: the National Sauce Off, the Miss Buffalo Wing Pageant, the Buffalo Buffet Bowl, and the US Buffalo Wing Eating Championship. Entertainment from Terry Buchwald (Saturday 1 to 5 p.m.), Pirate Dreams (Saturday 5 to 9 p.m.), Boneshakers Blues Band (Sunday noon to 2:30 p.m.), and Party Squad (Sunday 3 to 7 p.m.). Admission is $5, children 8 and under are free; food tickets are $1 each (wings at every stand are three for $2). Hours are Saturday noon to 9 p.m., Sunday noon to 7 p.m.; visit www.buffalowing.com for contest schedules, a list of vendors, and more information.

Labor Day at the Zoo - Monday, September 6th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave. in Buffalo. Features a bounce house for kids, animal feedings, fun activities, and more; $1 admission coupons available at Top Markets. Visit www.buffalozoo.org for more information.

Labor Day Festival - Sunday and Monday, September 5th and 6th at Becker Farms, 3760 Quaker Rd. in Gasport from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Features pony rides, hayrides, the Becker Mountain slide, and more; U-Pick Apples will be available. Music from Fiddlestix from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information on Becker Farms, visit www.beckerfarms.com or call 716-772-2211.

Canada's Largest Ribfest - Friday, September 3rd through Monday, September 6th at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. If chicken wings aren't your thing, head north of the border for ribs at the 15th annual celebration. Features kids' activities, over two dozen musical acts, an artisan's fair with more than 30 vendors, and Ribfest contests featuring 18 teams from the US and Canada. Admission to the festival is free; public transportation and shuttles are available. Find out more at www.canadaslargestribfest.com.