Western New York Happenings: September Events

The Buffalo, New York area is loaded with great events in September - here are just a few.

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.

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.

Southgate Plaza's 28th Annual Car Show - Sunday, September 5th from noon to 4 p.m. at Southgate Plaza, Union Rd. and Seneca St. in West Seneca. Proceeds benefit the West Seneca Police Benevolent Association. Features over 300 cars, food and beverages, children's activities, and a live performance by Terry Buchwald. For more information, visit www.southgateplaza.com.

Celebrate America - Friday, September 10th from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Southgate Plaza. Chicken BBQ starts at 4:30 p.m., music from the Boys of Summer and Terry Buchwald throughout the evening. Games and rides for kids, beer tent, food, and fireworks to benefit the Variety Club of Buffalo. Go to www.southgateplaza.com for more information.

Curtain Up! - Friday, September 10th, beginning at Shea's Grand Lobby at 5 p.m. (652 Main St. in downtown Buffalo). Reception at 5 p.m. at Shea's features cash bar and is open to the public, followed at 6 p.m. by the Creative Black-Tie Gala Dinner on Shea's stage (tickets are $80 and available through Ticketmaster or by calling 716-847-0850). At 8 p.m. the curtains rise on the 29th annual celebration of Curtain Up! at 16 area theatres. For a complete list of theatres participating, visit www.theatreallianceofbuffalo.com.

Hello Yesterday - Saturday, September 18th starting at 11 a.m. at Lasalle Park in Buffalo (gates open at 10 a.m.). Relive the 1980s with contests, auctions, food and beverages, and live music from A Flock of Seagulls, The Romantics, When in Rome, Animotion, Dramarama, and Gene Loves Jezebel. Takes place rain or shine; tickets are $35 in advance (Record Theatre, 1800 and 3500 Main St. locations and www.helloyesterday.net), $45 the day of the show. Visit the above website for complete details (artists subject to change).

South Beach Salsa Party for the Parks - Friday, September 24th from 7 to 11 p.m. at Marcy Casino in Delaware Park, overlooking Hoyt Lake. Cash bar, food samplings from local restaurants, live music, and more to benefit the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door; visit www.bfloparks.org for more information and tickets.

Lewiston Harvest Festival and Craft Show - Saturday and Sunday, September 25th and 26th along Center St. in Lewiston. 27th annual craft show features over 100 of New York's top crafters and artists, plus live entertainment, food and wine samplings, and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days; visit www.niagarariverregion.com for more information.