Things to do this weekend in and around Buffalo
Friendly fun in Buffalo & Western New York for Friday, September 11, 2026 through Sunday, September 13, 2026. Check out these highlights!
(Scroll down for full list of weekend activities.)
Friday, September 11, 2026
Growing Back to School at the Botanical Gardens | Free admission for kids - September 8-30, 2026 - Buffalo, NY. Kids 12 and under get free admission to the Botanical Gardens to celebrate the new school year, with special seed planting activities on Saturdays.
Niagara County Peach Festival - September 10-13, 2026 - Lewiston, NY. Enjoy a multi-day peach celebration with rides, food, entertainment, and family-friendly fun centered around Niagara County’s famous peaches.
Take and Make Craft - ongoing, including September 11, 2026 - Buffalo, NY. Pick up a free craft kit at the Isaías González-Soto Branch Library so kids can create a fun project at home on their own time.
Back to School Specials at Playtopia - ongoing, including September 11, 2026 - Niagara Falls, ON. Take advantage of special pricing at Playtopia’s indoor play space so kids can celebrate back to school with climbing, sliding, and bouncing.
Bonfire Night - September 11, 2026 - Elma, NY. Gather at Calvary Heights Baptist Church for an evening bonfire with snacks, fellowship, and outdoor fun for families.
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Solar Saturdays at Buffalo Museum of Science - September 12, 2026 - Buffalo, NY. Use special solar telescopes to safely view the Sun from the museum rooftop and enjoy unique views of the Buffalo Niagara region.
Safari Tours At Hidden Valley Animal Adventure! - September 12-13, 2026 - Varysburg, NY. Ride an open-air safari bus or self-drive through a 63-acre park to see and feed camels, zebra, bison, and more, plus visit the Small Animal Adventure area.
Pan-American Walking Tour - September 12, 2026 - Buffalo, NY. Take a guided walk on the historic grounds of the 1901 Pan-American Exposition and learn about the exhibits, sights, and sounds that once filled the area.
Dyeing Yarn Workshop - September 12, 2026 - Mumford, NY. Teens and adults explore traditional dyeing techniques to transform spun wool into colorful yarn, connecting with historic craft practices.
Seabreeze Park Final Fling Weekend 2026 - September 12-13, 2026 - Rochester, NY. Enjoy one last weekend of rides, attractions, and treats at Seabreeze Amusement Park before the season closes, with special online ticket pricing.
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Enchanted Pumpkin Trail at the Buffalo Zoo! - September 10, 11 & 13, 2026 - Buffalo, NY. Stroll past glowing, larger-than-life jack-o’-lanterns, themed pumpkin scenes, and after-hours dinosaur exhibits for a magical fall evening at the zoo.
Sunday Narrated Afternoon Lock Cruise with Live Music - Colonial Belle - September 13, 2026 - Fairport & Pittsford, NY. Cruise the Erie Canal to Lock E32 with live narration and music while experiencing the lock raising and lowering the boat about 25 feet.
Men's Vintage Baseball Game at GCV&M - September 13, 2026 - Mumford, NY. Watch 19th-century style base ball played with period uniforms, equipment, and rules in a historic replica ballpark.
Sensory Hour @ Waterway of Change - September 13, 2026 - Buffalo, NY. Visit The Buffalo History Museum’s Waterway of Change exhibit during a special quiet hour with reduced crowds, dimmed lights, and softer audio for sensory-friendly exploration.
Explore the Born Learning Trail at the Burchfield Nature & Art Center - ongoing, including September 13, 2026 - West Seneca, NY. Walk a themed outdoor trail with interactive prompts that encourage young children to play, learn, and explore nature with their caregivers.