By Kate Bartlett
This year marks the 25th National Buffalo Wing Festival. This two-day food festival will run on Saturday, August 29 from 11am-8pm and Sunday, August 30 from 11am-6pm at Sahlen Field in downtown Buffalo. Admission is $20 at the gate or online, with free entry for children ages 8 and under.
Founded by Drew “The Wing King” Cerza, the event raises funds for local Western New York charities and non-profits. This year, funds will be allocated to support Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, FeedMore WNY, WNY Heroes and Hope Rises. Over the past 24 years, the event has raised over $550,000 to support local agencies. The energy is pure Buffalo pride, packed with live music, cold beer, and passionate wing fans travelling from all over the world.
The idea for a national chicken wing festival was inspired by a scene in the movie Osmosis Jones. “In the movie, Bill Murray’s character talks about going to the Wingfest in Buffalo, subsequently, I was made aware that at that time there was no such festival,” explains Drew. “It seemed crazy to me that the city known for its Buffalo Wings didn’t have a Wingfest, so I decided to start one.”
Since its inception in 2002, the festival has grown into a national phenomenon, attracting 27,000 visitors last year, growing steadily each year. People come from far and wide to celebrate, with 46 states and 26 countries represented last year. “It’s not just about the food,” explains Drew. “It’s about meeting people and making new friends.” The energy is joyous and exciting, with live music, craft beer tasting, entertainment and contests throughout the festival.
This year, Joey Chestnut, American competitive eater widely considered the greatest in history, returns for the U.S. Chicken Wing Eating Championship. The festival also features a XXX-hot wing contest, The Buffalo Buffet Bowl, an eating contest of iconic Buffalo comfort food favorites, and novelty events like a blue cheese bobbing contest. Guests can also win Frank’s RedHot sauce for Life, sponsored by Tops Friendly Markets. The festival has also chosen a new chicken wing to serve this year. After intense research organizers have chosen Perdue Farms wings as the “Official Wing” of the festival. The Perdue Family is simultaneously being inducted into the “Buffalo Wing Hall of Flame” for their longtime contributions in helping create the huge popularity of chicken wings across the country.
Historically, the festival hosts dozens of vendors including local, regional, and national restaurants serving over 100 variations of chicken wings. Flavors range from traditional medium-hot-XXHot Buffalo sauces to wildly creative regional flavors. The Wingfest offers the unique opportunity to sample elite wings from different states and local favorites all in one single ballpark venue without driving all over the country.
Over the years, Drew has watched the festival evolve. “Recipes started more traditional but have begun to incorporate more unique sauces. Now, chefs compete to see who can craft the most creative wing. We’re proud to host so many talented chefs and have so many delicious wings in one place.”
For the first time in its 24-year history, the event is moving away from Labor Day weekend and instead will be held the weekend prior. “We shifted weekends due to the Bison’s baseball schedule, but it seems like this weekend might work better for the general public.”
Also new this year, the festival is introducing a new, larger chicken wing provided by Perdue Farms as well as a new local favorite Buffalo Wing Mac & Cheese by Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant.
“Wingfest is a culture; it’s an experience,” explains Drew. “Many people return year after year and we’re proud of the relationships that have been built. Bobby Flay even reached out to congratulate us on 25 years. We’ve met so many incredible people. It’s about food, fun and flavor.”
For more information, visit buffalowing.com and follow on social media. The festival runs Saturday, August 29 from 11am-8pm and Sunday, August 30 from 11am-6pm. Admission is $20 at the gate or online, with free entry for children ages 8 and under and VIP options are also available.