By Kate Bartlett
The World’s Largest Disco, sponsored by Univera Healthcare, will be held for it’s 31st year at the Buffalo Convention Center. This annual event draws over 7,000 people annually, selling out for the past 28 years. Get ready to boogie, grab your platforms, and join in an evening of dancing, comradery and some of the best people watching around.
The World’s Largest Disco was first held in Buffalo in 1979, and it was an epic event in it’s time. Dave Pietrowski was inspired to bring an event to Buffalo to bring people together on the weekend after Thanksgiving. “I was driving down Chippewa Street and it was empty & quiet”, recalls Dave. “I wanted to bring something to the area on that particular weekend that would liven things up, and bring people together.” Having heard of the success of the original World’s Largest Disco, he knew this type of event would be a good fit. One year later, in 1994, he opened the doors to the convention center to over 1,800 people; it was a smashing success.
Since it’s inception, the Disco has been steadily growing every year, attracting crowds from far and wide, gaining the attention of media and celebrities nationwide. It holds the Guiness World Record as the largest disco event of all time. It boasts the largest dance floor in New York State with a massive 64,000 square foot dance floor and a concert sized sound system and light show. Numerous celebrities have graced the scene over the years including Gloria Gaynor (performing her hit anthem “I Will Survive”), cast members from: The Brady Bunch, Dukes of Hazard, Happy Days, WKRP in Cincinnati, Cheers, Animal House, The Facts of Life, Good Times, The Partridge Family and many stars from Bravo’s hit series Below Deck and The Housewives among others.
The crowd dresses to impress in full Disco and 70’s attire, bringing a fun, vibrant energy and allowing some of the best people watching around. “People go all out,” says Dave. “Literally everyone is in costume, and it’s a great time.” From go-go boots, to bell bottom flares, sequins and afros, fashion it on point, everyone bringing their 1970’s best-self.
Tickets are a hot commodity, selling out in just 30 minutes this year when they went on sale in July. Since the start, all proceeds have been for charity, donating over 8 million dollars to Camp Good Days over the past 30 years. Having family affected by pediatric cancer, it is a charity that is extremely special to him. “We are 100% volunteer with no paid staff, no one involved with the event has ever been paid” says Dave. “It’s always been for charity, and we plan to keep it that way.” This year, Dave plans to spread out the proceeds to several cancer related charities, including Camp Good Days.
The Disco has always been held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this year on November 30th, the VIP party starts at 8PM going until 2AM, with general admission from 9PM-1AM. Entertainment is announced the morning of the Disco, adding an element of anticipation and surprise leading up to the event. “We’ve hosted so many incredible performers over the years, all had had a hit during the disco era. We have another amazing act this year, and we can’t wait to announce it.” The event is will be DJed by DJ Nicholas Picholas from Kiss 98.5, playing all the greatest hits from the disco era.
Dave describes the Disco as a one-of-a-kind event. “There’s really nothing else like it. The lighting and the music set the scene, but the people make it incredible. The energy is upbeat and positive, people are happy and looking to have a good time.”
The event has been a true Buffalo’s bucket list item for several years, but it’s reach has become father over the years, attracting people from all over the world. “It’s not uncommon to have people travel great distances,” says Dave. “We’ve even had people from London and Australia come for the disco.” It’s been highlighted on the Today Show, several magazines, two books (Party Across America) and even mentioned on the front page of The Wall Street Journal.
For more information, visit www.worldslargestdisco.com and follow on social media.