Upstate New York’s Food Scene Scores National Recognition Again

Food lovers across Upstate New York have plenty to cheer about because our local festivals are officially on the national radar.

With two major food festivals earning top spots in USA Today’s readers’ choice rankings, it’s clear that Upstate isn’t just beautiful, it’s delicious, too.

One of the Nation’s Best Food Festivals

USA Today readers named the Taste of Buffalo the number three Best City Food Festival in the entire country. That’s a proud moment not just for Buffalo, but for foodies across Upstate New York who know just how special our culinary culture truly is.

Nearly Half a Million Flock to the Feast Each Year

Each summer, the Taste of Buffalo draws upward of 450,000 people, all excited to sample the very best in local cuisine. From mouthwatering street food to award-winning New York wines, the two-day event brings together restaurants, food trucks, and wineries from all over the region to serve up a taste of what makes Upstate shine.

This Summer’s Festival Happens July 12-13

The 2025 Taste of Buffalo will take place July 12-13 along Delaware Avenue in front of City Hall, centered around Niagara Square. It’s a weekend filled with food, music, and community, and is a perfect day trip (or excuse to spend the whole weekend!).

A True Celebration of Regional Flavors

What makes this festival so special? USA Today praised its wide range of locally loved food, from sponge candy and beef on weck to bold Buffalo wings and crisp, refreshing wines from across New York State. It’s a flavorful showcase of what Upstate’s kitchens and vineyards are made of.

SEE ALSO: 10 Divine (and Delicious!) Upstate New York Food Tours

Helping the Next Generation Succeed

It’s not just about the food, though. The festival has awarded more than $606,000 in scholarships to high school seniors who are pursuing careers in food, hospitality, and tourism.

Queens May Be Number One, But Upstate Is Right Behind

While the Queens Night Market took the top spot on USA Today’s list, Taste of Buffalo’s third-place ranking proves that Upstate is a serious contender in the national food scene.

Wings Take Center Stage Again This Year

Another Upstate favorite also landed on a national list, this time for specialty food festivals. The National Chicken Wing Festival, held every Labor Day weekend, was also ranked number three in the country, proving once again that we know how to throw a flavorful party.

Mark Your Calendar for Labor Day Weekend

The Wing Festival returns August 30-31 to Sahlen Field, with more than 20 restaurants serving up over 125 different wing flavors. There’s live music, wing-eating contests, and even the legendary bobbing for wings in blue cheese.

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Food That Fills the Heart, Too

Just like the Taste of Buffalo, the wing festival also gives back in a big way by donating over $500,000 to local charities since it began. It’s another great example of how our communities come together over food to make a difference.