Get ready to indulge in the ultimate chicken wing extravaganza as the 23rd annual National Buffalo Wing Festival makes its highly anticipated return to the home of the Buffalo Bills on Labor Day weekend. Taking place on August 31st and September 1st at Highmark Stadium, this festival is one of the largest food events dedicated to the beloved chicken wing.
Founder of the festival, Drew Cerza, expressed his excitement for this year's event, stating, "This year, we are turning up the heat and bringing even more excitement to the National Buffalo Wing Festival as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Buffalo Wing. Our goal is to create a memorable experience for every attendee, celebrating the love for wings while supporting our community. We have an outstanding lineup of vendors, entertainment, and activities that will make this year's festival unforgettable."
Attendees can expect some exciting changes at this year's festival. A total of 63 new wing recipes will be debuted, featuring over 100 styles of wings from 19 different eateries across the nation. French Toast, Hot Dill Pickle, and Whiskey Apple Bourbon are just a few of the mouthwatering flavors that will be introduced to this year's lineup.
To add to the excitement, attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite wing through a QR code. While access to the field will still be available, all vendors will be located on the main concourse inside Highmark Stadium providing a more convenient and enjoyable experience for festival-goers. This change ensures that visitors can easily explore the wide variety of wing options without having to venture outside the stadium.
The festival will also feature the highly anticipated United States Chicken Wing Eating Championship and Buffalo Buffet Bowl for professional eaters from Major League Eating. Additionally, there will be an amateur Hot Wing Eating or Buffalo Wing Eating contest, bobbing for wings in a kiddie pool filled with blue cheese, and a delightful baby wing costume pageant.
Parking for the event is free and the festival will run from noon to 9pm on Saturday and noon to 7pm on Sunday. For more information on tickets and to purchase them, visit the official festival website HERE.