Things to Do in Spring in WNY

Buffalo proudly claims the title of “Dyngus Day capitol of America.” Dyngus Day is a Polish-American holiday celebrated on the Monday after Easter. With a rich history dating back to the year 966 in Poland, the holiday includes a distinctive ritual of revelers playfully tapping each other with pussy willows and sprinkling water.

The parade, as well as the highest concentration of festivities, take place in the historic Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood. Enjoy some Polish cuisine and drink at the 128-year-old Adam Mickiewicz Library and Dramatic Circle–a bar that, as the name suggests, includes both a theater and a library.

Leading up to Dyngus Day, many Buffalonians peruse the Broadway Market for Polish delicacies and the seasonal butter lamb.

Join the fun and see why Buffalo’s Polonia neighborhood becomes a national attraction every Easter Monday.

In late April, you can take in the stunning cherry blossoms in and around the Japanese Garden in Delaware Park, part of the spectacular Olmsted Parks Conservancy. Festival activities typically include a Japanese tea ceremony, musical performances and food vendors. With the park’s cherry blossoms blooming after Washington, D.C., it makes Buffalo a prime springtime attraction.

The iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour reopens in early April. Get up close to the mighty and majestic Niagara Falls on an all-electric boat. The Maid of the Mist has been in continuous operation since 1885–making it one of the longest-running tourist attractions in North America. There is no better time to experience this unrivaled thrill than when it reopens for the season. Visit the Maid of the Mist website for ticket pricing and schedule details.

One of the best parts of spring in Buffalo is when the temperatures climb high enough for patio dining. Buffalo Riverworks boasts a covered, double-decker patio where you can enjoy your meal while looking out at the Buffalo River. The multi-use venue also includes a roller skating rink, arcade games and an axe throwing venue. 

Picturesque flowers and leaves can’t sprout without the aid of rainy days. Fortunately, Western New York offers plenty of fun and accessible indoor activities.

Check out the Buffalo Museum of Science, which has a National Geographic 3D Cinema, over 700,000 artifacts and specimens, traveling exhibits and interactive studios. The museum is equal parts educational and fun.

Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, the architect's quintessential Prairie house and a National Historic Landmark. The Martin House is less than three miles from UB’s South Campus.

After viewing this historic site, you can head to another just a 15-minute drive away: The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, where the 26th U.S. president was unexpectedly sworn into office. The site includes a museum, where you can learn more about Buffalo’s prominent place in U.S. history.