Fall Fest Returns to Canalside Sept. 27

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Get ready for some festive fall fun for the whole family at Canalside on Saturday, Sept. 27. Free activities for kids and adults will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as Buffalo Waterfront hosts its final Canal side event of the season.

The lineup for Fall Fest 2025, presented by Citizens Bank, includes:

• Storytimes & giveaways by Barb’s Book Buddies

• Petting zoo following a sold out Goat Yoga class, presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Village Play Voyager – Play ground on Wheels

• Chalk artists

• Live music by the Alumni Band from 1 to 4 p.m. on the boardwalk

• Prize wheel & giveaways from Highmark

• Vendors with specialty gifts, apparel, artisan products, books, specialty foods & more

While the event is free to attend, a $5 kid pass guarantees a pumpkin to decorate and a High mark Blue Cross Blue Shield bag with trinkets and activities, plus admission and ice skate rentals for the Ice at Canalside’s winter season, courtesy of Rich Entertainment Group (REG). Kid passes can be purchased at Fall Fest or in advance online.

Fall Fest attendees can also enter to win prize packages from REG’s portfolio of businesses, including treats from Frost Arti san Bakery, a gift certificate for the Glen Iris Inn, free tickets to a 2026 Buffalo Bisons home game and more.

“Our annual Fall Fest is the perfect way to wrap up the beautiful summer we enjoyed here in Western New York and celebrate the new season,” said Lauren Ford, general manager, Buffalo Waterfront. “We invite families to come out, embrace the fall spirit and enjoy a fun day at the waterfront.”