WNED Kid Fest

This fun-filled family weekend takes place annually each winter. We host Kid Fest in both Burlington, Ontario and in downtown Buffalo, NY. Children and parents can enjoy meet-and-greets with beloved PBS KIDS characters, as well as an assortment of activities, prizes, and more. Various organizations from around the communities participate -- presenting live performances, crafts and giveaways for those who attend.

2020 Kid Fest Events!

WBFO’s Buffalo Blues Bash brings a rollicking night of music, food and fun to WNED | WBFO each fall and spring. WNED’s large studio is transformed into a state-of-the-art concert venue for one night only; it offers the perfect setting for local opening blues acts and notable national headliners alike. Food, beer and wine are available for purchase to complete this rockin’ evening.

The headliner for the October 2019 Blues Bash was 2019 International Blues Challenge winner Ms. Hy C & Fresh Start. They brought high energy, soulful blues performance that had the crowd up on their feet dancing!

WBFO's Buffalo Blues Bash returns to our studios Saturday, April 4, 2020. Stay tuned as tickets sell out fast!

Antiques Home Show!

Sunday, October 20, 2019
Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, ON

WNED | WBFO's Antiques Home Show is a local, non-televised event using local expert appraisers. For one day only, community members are invited to bring antiques to be verbally evaluated by Southern Ontario and Western New York’s finest appraisers.

The JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition

Named in honor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s Music Director, the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition was launched in 2004 by WNED-FM, WNED-TV and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. It was the world’s first concerto competition for classical guitarists with accompaniment by a full symphony orchestra. The Falletta Competition was established to help identify and encourage talented young classical guitarists and help them on their musical journeys. Every two years, it brings international guitarists to Buffalo, New York for one week to perform publicly in competition for cash prizes, a recording contract, national and international broadcast exposure, and a return engagement with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. It is the opportunity of a lifetime for young musicians who have dedicated themselves to their art and who are serious about pursuing careers not only as international performing and recording artists, but also as concert soloists.

In addition to bringing prominent recognition to highly-skilled young classical guitarists, WNED and the BPO seek to promote music appreciation and enhance the visibility of the cultural arts in Western New York.

WNED | WBFO and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra congratulate Bokyung Byun of South Korea who was awarded first place and Musician's Choice in the eighth biennial JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition on June 9, 2018.

Eight classical guitarists, representing five nations, competed throughout the week. Byun is the first woman to win the competition. Tengue "TY" Zhang of China captured Audience Favorite and second place. Congyi Zhang won third place, and also received the inaugural William and Carol Greiner Award for his performance of Ernesto Cordero’s Concierto Antillano. The Greiner Award encourages the performance of lesser-known works.

Byun will receive a solo concert at the Fondazione La Società dei Concerti in a recital among the series “Winners!” of Incontri Musicali at Gaber Auditorium in Milano, Italy, along with a $10,000 cash prize, national and international broadcast exposure, and a return engagement with the BPO.