Taste of Buffalo seeks artists to capture festival spirit in poster contest

Tops Friendly Markets Press Release

The Taste of Buffalo, presented by Tops Friendly Markets, is calling on local artists – both students and the public – to bring the festival’s vibrant energy to life through art! The 2026 poster art contest will open for submissions beginning Sunday, Feb. 15, inviting creative minds to design the official poster for next year’s event.

"The Taste of Buffalo celebrates Western New York's diverse food scene and talented art community each year through the annual poster art contest,” said Adam Roma, 2026 chair for the Taste of Buffalo. “Artists of all backgrounds capture the spirit of the festival through their creative works, and we look forward to reviewing all of this year's submissions."

The 2026 Taste of Buffalo will take place July 11-12 in Niagara Square and along a portion of Delaware Avenue. Festivalgoers can also look forward to purchasing presale food ticket vouchers at Tops Markets locations beginning in June.

Poster art contest

Starting Feb. 15, individuals 13 years of age and older are encouraged to submit original artwork that embodies the essence of this beloved summertime food festival. To qualify, each submission must include:

√ A fork

√ At least one image of food

Additionally, with it being the 250th anniversary of the U.S. (known as the semiquincentennial), individuals are encouraged to incorporate this in their design, but it is not required.

The contest is divided into two age categories:

√ Children (13-17 years old)

√ Adults (18-plus years old)

Each category winner will receive a $500 cash prize. One of these finalists will then be chosen as the grand-prizewinner, earning an additional $500 and the honor of having their design serve as the official 2026 Taste of Buffalo poster. The winning artwork may also be featured in the festival’s marketing materials.

Key dates & how to enter

√ Submission deadline: March 27

√ Winner announcement: On or around April 2

√ Official rules and design guidelines: available at www.topsmarkets.com/tasteofbuffalo

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to showcase your creativity and be part of one of Buffalo’s most cherished traditions. Start designing today!

Headquartered in Williamsville, Tops Markets operates a robust network of 151 grocery stores spanning New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, including one franchise location in Lewiston. It is one of Western New York’s largest employers, with over 14,000 associates across its entire footprint. Discover more at www.topsmarkets.com.

The Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops is the nation’s largest two-day food festival. The 43^rd annual Taste of Buffalo will take place July 11-12 along Delaware Avenue in downtown Buffalo. The festival was named winner of USA Today’s 2023 10BEST Reader’s Choice Travel Award Contest for “Best City Food Festival.” The not-for-profit Taste organization has more than 1,000 volunteers helping to put on the annual event. More than $606,000 has been raised at the festival for local charities, in addition to scholarships awarded annually to local high school seniors pursuing a culinary or hospitality-related degree. For more information, visit tasteofbuffalo.com and on Facebook and Instagram.