What are the times available for each day?

Rental time window varies depending on availability. Let us know your desired time window. Your event reservation includes a six-hour block standard. Your rental time windows needs to include your delivery/setup time and your breakdown/cleanup time. We have found for most parties and events, a six hour window provides ample time for your setup, celebration, and cleanup. Extended hours may be purchased depending on availability.

All events at Buffalo River Grove must end by 8:00 PM and you have an hour to clean up. We do not have lighting in the fields, some of the surrounding areas, or the parking lot. It gets too dark to entertain guests safely! The entire property closes at 9:00 pm sharp.

Can I book my event online?

Yes! Use the Contact Form to book your event!

How many people can be hosted per event?

Our picnic pavilion holds 250 people seated and 300 standing. Arrangements can be made for up to 1,500 people with tenting.

How do I specify what Food/bar services i want?

Select the ‘Rent Venue With Food & Bar Services’ option in our contact form. Once submitted, we’ll send you the next steps to customize a menu that’s perfect for you!

When is payment due for my event?

Full payment is due 7 days prior to the event. We accept cash, check, or credit card (note: a 2.5% processing fee may apply for card payments)

Checks may be mailed or delivered in person to

Buffalo River Grove
454 Dingens St
Cheektowaga, NY 14206

This location is the office of our partner company, Balloon Masters, and serves as our mailing address.

Is a deposit required to reserve my date?

Only if you are renting the venue along with our catering services. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your date. Later if your event date needs to be moved, you may choose a new date if available.

What is the Administration Fee and where do gratuities go?

The Administration Fee is a standard charge that helps cover the behind-the-scenes coordination of your event, including planning support, scheduling, communication, and overall event management.

Gratuities are separate from the Administration Fee, and all tips go directly to our staff. Tips are always appreciated for their hard work and service.

📋 Important Details

IS BUFFALO RIVER GROVE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE?

Yes, Buffalo River Grove is fully handicap accessible. The property has no stairs, handicap-accessible restrooms, designated handicap parking, and a convenient drop-off spot located right up front.

WHEN CAN DELIVERIES AND SETUP BEGIN?

Event setup and deliveries may begin at the start of your rental time slot, not before

WHAT TIME MUST EVENTS AT THE GROVE END?

For the safety of our guests, please note that our parking lot and grounds are not lit after dark, evening events conclude by 9:00 PM for you and your guests.

Can I bring pets to the venue?

Only service animals are permitted on property, but must be kept on a leash and under control at all times.

 Are fireworks or sparklers allowed?

No. Fireworks, sparklers, and similar items are not permitted at gatherings of 30 or more people in Erie County..

Is smoking allowed under the pavilion?

 No, smoking is not permitted under the pavilion.

Can I view or access the Buffalo River from Buffalo River Grove?

Unfortunately, no — although we’re situated near the Buffalo River, our property does not have direct river access or water views.

Will I need security for my event?

 Depending on the type of event, you may be required to hire security.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

✅If you have rented the venue for your own private function, yes. You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
🚫If you are just attending an event on the premises (i.e. music event or other public function), no outside food or drink is permitted.

When Can I bring my own food and drinks?

It depends on why you are at the venue. Here is the breakdown by situation:

IF I BRING MY OWN FOOD AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, IS THERE SPACE TO STORE AND PREP THEM?

You may use our freezer, refrigerator and prep area with sink. We have 6 banquet tables that are 8 ft long for you to use as a serving bar to host a buffet, provide appetizers or desserts etc. as needed.
You are responsible for bringing your own prep equipment, serving and tableware supplies. You must clean up the prep area before the end of your rental window. Buffalo River Grove cannot assume liability for food that we did not prepare or serve ourselves.

How is the meal served?

Our meal packages are served as a delicious buffet, available for two hours to give you and your guests plenty of time to enjoy. For the best experience, we encourage everyone to arrive on time. Don’t worry — if a guest is running late, we’re happy to prepare a fresh plate for them upon arrival..

How Do you accommodate food allergies?

Your safety is our priority. We are glad to accommodate many dietary needs and allergies with advance notice when possible.

⚠️ Please Note: Due to our outdoor kitchen, we are unable to safely accommodate requests related to celiac disease or severe peanut allergies.

Can we take food to-go?

To ensure the quality and safety of our food, and because our buffets are carefully prepared for the exact number of guests in your party, we are unable to offer take-home containers. This policy helps us maintain our high standards for food safety, as improperly stored food can pose a health risk. Per state law for outdoor venue: Food left in hot cars can become a health risk quickly. BRG can not be held responsible for any food not eaten at the time of food service on the property.

Can we bring our own appetizers or desserts?

You are welcome to bring your own appetizers or desserts! For these outside items, we ask that you provide your own serving plates, napkins, and utensils. Please note that for everyone’s safety, Buffalo River Grove cannot assume liability for food that we did not prepare or serve ourselves.

What beverages are included during the event?

We provide complimentary coffee, soda, and filtered water from our beverage station for the duration of your event. For your convenience, bottled water is also available for purchase at the bar or can be pre-ordered and added to your final invoice.

What bar service options are available?

 We offer:

*Pre-paid Per person open bar

*Pre-paid drink tickets

*Bar with half keg of domestic or imported beer and/or boxed wine with bartender 

*Bar with running tab, with or without a reserved dollar amount cap.

*Open cash bar

Can I bring my own alcohol? & What is the alcohol policy at Buffalo River Grove?

No alcoholic beverages may be brought onto BRG property by the renter or their guests. All beer, wine, liquor, or other alcohol must be purchased and served by Buffalo River Grove staff per NY State.

To ensure a safe and compliant environment for all, we adhere strictly to New York State alcohol laws. All alcohol must be purchased through and served by our licensed staff at Buffalo River Grove. For liability and legal reasons, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. Guests who bring their own alcohol will be asked to leave, and any resulting liability will be the sole responsibility of the client who booked the event. We appreciate your cooperation in making your event safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Can I bring my own decorations?

 Yes, but you are responsible for setting up and removing your centerpieces, favors, and personal décor.

 Are there restrictions on hanging decorations?

Yes. Staples, nails, and similar materials are not permitted. We recommend using cable ties or fishing line to hang items from the rafters.

Are certain decorative items prohibited?

Yes. Glitter, confetti, bird seed, and artificial flower petals are not allowed anywhere on the grounds.

Is there a cleanup or damage deposit?

Yes. A refundable $250 deposit is required. It will be returned at the end of your event once the venue has been inspected for cleanup and damages. . The Grove must be broom-swept and cleaned; all decor removed; garbage bagged. You must also return tables and chairs to where you found them upon arrival.

 Can I use outside vendors for my event?

Yes, but they must be approved and may need to provide insurance for certain activities, like bounce houses and waterslides etc. Note: waterslides will incur an additional charge for water usage.
Here is the link to one of our favorite vendors. Just in Case Party Rentals. They can provide most any rental you could want from bounce houses and carnival games, to extra chairs and tables, and everything in between.

What insurance is required for outside vendors?

All outside vendors (such as balloon décor, bounce houses, entertainment, etc.) must provide proof of insurance. They must list both Buffalo River Pavilion, LLC and 2299 Clinton Street, LLC as additionally insured and certificate holders.

When is the above insurance certificate due?

 A separate certificate is required for each vendor and must be submitted at least 7 days before your event.

Water based Activity Fee.

Water based activities like water slides, dunk tanks and any water based activity will incur a water usage fee of $89.99 per unit (per tank, per waterslide, etc.) 💧We will supply you with one hose to our water spigot so your guests can enjoy a water slide at your picnic. We do turn off the spigot when no one is using the inflatable during an extended period of time like dinner.

 What equipment is provided for DJs or bands?

DJs and bands will be provided with one (1) 6-foot rectangular table and a stage area.

Do we have an approved list of vendors of rental items and activities for my event?

Here is the link to our favorite vendors. Just in Case Party Rentals. They can provide most any rental you could want from bounce houses and carnival games, to extra chairs and tables, and everything in between.