Delaware Park Buffalo
A sprawling urban oasis featuring horse racing, casino thrills, and vibrant seasonal events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Outdoor theater magic
Delaware Park Buffalo
Best Time
Outdoor theater magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling urban oasis featuring horse racing, casino thrills, and vibrant seasonal events.
"Great place to spend a few hours watching racing or enjoying the park's beauty."
🎯 Check Event Schedules
Don't miss out! Look up specific events like Shakespeare in the Park or the Festival of Lights before you go.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and casino.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Thoroughbred Racing
Grandstand
Experience the thrill of live horse racing with close-up views of the horses in the paddock.
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
Outdoor Amphitheater
Enjoy free, high-quality outdoor theater productions during the summer months.
Festival of Lights
Delaware Park Casino
A festive holiday event featuring a light display, holiday market, and Santa meet-and-greets.
Hoyt Lake
Central Area of the Park
A picturesque lake offering scenic views and a connection to the park's natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating the Park and Casino
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Event Schedules
Don't miss out! Look up specific events like Shakespeare in the Park or the Festival of Lights before you go.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and casino. 
📱 Download Park Maps
Navigate the expansive Delaware Park easily with a digital map.
💰 Slot Payouts Can Be Tight
Some visitors find slot payouts low; consider the horse racing or table games for different gaming experiences.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Event Schedules
Don't miss out! Look up specific events like Shakespeare in the Park or the Festival of Lights before you go.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and casino.
📱 Download Park Maps
Navigate the expansive Delaware Park easily with a digital map.
💰 Slot Payouts Can Be Tight
Some visitors find slot payouts low; consider the horse racing or table games for different gaming experiences.
🚗 Parking Availability
Ample free outdoor parking is available, with valet options too.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Delaware Park Buffalo offers a diverse range of attractions, from thrilling horse racing and casino gaming to cultural events like outdoor theater and festive holiday displays. Visitors appreciate the park's natural beauty, the close-up views of horses, and the free entertainment options. However, some find slot payouts low, and navigating large events can sometimes involve long walks.
"Went for The Garden Brothers Circus. It was advertised as the largest, but it wasn't that big. The kids were like ho hum by the middle. I did like the intermission picture moments that you could take pics with all the acts for $14. The motor bikes were my favorite. The end reveal that one of them was a woman had my granddaughter excited."
Beverly Rice
"Nice casino. Plenty of machines and tables. Horse racing and betting here. A couple of food places. A couple of bars. R Bar is a nice cozy bar! Different drink specials on different nights. Plenty of free outdoor parking as well as valet parking. Only drawback would be the bill breaker ATMs. Sometimes only one or two operational out of the groups available. Sometimes kind of crowded waiting to break large bills. Decent casino though."
Thomas Cleveland
"Went for a Caribbean Festival. It was a nice vibe. The casino was good to leave the field for the bathroom option. It was a LONG walk through the parking lots and tunnels so bring a wagon if allowed."
Sharene Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Delaware Park is located in Buffalo, NY. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may also serve the area.
Yes, there is plenty of free outdoor parking. Valet parking is also an option at the casino.
Depending on your starting point, it might be a significant walk. Public transport or a short drive is often more convenient.
The park is quite large. Walking is great for exploring specific areas, but for covering more ground, consider driving between attractions or using ride-sharing services.
During large events, parking lots can fill up, and navigating through crowds might be slow. Some reviews mention long walks through parking lots and tunnels.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Delaware Park itself is free. However, specific events like Shakespeare in the Park or the Festival of Lights may have associated costs or require tickets.
Delaware Park is generally open from dawn to dusk. The Delaware Park Casino operates 24 hours. Event hours vary.
No, there is no admission fee to enter the Delaware Park Casino. You only pay for gaming, food, or drinks.
Yes, Shakespeare in Delaware Park offers free outdoor theater performances during its season.
For ticketed events, it's advisable to check the specific event organizer's website for advance booking options.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy live horse racing, play casino games, attend outdoor theater, explore gardens, walk around Hoyt Lake, and visit during seasonal festivals.
Yes, the park offers family-friendly activities like the Festival of Lights and open spaces for recreation. The casino is 21+.
The Rose Garden, Hoyt Lake, and the grandstand area during races offer beautiful photo opportunities. The light displays during the Festival of Lights are also popular.
While dogs are generally allowed in Buffalo parks, it's always best to check specific park rules. Some videos show dogs, but leash laws usually apply.
Hoyt Lake is a central body of water in Delaware Park, offering scenic views. Some discussions mention water quality, so it's more for viewing than recreation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The casino offers concessions with basic eats, and there are also bars like R Bar with drink specials.
Picnicking is generally allowed in city parks. For events, check their specific policies.
Yes, Buffalo has a vibrant food scene with many restaurants located a short drive from Delaware Park.
Concessions typically offer standard fare like hot dogs, burgers, and snacks, suitable for a quick bite during races or events.
While the casino has bars and concessions, fine dining options are more likely to be found in the surrounding Buffalo area.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light. Event days can provide dynamic subjects.
Drone usage may be restricted in public parks. It's essential to check local regulations and park policies before flying a drone.
Nature photography, event photography (races, festivals, theater), and architectural shots of the casino and park structures are common.
Yes, the paddock area is a great spot to get close-up shots of the horses before races.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Commercial photography might require permits. Always be respectful of others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
You can pack your own picnic to enjoy by Hoyt Lake, saving on dining costs. While the casino offers gaming, focusing on the free park activities and events can make for a very affordable and enjoyable visit.❤️ Couples
A leisurely stroll around Hoyt Lake or through the Rose Garden offers picturesque settings for quality time together. If you enjoy a bit of excitement, a visit to the casino or watching the horse races can add a fun element to your date. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted
Visitors can appreciate Olmsted's genius by observing the park's layout, which encourages leisurely strolls and provides diverse vistas. The park's design promotes a sense of escape from the urban environment, a core principle of Olmsted's work. Understanding his influence adds a layer of appreciation to the park's aesthetic and functional design, making it more than just a green space but a carefully crafted experience.
Casino Gaming and Horse Racing
Complementing the casino is the live thoroughbred horse racing. The paddock area is noted for being beautiful and peaceful, allowing visitors to get up close to the horses. The grandstand offers great views of the races, providing an exciting atmosphere for both seasoned bettors and casual observers. It's a classic American racing experience that draws a crowd during the season.
It's worth noting that the casino has undergone renovations, contributing to a clean and organized environment. While some reviews mention a lack of significant free play or giveaways, the overall experience for a few hours of entertainment, especially combined with the races, is often described positively.
Seasonal Events and Community Gatherings
+1As the holidays approach, the Festival of Lights transforms the park into a festive wonderland with dazzling light displays, a holiday market, and opportunities for photos with Santa. This event is particularly popular with families looking to embrace the holiday spirit.
These gatherings highlight the park's role as a central gathering place for Buffalo residents. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit