The largest chicken wing festival in AL returns for its 17th year on April 18

What is the common link between chicken wings, cancer research and fraternity brothers? They may seem unrelated at first glance, but every April since 2009, these forces have come together at Battle of the Buffalo, the largest chicken wing festival in Alabama.

Battle of the Buffalo is an annual philanthropic chicken wing festival created by the brothers of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at the University of Alabama in Huntsville to raise money for cancer research.

Check out the event details + keep reading to learn what the event is all about!

• 🍗 What: 25 restaurant vendors serving over 10,000 pounds of wings plus live music, kids zone + more 
• 📅 When: Saturday, April 18, 12-5PM
• 📍 Where: Big Spring Park
• 🎟️ Tickets
  • GA: $15, includes 12 wings + a drink (Tickets increase to $20 on April 1)
  • VIP: $100, unlimited wings, private alcohol vendor access + more

What to expect at the event

Once you arrive at the park, travel from station to station trying local restaurants’ takes on the perfect chicken wing. A ticket gets you 12 wings, so choose carefully from the 25 restaurants! A local celebrity judge panel (including an Hville Blast team member 👀) will determine the best wings by the end of the day.

Here are some spots to look out for based on 2025’s rankings:

• Best amateur cook: JD’s
• Fan favorite: Wingaholics
• Round 16 Battle of the Buffalo Champion: Drake’s

💡Pro tip: If you’re a wing fanatic, go all in with VIP tickets for unlimited wings and access to a private alcohol vendor.

Here’s what to enjoy beyond wings:

• Live music 
• 30 food + merchant vendors (including Dippin Dots, Nothing Bundt Cakes + Marble Slab)
• NEW: Free kids zone with inflatables, face painting + caricatures

The story + impact

Paul “Fish” Salmon was a brother of the Theta Pi chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity in 2006 when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

Paul underwent treatment at the Clearview Cancer Institute (CCI), but unfortunately passed away in 2007. He was a senior at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a beloved member of the chapter.

In 2009, brothers came up with a philanthropic event based around buffalo wings — Paul’s favorite snack. Thus, Battle of the Buffalo was born.

All proceeds go towards supporting cancer patients at CCI and research at HudsonAlpha:

“The Alpha Tau Omega’s consistent gifts over the years have ensured the labs have access to much-needed equipment, critical laboratory supplies and a skilled and inspired workforce. We are extremely grateful for the dedication of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity members who continue to find ways to raise funds that make a difference right here in Huntsville.”

Dr. Sara Cooper, Hudson Alpha Scientist

Since its inception, the brothers of ATO have raised over $500,000 for Clearview Cancer Institute and HudsonAlpha.

Battle of the Buffalo from a brother’s view

Preparation for Battle of the Buffalo begins months in advance and dozens of brothers collaborate to make it happen. The event has a special place in the hearts of all brothers because they get to work on something far bigger than themselves. A few shared what Battle of the Buffalo means to them:

“The best part about working on Battle of the Buffalo is hearing the stories from others about how our event has personally affected their life. Whether they are a patient at CCI who is now able to have a warm blanket or a Huntsville family who gets to enjoy a day in the park, I love seeing the smiles we are able to create.”

Deshaun Weerasekera, Battle of the Buffalo Round 17 director

Everyone who works on the event takes something different away from the experience, but the important thing is that every brother takes away something positive. For some, it can be an incredible learning experience:

“Battle of the Buffalo provides college-aged men the opportunity to improve in leadership roles while serving the Huntsville community. Myself and the rest of the team are very passionate about the mission to fight cancer.”

Lance Roberts, UAH Alpha Tau Omega brother

Regardless of age or experience, Battle of the Buffalo is something that impacts the lives of these young men year after year.

Test yourself in the Salmon 5K

Along with Battle of the Buffalo, Alpha Tau Omega has also hosted a 5K for the past five years. All proceeds from the race will be added to the donations that are sent to CCI and Hudson Alpha.

Here’s everything you’ll want to know👇

• When: Saturday, April 11, 9-11AM,
• Where: 514 Fraternity and Sorority Row, Huntsville, AL 35805 US
• Sign-up

Ready to try some wings while supporting a good cause? Get your Battle of the Buffalo tickets today!