A review of mathematical models for elastic plates with buckling and contact phenomena is provided. The state of the art in this domain is presented. Buckling effects are discussed on an example of a system of nonlinear partial differential equations, describing large deflections of the plate. Unilateral contact problems with buckling, including models for plates, resting on elastic foundations, and contact models for delaminated composite plates, are formulated. Dynamic nonlinear equations for elastic plates, which possess buckling and contact effects are also presented. Most commonly used boundary and initial conditions are set up. The advantages and disadvantages of analytical, semi-analytical, and numerical techniques for the buckling and contact problems are discussed. The corresponding references are given.