Events in Amherst today

Buffalo Convention Center becomes a prehistoric playground for a limited weekend, featuring towering dinosaurs that move and roar. Families can look forward to fossil digs for kids, raptor training sessions, baby dinosaur meet and greets, dinosaur shaped scooters, dinosaur rides, and plenty of bounce house fun. General admission includes the life size dinosaur displays, fossil digging activities, scooters, rides, a coloring area with dino themed projects, a themed playground with bounce houses, and live entertainment. Optional add ons, or benefits included with VIP, include face painting, gemstone mining, and green screen photos with three Jurassic style backgrounds.

Unplug and reconnect with family and friends over a relaxed day of board games. A wide selection for every age will be available, and no registration is required.

Enjoy a complimentary outdoor yoga session on the front lawn of the Town of Tonawanda Aquatic and Fitness Center, presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY. This all-levels flow moves through a breath-led sequence that gradually builds warmth, strength, and stamina, then eases into calming poses and savasana. Modifications and variations are available so both newcomers and experienced practitioners can practice comfortably. Please bring a yoga mat and a water bottle. The class is weather dependent, and updates will be shared on Facebook.

Give your puppy a head start with a six week series that introduces important basic life skills and builds a solid foundation for training. Rolling enrollment allows new participants to begin while the series is underway, and sessions are offered on Saturdays.

Let creativity take the lead at this LEGO Club at Kenmore Library. Choose a monthly challenge or spend time free building with the provided bricks. All LEGO pieces are supplied, so bring plenty of imagination. Recommended for ages 6 to 12, and participants of any age are welcome.

Summer Fun at The Boulevard brings free, family friendly festivities to The Courtyard on second Saturdays, with a new theme each month. Activities include craft stations, face painting, games, and live entertainment. This edition highlights Circus Fun Day with magic shows, aerialists, and more.

Children can enjoy a weekly Saturday storytime held in the Kids Department. This friendly gathering centers on stories and a welcoming atmosphere for young listeners.

Experience a Regency-inspired luncheon where elegance, merriment, and delightful company set the tone. Live musical performances and a catered grazing table create an atmosphere worthy of a high society gathering. Attendees are encouraged to wear Bridgerton-inspired attire such as flowing gowns, tailored coats, delicate gloves, fascinators, and pearls, and to keep the weather in mind when planning outfits. A costume contest will be announced during the event. Queen Chalotte is expected to attend, lending a royal flourish to the occasion.

Celebrate the launch of Magic: The Gathering’s newest set, The Hobbit, at a prerelease event. Open packs, build a sealed deck, and test your strategy with newly released cards. Entry is $35. Hosted at Professor Sam's Card Shop.

The original throwback dance party for adults heads outdoors with a special block party on the Chip Strip, bringing back classic Chippewa vibes with late 90s and 2000s dance hits filling the street and every participating bar. Presented by Rec Room and DJ Lil Joe, this edition includes admission to eight venues plus a full outdoor street celebration on Chippewa Street, with tickets starting at $10. Venues include Soho, 67 West, Rec Room with nods to McMonkeez and Bayou, Bottoms Up with Barristers, Venue with Zoo Bar and PURE, Buffalo Taphouse with Barrel House, Vintage Room with Crocodile Bar, and Banshee with Coliseum and Sky Bar. Alongside the throwback soundtrack, food and drink specials will be available throughout the event.

Returning for its seventh year, the Asian Food and Culture Festival is a volunteer-run, all-day celebration of Asian heritage with flavors from local restaurants, engaging live performances, and interactive activities. Explore exhibits that highlight traditional arts, crafts, and customs, fostering connection and cultural exchange. Admission is free and open to all at Canalside in Buffalo.

At The Howling Rooster, guests can meet adoptable dogs while enjoying a drink and brunch. This recurring gathering is scheduled on multiple dates across the summer and fall.

Open to new and returning members, this game day takes place at Elicott Creek Park, typically near Shelter 12. Game types are chosen on site, often including capture the flag, team deathmatch, and other formats suggested by participants. A cap of 160 FPS is enforced. Ammunition is provided except for Ultra, and Hyper is not permitted.

A $15 donation covers a half chicken with salt potatoes, coleslaw, a roll and dessert. Clam chowder and beverages will be sold separately, and you can choose carryout or take a seat for dining. Extras include a 50/50 drawing and an automatic entry with each ticket for a chance to win a Ninja Ice Cream Maker, and the winner does not need to be present. Presale tickets are available from Doyle 1 firefighters, or call Nate at (716) 310-8264.

Build a solid agility foundation with your dog in a beginner-friendly session that centers on teamwork and clear communication. Training focuses on the essentials that help new teams develop body awareness, coordination, strength, and steady focus. Participants receive instruction on safety, basic handling skills, and the correct way to approach each obstacle so progress stays positive and enjoyable. Completion of an Intro to Agility course or a Basic Obedience class is required before attending.

Set sail on the Grand Lady for a benefit cruise supporting Ten Lives Club, an organization that promotes cat welfare by rescuing and rehoming unwanted and stray kittens and cats. Proceeds from the cruise help cover medical care, essential supplies, and services for cats in their care. Tickets are $40 per adult, with $8 from each ticket directed to Ten Lives Club. Each ticket includes a 90 minute harbor cruise along the Buffalo River to Lake Erie. A fully stocked cash bar will offer drinks and light snacks, and 15 percent of bar sales will also be donated to the cause. Space is limited. This is a non-meal cruise with only light bagged snacks available for purchase, so plan to eat before or after.

Experience a summer performance from The Bomb Band at Cheektowaga Town Park. Known for a polished, soul-rich sound that gets crowds moving, the group blends the classic groove of Motown with the lively pulse of contemporary dance hits. The concert takes place at the Cultural Center Stage and Mega Shelter within the park, and admission is free. Presented with support from NYS Legislator Tim Meyers.

Join this 5-day SUPER Skills Hockey Camp for boys and girls ages 2015 and older. The program focuses on hockey skill development with a full camp schedule running Monday through Friday. Camp runs from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM each day.

A calming yoga class at Cheektowaga Town Park is part of Fitness in the Parks, presented with YMCA Buffalo Niagara. The session centers on steady breathing and approachable poses that build flexibility and strength while fostering a sense of calm. Benefits can include better circulation, sharper mental focus, stronger muscles, and lower stress. The class is held by the soccer fields. Participants should bring a water bottle and a mat, and no other gear is needed. Fitness in the Parks is a free outdoor series in its 15th season, led by certified instructors from YMCA Buffalo Niagara. It welcomes all ages and skill levels, and no advance registration is required.

Pop Punk Camp is a high-energy, hands-on music camp for students ages 7 to 18. Campers will spend weekdays learning and practicing popular pop punk songs, with daily rehearsals and practice time, plus music games and activities. The week culminates in a live performance on Friday. Instruments offered include bass, drums, guitar, keys, and vocals. Lunch, snacks, water, and hearing protection are required each day.

Head to a Harry Potter-themed summer camp with hands-on activities like making enchanted magnets and building a Hogwarts-inspired castle, plus games and creative projects such as Shrinky-Dinks, creative writing, and puzzle-style challenges. Camp runs weekdays with a mix of themed crafts, science-style potion activities, math games, and cooperative learning activities throughout the week, designed for kids ages 3 to 10.

This afternoon slime-focused summer camp is packed with hands-on, gooey experiments and creative projects. Kids will explore a variety of slime types and mess-free and messy activities, including science-themed read-alouds, art and drawing activities, and games. It is a fun mix of science, creativity, and teamwork designed for ages 3 to 10.

Set in Kenmore and led by Miss Julia, this summer camp turns the spirit of a carnival into a hands-on learning adventure filled with crafts, games, stories, science, and themed snacks. Campers create personalized popcorn buckets, make marshmallow cotton candy art, and design their own tickets, then take part in friendly competitions like a spoon and egg balance, a potato sack hop, charades, and a carnival toss game. Daily literacy activities highlight fair-inspired stories and word play with read-alouds such as Olivia and the School Carnival, If I Ran the Circus, and The Circus Book, plus a carnival word search and mad libs. Creative exploration continues with scratch-off art cards, an ice cream name craft, and a build your own carnival map, while curiosity gets a spark during a balloon pop reaction activity. Treats match the theme with a crunchy snack mix, cookies, chocolate-dipped Oreos, and ice cream sundaes.

Water Animal at Dingens Pool is part of the weekly lineup of special pool events offering no cost summer fun in the sun. Only the shallow section will be closed during this activity. A valid resident ID card is required to participate, and preregistration is not needed.

Celebrate all things feline with a family-friendly big-screen compilation of the newest and most beloved cat videos, gathered from unique submissions, animations, music videos, and classic internet favorites. The 75-minute reel is presented exclusively in theaters and turns cat fandom into a shared experience for all ages. A pre-show contest features audience-submitted photos and clips on the big screen. Every ticket helps local cats. A portion of proceeds supports Second Chance homes for stray cats, with additional partnerships directing funds to area shelters and animal welfare organizations. Since 2019, CatVideoFest events have raised more than $150,000 for local groups, alongside adoptions, fostering, volunteer sign-ups, and more.

Enjoy a free outdoor Zumba class at Larkin Square as part of Fitness in the Parks in collaboration with YMCA Buffalo Niagara. Expect an upbeat dance workout set to Latin and global beats, taught by certified YMCA instructors and welcoming to all ages and fitness levels. The session takes place near the pickleball courts. Bring your own water bottle, and no other gear is required. Registration is not needed. Additional Zumba classes are available at this location through the series.

Get moving with a circuit training session at Buffalo RiverWorks that combines low and high impact aerobics, bodyweight strength exercises, and focused core work for a complete workout. Movements can be adjusted to fit different fitness levels. The class takes place on the Independent Health Sport Court. Please bring your own water bottle and a mat, and no other gear is needed. Part of the Fitness in the Parks series from Independent Health and YMCA Buffalo Niagara, this free outdoor class is led by certified YMCA instructors and is suitable for all ages and abilities. No advance registration is required.

Designed for graduates of Intermediate Family Dog, this next-step class builds on established skills and confidence. Handlers and their dogs practice in real-life situations at a different off-site location each week to apply training in everyday environments. Prerequisite: completion of Intermediate Family Dog.

Enjoy a free outdoor fitness session on the front lawn at the Town of Tonawanda Aquatic and Fitness Center, presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY. This all-levels flow yoga class welcomes beginners and experienced practitioners, moving through breath-linked sequences that steadily build warmth, strength, and stamina before easing into cooling poses and a restful savasana. Modifications and variations are offered so everyone can practice comfortably. Please bring a yoga mat and a water bottle. The class is weather dependent, and updates will be shared on Facebook.

This free community event takes place at the playground in Lincoln Park, behind the Youth Park and Recreation Office. Children can take part in movement and exercise activities led by TOT Police officers, along with coloring and art. Free freeze pops are available, and there will be a meet and greet with Lucy. This is not a drop-off program, so parents must remain with their children. Activities are weather dependent, so check Facebook for updates.

Enjoy free summer fun with weekly special activities at the pools. During this event, the main pool will be closed and the wading pool will be open. A valid resident ID card is required to participate, and no pre-registration is needed.

Bike Night returns to Cycle Gear in Cheektowaga, welcoming riders from the Buffalo area. All styles are welcome, including cruisers, sportbikes, ADV, and more. The event features food, raffles with chances to win RPM membership gear, and opportunities to check out local rides while connecting with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts.

Children ages 3 to 6 take part in a 45-minute group led by a pediatric occupational therapist, focusing on building skills for kindergarten readiness. Over five weeks, the sessions explore early learning concepts, social and emotional growth, everyday self-care and life skills, and development of both gross and fine motor abilities. Support is provided for caregivers and children with a wide range of needs.

Enjoy a free outdoor fitness class in the Grove area at Paddock Park led by Dana Robbins of Buffalo Health and Fitness. This flow-style Pilates session takes place on a mat and blends precise Pilates work with smooth, yoga-inspired movement and mindful breathing. It opens and closes with gentle, flowing sequences to encourage mobility, flexibility, and relaxation, while the heart of the class focuses on targeted isometric holds and pulse work to engage and strengthen your muscles. The approach supports alignment, energy, and a strong mind–body connection. All experience levels are welcome, with options to modify or ramp up as needed. Please bring a yoga mat and water. This class is weather dependent, and updates will be posted on Facebook.

Rusty Nickel returns to Old Man River with a high energy set made for dancing and singing along. The show features rock and country rock favorites from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and today. Enjoy the music alongside good food for a lively night out.

Enjoy the scenery during an outdoor class at Niawanda Park that encourages you to move, stretch, and reset. Each session combines movement, relaxation, and a sense of community. It is open to all experience levels. Please bring a mat and water, and meet by the bandshell.

Campfire Story Nights returns for the summer at Jefferson Youth Center with a family evening centered on reading and playful learning. Kids ages 4 to 13 can spend time reading on their own, exchange books with other readers, take part in literacy-focused games and activities, listen to stories shared aloud during group story time, and enjoy s'mores. The program runs rain or shine, with activities moving indoors if the weather calls for it. Online pre-registration is available.

Stride Society is a community walking club that gathers at Niawanda Park. The meeting spot is across from Mississippi Muds, and a large banner will mark the location. Expect a relaxed, social walk where participants can log steps, meet new people, and enjoy the outdoors. People of every pace are welcome, and friends are encouraged. After the walk, the group heads to Old Man River for live music.

Settle in for a summer evening of live music in the heart of the neighborhood as The Bidwell Parkway Concert Series welcomes Nineties by Nature. The concert is free and family friendly, open to all, and offers a relaxed setting where attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets, gather with friends and family, and enjoy the music. This community event is made possible by the support of West Herr Auto Group and West Herr Lincoln, Canterra, Chandler Street Breweries, M&T Bank, The Benchmark Group, MJ Peterson Real Estate, Hodge Liquor, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Erie County, NY, and the City of Buffalo, with special thanks to Council Members Joel P. Feroleto, Leah M. Halton-Pope, and David A. Rivera.

Experience a Les Mills BodyBalance session at Cheektowaga Town Park as part of Fitness in the Parks with YMCA Buffalo Niagara. This holistic workout blends elements of yoga, tai chi, and Pilates to build strength, improve flexibility, and encourage calm focus. Expect controlled breathing, mindful concentration, and smooth, flowing movements that help align body and mind. The class takes place near the soccer fields. Participants should bring their own water bottles and mats, and no other equipment is needed. Fitness in the Parks features free outdoor classes taught by certified YMCA instructors and is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Additional offerings at Cheektowaga Town Park include yoga.

Gather at the playground at Kenney Park for extra family fun in a relaxed, community setting. This free community gathering features board games, frisbees, footballs, soccer balls, and classic backyard games. Free art supplies and simple crafts are available to use while you are there. This is not a drop-off program, and parents must stay with their children. Plans depend on the weather, and updates will be shared on Facebook.

HighPointe on Michigan is holding open interviews for evening and night shift roles. Opportunities are available for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, as well as positions in dietary and environmental services. Walk-ins are welcome and no appointment is required. For questions, contact Angela Mostiller at armostiller@kaleidahealth.org.

Enjoy a game of water basketball at the Town Park Pool in Cheektowaga Town Park. This free activity is part of the weekly special events at the pools during the summer. A valid resident ID card is required to participate, and no pre-registration is needed. The intermediate section is closed.

Live music is paired with a curated selection of food offerings. Admission and parking are free, made possible by presenting sponsor KeyBank and sponsor Independent Health. Back by request for the fourth consecutive year, Handsome Jack, hailing from Lockport and touring internationally, brings a powerful blend of boogie, soul, and rock and roll that complements the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival. The performance features a first set of the group’s original songs, followed by a second set of CCR classics.

Stretch, strengthen, and unwind with a gentle outdoor yoga session at Delaware Park, part of the Fitness in the Parks series with YMCA Buffalo Niagara. Expect calm, accessible movements that support flexibility, muscle tone, circulation, and peace of mind while easing stress and enhancing mental focus. The class meets behind the Rose Garden. Please bring a water bottle and a yoga mat, and note that no additional equipment is needed. Fitness in the Parks is a free community program led by certified YMCA instructors and welcomes participants of all ages and experience levels. Additional yoga offerings are also available at Delaware Park as part of the series. No advance registration is required.

Enjoy a free Summer Blast workout on the front lawn of the Town of Tonawanda Aquatic and Fitness Center, presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY. This outdoor session keeps participants moving with a mix of strength training, cardio, mobility, and flexibility, targeting the upper body, lower body, and core using only body weight. Every exercise can be adjusted to suit different fitness levels. Please bring a mat and a water bottle. The class is weather dependent, and updates can be found on Facebook.

Night Owl Storytime welcomes children ages 0 to 8 along with their caregivers for a cozy mix of read-alouds, interactive activities, and a simple craft. Registration is available by phone at 716-892-8089 or in person, and walk-ins are accommodated as space allows.

Peppers hosts a weekly music night in Buffalo led by a rotating featured artist who performs and curates a limited number of open mic slots. The night begins with the open mic, then transitions into karaoke and continues late into the evening. A full bar serves cocktails throughout, and a late night menu is offered later on. Whether performing or simply enjoying the atmosphere, arriving early can help secure one of the limited performance spots.

Join a fun, low-pressure speed dating event for singles in their 20s and 30s. You’ll meet up to 12 potential matches through short 6-minute “pre-dates,” then tell the host who you’d like to connect with. It’s a great way to meet local, quality people in a friendly, in-person setting.

Join the 40th Annual Moonlight Run for an evening 5K through the picturesque streets of the Village of Williamsville. The race starts at 8:00 PM, with an awards ceremony and post-race party immediately following at Island Park, plus live music from Vinyl Cocktails until 10:30 PM. Beer, pizza, and hot dogs will be served after the event.

At Kenney Field, the playground is the gathering spot for weekly stops by the Library Bookmobile. Children can hop aboard to browse, borrow, and return books during each visit. A storytime is part of the program, followed by an art activity inspired by that week's featured book. This event is free. A parent or other adult must remain with children. Plans are weather dependent, so check Facebook for updates.

This session features story sharing, engaging activities, and a hands-on craft for children from birth through age 8 attending with their adults. Register by phone at (716) 892-8089 or in person. Drop-ins are welcome as space allows.

Take part in a free water polo activity at Town Park Pool, presented as part of the weekly special events at Cheektowaga Town Park. The intermediate section will be closed for this event. A valid resident ID card is required to participate, and no pre-registration is needed.

MAP’s Farmhouse Market runs throughout the year and serves Buffalo’s West Side with fresh produce from MAP’s urban farm and kitchen, along with artisanal goods supplied by local wholesale and consignment vendors. This multi-vendor marketplace supports local growers and small businesses, highlights culturally meaningful foods, and encourages awareness of the community’s food system. Payments are accepted by cash, credit or debit, SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks, and Fresh Connect.

The Underdogs return for the season with a casual patio meet-and-greet at Fattey Beer Co. Kenmore, where visitors can connect with adoptable dogs. Plans depend on the weather, so the gathering takes place only when conditions allow.

Bike Night returns to Main Street in Tonawanda for a lively gathering at Elks Lodge - 860, highlighted by music performed live and a friendly atmosphere. Buffalo C.A.R.E.S. will be on site with adoptable dogs, adding a heartwarming element to the festivities. It is a community-focused celebration where bikes, music, and the chance to meet adoptable dogs share the spotlight.

Young builders ages 4 to 12 can explore their imagination with Lego bricks. Space is limited. To reserve a seat, please call 716-668-4991.

Experience outdoor yoga at Niawanda Park that encourages movement, stretching, and a full reset while taking in the view. The class blends mindful movement, relaxation, and a welcoming sense of community, and it is open to all experience levels. Please bring a yoga mat and water. Participants gather near the bandshell.

Miss Buffalo II hosts a Rock the Boat Concert Series cruise featuring 90s and 00s hits performed by Prestige Worldwide. This two hour, all ages, family friendly experience centers on pop and party rock from those decades. A cash bar is available and accepts all forms of payment, with a valid ID required for alcoholic beverages. A snack bar offers a selection of sweet, salty, and frozen treats. Capacity is limited and the event sold out twice last year. The boat departs on schedule, so plan accordingly. No refunds will be issued.

Experience an outdoor yoga session at Outer Harbor Buffalo’s Wilkeson Pointe as part of Fitness in the Parks. The class is held along the water, just beyond the wind sculptures, and features calming breathwork and accessible sequences that build flexibility and strength while nurturing a sense of calm. Participants can expect benefits such as enhanced blood flow, improved mental focus, stronger muscles, and stress relief. This free program is part of the 15th season of Fitness in the Parks and is offered with YMCA Buffalo Niagara to encourage active, healthy living. Certified YMCA instructors lead the class, which is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Please bring your own mat and water bottle. No other equipment is needed, and no registration is required.

Find your flow with Les Mills BodyBalance at Ellicott Creek Park, part of Fitness in the Parks. This holistic workout blends yoga, tai chi, and Pilates to build strength, improve flexibility, and support a calm, balanced mindset. Led by certified YMCA instructors, the class focuses on controlled breathing, concentration, and smooth, continuous movement that connects body and mind. The meeting spot is near the outdoor fitness center. Please bring a water bottle and a mat, no other equipment is needed. Fitness in the Parks is in its 15th season and features free outdoor classes for all ages and skill levels, and no sign-up or registration is required. A separate Core & More class is also offered at this park.

Funtime Presents brings Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country to Town Ballroom for a live show. Guests must be at least 12 years old, and anyone under 16 needs to attend with a parent. A government issued ID is required for entry.

Easy Street Big Band performs at the Town of Tonawanda Aquatic and Fitness Center as part of the Town of Tonawanda Youth Parks and Recreation Outdoor Summer Concert Series. The series features a mix of returning favorites and new acts, bringing live music to Thursday evenings all summer. Enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly setting with music, food available from the Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels Food Truck, and the feel of an outdoor show. Admission is free. Guests are welcome to bring friends, family, and lawn chairs. Performances are weather dependent, with updates shared on Facebook.

Part of a summertime concert series, this event presents live music as part of a seasonal lineup. It offers a simple way to experience music during this time of year.

Sportsmen’s Tavern welcomes a Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series performance featuring Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. with Yellow Jack. Rooted in Lafayette, Louisiana and the legacy of his father, zydeco icon Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural, Sr., Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. leads the Ils Sont Partis Band, plays his father’s custom monogrammed accordion, and shares the stage with his son, Kyle Anthony Dural on rubboard. His journey includes appearances alongside artists such as Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, Mavis Staples, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, Dwight Yoakam and Los Lobos, plus the 2024 Grammy for Best Regional Roots Music Album for New Beginnings and a 2024 induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Yellow Jack, from the Buffalo Niagara region, brings rowdy roots energy with fiddle tunes, spirituals, hillbilly rave ups and lively bluegrass, along with songs tied to local history including the Erie Canal, the Niagara region and the War of 1812, plus labor and traditional folk numbers and originals by Dennis Reed Jr. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 day of. The Big Easy in Buffalo shares New Orleans and Louisiana music and culture with Western New York through affordable shows, education and mentoring, supported by partners that include the New York State Council on the Arts, Erie County and Sportsmen’s Tavern.

Tyler Childers and Evan Honer are bringing their outlaw country, red dirt, and Americana sounds to the stage. The show gets started at 7:30 PM at Darien Lake Amphitheater.