Events in Buffalo today

Dinosaur Adventure brings a prehistoric playground to the Buffalo Convention Center for one weekend only. Families can explore towering dinosaurs that move and roar, while kids uncover fossils, take part in raptor training activities, and meet baby dinos. Young visitors can bounce through themed inflatables, ride dinosaur attractions, color at a dino-inspired station, and zip around on dinosaur-shaped scooters. Live entertainment adds to the experience throughout the event. General admission includes the moving dinosaur exhibits, fossil digs, scooters, rides, the coloring area, the bounce house playground, and live shows. Optional add-ons, or benefits included with VIP, feature face painting, gemstone mining, and green screen photos with three Jurassic-themed backgrounds. It is a family-friendly outing with hands-on activities for all ages.

Spend a relaxed Saturday reconnecting with family and friends over board games. Board games for all ages are available, and no registration is needed. Take a break from screens and enjoy playing together.

This hands-on workshop guides you in creating a succulent dish garden to welcome the sunny season. You will apply simple design principles as you arrange a mix of succulents in different colors, sizes, and textures to craft a garden that suits your style. The session covers the basics of identifying common succulents and how to care for them, with practical guidance to keep these plants thriving. You will also learn several propagation techniques so your garden can continue to grow. No prior experience is required. Bring curiosity and an enthusiasm for plants. All materials are provided.

Find a monthly space to connect and reset with others in a club designed for overstimulated moms. Gatherings take place on the second Saturday of each month, and every session features a new focus topic along with a workshop or craft. Space is limited, so registration is encouraged.

This puppy preschool introduces young dogs to essential life skills in a six week series that builds a solid training foundation. It is designed to help new pups develop good manners and everyday behaviors from the start. Enrollment is rolling, so participants can begin without waiting for a new session to open.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY presents a free outdoor fitness session on the front lawn at Town of Tonawanda Aquatic and Fitness Center. This all levels flow yoga class welcomes newcomers and experienced participants, guiding a breath-connected sequence that builds heat, strength, and stamina before winding down with cooling poses and a restful savasana. Modifications and variations are available to support every practitioner. Please bring a yoga mat and a water bottle. The class is held outdoors and depends on the weather, and updates are shared on Facebook.

Build, create, and explore at the LEGO Club at the Kenmore Library. Participants can take on creative challenges or enjoy open building. LEGO bricks are provided, so bring your imagination. The program is recommended for ages 6 to 12, and builders of all ages are welcome.

Dive into single-sheet bookmaking with a hands-on class in the Book Arts studio. Guided by teaching artist Laura Chenault of Laurel Tree Bindery, participants will learn to fold and cut ten distinct books from a single sheet of paper, all without adhesives or stitching. Projects include compact 8-page formats such as a mini zine, t-cut, and accordion; mid-length designs like a 14-page do-si-do and 16-page zigzag and spiral; extended 32-page zigzag and spiral variations; and Turkish map folds in both square and rectangular versions. This session welcomes creators of every experience level and is suitable for teens and adults. All necessary tools are provided. The fee is $50, with a $40 rate for members. Please review the venue’s Plan Your Visit health and safety guidelines in advance. For questions, email curious@wnybookarts.org.

The Courtyard hosts a summertime series of free, family friendly activities with rotating themes. This edition celebrates the circus with magic acts, aerial performances, and other surprises. Families can enjoy hands on craft tables, festive face painting, playful games, and live entertainment throughout the event.

Children's Storytime takes place in the Kids Department each Saturday. Children gather to listen to stories together.

Hosted by the Kenmore Village Improvement Society and Fat Cat Sweets at the Made for Good shop, this hands-on cupcake decorating class explores an underwater theme. Participants use buttercream and pre-made fondant decorations to transform six cupcakes, three vanilla and three chocolate, into ocean-inspired designs that include a puffer fish, octopus, crab, turtle, shark fin, and a flowing ocean ruffle. No decorating experience is required, and creativity is encouraged.

The original HOME BY 10 throwback dance party for adults takes over Chippewa Street with a special outdoor block party edition from Rec Room and DJ Lil Joe. Tickets start at $10 and include entry to eight participating bars plus access to a full street party along the Chip Strip. Move between Soho, 67 West, Rec Room, Bottoms Up, VENUE, Buffalo Taphouse, Vintage Room, and Banshee while late 90s and 2000s dance favorites play in every venue and out on the street. Food and drink specials will be available, and the format keeps the spirit of being home early at the heart of the experience.

Catch Nikki Glaser for a live comedy show at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino. The event is scheduled for 7:00 PM local time.

Spend time with adoptable dogs in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying a drink and brunch. This event takes place on multiple dates throughout the summer and fall.

The 7th Annual Asian Food and Culture Festival is a full-day gathering that highlights cuisine, music, and traditions from across Asia. Attendees can sample diverse dishes from local restaurants, enjoy engaging live performances, and explore exhibits featuring heritage arts, craftwork, and customs. Hands-on activities offer opportunities to participate and learn. Organized by passionate volunteers, the festival is free and open to all and aims to build community connections and promote cultural sharing.

Open to new and returning members, this park gathering at Ellicott Creek Park, usually near Shelter 12, centers on game modes chosen the day of. Common choices include capture the flag, team deathmatch, and other requested formats. All equipment must observe a 160 FPS limit. Ammunition is supplied except for Ultra, and Hyper is not allowed because of other events. The group wraps up when participants feel the games are complete.

A Billy Joel themed brunch at RationAles features Captain Jack performing live on the patio. This free event is part of the RationAles Live Music Series, sponsored by Eric Houlahan State Farm Agency and presented with EWM Promotions. Captain Jack honors the music of Billy Joel and includes Buffalo musicians Gary Styn on keyboards and vocals and Brad Moser on vocals. RationAles highlights fresh food and local drinks.

Set sail aboard the Grand Lady to benefit Ten Lives Club, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of cats by rescuing and rehoming kittens and adult cats. Proceeds help cover medical care and other essential supplies while animals are in their care. Adult tickets are $40, with $8 from each ticket donated directly to Ten Lives Club. The outing features a 90 minute harbor cruise along the Buffalo River out to Lake Erie. A cash bar will be available for drinks and light snacks, and 15 percent of bar sales will also support the cause. Capacity is limited, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. This is not a meal service, with only light bagged snacks available for purchase, so plan to eat before or after.

Catch Lil Duval for a live comedy show at Helium Comedy Club - Buffalo. The performance is scheduled for the evening, and e-tickets can be printed for entry while local pickup may be available shortly before the show.

Slime lovers can spend a week in Williamsville exploring gooey creations with Miss Jessica H. Campers mix and stretch a wide range of slimes, from shimmering pearl and gold leaf varieties to floam, glossy chocolate milk slime, pastel fluffy blends, and even cookie dough and fairy dough recipes. Each day balances science with creativity and teamwork through read aloud science stories, birthday themed math tricks, and a look at how chocolate is made. Art and collaboration round out the fun as campers sketch oyster and pearl scenes, craft tin foil creatures, tackle quick and messy mini games, and assemble sweet cookie sandwiches. It is a hands on experience that blends curiosity, experimentation, and playful problem solving for kids who do not mind getting a little messy.

An exuberant celebration of feline antics awaits with a 75-minute, family-friendly reel featuring the latest and greatest cat videos, assembled from unique submissions alongside animations, music videos, and timeless internet favorites. Presented as a communal big-screen experience, it also includes a pre-show that showcases attendee-submitted photos and clips. A portion of proceeds supports second-chance homes for local strays through collaborations with local shelters and animal welfare organizations, and since 2019 the series has helped raise more than $150,000 for shelters while encouraging adoptions, fostering, and volunteer sign-ups.

Move to upbeat Latin and international rhythms at a free outdoor Zumba class in Larkin Square, part of Fitness in the Parks with YMCA Buffalo Niagara. Certified YMCA instructors lead a music driven dance fitness session focused on fun and energy. The class takes place near the pickleball courts. Please bring your own water bottle, and no other equipment is needed. Now in its 15th season, Fitness in the Parks offers accessible workouts for all ages and skill levels with no sign up required. Additional Zumba sessions are also available at Larkin Square.

Get moving with circuit training at Buffalo RiverWorks as part of Fitness in the Parks. This total body session blends low and high impact cardio, bodyweight strength exercises, and focused core work, with options that can be adjusted for a range of fitness levels. The class takes place on the Independent Health Sport Court. Please bring a water bottle and a mat, and no additional equipment is needed. Fitness in the Parks is a free outdoor series from Independent Health and YMCA Buffalo Niagara, led by certified YMCA instructors and welcoming to all ages and skill levels. No advance registration is needed.

Enjoy a complimentary outdoor yoga 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 links breath with a smooth sequence of postures to gradually build warmth, strength, and stamina. The practice wraps up with cooling poses and savasana, and modifications and variations are available so beginners and seasoned practitioners can participate comfortably. Please bring your own mat and a water bottle. This class is weather dependent, so check Facebook for updates.

A free community gathering at the Lincoln Park playground, located behind the Youth Park and Recreation Office. Children can take part in weekly movement and exercise activities led by TOT Police officers, along with creative fun like coloring and art. Free freeze pops will be 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, and updates will be posted on Facebook.

Enjoy a free outdoor fitness session in the Grove area of Paddock Park with Dana Robbins of Buffalo Health and Fitness. This Flow Pilates mat class blends precise Pilates isometrics and pulses with yoga-inspired movement and mindful breathing. It opens and closes with gentle, flowing sequences to encourage mobility, flexibility, and relaxation, while the center of the workout targets core strength and full-body activation. Options are available to adjust the intensity, so it suits all experience levels. Bring a yoga mat and water. The class is weather dependent, so check Facebook for updates.

Campfire Story Nights return to Jefferson Youth Center with a family-friendly evening centered on reading, literacy, and summer fun while school is out. Designed for children ages 4 to 13, the program features time for kids to read on their own, a chance to swap books, games and activities that build reading skills, read-aloud storytelling, and a sweet s’mores treat. The event will go on in any weather, with activities moving indoors if it rains. Online pre-registration is available.

Rusty Nickel returns to Old Man River with a high energy set of danceable, sing along songs covering the 70s, 80s, 90s, and current rock and country rock hits. The event highlights music, food, and plenty of fun.

Loosen up, stretch and recharge while taking in the scenery at Niawanda Park. These outdoor classes blend gentle movement with relaxation and a sense of community. Participants of all experience levels are welcome. Please bring a mat and water. The group meets by the bandshell.

Stride Society Walking Club brings people together at Niawanda Park for a friendly group walk focused on connection and fresh air in Buffalo. Walkers of every speed are encouraged, making it an easy way to log steps and meet new faces. A banner will mark the meetup spot near the area across from Mississippi Muds. After the walk, the group plans to visit Old Man River to enjoy live music.

The Bidwell Parkway Concert Series presents Nineties by Nature for an evening of live music on Bidwell Parkway. This outdoor concert is free, family friendly, and open to all. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets, gather with friends and family, and enjoy live music in the heart of the neighborhood. Support for this community event comes from West Herr Auto Group and West Herr Lincoln, Canterra, a cannabis store, Chandler Street Breweries, M&T Bank, The Benchmark Group, MJ Peterson Real Estate, Hodge Liquor, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Erie County, New York, and the City of Buffalo. Special thanks go to Council Members Joel P. Feroleto, Leah M. Halton-Pope, and David A. Rivera for their continued support.

Bruce Hornsby is bringing his music to the Riviera Theatre. The show starts at 7:00 PM.

Gather at the playground in Kenney Park for a family-friendly get-together featuring games and creative fun. This free event welcomes the entire community. Enjoy board and backyard games, plus frisbees, footballs, and soccer balls for active play. Complimentary art supplies will be available for simple craft projects throughout. Caregivers are required to stay with their children, as this is not a drop-off program. Plans depend on the weather, with updates shared on Facebook.

HighPointe on Michigan is holding drop-in interviews for evening and overnight openings in nursing and facility support. Available roles include registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, and positions in dietary and environmental services. No appointment is needed.

Experience live music paired with a curated selection of food. Admission and parking are free, courtesy of presenting sponsor KeyBank and sponsor Independent Health. Returning by request for the fourth straight year, the Lockport-based and internationally touring band Handsome Jack brings a powerful, soulful blend of boogie and rock and roll that aligns with the rousing sounds of Creedence Clearwater Revival. The performance features two sets, beginning with the band’s own songs, then moving into a second set of Creedence Clearwater Revival classics.

Practice yoga in the fresh air at Delaware Park with a session that blends relaxed pacing, stretching, and strengthening to support flexibility, circulation, and peace of mind. Certified YMCA instructors lead the class, which is appropriate for all ages and experience levels, and it is part of the 15th season of Fitness in the Parks offering free outdoor fitness classes. Bring your own mat and water. No other equipment is needed. The class takes place behind the Rose Garden. No registration is required.

Peppers hosts a weekly music gathering that pairs an open mic with karaoke. A different featured artist leads each week, performing and selecting a limited number of open mic performers. Once the open mic concludes, the focus shifts to karaoke to keep the songs coming. Cocktails and a full bar are available, and a late night menu is offered. Whether stepping on stage or cheering from the crowd, expect a relaxed atmosphere with limited performance slots curated by the host.

A free outdoor fitness class takes place on the front lawn at the Town of Tonawanda Aquatic and Fitness Center, with support from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY. Expect a total body session that blends bodyweight strength work, cardio, mobility, and flexibility so you keep moving from start to finish. The workout targets upper body, lower body, and core through varied conditioning drills that rely on your own body weight. All movements include options, making it adaptable for different abilities. Please bring a mat and a water bottle. This activity depends on the weather, and updates will be shared on Facebook.

Join Strive Networking for a 21+ tech and business networking event at Big Ditch Brewing Company. It’s geared toward both tenured professionals and newcomers, bringing together people from fields like tech, finance, real estate, healthcare, arts, and more. Come ready to meet consultants, analysts, bankers, software engineers, entrepreneurs, and other active or aspiring professionals. Bring business cards and wear business casual or job-fair attire. Check-in will be available, and there will be name tags provided. You can arrive any time during the 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM window.

Families gather at the playground for weekly visits from the Library Bookmobile, where children can step aboard to borrow and return books. Each visit features a storytime followed by an art project inspired by that week’s book theme. Admission is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Activities are weather dependent, with updates shared on Facebook.

Build your skills during computer lessons at Brighton Place Library. Each month offers a different focus. The current session works with Word, with tips especially useful for authors and anyone creating newsletters. Seating is limited, so registering with Brighton Place is recommended.

MAP’s Farmhouse Market runs throughout the year, bringing the West Side of Buffalo a selection of fresh produce and artisan, farm made goods from MAP’s urban farm and kitchen alongside offerings from local wholesale and consignment partners. This multi-vendor market highlights area growers and small businesses, features culturally important foods, and helps build understanding of the local food system. Accepted payment options include cash, credit and debit cards, SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks, and Fresh Connect.

A growing ladies league gathers at Old Town for a weekly evening outside. All experience levels are welcome, and the setting is friendly and social with plenty of chances to learn something new while spending time with friends.

Bike Night returns to Main Street in Tonawanda, featuring live music and a lively street atmosphere. Adoptable dogs from Buffalo C.A.R.E.S. will be on hand, offering a chance to meet potential new companions while enjoying the scene.

The Underdogs return for the season with a patio meet and greet featuring adoptable pups at Fattey Beer Co. Kenmore. Weather permitting, attendees can meet and spend time with the dogs in a relaxed setting.

Music on Main spotlights yacht rock with The Yachtfathers at the Glen Park Tavern lot. Connected with the creators of Nerds Gone Wild, this Western New York tribute brings smooth AM Gold and soft rock favorites from the 1970s and 1980s. The set highlights songs by Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, Toto, Kenny Loggins, Hall & Oates, Ambrosia, Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs, and more for an easygoing evening of classic melodies.

Take time to move, stretch and reset amid the scenic views at Niawanda Park. This outdoor yoga session blends mindful movement with calming relaxation and a welcoming sense of community. Open to all skill levels. Please bring a yoga mat and water, and look for the class near the bandshell.

This Rock the Boat Concert Series cruise aboard Miss Buffalo II features Prestige Worldwide Band performing 90s and 00s pop and party rock. The all ages, family friendly experience lasts two hours and includes a cash bar that accepts all forms of payment, with alcoholic beverages requiring a valid ID, plus a snack bar offering sweet, salty and frozen options. The ticket office opens one hour before departure, boarding begins 15 minutes prior, and the boat leaves on time, so planning ahead is recommended. No refunds are issued. Space is limited, and this cruise sold out twice last year.

Les Mills BodyBalance comes to Ellicott Creek Park as part of Fitness in the Parks, offering a holistic workout in the open air. The session blends Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates to build strength, improve flexibility, and support calm, balanced focus. Expect controlled breathing, mindful concentration, and smooth, flowing movements that align body and mind. The class takes place near the outdoor fitness center. Participants should bring their own water bottles and mats, and no additional equipment is needed. Taught by certified YMCA instructors, this free program welcomes all ages and fitness levels. Other classes at Ellicott Creek Park include Core & More, presented in collaboration with YMCA Buffalo Niagara during the 15th season of Fitness in the Parks.

Experience an outdoor yoga session at Outer Harbor Buffalo’s Wilkeson Pointe as part of Fitness in the Parks. The class emphasizes gentle, effective poses that help you stretch and build strength while supporting calm and focus. Benefits may include better circulation, greater mental clarity, stronger muscles, and less stress. Set by the water near the wind sculptures, it offers a peaceful setting for practice. Please bring a mat and water, no other gear is needed. This free program welcomes all ages and skill levels and is led by certified YMCA instructors, with no advance signup required.

Funtime Presents brings Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country to Town Ballroom for a live performance. The show is open to ages 12 and older, and anyone under 16 must attend with a parent. A government issued ID is required for entry.

Part of the Town of Tonawanda Youth Parks and Recreation Outdoor Summer Concert Series at the Town of Tonawanda Aquatic and Fitness Center, this concert features Easy Street Big Band. Enjoy live music in a relaxed, family friendly setting, with food available from the Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels Food Truck. Admission is free, and attendees can bring lawn chairs along with friends and family. Plans are weather dependent, with updates shared on Facebook.

Celebrate the season with a summertime concert series event that presents live music as part of an ongoing lineup.

Sportsmen's Tavern hosts an installment of The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series featuring Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. with Yellow Jack. Raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. carries forward the legacy of his father, Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural Sr., leading the Ils Sont Partis Band and performing on his father’s custom monogrammed accordion alongside his son, Kyle Anthony Dural, on rubboard. His career includes sharing stages with artists ranging from Eric Clapton and Paul Simon to Willie Nelson, Mavis Staples, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, Dwight Yoakam, and Los Lobos. In 2024 he and The Ils Sont Partis Band earned the GRAMMY Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album for New Beginnings and were inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Yellow Jack brings a rousing mix of roots music from the Buffalo Niagara region, weaving together fiddle tunes, spirituals, bluegrass, and songs that highlight local stories about the Erie Canal, Niagara, the War of 1812, and labor history, with many originals written by Dennis Reed Jr. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show. This event is presented as part of The Big Easy in Buffalo, a program that has shared New Orleans and Louisiana music and culture across Western New York through affordable performances and educational outreach since 2007, with support from the New York State Council on the Arts, Erie County, Goldfarb Financial, Erie County Legislator Michael Kooshoian, Buffalo.fm, National Fuel Gas Co., Dick & Jenny's, and Sportsmen's Tavern.