Events in Erie County today

Enjoy an all you can eat community breakfast featuring scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, smoked kielbasa, pancakes, biscuits with gravy, potatoes, and toast, along with coffee, tea, juice, and milk. Pricing is $18 for adults and ages 12 and up, $10 for ages 6 to 11, and free for children 5 and under. Service is unlimited but not self-serve, as plates and refills are provided at the kitchen window. The venue is accessible, with a side entrance and an elevator to the second-floor dining room. Thank you for supporting a morning that celebrates good food, friendship, and community.

Western New York’s premier reptile expo returns for its biannual edition at M Hotel Buffalo, bringing together enthusiasts, vendors, and hobbyists for a day focused on education and community. Organized by WNY Reptiles, the event centers on learning about reptiles and responsible care while offering a welcoming space to connect with others who share the passion. Special features include up-close experiences with otters, capybaras, and kangaroos, along with hawks from Hawk Creek. One-on-one encounters with otters and capybaras are available as an additional option. Tickets are available in advance.

The annual Totally Sweet Buffalo Fall-I-Day brings a lively marketplace to Buffalo Riverworks, showcasing creations by local makers. Explore 100 vendor booths with autumn-inspired merchandise and a wide range of Buffalo-themed and football items. Enjoy a fun celebration of the season while discovering unique finds from the community.

Now in its second year, Run Through the Hollow 5K returns for another edition of this 5-kilometer run. Registration is open for participants.

Kenmore Library hosts a creative LEGO club where builders can tackle a fun challenge or simply free build at their own pace. LEGO bricks are provided, so imagination is the only thing to bring. Activities are recommended for ages 6 to 12, and enthusiasts of any age are welcome.

A missions yard sale benefiting Love Honduras, where all sales directly support their work in Honduras.

Ritmo Libre presents Latin dance group classes at The Distinct Room. Rooted in salsa and blended with a range of Latin movements and complementary styles, these sessions welcome all levels and celebrate culture, freedom, and self-expression. The offerings include a donation-based Latin movement class created to support women and a salsa technique and footwork class open to everyone, with a standard fee and a discounted rate for Distinct Bootcamp gym members. Instruction centers on connection rather than perfection, inviting participants to move with intention, rhythm, and authenticity in a supportive community. All bodies and backgrounds are welcome, no experience is required, and no registration is needed.

Enjoy a festive weekend at a fall celebration where the Pumpkin Olympics runs across all three days, inviting kids and families to take part in playful pumpkin farm games. Checkers the Inventor appears live with comedy, interactive games, juggling, and other surprises in multiple shows each day. Clowns bring laughs inside the corn maze, and live music fills the Witches Brew alongside craft beer and specialty drinks. Food choices include fair favorites and bakery treats such as fresh apple and pumpkin donuts and apple cider slushes. Activities cover amusement rides, Nick Mambretti’s Burst of Wonder magic show, a petting zoo, a mega slide, a cow train ride and a train ride, the Boo Barn, a tractor drawn hayride, face painting, and I Got It. Friendly competitions feature pie eating for both children and adults and a scarecrow making contest. Families can also enjoy an indoor play area and outdoor playground, a kids craft area, corn and hay mazes, gem panning, a zombie paint gun train, jumbo pillows, and apple cannons, with more to explore throughout the venue. Tickets are available online or at the gate.

A beginner friendly crochet class for kids introduces six basic stitches in a supportive setting. Participants may bring their own materials if they have them, and supplies will be available to use during the session. Children must attend with an adult. Registration is required because space is limited. This program takes place on the second Saturday of each month, except on holidays. To register, call (716) 892-8089 or stop in.

Enjoy a weekly storytime in the Kids Department each Saturday.

Offered on select Saturdays, this program features dedicated solar telescopes for safe views of the Sun. When skies cooperate, participants can also take in sweeping rooftop vistas across the Buffalo Niagara area and beyond. The program welcomes visitors of any age and is included with standard admission or an active membership.

Explore crochet skills beyond the basics, including how to work around and combine stitches, begin projects with a magic ring, and follow written patterns. Bring your own yarn and hook. All ages are welcome, and children must attend with an adult. Register by calling (716) 892-8089 or by signing up in person.

Face off in an official ONE PIECE store tournament at Hobby Spirit in Buffalo. The event uses Swiss pairings with 35-minute rounds, best of one, plus 5 minutes of extra time. A minimum of four players is required for the tournament to run. Entry is $5, paid on arrival, and includes promotional items with prize support based on attendance. Every participant receives a Tournament Pack, the winner earns a Winner Pack, and additional rewards are available for top placements. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

At Hobby Spirit in Buffalo, players can take part in an official store-level Gundam Card Game tournament designed for a casual competitive setting. Entry is $5, collected at check-in, and includes promotional items and prize packs that scale with attendance. Every participant receives one Tournament Pack, and first place earns a Winner Tournament Pack. Rounds follow a Swiss format with best-of-one matches, 30 minutes per round plus 5 minutes of extra time, and the event requires at least four players to begin. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Registration is handled through the Bandai app or website using your username.

At Terra House, learn to make gnocchi, a classic dish from Rome, entirely from scratch using both ricotta based and potato based techniques. After cooking, relax in the cafe and enjoy your handmade gnocchi with sage butter and marinara, served with garlic bread and a salad. Alcohol is available for purchase in the cafe to pair with dinner. This class welcomes participants ages 8 and older, and a gluten free option is offered. The fee is $70.

This community Empty Bowls fundraiser at MUSEjar highlights food insecurity and supports Big Big Table Community Café, a pay as you can café in Buffalo. Each ticket includes a handmade ceramic bowl crafted by students and volunteers and one serving of soup donated by Dailys Catering. Participants take the bowl home as a reminder of community impact. All proceeds benefit Big Big Table and help sustain its efforts to provide meals with dignity and strengthen community connections.

This community gathering supports the Amherst Little Free Pantry with activities suitable for all ages and a festive spirit. Expect a costume contest, car-to-car trick-or-treating, food and beverages, and plenty of lighthearted, magical entertainment. The Wild Witches of Williamsville will join for dancing that adds extra sparkle to the celebration. Donations of pantry items are appreciated, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chair and a cheerful spirit.

The annual trunk or treat takes place at Queen of Heaven School. This community event welcomes everyone and offers trick-or-treating in the school parking lot.

Presented by After Dark Presents, this live music event at Rec Room Buffalo features Ian McConnell with special guest Cherokee Social. Admission is limited to ages 16 and up with ID. Attendees younger than 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and no one under 12 will be admitted.

A refreshed lineup of frights features a brand new haunted hayride, an interactive haunted trail where some guests can eliminate the infected, a quick two-minute dance show, and what is described as WNY's first outdoor haunted house. Meal deals are available all weekend, including adult beverage options.

In Buffalo, NY, the world premiere of Francis: An Oratorio in Nine Scenes presents a new work by composer Richard Danielpour that commemorates the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Guided by conductor JoAnn Falletta with a libretto by Sr. Margaret Carney, the performance unites orchestra, chorus, soloists, and narration to explore compassion, transformation, care for creation, and the search for meaning in a divided world. Claudia Christian narrates as the Angel, baritone Edward Nelson portrays Francis, and soprano Anna Schubert portrays St. Clare. The Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and the Fredonia Chamber Choir perform under chorus director Vernon Huff. The music spans grandeur and intimacy, inviting reflection on purpose, empathy, and human connection.

Stephen Babcock brings a live set to the RationAles taproom as part of the RationAles Live Music Series. The event is sponsored by Eric Houlahan State Farm Agency and presented in partnership with EWM Promotions. Admission is free. A lifelong musician who started writing songs at 13, Stephen launched his career with his first project, Said & Done, then continued to hone his craft on the road across the United States and in Nashville writers rooms. He followed with the E.P. Fiction, earning attention from publications such as Paste, Atwood Magazine, and Variance Mag. Along the way he has opened for artists including Ed Sheeran, Izaak Opatz, Canyon City, William Hinson, and Girl Blue, and has released the albums Monroe and When We Were Kids Ourselves. Fans know him as the “Internet Dad” for his relatable pop sensibilities and steady connection with listeners. RationAles pairs the music with a focus on fresh food and locally crafted drinks, creating a welcoming setting for an evening of live performance.

Next Stop Comedy brings a fresh lineup to Santora's Pizza Pub & Grill for a high-energy night of stand-up. The show spotlights performers from across the country in an intimate setting, with Abdul Hadi and Brian Enck on the bill and Alex Brady hosting. Whether planning a date night, following comedy closely, or simply wanting a fun evening out, this stop promises big laughs and great vibes.

Steve Wilson, known from The Steve Harvey Show and Comedy Central, performs live at Rob’s Comedy Playhouse at Elmwood Commons. Admission is $20, and there is no required minimum purchase for food or beverages. Use promo code HAHA3 at checkout to receive one free ticket when buying three.

This Saturday night celebration features Bad Habit performing live.

Sector Seven G is back at Transit Music Lounge for a fun evening of live music.

Horizon Speedway hosts a special RC gathering where Losi NASCAR cars take on a road course instead of the oval, putting road racing front and center. Racing is $20. Racers can look forward to free coffee and pizza, plenty of on-track action, and time for RC conversation and bench racing. Bringing older cars and projects is welcome, whether to pass along a build, clear out a project, or help a younger racer get started. The venue offers a spacious indoor racing area, clean washrooms, working heat and air conditioning, and a large parking lot, with room for some outdoor bashing if the weather cooperates. The focus is racing, community, and keeping the RC hobby moving forward.

Meet adoptable dogs while enjoying drinks and brunch. This event happens on multiple dates throughout the summer and fall.

This gathering welcomes new and returning members and builds the game lineup on the spot, often featuring CTF and TDM with room for requests. There is a 160 FPS cap. Ammo is supplied except for ULTRA, and Hyper is not allowed because of external events.

A kid-friendly yoga session at Lancaster Public Library blends simple poses with relaxed time together for families. The program is for children ages 4 to 11 and includes adult participation. Please bring a yoga mat or a towel. Instruction is led by Donna Baia, a certified KAY teacher. Space is limited and registration is required.

Nietzsche's hosts singer songwriter Bryan Bielanski, whose rock and folk influenced originals blend catchy melodies with a sound that feels both familiar and new. A veteran of more than 2,600 performances, including 311 in 2025, he has taken his music to stages across the United States and around the globe. The show reflects his nonstop touring spirit and a catalog that includes the album Bryan's Super Happy Fun Time.

Pauper Constructed takes the spotlight in a three round Swiss event with a $5 entry fee. Prize support awards $10 in store credit for finishing with three wins and $5 in store credit for finishing with two wins, with random Magic promos from FNM available while supplies last. This format allows only cards that have been printed at common rarity in a Magic set or product, and promotional versions are permitted only if the card itself has a common printing. If a card has ever appeared as a common in a Magic: The Gathering paper release or on Magic: The Gathering Online, any version of that card is legal. This also includes lands that were printed with a common set symbol and the L rarity code. Build a main deck of at least 60 cards with no upper limit, and an optional sideboard of up to 15 cards. Other than basic lands, no more than four copies of any single card are allowed across the main deck and sideboard combined.

Blue Monday at T-PAC brings a weekly guest artist together with T-PAC Jack and the Underground, featuring Jack Civiletto, Micky Judware, Bob Ambrusko, and Brent C. Minet. The evening begins with a set by Jack and the Underground, continues with a collaboration organized by the guest and Jack, and concludes with a pro jam led by Donna Rose. Appetizers, dinner, desserts, and drinks are available, and dancing is encouraged. Musicians who would like to participate are asked to check in with stage manager Donna Rose upon arrival. Jam players always have a seat at table 1. To request a table, leave a message at 716 507 9899 or tpac@charteredprofessors.com.

Designed for individuals experiencing changes in memory or thinking and for the people who care for them, this welcoming, second-Tuesday gathering offers a supportive place to connect. Participants explore museum exhibits and artifacts, take part in hands-on arts and crafts, and enjoy unhurried time to socialize. Each session also includes lunch and coffee.

The Massachusetts Avenue Project Mobile Market brings a rotating selection of seasonal produce grown by nearby farms to West Buffalo Charter School. Shoppers can find culturally specific ingredients that are not always easy to locate in typical grocery stores. Programs are in place to keep prices affordable, and a variety of payment options are accepted, including cash, card, and SNAP/EBT. The market also honors Double Up Food Bucks NY, Fresh Connect, and FMNP checks.

Share a cozy reading time created for a caregiver and little one to enjoy together. Spend a quiet moment reading side by side and connecting through stories.

Find fresh, locally grown produce at budget friendly prices from the Farm Market Truck. Payments are flexible with cash, credit or debit cards, and tap to pay accepted. SNAP/EBT is welcome with a 50 percent discount.

Bike Night returns to Cycle Gear in Cheektowaga, bringing together riders from the Buffalo area. All motorcycle types are welcome, including cruisers, sportbikes, ADV bikes, and more. Expect food, raffles with prizes featuring RPM membership gear, and time to check out local ride options while meeting fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. It is a relaxed chance to see what others are riding and connect with the local motorcycle community.

Roots to Rise Recovery Circle is a free community support group offered by The Rural Outreach Center and Western New York Independent Living Peer Recovery. It is open to the public and welcomes anyone affected by substance use disorder, including people who use or have used substances, their family members and friends, and community members. The circle provides a supportive place to connect, share experiences, and find understanding alongside peers.

Tom Stahl hosts an open mic at duende at Silo City in Buffalo, NY. The gathering begins with a brief set from Tom, then the microphone opens for participants to take the stage.

Designed for children 10 and under, this instructor-led craft night at the Alexander Community Center features a canvas painting project where participants can create artwork of Bob, Stuart, or Kevin. The event also includes making spooky monster crafts and enjoying themed treats. Advance registration is required. The cost is $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents.

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram brings a live show to Electric City in Buffalo. The event welcomes all ages.

In The Shop Sessions brings David Michael Miller together with guest Eric Crittenden at Penny Lane - Clarence in Clarence, NY.

Buffalo real estate enthusiasts gather at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery for a casual meetup centered on conversation, learning, and networking. Whether you are an experienced investor, new to the market, or simply curious about topics like house hacking, this event offers a welcoming space to exchange ideas and build connections within the local real estate community.

A laid-back group run focused on logging miles and having fun. Participants choose their own pace and style, whether walking, running, biking, or even taking it slow. The emphasis is staying active and moving in whatever way feels right.

Marking ten years of career growth, this career fair and networking gathering creates a welcoming setting for advancement, connections, and fresh opportunities. Whether actively searching for a role or expanding a professional network, attendees can engage with hiring companies, recruiters, and business leaders. Highlights include networking opportunities, resources to support a job search, timely insights from across industries, and the potential for same-day hiring with select employers. Employers and small business owners can request details by emailing SalesManager@KlimbHires.com or texting 470-686-5899. Career seekers with questions can email CAREERHUB@KLIMBCAREERGUIDE.COM. The location will be shared three weeks before the event, and plans may be adjusted, so watch for updates as dates and locations can change.

Massachusetts Avenue Project’s Mobile Market sets up at Neighborhood Health Center Northwest with a rotating selection of seasonal produce from local farms. Shoppers can also find culturally important foods that are not always available at grocery stores. Prices are supported by market programs to keep them affordable, and payment is flexible with options like cash, credit or debit cards, and SNAP/EBT. The market also honors Double Up Food Bucks NY, Fresh Connect, and FMNP checks.

SMART Recovery meetings provide a welcoming space for people seeking support. They are open to all community members.

Discover a healthy, structured path to weight loss at a free informational open house hosted by The Ideal You Weight Loss Center. The session covers a rapid program focused on health, weekly coaching with accountability, and practical strategies for building sustainable lifestyle habits. Attendees can hear real success stories from Western New Yorkers, get guidance on restarting a health journey with support, tour the facility, and sample complimentary foods. Whether starting for the first time or looking for a fresh start, this overview highlights the program’s resources and support.

Erie County Historian Douglas Kohler leads a four-part class exploring Buffalo’s past through engaging lectures, curated historical resources, and conversation about the people, events, and ideas that shaped the Queen City. This session focuses on the city’s industrial evolution, moving from grain elevators to the age of airplanes and beyond. Materials tied to the topic are available beforehand and guide the discussion, encouraging active participation. The broader series also looks at the transformative role of the Erie Canal, the legacy of the Pan-American Exposition, and the city’s architectural heritage and renewal. Admission is $12 per class or $36 for the full series, with free entry for members.

Open to all ages, this session offers instruction in knitting and loom knitting. Please bring your own supplies. Children must attend with a parent or guardian. To register, call (716) 892-8089 or stop in.

Sweet Pill headlines an all ages show with opening performances by Heart to Gold and Spaced.

Industry Night recognizes colleagues from other haunted attractions, amusement parks, and local restaurants. The lineup features a brand new haunted hayride, a brand new interactive haunted trail, a 20 minute dance show, and what is described as the first outdoor haunted house in WNY. Tickets are available only at the box office. Meal deals are offered, with options that include adult beverages.

Mandy hosts karaoke at Gordon's Tavern. Take a turn at the mic or relax and listen as others perform.

This workshop welcomes both newcomers and seasoned improvisers to explore engaging games that sharpen communication, unlock creativity, and build confidence while helping to reduce anxiety. A friendly and inclusive atmosphere makes it comfortable for anyone to take part.

A relaxed, volunteer-led tour of Tifft Nature Preserve takes place each Thursday. Presented by Independent Health, this casual walk welcomes all ages. Attendance is free, with a $3 per person donation appreciated. To confirm the walk is happening, call (716) 825-6397. No advance registration is required.

Bring ideas to life with LEGO bricks during a themed build session where participants create their own designs and see them showcased in the library. All bricks are supplied. This activity is for ages 5 through 17. Advance registration is required and capacity is limited.

Explore fresh, locally grown produce and artisan-made, farm fresh goods at MAP’s Farmhouse Market. This year-round, multi-vendor marketplace features harvests from MAP’s urban farm and kitchen alongside offerings from local wholesale and consignment partners. The market uplifts growers and small businesses on Buffalo’s West Side, showcases culturally meaningful foods, and fosters awareness of the local food system. Payments are accepted by cash, credit or debit, SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks, and Fresh Connect.

Each month, West Side Bazaar organizes Bartending for a Cause, a community fundraiser created with local nonprofits. This edition partners with the Jewish Museum of Buffalo and features a guest bartender from the organization, with every tip contributing directly to the museum's mission. Through exhibits, education, art, history, and open dialogue, the museum works to counter antisemitism and bigotry in all its forms by fostering learning and shared understanding. It offers opportunities for people of all backgrounds to explore Jewish history and culture and to see how curiosity, education, and storytelling can bring communities together.

Known for its calm setting, Forest Lawn is also the resting place of people with dark or tragic pasts. This guided, lantern-lit tour moves through the cemetery to share some of the more chilling stories connected to its permanent residents. Participants ride a trolley to several locations, then step off with lanterns for graveside storytelling. This tour is not recommended for children or for those with limited mobility.

Jeremy and Joe will be at 1812 Tavern for a WGR Buffalo Sabres watch party as the Sabres take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Attendees can connect with fellow fans, and a WGR table will offer chances to win prizes. Wearing Sabres gear is encouraged, and the event centers on cheering on the Sabres at the tavern.

An open mic at El Museo welcomes poets of every background to share their work. Sign ups take place at the door. The event offers a special welcome to Latino, Latina, Latinx, and Latine artists, and pieces in Spanish, English, bilingual formats, and Spanglish are embraced. Music and refreshments help create a positive, supportive atmosphere throughout. The mic is hosted by Dr. Michele Agosto and Julio Montalvo Valentin. DJs rotate, with opportunities for guest deejays to take a turn.

ART/WNY brings Tobacco Road to life with Jack Kirkland’s stage version of a darkly comic novel set in 1930s rural Georgia. The production follows the Lester family’s self-imposed struggles, balancing moments of levity and sensuality with stark austerity and delusion as the promise of a new world loosens the hold of the old, shaping an intense slice of Americana. Directed by two-time Artie Award nominee Matthew LaChiusa, the cast features Nate Chateau as Jeeter Lester, Kaylie Horowitz as Ada Lester, Danette Pawlowski as Sister Bessie, Andrew J Brown as Dude Lester, Trevor Dugan as Lov Bensey, Emily C McDonnell as Elle Mae, Sadie Everhart as Pearl, Mark Tramont as Captain Tim, Ian F. LaLonde as Banker and Peabody, and Margo Davis as Grandma Lester. General admission is $25. Student and industry tickets are $15 at the door only.

Tab Benoit and Ghalia Volt bring the Soul of the Swamp Tour to Town Ballroom as part of The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series. The evening spotlights Benoit’s gritty, soulful take on Delta swamp blues alongside Volt’s high-octane blend of roots, hill country blues, garage, and rock and roll. Benoit is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and guitarist with more than three decades of performing. His honors include five Blues Music Awards and two BB King Entertainer of the Year titles, plus induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Known for avoiding a fixed set list and stretching songs into free-flowing jams, he makes each show unique, as noted by Splice Magazine. He has collaborated with artists including Junior Wells, George Porter Jr, Dr. John, Willie Nelson, and Allen Toussaint. His first album in 13 years, I Hear Thunder, marks a new chapter. Based in New Orleans and born in Belgium, Ghalia Volt is a singer, guitarist, drummer, and songwriter whose dynamic sound is built for the stage. After busking in Europe and immersing herself in American roots music, she released five acclaimed albums, including Shout Sister Shout!, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart. Her new record, Burn the House Down, showcases her raw energy and expansive musical vision. Whether solo or with a full band, her sets are high energy and trance driven, connecting across generations and genres. Presented by The Big Easy in Buffalo, which brings New Orleans and Louisiana music and culture to Western New York through performances, education, and mentoring. Ages 12 and up are welcome, with minors under 16 required to attend with a parent. A government issued ID is required. Tickets range from $35 to $65.