This weekend in Niagara County, NY

Hope Closet offers no cost clothing for children and adults, along with shoes for all ages, to ease the strain of outfitting a family. Anyone who could use help with clothing expenses is welcome. There is no application and no proof of income required. Visitors may browse donated items and choose what fits at no charge. Volunteers carefully sort donations so the clothing is clean and wearable, and everything is arranged by size and type to make finding the right pieces easier. Selection changes with community giving, and while apparel and footwear make up most of what is available, small accessories such as ties or purses may occasionally appear. On arrival, a quick sign in with the date, ZIP code, and household size is requested. Please take only what your household can use so there is enough for neighbors. Items are intended for personal and household use. Friendly helpers are available to assist with finding sizes and carrying selections to a vehicle if needed. Hope Closet operates on Saturdays and is an outreach of The Gathering Place Project, located inside The Way Church of God, formerly Greater Niagara Falls Church of God. On the same dates, Meals of Hope is also open through separate events.

Meals of Hope provides grocery support to individuals and families experiencing financial stress. Visitors can select groceries with help from friendly volunteers, including shelf-stable pantry staples and a changing selection of refrigerated and frozen foods donated by local grocery stores and restaurants. Available items vary, and grocery amounts are based on household size. While donations are limited, households are currently encouraged to visit no more than twice per month so food can be shared with more neighbors. The program serves Niagara County residents and residents of the City of Tonawanda, and no one in need of food will be turned away. First-time visitors can complete a brief intake form with volunteer assistance, and proof of income is not required. Please bring reusable shopping bags. Volunteers can help bag groceries and carry them to a vehicle if needed. Hope Closet is also open during the program, with details available through its separate event information.

Kids Craft Days at The Brook blends mealtime and making, with families able to enjoy lunch while children create a different kid-friendly craft each week. The setting overlooks Willowbrook, providing a backdrop for time together.

Backyard of Horrors marks its 10th anniversary with its biggest haunted house yet, bringing together themes from the past decade in one crossover experience. The attraction features live actors, large handmade sets and props, theatrical music, special effects, fog, and pyro. It is free, suitable for all ages, and designed to be experienced after dark. Donations are appreciated to help support future themes.

Play Magic: The Gathering in a casual Commander setting. The gathering welcomes all ages and skill levels and is LGBTQ+ friendly. Entry is free, and the store opens beforehand for practice or warm-up.

Celebrate Halloween with your favorite people, whether spooky or sweet. Admission is free and the evening features live music from Prestige Worldwide Band. Guests who arrive in costume will be entered into a costume contest. Expect a lively atmosphere with food, music, and festive Halloween fun.

Pop-Up Open Gym Play opens the doors of Niagara Kraze, a venue that usually focuses on private events, so more people can enjoy the space on a flexible schedule. These public play opportunities change from week to week. Guests can purchase a single ticket or secure all available tickets, depending on their plans. For a full two hours, your group gets exclusive use of the entire facility, including eight of the largest indoor inflatables and bounce houses in WNY, along with obstacle courses, physical challenges, and tall slides. Enjoy interactive games and challenges, try the newest attraction Glow Golf, which is pay to play, and make use of toddler toys set out for little ones. Massage chairs are available, free Wi-Fi is provided, and 75 inch TVs show live sports or favorite programs. Beverages, snacks, candy, and frozen treats are offered at reasonable prices, and games with prizes are available.

Brunch returns to The Brook. Plans are being finalized, and the full menu along with more details will be shared soon. Sunday mornings at The Brook are set to get even better with the comeback of this brunch.