May 2026

Upcoming events & things to do near you.

DAYSEEKER: The Pale Moonlight Tour
Wed May 6th

DAYSEEKER: The Pale Moonlight Tour

Buffalo Riverworks

After Dark Presents DAYSEEKER: The Pale Moonlight Tourwith special guests Northlane, Wind Walkers, sace6Age Restriction: 16+ Admitted with ID / Under 16 Admitted with Parent or Legal Guardian / No One Under 12 AdmittedDelivery Delay: Tickets will be digitally delivered 2 days prior to the event.

Adjust the Sails & Thoughts On Bowling - Let It Rip Tour
Wed May 6th

Adjust the Sails & Thoughts On Bowling - Let It Rip Tour

Rec Room

After Dark Presents Adjust The Sails & Thoughts On Bowling - Let It Rip Tour with special guests Tiny Voices & Latchkey Kids Age Restriction: 16+ Admitted with ID / Under 16 Admitted with Parent or Legal Guardian / No One Under 12 Admitted

Frame Loom Weaving Workshop: Textile Art Series at the Botanical Gardens
Thu May 7th

Frame Loom Weaving Workshop: Textile Art Series at the Botanical Gardens

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Discover an ancient craft that has become increasingly popular among contemporary artists and hobbyists. In this workshop, you will learn how to set-up a frame loom, weave, change the color of your yarn, create patterns, and add texture to your weaving. The Frame Loom Weaving Workshop and the rest of… >>

Live Band Karaoke 90s Rock and Pop Edition
Fri Apr 10th → Fri May 8th

Live Band Karaoke 90s Rock and Pop Edition

Rec Room
Dancers Workshop
Thu May 7th → Sat May 9th

Dancers Workshop

UB Katharine Cornell Theatre

Dancers Workshop Directed by Lauren Guarna as part of our Student Directed Series May 7 - 9, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. May 9, 2026 at 2 p.m. UB Katharine Cornell Theatre Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=dancers+workshop+katharine+cornell+theatre   $25 Adults | $20 Seniors/Veterans/UB Employees… >>

THE PRIVATE PARTY | PEPPERS | MAY 8TH
Fri May 8th → Sat May 9th

THE PRIVATE PARTY | PEPPERS | MAY 8TH

Peppers

The Private Party is a YouTube series spotlighting local DJs, bringing unique sounds and underground vibes to every event.

Tour The Assembly House
Sat May 9th

Tour The Assembly House

The Assembly House

Step inside The Assembly House, a historic Buffalo church transformed by artist and founder Dennis Maher into a Dreamworld for the Building Arts. On this guided tour, you’ll move through ever-changing sculptural environments, displays, and workshop spaces that celebrate art, architecture, preservation,… >>

Danceability's 19th Annual Show- Paving The Way
Sat May 9th

Danceability's 19th Annual Show- Paving The Way

Kenmore West Senior High School

Danceability invites the community to its 19th Annual Performance, Paving The Way, on May 9, 2026, at Kenmore West Senior High School. This inspiring show features over 200 dancers of all ages and abilities and celebrates nearly two decades of inclusion, creativity, and accessible dance. Performances… >>

Wild Earth
Sat May 2nd → Sat May 9th

Wild Earth

Hawk Creek Wildlife Center

What inspires you? Music? Art? At Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, we are inspired by wildlife every day. From wild cats to vultures to macaws, every species has a vital job they perform for the planet. Discover the role these animals play as you feel a hawk soar inches above your head and as you get close… >>

Starring Buffalo's Rent In Concert
Sat May 9th

Starring Buffalo's Rent In Concert

Shea's Performing Arts Center
Mother's Day Craft & Vendor Fair
Sat May 9th

Mother's Day Craft & Vendor Fair

Polish Falcons Society of Depew

For our 2026 season, we will be holding our 8th Annual Mother's Day Vendor Market on 5/9/26 at the Polish Falcons in Depew.

Mother's Day Floral Arrangement Workshop at the Botanical Gardens
Sat May 9th

Mother's Day Floral Arrangement Workshop at the Botanical Gardens

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a beautiful, hands-on experience! Whether you’re bringing your mom, gifting the workshop to someone special, or creating a unique display from the heart, this floral arrangement class is the perfect way to mark the occasion. In this fun and relaxing workshop, you’ll learn… >>

Dance Senior Showcase
Sun May 10th

Dance Senior Showcase

UB Katharine Cornell Theatre

Dance Senior Showcase Directed by Grace Rezin and Adriana Vetcha as part of our Student Directed Series May 10, 2026 at 4 p.m. UB Katharine Cornell Theatre Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/000062E898C342D4   $25 Adults | $20 Seniors/Veterans/UB Employees $15 Students/Children | $10 UB Students… >>

Dancing With The Stars: Live! - 2026 Tour
Sun May 10th

Dancing With The Stars: Live! - 2026 Tour

Shea's Performing Arts Center

Straight from Hollywood, See Dancing with the Stars, Live! See the glitz, glam and breathtaking performances of America’s favorite dance show in a city near you with this ALL-NEW SHOW starring your favorite pros Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, Britt Stewart, Daniella Karagach, Emma Slater, Ezra Sosa,… >>

One Stop Mom Shop at the Botanical Gardens
Sat May 9th → Sun May 10th

One Stop Mom Shop at the Botanical Gardens

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Our One Stop Mom Shop is back and better than ever! This year, we’re hosting an entire weekend of festivities to give you more time to enjoy your time together. Now you can choose to celebrate Mom on Saturday or on actual Mother’s Day! Shop with local artists and vendors, sip on a Mom-osa, and pick… >>

Blvck Hippie
Tue May 12th

Blvck Hippie

Nietzsche's

After Dark Presents Blvck Hippie with special guestsAge Restriction: 18+ Admitted with IDDelivery Delay: Tickets will be digitally sent 2 days prior to the event.

Silversun Pickups
Tue May 12th

Silversun Pickups

Town Ballroom

Silversun Pickups is an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles that was formed in 2000. The band is composed of Brian Aubert, Nikki Monninger, Christopher Guanlao, and Joe Lester.

Memory Cafe
Tue May 12th

Memory Cafe

The Buffalo History Museum

Join us each month on the second Tuesday for our ‘Memory Cafe’ – a free program for people with changes in their memory or thinking and the people who care for them. At each Memory Cafe, participants will view our museum exhibits and artifacts, create arts and crafts and socialize with one another.… >>

SatchVai Band featuring Joe Satriani and Steve Vai
Tue May 12th

SatchVai Band featuring Joe Satriani and Steve Vai

Kleinhans Music Hall
Natural Information Society
Tue May 12th

Natural Information Society

Hallwalls

Joshua Abrams - guembriLisa Alvarado - harmoniumJason Stein - bass clarinetMikel Patrick Avery - drums, percussion Hallwalls welcomes the hypnotic "ecstatic minimalism" of Natural Information Society back to Buffalo for a very special evening of transcendental music in the 9th Ward! "Aficionados of… >>

Open Art Night presents: Figure Drawing Night at the Botanical Gardens
Wed May 13th

Open Art Night presents: Figure Drawing Night at the Botanical Gardens

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Join us for a unique artistic experience where nature and the human form come together in harmony. Figure Drawing Night invites artists of all levels to sketch a clothed model set against the lush, inspiring backdrop of our Botanical Gardens. Surrounded by vibrant foliage, dappled sunlight, and the… >>

Hed Pe - Still Broke In America 25 Year Anniversary
Wed May 13th

Hed Pe - Still Broke In America 25 Year Anniversary

Rec Room
Fireworks: Gospel 15-Year Anniversary
Thu May 14th

Fireworks: Gospel 15-Year Anniversary

Rec Room
Hey Bitch
Fri May 15th

Hey Bitch

Hallwalls

Yahoo Entertainment called Bitch "a feminist force that the world needs now more than ever" when she released "Bitchcraft," her 9th studio album, on the legendary label Kill Rock Stars in 2022. "Hey Bitch!" is a funny, upbeat and moving story of how an unusually quiet girl goes on to name herself Bitch.… >>

M&T Third Friday
Fri Feb 20th → Fri May 15th

M&T Third Friday

The Buffalo History Museum

Join us on M&T Third Friday for free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.! Discover Western New York’s rich history in more than a half-dozen exhibits, including “CONTINUUM: A HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY” and “ICONS: THE MAKERS AND MOMENTS OF BUFFALO SPORTS.” And bring the kids for “Junior History Buffs” children’s… >>

Junior History Buffs
Fri Feb 20th → Fri May 15th

Junior History Buffs

The Buffalo History Museum

Junior History Buffs is a program at The Buffalo History Museum that engages children ages 4-11 in age-appropriate history lessons, songs, stories, crafts and games. A short program, or “Circle Time,” is instructor-guided and includes songs, a brief lesson about local history and a story. After this,… >>

Homeless Alliance of WNY First-Ever Meat Raffle
Fri May 15th

Homeless Alliance of WNY First-Ever Meat Raffle

Knights Events Center, 2735 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14227

It's a meat raffle. It's also kind of a big deal. More than 7,000 people in Erie County experience homelessness every year. Right now, only one in five can get the help they need. The Homeless Alliance of WNY is working to change that, and on May 15, 2026, you can help. Join the Homeless Alliance for… >>

GLAMerica 250 Exhibit Opening
Fri May 15th

GLAMerica 250 Exhibit Opening

The Buffalo History Museum

Join us Friday, May 15 from 5:30–8 PM for the opening celebration of GLAM-erica 250. Come dressed in your favorite outfit, accessory, or look that reflects your own GLAM—Grounded, Locating, Aspiration, or Memory. Enjoy light refreshments, a cash bar, and music from a live DJ in a festive, after-hours… >>

Loop de Loop (Ween Tribute) @ Nietzsche's
Fri May 15th

Loop de Loop (Ween Tribute) @ Nietzsche's

Nietzsche's

We're celebrating the music of Ween with Loop de Loop on May 15th! Doors @ 8pm, Music @ 9pm! $10 Cover!

Herb Container Garden Workshop at the Botanical Gardens
Sat May 16th

Herb Container Garden Workshop at the Botanical Gardens

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Join us in preparing for summer by planting your very own Herb Container Garden. During this hands-on workshop, plant your very own beautiful herb container garden while discussing some of the many uses these plants have. Learn how to properly harvest your herbs and some fun recipes too! All materials… >>

Hit the Lights & Major League
Sat May 16th

Hit the Lights & Major League

Rec Room
AVATAR: DON'T GO IN THE FOREST
Sat May 16th

AVATAR: DON'T GO IN THE FOREST

Buffalo Riverworks
Cabaret Nights Buffalo | A Luxury Masquerade & Burlesque Dinner Show
Sat May 16th

Cabaret Nights Buffalo | A Luxury Masquerade & Burlesque Dinner Show

The Mahogany

Cabaret Nights Buffalo: a luxury masquerade burlesque dinner show this May featuring live entertainment, dining, and immersive nightlife.

AAPI Trailblazer Exhibit: Celebration of Asian Talents!
Sun May 17th

AAPI Trailblazer Exhibit: Celebration of Asian Talents!

The Buffalo History Museum

AAPI Trailblazer Exhibit: Celebration of Asian Talents!

Orthodox
Mon May 18th

Orthodox

Rec Room
Celebrate Spring
Mon May 18th

Celebrate Spring

The Buffalo History Museum

Celebrate the season with an unforgettable evening of music in The Buffalo History Museum’s State Court, featuring our extraordinary 125-year-old Steinway piano. This special concert, inspired by the theme “Celebrate Spring,” brings together timeless works for solo piano alongside evocative songs from… >>

ISA Niagara Frontier Section TECH EXPO 2026
Tue May 19th

ISA Niagara Frontier Section TECH EXPO 2026

Buffalo Riverworks

Sponsored by The Exhibitors and The Niagara Frontier Section of the ISA are proud to announce the 58th annual trade show!

Art Meets Jazz: A Night of Beatles and Jazz!  Back by Popular Demand!
Wed May 20th

Art Meets Jazz: A Night of Beatles and Jazz! Back by Popular Demand!

Beebe's At The Gallery

Join us for a truly unique night as Art Meets Jazz presents a brand new side project by the innovative jazz bassist, Nate Kalnitz.

INOHA
Wed May 20th

INOHA

Rec Room
Trivia Night
Thu May 21st

Trivia Night

The Buffalo History Museum

Test your knowledge of our city, pop culture, and beyond at the Museum’s Buffalo History trivia night! Bring a friend, or meet new friends for team-based Buffalo history trivia inside the State Court. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and prizes will be awarded for the winners! Maximum of… >>

Trivia Night
Thu May 21st

Trivia Night

The Buffalo History Museum

Test your knowledge of our city, pop culture, and beyond at the Museum’s Buffalo History trivia night! Bring a friend, or meet new friends for team-based Buffalo history trivia inside the State Court. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and prizes will be awarded for the winners! Maximum of… >>

Embroidery 101 Workshop: Textile Art Series at the Botanical Gardens
Thu May 21st

Embroidery 101 Workshop: Textile Art Series at the Botanical Gardens

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Begin your embroidery practice with an overview of the materials, setup, and basic stitches that are integral to almost every project you will undertake. Your instructor will guide you step by step through the creation of a colorful sampler—designed with space for you to finish at home while reinforcing… >>

Timothy James Allen Solo
Fri May 22nd

Timothy James Allen Solo

Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center

Timothy James Allen - electric guitar, electronics Guitarist Timothy James Allen is known equally as a supportive side man who's toured with multiple world renowned acts as well as a solo artist; he has released 3 cinematic instrumental albums under Timothy James and scored a feature film (Suono dell… >>

Private Events Open House at the Botanical Gardens
Fri May 22nd

Private Events Open House at the Botanical Gardens

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Are you or someone in your life in the early stages of wedding planning? Or looking for the perfect venue for your 2027 event? Visit the Botanical Gardens on May 22 to explore our tropical conservatory and learn more about our exciting new event packages coming next year! Meet the members of our events… >>

USS
Fri May 22nd

USS

Town Ballroom

USS - Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker are an alternative rock musical duo from Toronto, Canada. It is composed of vocalist and guitarist Ashley Buchholz (aka Ash Boo-Schultz) and turntablist/hype man Jason "Human Kebab" Parsons.

Kokedama Garden Workshop at the Botanical Gardens
Sat May 23rd

Kokedama Garden Workshop at the Botanical Gardens

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Join us for a hands-on, creative workshop where you’ll craft your very own living garden using kokedama — the enchanting Japanese art of growing plants in moss-covered balls of soil. These lush, green orbs are perfect for hanging in windows or displaying on a decorative surface. In this workshop, you’ll… >>

Kiddieland Opening Day
Sat May 23rd

Kiddieland Opening Day

Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum

$1 admission for visitors ages 2 and up! (free admission for members)   Ride tickets for carrousels and Kiddieland are $1 each! Free Ice Cream Coupon for the first 250 kids!   Thank you to the North Tonawanda Neighboorhood Watch for their support of this event

Dance Gavin Dance with Special Guests
Sat May 23rd

Dance Gavin Dance with Special Guests

Buffalo Riverworks

Dance Gavin Dance is scheduled to perform at Buffalo RiverWorks on May 23, 2026, as part of their upcoming tour. Special guests for the 2026 tour include The Fall of Troy, Novelists, and Wolf & Bear.

Hairspray
Thu May 7th → Sun May 24th

Hairspray

Shea's 710 Theatre

You can’t stop the beat in this big and bold musical about one girl’s inspiring dream to dance. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs. Thu,Fri:7:30pm | Sat: 3:00 & 8:00pm | Sun: 2:00pm… >>

Jonathan Ezra Goldman - Talk & Book Signing
Wed May 27th

Jonathan Ezra Goldman - Talk & Book Signing

Hallwalls

Join us at Hallwalls for an evening with J Ezra Goldman to discuss his latest book, Hidden Histories of Jazz Age New York: From the Suppressed to the Strange! This event will begin with a talk, to be followed by book signing. Books will be available for purchase from Talking Leaves Books. Purchase of… >>

Citizens and Soldiers of the Upper River Valley: The 98th Ohio’s Civil War
Wed May 27th

Citizens and Soldiers of the Upper River Valley: The 98th Ohio’s Civil War

The Buffalo History Museum

Based on a manuscript length study of the 98th Ohio and a scheduled talk in June at the Society of Civil War Historians conference in Richmond, Virginia, the presentation examines how volunteers from the state’s Upper River Valley, an area of eastern Ohio that generally opposed slaveholding expansion,… >>

'68 - Farewell Tour
Wed May 27th

'68 - Farewell Tour

Rec Room

The noise rock duo '68, led by Josh Scogin, announced their final North American tour for May and June 2026, marking the end of their career following their fifth album. 

Children's Book Club
Thu May 28th

Children's Book Club

The Long Shed Building

Join us for Children’s Book Club on Thursday May, 28 at 5:00pm in the Longshed building at Canalside. This month we will be joined by Author H.R. Gordon as they discusses their book The Summer the Canal Came to Town: A Story of Adventure and Change Along the Erie Canal. This program is free for everyone,… >>

Cake
Fri May 29th

Cake

Terminal B At The Outer Harbor
Wave Rave!
Fri May 29th

Wave Rave!

Buffalo Naval Park

Get ready to dive into wave after wave of epic beats and good vibes at Wave Rave!

Boozy Bookfair at the Botanical Gardens
Fri May 29th

Boozy Bookfair at the Botanical Gardens

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Come enjoy an evening of books, brews, and bubbly at the Botanical Gardens during our fan-favorite Boozy Bookfair! Merit Badge Books, local vendors and Buffalo’s best bars will be on hand to recreate the magic of a school book fair, but for grown ups. Explore our conservatory and sip on something sweet… >>

HARDY: THE COUNTRY! COUNTRY! TOUR!
Fri May 29th

HARDY: THE COUNTRY! COUNTRY! TOUR!

Darien Lake Amphitheater

Event is rain or shine. For the safety, comfort and experience of all fans, outside lawn chairs are NOT allowed into the venue. A limited number of lawn chair rentals will be available for advance purchase online or at the venue on the day of the event, while supplies last. Current bag policy is limited… >>

Open Stay WNY Premier
Fri May 29th → Sat May 30th

Open Stay WNY Premier

Taylor Theatre at the Kenan Center

Spotlight Performing Artists, Inc. proudly presents the Western New York premiere of Open Stay, a moving new song cycle musical performing May 29 and May 30 at 7:00 PM at the Kenan Center Taylor Theatre. For audiences seeking a fresh, emotionally resonant musical experience, Open, Stay centers on sisters… >>

"In Between Two Tall Mountains" and "Breathing In and Out"
Fri Apr 24th → Sat May 30th

"In Between Two Tall Mountains" and "Breathing In and Out"

Buffalo Arts Studio

Buffalo Arts Studio is pleased to present "In Between Two Tall Mountains" by Gabrielle Hall and "Breathing In and Out" by Brianna Bernas, concurrent exhibitions by two senior fiber art majors from Buffalo State University that explore concepts of emotional resilience, adaptability, and making material… >>

POP! First Annual Event to Support Hunt Residencies
Sat May 30th

POP! First Annual Event to Support Hunt Residencies

The C. Stuart and Jane H. Hunt Art Gallery

Access. Accelerate. Sustain. Support Arts & Economic Prosperity in Western New York.

Fundraiser Plant Sale
Fri May 22nd → Sat May 30th

Fundraiser Plant Sale

Hawk Creek Wildlife Center

Brighten your garden while benefiting wildlife during Hawk Creek Wildlife Center’s annual Fundraiser Plant Sale! Gardeners will be tickled pink to take advantage of the great selection of beautiful perennials & annuals for sale at affordable prices.  Proceeds benefit the nonprofit mission and animals… >>

Feed the Fish at the Botanical Gardens
Sat Jan 3rd → Sat May 30th

Feed the Fish at the Botanical Gardens

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Select Saturdays and Weekdays, check our website for the most accurate list of dates! Get up close and personal with our family of koi fish at this exciting event! Enjoy early access to the Botanical Gardens before we open to the public with a special learning experience that’s fun for all ages. Each… >>

Bébé, It’s Burlesque! The Rose’s Memoir
Sat May 30th

Bébé, It’s Burlesque! The Rose’s Memoir

The Lounge at Revolution Gallery

Bébé, It’s Burlesque! The Rose’s Memoir is a delightfully extravagant burlesque tribute to Schitt’s Creek, imagining Moira Rose at last putting pen to paper for her long-awaited memoir in 2026. As she revisits the family’s most trying and transformative years, the Roses are swept back into their own… >>

Spring Bulb Sale at the Botanical Gardens
Sat May 30th

Spring Bulb Sale at the Botanical Gardens

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

BULBS GO FAST! Get here early! In the spirit of upcycling plants, the Botanical Gardens is pulling the bulbs from our Spring Flower Exhibit and selling them at bargain prices! Roll the dice with some of our amazing and unique varieties of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and more! Get a head start on next… >>

Join us for a Picnic! Benefiting the Alzheimer's Association of WNY
Sun May 31st

Join us for a Picnic! Benefiting the Alzheimer's Association of WNY

Buffalo River Grove

We’re kicking off the season at Buffalo River Grove with a very special event. Join us for a beautiful afternoon picnic in memory of Jeff & Shirley Kramer, benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY. Enjoy a relaxed outdoor picnic filled with food, drinks, raffles, lawn games, and great company —… >>

Frank Chang The Mesh
Fri May 8th → Fri Jun 19th

Frank Chang The Mesh

Hallwalls

In the studio, I take on the perspective of an “archaeologist of the present” in order to reflect on the climate crisis. Otherwise, the stakes feel too high and making art feels futile and insignificant compared to the magnitude of the problem. I collect fragments of climate news, bureaucratic documents,… >>

Butterfly Release at the Botanical Gardens
Sat May 23rd → Sat Jul 18th

Butterfly Release at the Botanical Gardens

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Get up close with our butterflies in a truly special way! New this year, join us for a live Butterfly Release on select Saturday mornings during the Butterfly Experience! Enjoy exclusive early access to the Botanical Gardens and our Butterfly Experience before we open to the public. Participants will… >>

Butterfly Experience at the Botanical Gardens
Sat May 16th → Sun Jul 19th

Butterfly Experience at the Botanical Gardens

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Flutter down to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens and immerse yourself in the winged world of butterflies right here in Buffalo! Step into our Tropical Orchard, which will be home to hundreds of live butterflies from May 16 to July 19.  Get up close and personal with a kaleidoscope of butterflies… >>