May 2026

Broadway Entertainment Bingo

Join us for the best combination since Rogers and Hammerstein! Broadway and Bingo! Play ten bingo games and listen to your favorite Broadway classics being sung by the First Look Fantasticks! Plus a basket raffle and 50/50. Full bar and menu will be available. Just $25 presale to reserve a seat! Go… >>

That Handsome Devil

Lingua Franca

Olivia, an undocumented Filipina immigrant paranoid about deportation, works as a caregiver to a Russian-Jewish grandmother in New York. When the man she's secretly paying for a green card marriage backs out, she becomes involved with a slaughterhouse worker who is unaware that she's a trans woman.… >>

Botanical Bash at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Our Botanical Bash is off to the races! Grab your hats and hold your horses as we celebrate our Botanical Gardens—Kentucky Derby Style!  Sip on handcrafted cocktails while you bid on exciting auction items to raise funds for the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.  Tickets include an open bar,… >>

Lily Rose - I Know What I Want Tour 2026

 Lily Rose is an American country music singer-songwriter from Georgia, known for her 2020 viral hit "Villain" and for blending country with pop/R&B influences.

Buffalo Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl

Join us for our Official Buffalo Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl! Enjoy all of the best bars in Buffalo for our annual Pub Crawl!

Leslie Odom Jr.

The multi-talented Tony® and GRAMMY® winner returns to the BPO for one-night-only performing the best of Broadway and the American Songbook, from jazz standards to poignant medleys.

Pan-American Walking Tour

Come enjoy a tour of the grounds where the Pan-American Exposition took place over 100 years ago. Buffalo was the 8th largest city in the United States in 1901 and hosted over 8 million people from around the world during the Pan-American Exposition. Learn about the exhibits, the shows, the sounds and… >>

Brave Strangers

Get ready for an amazing night of music featuring a tribute to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band.

80s Murder Mystery

Solve an 80s murder mystery with Board To Be Wild’s Entertainment Squad—interactive clues, costumes, charcuterie, drinks & awards.

Buffalo Bourbon Bash 2.0

Get ready for round 2 of the Buffalo Bourbon Bash - a night filled with top-notch bourbon tastings, live music, and good vibes!

Annie in the Water & Desmond Jones @ Nietzsche's

Annie in the Water & Desmond Jones on May 2nd at Nietzsche's. Doors @ 8pm, Music @ 9pm, $15 Adv // $20 DoS.

Aperture / Afterimage

A new original audiovisual installation experience curated by Buffalo-based artist collective Groupwork and part of the in.sight series, an ongoing investigation into technology-mediated expression and embodied systems of code, light, sound, and space. Aperture / Afterimage continues Groupwork’s ongoing… >>

Storytime at the Botanical Gardens

Stop by our Playspace on select Saturdays for an educator-led Storytime featuring nature-themed books and props. Each session features different books designed to stimulate young minds and deepen the connection between people and plants. This program will take place indoors and is recommended for Early… >>

Beautiful Bouquet: Paper Quilling Workshop

Create a bouquet that never wilts! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the art of paper quilling: rolling, shaping, and assembling colorful paper strips into elegant floral designs. With step by step guidance, you’ll craft a custom bouquet of quilled flowers, choosing your own colors, styles, and… >>

Buffalo Wedding Expo at The Powerhouse

Connecting top local wedding experts with engaged couples to transform wedding planning into an enjoyable and effortless experience!

Latin Brunch Party

Countdown to Cinco De Mayo 'Latin Brunch Party'. Free Food, Coffee Cocktails, Reggaeton Music by DJ Alex Sarabia, and a whole lot of Dancing

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

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

DAYSEEKER: The Pale Moonlight Tour

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.

Frame Loom Weaving Workshop: Textile Art Series at the 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… >>

Wyatt Russell “Crack the Can” Fan Experience & Sabres Pregame Party at Hofbräuhaus Buffalo

After fully leaning into Buffalo’s playoff energy (yes, including that Lake Erie jump), Wyatt Russell is back in Buffalo for Round 2, Game 2—because he just can’t get enough of the Buffalo Sabres. Join Wyatt Russell—actor, former professional hockey player, and co-founder of Lake Hour, and Richard Peete,… >>

Live Band Karaoke 90s Rock and Pop Edition

THE PRIVATE PARTY | PEPPERS | MAY 8TH

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

Tour 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,… >>

Wild Earth

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… >>

Dancers Workshop

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… >>

Danceability's 19th Annual Show- Paving The Way

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… >>

Starring Buffalo's Rent In Concert

Mother's Day Floral Arrangement Workshop at the 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… >>

Mother's Day Craft & Vendor Fair

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.

One Stop Mom Shop at the 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… >>

Dance Senior Showcase

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

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,… >>

Natural Information Society

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… >>

Blvck Hippie

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.

SatchVai Band featuring Joe Satriani and Steve Vai

Silversun Pickups

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

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.… >>

Open Art Night presents: Figure Drawing Night at the 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

Fireworks: Gospel 15-Year Anniversary

M&T Third Friday

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… >>

Hey Bitch

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.… >>

Junior History Buffs

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

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… >>

Loop de Loop (Ween Tribute) @ Nietzsche's

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

GLAMerica 250 Exhibit Opening

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… >>

Hit the Lights & Major League

Herb Container Garden Workshop at the 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… >>

AVATAR: DON'T GO IN THE FOREST

Cabaret Nights Buffalo | A Luxury Masquerade & Burlesque Dinner Show

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!

AAPI Trailblazer Exhibit: Celebration of Asian Talents!

Orthodox

After Dark Presents Orthodox with special guests Wasted Space, 9MM Mouthwash, Monomaniac Age Restriction: 16+ Admitted with ID / Under 16 Admitted with Parent or Legal Guardian / No One Under 12 Admitted

Celebrate Spring

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

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

INOHA

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

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

Embroidery 101 Workshop: Textile Art Series at the 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… >>

Trivia Night

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… >>

USS

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.

Warren Quigley, "Erratic" Opening Reception

Buffalo Arts Studio is excited to present “Erratic” by artist Warren Quigley, an installation of 37 wooden spheres of varying scales on view from May 22 through August 1, 2026. An opening reception will be held on Friday, May 22, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm as part of M&T Fourth Friday at Tri-Main. “Erratic”… >>

Rachel Shelton, "Slow Looking" Opening Reception

Buffalo Arts Studio is thrilled to present “Slow Looking,” a new body of work by Rachel Shelton that challenges the negativity so often associated with decay, uncertainty, and precarity. Featuring a series of monotypes, etchings, collagraphs, and screenprints of rock forms, the exhibition is on view… >>

Timothy James Allen Solo

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

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… >>

Kokedama Garden Workshop at the 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

$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

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

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

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… >>

'68 - Farewell Tour

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. 

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

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,… >>

Children's Book Club

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

Boozy Bookfair at the 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… >>

Wave Rave!

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

HARDY: THE COUNTRY! COUNTRY! TOUR!

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… >>

Fundraiser Plant Sale

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… >>

Spring Bulb Sale at the 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… >>

Feed the Fish at the 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

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… >>

POP! First Annual Event to Support Hunt Residencies

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

Open Stay WNY Premier

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"

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… >>

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

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

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,… >>

Pushing Through | Arcangel Gallery Exhibit at the Botanical Gardens

As an artist and educator, Judith Kosinski has always been impressed by nature’s ability to persevere and continually strive to create new life, despite obstacles. She has taken this inspiration and used her art to push through life’s challenges herself.  New hope, purpose and joy have always been found… >>

Butterfly Release at the 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

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… >>

Rachel Shelton, "Slow Looking"

Buffalo Arts Studio is thrilled to present “Slow Looking,” a new body of work by Rachel Shelton that challenges the negativity so often associated with decay, uncertainty, and precarity. Featuring a series of monotypes, etchings, collagraphs, and screenprints of rock forms, the exhibition is on view… >>

Warren Quigley, "Erratic"

Buffalo Arts Studio is excited to present “Erratic” by artist Warren Quigley, an installation of 37 wooden spheres of varying scales on view from May 22 through August 1, 2026. An opening reception will be held on Friday, May 22, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm as part of M&T Fourth Friday at Tri-Main. “Erratic”… >>

Guided Tour at Waterway of Change Exhibit

We offer guided tours of the Waterway of Change exhibit on Saturdays at 1pm. These tours last 40-45 minutes and is limited to 20 guests. If you have accessibility needs or questions about the tour experience, please reach out to Megan DeJoe at mdejoe@buffalohistory.org or call (716) 873-9644 ext. 503.… >>