There sure are a lot of October-related fests this weekend. And many of them feature plenty of beer. You really can’t lose.
Thursday, October 22nd
–Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo holds Lights on Afterschool!, a rally to call for an expansion of after-school activities so any child in need of one is represented. It will be one of 7,500 events taking place all over the country as part of the Afterschool Alliance’s quest to stop budget cuts and freezes in public schools. 4:30 PM. Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo headquarters, 325 Manhattan Avenue.
-Mode Restaurant brings you fresh comedy hosted by yours truly. It’s going to be a special week! It’s highly recommended you show up with all of your friends! Special time: 10 PM!
–Biketoberfest, by Rusty Chain Beer at the Lafeyette Tap Room, 391 Washington Street. 5:30 PM to 8 PM. $20, or $10 if you ride your bike. Includes bike valet, food, silent auction, beer (obviously), music by DJ Cutler. FREE after party runs from 8 PM to 10 PM w/Todd Eberwine Band.
-Shea’s hosts Octobeerfest to benefit the Food Bank of Western New York. $25 pre-sale, $30 at the door. All you can drink local beer and appetizers, live music by The Auslanders, box seats for The Nutcracker to be raffled. 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
-The Buffalo Film Festival begins its last weekend, ending on Tuesday, October 27.
Friday, October 23rd
–Women and the Automobile at the Buffalo Transportation/Pierce-Arrow Museum inducts five new members to the ranks. 6 PM to 9 PM. Raffle, music, food. $125 tickets (tax deductible).
-Photographer Brendan Bannon’s Refugee opens at Studio Hart, 65 Allen Street. Bannon’s work covers a variety of refugee situations in Africa. 6 PM to 8 PM.
-SOUNDLAB presents BIODIESEL and Joe Nice. Doors 9 PM, show 9:30 PM. Tickets $12. 18+.
–The Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium invites you to Observation Hour, the chance to follow the Eye of Medusa, and learn about telescopes. Weather permitting, check the website for times and cancellations. FREE!
Saturday, October 24th
–Art for Heart at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum, 453 Porter Avenue. Beer and wine, catered by Chef’s, live music, live and silent auctions. $15. 5:30 PM to 8 PM.
–Olmsted Oktoberfest at the Cazenovia Park Casino. 12 noon to 5 PM. German beer, food, music, dancing. $6 admission and $5 beer and food available.
-The Central Terminal and 103.3 The Edge host this year’s Halloween bash! $15 pre-sale, $20 at the door. Beer, food, wine. 18+. 6 PM to 1 AM.
–The Niagara Falls International Marathon begins at Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Half-marathon pre-registration ends on October 24th. 7 AM.