Five Things to do in January 2017

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Casino for a Cause – Saturday, January 7 at 7 p.m. at the Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. in Buffalo. This new fundraiser for the Bogo Bunch – founded by Buffalo Sabre Zach Bogosian and his wife Bianca in 2015 – has a 1920s theme and will feature music from the Rat Pack Band, live and silent auctions, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages, and gaming tables with Sabres players acting as dealers. Tickets for the 21-and-over event are $100.

Buffalo on Tap – Saturday, January 14 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, Franklin St. in downtown Buffalo. There are two sessions this year with your general admission ticket ($35) – 1-4 and 6:30-9:30 p.m. – or a VIP ticket ($60) offers an extra hour, noon-4 p.m. or 5:30-9:30 p.m. Get your tickets ahead of time – prices increase $10 at the door if any tickets are left.

Ellicottville Blues & Brews Weekend – Friday through Sunday, January 20-22 throughout the Village of Ellicottville. Holiday Valley will feature Harley Day on Saturday, January 21 at the Main Lodge with live music and more. Find more information as it becomes available at www.ellicottvilleny.com.

Larkinville Ice Festival – Saturday, January 28 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Larkin Square, 745 Seneca St. in Buffalo. There will be festivities at Larkin Square, The Filling Station, Hydraulic Hearth, Flying Bison and Buffalo Distilling Company, including outdoor yoga (“Snowga”), the Keybank Hockey Rink, vendors, food trucks, and other activities (weather-permitting).

Buffalo Soup Fest – Saturday, January 28 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, Franklin St. in Buffalo – sample soups from more than 30 restaurants. Tickets for the event will be $5 at the door, and kids 5 and under are free with an adult – purchase soups with $1 “Soup Bucks.” 

BfloGirlSports: January 2017 Buffalo Bandits schedule

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• Saturday, January 14 – at home against Georgia Swarm – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, January 21 – at home against Vancouver Stealth – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, January 28 – on the road against New England Black Wolves – 7 p.m.

BfloGirlSports: January 2017 Buffalo Sabres schedule

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• Tuesday, January 3 – at New York Rangers – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, January 5 – at Chicago – 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, January 7 – v. Winnipeg – 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 10 – v. Philadelphia – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, January 12 – at Tampa Bay – 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, January 13 – at Carolina – 7:30 p.m.
• Monday, January 16 – v. Dallas Stars – 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 17 – at Toronto – 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, January 20 – v. Detroit – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, January 21 – at Montreal – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 24 – at Nashville – 8 p.m.
• Thursday, January 26 – at Dallas – 8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 31 – at Montreal – 7:30 p.m.

2017 Buffalo Bandits schedule

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• Friday, December 30 – at home against Colorado Mammoth – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, January 14 – at home against Georgia Swarm – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, January 21 – at home against Vancouver Stealth – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, January 28 – on the road against New England Black Wolves – 7 p.m.
• Friday, February 3 – on the road against Toronto Rock – 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, February 17 – at home against New England – 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, February 19 – on the road against New England – 1 p.m.
• Saturday, February 25 – at home against Toronto – 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, March 3 – at home against Rochester Knighthawks – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 4 – on the road against Rochester – 1 p.m.
• Friday, March 17 – on the road against Vancouver – 10:30 p.m. ET
• Saturday, March 25 – on the road against Rochester – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 1 – at home against Saskatchewan Rush – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 8 – on the road against Calgary Roughnecks – 9 p.m. ET
• Friday, April 14 – on the road against Toronto – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 15 – on the road against Georgia – 7:05 p.m.
• Saturday, April 22 – at home against Georgia – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 29 – at home against Toronto – 7:30 p.m.

Five Things to do in December 2016

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Holiday Live at Larkin – Friday, December 2 from 5-8 p.m. at Larkin Square, featuring live music by local group Robot Holiday, food trucks, hot coffee from Undergrounds Coffee and Roastery, plus more hot beverages from the Filling Station, including their signature hot cider spiked with BFLO Distilling Co. Apple Brandy. There will also be a holiday market with works from Devil Chicken Design, Beautiful Cookies, Elizabeth’s Granola and more. Find out more at larkinsquare.com.

Holiday in the Village – Saturday, December 3 on Main St. in the Village of Williamsville. There’s caroling and a tree lighting at Village Hall at 5:30 p.m., photos with Santa (11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Mill), horse and wagon rides (noon-2 p.m. at the Mill) and carousel rides (beginning at 10 a.m. at the Mill). Find out more on the Village’s Facebook page.

Lewiston Tour of Homes and Christmas Walk – Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Village of Lewiston. The Tour of Homes is the signature fundraising event for the Historical Association of Lewiston, with each home featuring festive decorations including Christmas tablescapes and entertaining ideas. Tickets are $30 each day, and includes the tour as well as a dessert tasting reception at the Barton Hill Hotel from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Holiday Gift Market will also be held both days at the Barton Hill Hotel Fairbanks Room; it is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and features more than a dozen vendors. The Christmas Walk will also be taking place throughout the Village both days.

Holidays with the BPO – the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra offers up holiday programing at Kleinhan’s Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle in Buffalo, beginning with the Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular on Wednesday, December 7 at 7 p.m., followed by Classical Christmas, Friday and Saturday, December 9-10; Friday’s show is at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday’s is at 8 p.m. On Sunday, December 11, the Jingle Bell Jam at 2:30 p.m. features holiday music, including pieces from Frozen. Friday through Sunday, December 15-17, John Morris Russell presents the Holiday Pops concerts (Friday – 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday – 8 p.m., Sunday – 2:30 p.m.).

First Night Buffalo – Saturday, December 31 from 5-10 p.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin St. in downtown Buffalo. For the 28^th year, Buffalo’s biggest drug- and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration will feature family activities throughout the evening. Ticket will be available at Wegmans stores beginning December 1 at a cost of $10 (ages 3 and up) – find out more about First Night at firstnightbuffalo.org.

M&T First Friday: December 2, 2016

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On the first Friday of each month, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, located at 1285 Elmwood Ave. in Buffalo, opens the doors to the 1962 Knox Building to the public free of charge from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., thanks to sponsorship from M&T Bank.

• Drop-in Art Activity – 10 a.m.-noon and 4-6 p.m. – free in the Education classrooms.
• Public Tour of Picasso: The Artist and His Models – 11 a.m. – free with Special Museum Admission (includes Picasso exhibit).
• Family Fun Tour – 11-11:45 a.m. – free in the 1962 Building.
• ArtCart – Rosalyn Drexler: Who Does She Think She Is? – noon-1:30 p.m. in the 1905 Building, featuring activities for kids and families.
• Toddler Art Class – 12:30-1:30 p.m. for ages 3-4 – free for members, $10 for non-members.
• Studio Art Classes for Adults – 1-3 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. – free for members, $10 for non-members.
• Public Tour – 1:30-2:30 p.m. – a free tour of the 1962 Knox Building.
• “What’s Your Vision?” Tour – 4-5 p.m. – free one-hour tour.
• Jazz and Happy Hour – 5:30-7:30 p.m. – live music in the AK Café.
• Gallery Talk – Rosalyn Drexler: Who Does She Think She Is? – 6-6:30 and 7:30-7 p.m. – free lecture with Curatorial Assistant Jasmine Magana in the 1905 Building, South Galleries.
• Performance: The Pyramid Band – 7:30-8:30 p.m. – free in the Auditorium.
• The Art of Food and Drink: Butter Block – 8:30-9:30 p.m. in the AK Café – $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

Registration is required for many classes and events – call 716-270-8292 to register and find more information at www.albrightknox.org.

BfloGirlSports: December 2016/January 2017 Buffalo Bills schedule

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John Kasawa

• Sunday, December 4 – at Oakland Raiders – 4:05 p.m.
• Sunday, December 11 – v. Pittsburgh Steelers – 1 p.m.
• Sunday, December 18 – v. Cleveland Browns – 1 p.m.
• Saturday, December 24 – v. Miami Dolphins – 1 p.m.
• Sunday, January 1 – at New York Jets – 1 p.m. 

2016 Holiday Happenings: Celebrate the holidays at Larkin Square

Get ready for the holidays at Larkin
Square - credit:
paulathompsonfreelance.com 

The fifth annual Holiday Live at Larkin takes place Friday, December 2 from 5-8 p.m. at Larkin Square. The event will feature live music, food trucks, hot beverages at the Filling Station and more.

Live holiday music will be provided by the local group Robot Holiday. There will also be food trucks on hand and hot coffee from Undergrounds Coffee and Roastery, plus more hot beverages from the Filling Station, including their signature hot cider spiked with BFLO Distilling Co. Apple Brandy. There will also be a holiday market with works from Devil Chicken Design, Beautiful Cookies, Elizabeth’s Granola and more.

An even-bigger holiday market will be held in the Main Lobby of the Larkin at Exchange Building (726 Exchange St.) on Friday, December 9 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Vendors featured will include Joyfulenergy, Grape Country Soaps, Dragonfly Jams & Jellies, Mazurek’s Bakery, Gretchen Cole Jewelry and many more.

Learn more about these and other events at larkinsquare.com. 

BfloGirlSports: December 2016 Buffalo Sabres schedule

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• Thursday, December 1 – v. New York Rangers – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, December 3 – v. Boston – 1 p.m.
• Monday, December 5 – at Washington – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 6 – v. Edmonton – 7 p.m.
• Friday, December 9 – v. Washington – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 13 – v. Los Angeles Kings – 7 p.m.
• Friday, December 16 – v. New York Islanders – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, December 17 – at Carolina Hurricanes – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 20 – at Florida Panthers – 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, December 22 – v. Carolina – 7 p.m.
• Friday, December 23 – at New York Islanders – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 27 – at Detroit – 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, December 29 – v. Boston – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, December 31 – at Boston – 1 p.m.

2016 Holiday Happenings: Fatima Shrine Festival of Lights

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The Fatima Shrine Festival of Lights is taking place now through January 6, 2017 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, 1023 Swann Rd. in Youngstown. The lights will be on display nightly from 5-9 p.m., and the Shrine and gift shop are open daily from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Check out the festival from the top of the Basilica and see 75 displays and 15 acres of Christmas lights, and view the Avenue of Saints. Fatima Shrine will host Thanksgiving Day mass at 11:30 a.m., as well as Christmas Eve masses at 4 p.m. and midnight and Christmas Day masses at 9 a.m. and noon. Find out more at www.fatimashrine.com.

2016 Holiday Happenings: Darwin Martin House

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The Darwin Martin House, located at 125 Jewett Pkwy. in Buffalo, will be open for tours Friday and Saturday, November 25-26. Visitors can see the improvements made to the estate during additional tours for the holiday weekend. The Martin House tour (one hour in length) is offered both days every half-hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – tour cost is $19 for adults, $17 for seniors, $14 for students and free for members. The Martin House Plus tour (two hours in length) is offered both days at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – tour cost is $37 for adults, $35 for seniors, $33 for students and $31 for members.

The Martin House is also hosting two holiday workshops at the beginning of December. The Holiday Wreath Workshop is on Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m. – cost for the workshop is $45 for members, $50 for non-members. The Wright Gingerbread House Workshop is on Tuesday, December 6 from 6-8 p.m. – cost for the workshop is $45 for members, $50 for non-members.

Find out more at www.darwinmartinhouse.org.

2016 Holiday Happenings: Fairgrounds Festival of Lights

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The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights, with its expanded route of light displays and lots of family activities, takes over the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg (enter from South Park Ave.) on weekends beginning November 25-27 and running December 2-4, December 9-11, and extended hours December 16-23. 

Returning for 2016 is the Great Lakes International Ice Carving Competition, taking place November 25-27, with pieces on display throughout the festival. Other activities include the North Pole Experience, featuring Santa Claus; the Tops Winter Wonderland; Mike and Annie’s Holiday Magic; and the Christmas Tree Forest. Visitors can also catch the Upstate Farms Express for a short ride through the festival.

Gates are open 5 to 9 p.m. (grounds remain open through 10 p.m.) – admission is $25 per carload. 

2016 Holiday Happenings: Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village

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Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village, located at 3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd in Amherst, hosts its second annual Taste of Christmas Past on Saturday, December 3 from 5:30-9:30 p.m., with historically-recreated Victorian Christmas dishes and drinks, plus a tree-lighting ceremony. Tickets are $60 per person or $110 per couple, and includes a 45-minute guided lantern tour and live music.

On Sunday morning, December 4, Santa visits the Village for breakfast, with seatings at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage and beverages and costs $8 per person for non-members, $5 for members (reservations are required).

Finally, the Village hosts a Holiday Tea on Sunday, December 11 from 1-3 p.m., catered by the English Tea Ladies and featuring traditional tea sandwiches, quiche, scones and meringues. Tickets are $30 per person, and reservations are required by December 4. Learn more about these events and make reservations at bnhv.org. 

2016 Holiday Happenings: Victorian Christmas

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The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, located at 641 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo, offers up its annual Victorian Christmas, with events taking place Thursday, December 1 through Saturday, December 10.

A number of events are sold out already, but some of the remaining events include the opening night Silent Auction and Wine Tasting on December 1 from 6-8:30 p.m.; the “A Joyous Christmas” luncheon on December 6 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; the Gourmet Wine and Food Pairing Dinner on December 6 from 5:30-8 p.m.; “An Irish Christmas Celebration” on December 7 from 5:30-8 p.m.; and the “Integrated Landscapes” luncheon featuring Nellie Gardner of the Darwin Martin House, on December 9 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Get more information on the events at www.trsite.org. 

2016 Holiday Happenings: Lockport Tour of Homes

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The Palace Theatre and Explore Buffalo Tours present the third annual Lockport Tour of Homes on Saturday, November 19 from noon-4 p.m. The tour begins at the Kenan Center Arena, located at 433 Locust St. in Lockport, and includes visits to 10 historic locations in Lockport.

The tour is self-guided – a map is provided at the Kenan Center Areana – and docents will be at each home. It is recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.

Tickets are $30, or $25 for Explore Buffalo Explorer Pass holders – make reservations online here. Reservations can also be made at the Palace Theatre Box Office through Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or at Mills Jewelers at 53 Main St. in Lockport.

Find out more at explorebuffalo.org. 

Area restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinners in 2016

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Getting the family together for a sit-down meal, even at the holidays, can be difficult, and preparing the meal itself can be time consuming. Having your Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant is becoming more and more popular in many places, including here in Buffalo. These are a few of the Buffalo area restaurants that are serving meals on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2016.

• 31 Club, located at 31 North Johnson Park in Buffalo, is accepting reservations for its Thanksgiving Day three-course sit-down dinner from 1-7 p.m., including choice of soup or salad, main course and dessert. Call 716-332-3131 for reservations.
• La Galleria, Southwestern Blvd. near Abbott Rd. in Orchard Park, will feature a Thanksgiving buffet from 1-6 p.m. with turkey, ham, Chicken Supreme, Italian sausage, stuffing, squash, potatoes, desserts and more. The cost is $27.95 for adults, $12.95 for children 5-11 and children under 5 are free. Call 716-648-4880 for more information.
• Gate House Grill, located at 8220 Main St. in Williamsville, will offer Thanksgiving dinner from 2-7 p.m. –cost is $18.95 per person. Dinner will include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered corn and cranberry sauce, plus dessert; a scaled down version of their regular menu will also be available. Call 716-585-0338 for reservations.
• Acqua, located at 2192 Niagara St. in Buffalo, will offer a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast from noon-6 p.m. Cost is $28.95 for adults, $15.95 for children 5-12 and free for children 4 and under. Call 716-874-5400 for reservations.
• Bella Vista Ristorante, located in the Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls, 7001 Buffalo Ave. in Niagara Falls, will offer a Thanksgiving buffet from 2-8 p.m. Cost is $22.95 for adults, $11.95 for kids 4-11 and free for kids under 4 – call 716-299-0344 x 2335 for reservations.
• The Radisson, at 100 Whitehaven Rd. in Grand Island, will serve up a Thanksgiving Day buffet from 1-6 p.m. featuring turkey and ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, soups, salads, vegetables and desserts. Cost is $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for seniors, $13.95 for children and free for children 4 and under – for more information and to make reservations, call 716-773-1111.
• Samuel’s Grande Manor, 8750 Main St. in Clarence, will be serving a Thanksgiving buffet from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The buffet will include more than one dozen hot dishes including turkey, carved roast beef, pork tenderloin and Seafood Newberg. Reservations are required – call 716-634-8425 for more information.
• The Italian Village, located at 6354 Transit Rd.in Depew, offers a Thanksgiving buffet from noon-7 p.m. with roast beef, baked ham and turkey, plus breaded pork, sausage with peppers and onions, stuffed shells, vegetable medley, soup and salad, a dessert station and more. Cost is $22.95 for adults, $13.95 for kids 6-13 and free for kids 5 and under – for reservations, call 716-634-1804.
• Orazio’s, located at 9415 Main St. in Clarence, will serve a Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. featuring carving station (prime rib, ham, turkey), stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, a pasta station, dessert station and more. Cost is $28.95 for adults, $16.95 for kids 3-10 – call 716-759-8888 for reservations. 

BfloGirlTravel: Lake Erie Wine Country

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Lake Erie Wine Country, along the southern shore of Lake Erie in both Pennsylvania and New York, offers 23 unique wineries that have won hundreds of national and international wine quality awards. The wineries themselves have been evolving over the past few years to include other agricultural beverages such as distilled spirits, hard ciders, and microbrews.

“Some of our wineries now provide wine-by-the-glass, seating areas, beautiful gift shops, extended hours, and a great variety of entertainment,” says Lake Erie Wine Country executive director and author Julie Ellis. “On any given weekend throughout the year, visitors may find live music, vineyard walks, winemaker’s dinners, or wine and art events. We even have wineries that now provide food. That was unheard of just a few years ago.” 

Lake Erie Wine Country is a thriving destination for tourists and wine lovers, and it continues to grow.  There is proof in the fact that several wineries are expanding their production and wine tasting areas.

“Those who haven’t visited our region in the past couple of years will be pleasantly surprised to see the new facilities, events, beverages, and wine offerings.” said Ellis.

Lake Erie Wine Country’s 23 wineries are wrapping up their grape harvest and preparing for two Harvest Celebration Weekends, Friday through Sunday, November 4-6 and November 11-13. Ticket holders can visit participating wineries where they can enjoy a special wine paired with a delicious “harvest” food sample. As in the past, ticket holders will also receive additional tastings, a wine glass, recipe booklet, a $5 voucher and a gift. Hours for each of the two Harvest Celebration Weekends are: Friday, noon-5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ticket holders can plan their own itinerary, enjoying a self-guided tour to each winery they choose to visit. Tickets are now on sale for the Harvest Celebration Weekends at $35 per person. One ticket is needed for each weekend and is good for all three days. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended as tickets are limited, and they are usually sold-out before the event begins; tickets can be purchased online at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org. Designated driver tickets are available for only $20 and include everything except wine; an alternate beverage is provided to designated drivers. The region now offers a Friday and/or Sunday only ticket for just $31.

The food and wine sample pairings for all wineries can be found at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org along with detailed information on the double-weekend event. The website also lists events all year long for all 23 wineries. Wineries are open year-around for tours and tastings.

Quotes in this piece provided by Lake Erie Wine Country.

M&T First Friday: November 4, 2016

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On the first Friday of each month, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, located at 1285 Elmwood Ave. in Buffalo, opens the doors to the 1962 Knox Building to the public free of charge from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., thanks to sponsorship from M&T Bank.

• Drop-in Art Activity – 10 a.m.-noon and 4-6 p.m. – free in the Education classrooms.
• Family Fun Tour – 11-11:45 a.m. – free in the 1962 Building.
• Toddler Art Class – 12:30-1:30 p.m. for ages 3-4 – free for members, $10 for non-members.
• Studio Art Classes for Adults – 1-3 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. – free for members, $10 for non-members.
• Public Tour – 1:30-2:30 p.m. – a free tour of the 1962 Knox Building.
• “What’s Your Vision?” Tour – 4-5 p.m. – free one-hour tour.
• Jazz and Happy Hour – 5:30-7:30 p.m. – live music in the AK Café.
• Gallery Talk – Matt Hoyt: Recent Past, 2010-2016 – 6-6:30 and 7:30-7 p.m. – free lecture with Curatorial Assistant Jasmine Magana in the Gallery for Small Sculpture.
• Performance: PA Line – 7:30-8:30 p.m. – free in the Auditorium.
• The Art of Food and Drink: Plume Coffee & Roastery – 8:30-9:30 p.m. in the AK Café – $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

Registration is required for many classes and events – call 716-270-8292 to register and find more information at www.albrightknox.org.

Five Things to do in November 2016

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Paint the Town at the Buffalo History Museum – get a head start on holiday shopping at this annual fundraiser on Thursday, November 3 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Museum, One Museum Ct. in Buffalo. The event features some of the region’s top artists, as well as live and silent auctions; tickets are $50 for Museum members, $70 for non-members.

Christmas in the Country – Thursday through Sunday, November 3-6 at the Erie County Fairgrounds Event Center, Expo Hall, 42^nd Street building, Marketplace and Grange building. The 31^st annual artisan marketplace features more than 400 artisans throughout. Hours are Thursday and Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; tickets are $10 at the door.

Festival of Trees – this annual fundraiser benefitting the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital takes place November 19-30 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Buffalo. Among the events that are part of the festival: the Snowball Black Tie Gala on November 19, the Designer Showcase Reception and Awards on November 22 and the Glitter and Glamour Fashion Show on November 30; general admission to view the trees is free.

Fairgrounds Festival of Lights – nearly two miles of light displays take over the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg on the following weekends: November 25-27, December 2-4 and December 9-11, plus extended hours December 16-23. Returning in 2016: The Great Lakes International Ice Carving Competition, taking place November 25-27, with pieces on display throughout the festival. Admission is $25 per carload, or purchase carload admission at area Tops locations through November 24 for just $15.

Light Up Lancaster Parade – Saturday, November 26 from 5-9 p.m. The popular event kicks off the holidays and Lancaster’s “Christmasville” celebration. The annual fire truck parade begins at Lancaster High School at 6 p.m. and proceeds down Central Ave., ending at Broadway; stick around for the annual tree lighting ceremony and a 7:15 p.m. concert from Terry Buchwald. 

BfloGirlSports: November 2016 Buffalo Sabres schedule

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• Tuesday, November 1 – at Minnesota – 8 p.m.
• Thursday, November 3 – v. Toronto Maple Leafs – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 5 – at Ottawa Senators – 7 p.m.
• Monday, November 7 – at Boston Bruins – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 9 – v. Ottawa – 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, November 11 – v. New Jersey Devils – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 12 – at New Jersey – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 15 – at St. Louis Blues – 8 p.m.
• Thursday, November 17 – v. Tampa Bay Lightning – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 19 – v. Pittsburgh Penguins – 7 p.m.
• Monday, November 21 – v. Calgary – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 23 – v. Detroit Red Wings – 7 p.m.
• Friday, November 25 – at Washington Capitals – 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 29 – at Ottawa – 7:30 p.m.

BfloGirlSports: November 2016 Buffalo Bills schedule

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/John Kasawa

• Monday, November 7 – at Seattle Seahawks – 8:30 p.m.
• Sunday, November 13 – Bye Week
• Sunday, November 20 – at Cincinnati Bengals – 1 p.m.
• Sunday, November 27 – v. Jacksonville Jaguars – 1 p.m.

Fall fun 2016: More Halloween activities and safe trick-or-treating around WNY

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digidreamgrafix

Halloween on the Green – Saturday, October 29 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Municipal Green in the Village of Kenmore, featuring face painting, games, crafts, a costume contest and more.

Halloween on Hertel – Saturday, October 29 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at approximately 20 shops and restaurants along Hertel Ave. in Buffalo – find out more here.

Trick-or-Treat on Delaware – Saturday, October 29 from 1-2 p.m. at merchants along Delaware Ave. – look for the “ghost” sign in the window.

Hamburg Halloween Parade – Saturday, October 29 beginning at 2 p.m. – line up in costume by 1:45 p.m. at the Village/Farmer’s Market Parking Lot, proceeding on Union and ending at Memorial Park (Lake and Union) – find out more here.

Safe Trick-or-Treat on Elmwood – Sunday, October 30 from 1-3 p.m. – stop in wherever there’s a sign saying “Get Your Treats Here” – get more information here.

Halloween Parade – Monday, October 31 beginning at 6 p.m. at the corner of Delaware Rd. and Wardman Ave., ending at the Kenmore Fire Dept., 16 Nash Rd. – participants receive donuts, cider and a bag of candy at the fire department. Find out more about Kenmore’s activities here.

BfloGirlGeek: Random Thoughts of Geekery

• Logan trailer – shut the door! And did they have to use Johnny Cash’s version of Hurt, because I could’ve handled it with NIN’s version.
• Arrival trailer – totally looking forward to seeing this movie…and Jeremy Renner… #TeamHawkeye
• Guardians II trailer – “Do you need a hug?” Ha! Ready for another great soundtrack – and Baby Groot.
• Rogue One – I’ve got my t-shirt, now I need a movie…
  
• Doctor Strange – yes, I’ll see it, I’m just not sure what to expect. This isn’t a traditional Marvel movie, and the characters are new to the movie universe, so I’m going in blind.
• Red Vengeance – if you haven’t tried the Marvel Young Adult book out yet, do it! Black Widow: Forever Red was pretty good, and Marvel fans are craving more Black Widow (movie, please?!?!). Black Widow: Red Vengeance is the latest book – I just started reading it – and next week there’s an Iron Man book joining the collection. Don’t get turned off by “Young Adult,” because we’ve all read them – you know, Hunger Games, Divergent and, of course, all the Harry Potter books.
• Ahsoka – I really want to start reading this one too – Ahsoka Tano was one of the coolest chicks in the Expanded Universe, and now she’s part of the new canon. I don’t want to get caught up with too many books at once, though, because I’m also reading Dark Disciple right now with another cool EU chick, Asajj Ventress.

Fall fun 2016: Safe trick-or-treating around WNY

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/Stuart Miles

Halloween Trick or Treat – Friday and Saturday, October 21-22 at the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd. in Amherst. This safe trick-or-treating event is for kids ages 3-12 and takes place in the Village’s buildings. Registration is strongly recommended, as times often sell out – Friday times are every 15 minutes from 5-7:30 p.m. and Saturday times are every 15 minutes from 4-7:30 p.m. (on Friday, 6:30 p.m. slot is sold out, and on Saturday, 4 p.m. slot is sold out). Cost is $8 for kids and $5 for adults – find out more at bnhv.org.

Mall-wide Trick-or-Treating – Thursday, October 27 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Boulevard Mall, 730 Alberta Dr. in Amherst – at participating stores while supplies last. Find out more at www.boulevard-mall.com.

Explore and More’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Sunday, October 30 from 1-3 p.m. at Explore and More Children’s Museum, 300 Gleed Ave. in East Aurora. Event is included with museum admission or free for museum members. Visit exploreandmore.org for more information.

Halloween at the Broadway Market – Saturday, October 29 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Broadway Market, 999 Broadway in Buffalo. Kids 12 and younger can trick-or-treat through the Market, sign up for the costume contest and take part in the costume parade at noon. Get more information at broadwaymarket.org.

Eastern Hills Mall Truck or Treat – Saturday, October 22 from noon-4 p.m. at Eastern Hills Mall, 4545 Transit Rd. in Clarence (outside the theatre entrance). Dress up and enjoy your favorite food trucks and walk through the Scream Central haunted houses with the lights on and no scares. Cost is $10 for kids 4 and up, free for parents and kids 3 and under. Find out more about the event at the Eastern Hills Facebook page.

Galleria of Treats – Thursday, October 27 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Walden Galleria in Cheektowaga (lower level near Sears). Presale VIP Passes are $3 at Customer Service or $2 the day of the event; benefits Kids Escaping Drugs. Find out more at www.waldengalleria.com.

McKinley Mall Halloween Trick-or-Treating – Monday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m. at McKinley Mall, 3701 McKinley Pkwy. in Blasdell. Find out more at www.shopmckinleymall.com. 

Fall fun 2016: Buffalo-area haunts wrap-up

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/Witthaya Phonsawat

Becker Farms’ Haunted Hayrides – 3760 Quaker Rd. in Gasport

Nightmare Hayride on Sommerville St.  – 6319 Sommerville Valley Rd. in Ellicottville (home of the Ellicottville Rodeo)

Frightworld – 800 Young St. in Tonawanda (former BJ’s)

House of Horrors and Haunted Catacombs – Union Road Plaza, 3637 Union Rd. in Cheektowaga (behind Ted’s and Sonic)

Fright Night at Canalside – Canalside Buffalo in downtown Buffalo

Scream Central – Eastern Hills Mall, 4545 Transit Rd. in Williamsville (former Macy’s)

Fall fun 2016: Scream Central

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/hyena reality

New to the Buffalo haunted house culture in 2016 is Scream Central, located in the former Macy’s store at Eastern Hills Mall, 4545 Transit Rd. in Williamsville. The haunt features four haunted houses.

Scream Central is open tonight, October 16, and Thursday, October 20, from 6:30-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, October 21-22 from 7 p.m.-midnight; Sunday, October 23 and Tuesday through Thursday, October 25-27, from 6:30-10 p.m.; Friday through Monday, October 28-31, from 7 p.m.-midnight; and Friday and Saturday, November 4-5, from 7 p.m.-midnight. On Saturday, October 22, and Saturday and Sunday, October 29-30, the haunt is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for Kids Days.

Cost for all four haunted houses at Scream Central is $22 – find out more at www.scream-central.com and at their Facebook page.

Fall fun 2016: More Halloween fun

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Lusitana

The Buffalo Central Terminal, located at 495 Paderewski Dr. in Buffalo, teams up with Beyond Ghosts for ghosts hunts on Friday and Saturday, October 14-15. Para-History Tours take place both nights beginning at 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m., and tours take approximately one hour; it is recommended for ages 12 and over – tickets can be purchased here. There will also be an Intimate Ghost Hunt on Friday night from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. – a limited number of tickets are available for $50 and can be purchased here.

For more family-friendly fun, the Village of Williamsville will host Children’s Halloween in the Village on Saturday, October 29 from 6-8 p.m. on Main St. in the Village. The event will include a costume parade at 6 p.m. (meet behind Williamsville Fire Dept.), a costume contest, entertainment by The Checkers Show and a party at Island Park after the parade. Get more information at the Village of Williamsville’s Facebook page.

Need to get rid of some of that Halloween candy? Winning Smiles Pediatric Dentistry will hold their 10^th annual candy buy-back on Tuesday, November 1 from 2-8 p.m. at the following locations: 3476 Sheridan Dr. in Amherst and 3364 Southwestern Blvd. in Orchard Park. Receive $1 per pound for candy turned in and a free toothbrush – candy is donated to Packs4Patriots to fill care packages for deployed troops. Find out more at www.winningsmilespd.com.

Nickel City Drink: October 12-16, 2016

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/
Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee

A new cocktail festival has popped up in Buffalo: the inaugural Nickel City Drink festival is happening Wednesday through Sunday, October 12-16, a combined effort of owners, management and barstaff from a number of Buffalo-area facilities, including Lloyd Taco Factory, Mes Que, Vera and Buffalo Proper, and benefitting Crisis Services of Erie County.

The event kicks off with Sacred Bond, the kick-off party on Wednesday, October 12 from 6-11 p.m. at Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. in downtown Buffalo. Featuring cocktails, Mad Men-era food from Lloyd, live music and more. Admission for this 21-and-over event is $5 per person. Additional classes and happy hour celebrations take place throughout the weekend.

Find out more about NCD and find a schedule of events at www.nickelcitydrink.com. 

Local Restaurant Week: October 17-23, 2016

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/IceHawk33

The fall edition of Local Restaurant Week takes place Monday through Sunday, October 17-23 with more than 185 local restaurants already signed up to take part.

The week-long event focuses on independent restaurants that contribute to the Western New York culture through the use of homegrown products whenever available.

Among the restaurants participating in various areas around Western New York:

• Black and Blue Steak and Crab – 5493 Sheridan Dr. in Williamsville
• Ilio DiPaolo’s – 3758 South Park Ave. in Blasdell
• Mr. Bill’s Restaurant and Bar – 1500 Cleveland Dr. in Cheektowaga
• Campobello’s Cucina Italiana – 9334 Transit Rd. in East Amherst
• The Roycroft Inn – 40 South Grove St. in East Aurora
• Sean Patrick’s – 3480 Millersport Hwy. in Getzville
• Rick’s on Main – 687 Main St. in East Aurora
• CRaVing – 1472 Hertel Ave. in Buffalo
• 31 Club – 31 N. Johnson Park in Buffalo
• Seneca Niagara Casino’s Koi, la Casata and Three Sisters – 310 Fourth St. in Niagara Falls

Most restaurants will be offering a lunch or dinner special as part of Restaurant Week – find out more about it at www.localrestaurantweek.com. 

Fall fun 2016: In support of GOMO (Going Out More Often) with Eventbrite

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Whit Andrews

Before the fall season gets away from us and it’s (GASP!) Christmas, it’s time to look at life and consider supporting the GOMO movement: Going Out More Often.

So often, we suffer from FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out. This is especially true during the summer and fall in Buffalo, when we have soooooo many events and festivals taking place every weekend – sometimes we give up trying to figure out where to go and just stay home. One way to squelch FOMO is with GOMO, and Eventbrite can help.

One of the activities for the family you’ll find on Eventbrite is The MAiZE – you can get tickets for the corn mazes and other activities right at Eventbrite. For the 18 and older crowd, get your Halloween geek on at “The Rave That Must Not Be Named,” a Harry Potter-themed Halloween event on October 29 at the Dnipro Ukrainian Cultural Center, located at 562 Genesee St – tickets and more information are available at Eventbrite.

Check out Eventbrite for yourself and support the GOMO movement.

Thanks to Eventbrite for the post idea – all opinions are my own.

Fall fun 2016: More Halloween fun for all ages

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/Stuart Miles

Halloween Happenings – Saturday, October 29 from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Aquarium of Niagara, 701 Whirlpool St. in Niagara Falls. Event will feature a scavenger hunt, crafts, demonstrations, candy and more. Kids in costume receive free admission, and adult admission is $9. For more information, visit www.aquariumofniagara.org.

Spooktacular! – Saturday, October 22 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Niagara Power Vista, 5777 Lewiston Rd. (Rt. 104) in Lewiston. Games, crafts, hayrides (weather permitting) and a costume contest at 2 p.m. – visit the Power Vista website for other information.

Symphonic Spooktacular – Sunday, October 23 at 2:30 p.m. at Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle in Buffalo. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra presents scary music ad Halloween fun – don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume for the parade across the stage. Find out more at bpo.org.

All Hallows Eve – Saturday, October 29 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Buffalo History Museum, One Museum Ct. in Buffalo. Join the Museum for pumpkin painting and other spooky activities. Find out more at www.buffalohistory.org. 

Fall fun 2016: The MAiZE

credit: Wikimedia Commons/US Army

If corn mazes are your thing, you need to check out the MAiZE, located at 391 Niagara Falls Blvd. in North Tonawanda. The MAiZE features three mazes, games and activities for the whole family, entertainment and more.

Admission to the MAiZE is $12 per person and includes two interactive mazes: the Conundrum Maze, which takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, and the Farmstead Maze, which takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. Admission also includes activities like Tug-o-War, tether ball and Barnyard Billiards, plus entertainment from musicians, magicians and balloon artists, among others.

Admission to Pumpkindom, open Saturdays and Sunday from noon-8 p.m., is $6 with MAiZE admission, or $12 per person, and includes the Spookley Maze and unlimited rides and activities, including the Arendelle Slide, the Funny Farm, the Pumpkin Pad, the Bee Line and more. On weekends from noon-6 p.m., Family Fun Fest features Storytime, Kids Karaoke, balloon artists and more – Family Fun Fest is free to attend.

The MAiZE is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wnymaize.com, or at the gate (cash only at the gate, please).

M&T First Friday: October 7, 2016

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Dave Pape

On the first Friday of each month, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, located at 1285 Elmwood Ave. in Buffalo, opens the doors to the 1962 Knox Building to the public free of charge from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., thanks to sponsorship from M&T Bank.

• Drop-in Art Activity – 10 a.m.-noon and 4-6 p.m. – free in the Education classrooms.
• Family Fun Tour – 11-11:45 a.m. – free in the 1962 Building.
• Toddler Art Class – 12:30-1:30 p.m. for ages 3-4 – free for members, $10 for non-members.
• Studio Art Classes for Adults – 1-3 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. – free for members, $10 for non-members.
• Public Tour – 1:30-2:30 p.m. – a free tour of the 1962 Knox Building.
• “What’s Your Vision?” Tour – 4-5 p.m. – free one-hour tour.
• Jazz and Happy Hour – 5:30-7:30 p.m. – live music by Bill Bates and Bob White in the AK Café.
• Artist Talk: Joan Linder – 6-7 p.m. – free in the Auditorium.
• Gallery Talk: Defining Sculpture – 6:30-7 p.m. and 7:30-7 p.m. – free lecture with Chief Curator Emeritus Dr. Douglas Dreishpoon in the 1905 Building, North Galleries.
• Performance: Savannah and the Kings – 8-9 p.m. – free in the Auditorium.
• The Art of Food and Drink: Local Sweets and Treats – 8:30-9:30 p.m. in the AK Café featuring Executive Pastry Chef Monica Kollig – $5 for members, $10 for non-members.
• College Night: Late Night Art Activity – 9-10 p.m. – free in the Education Classrooms for college students.

Registration is required for many classes and events – call 716-270-8292 to register and find more information at www.albrightknox.org.

2016-17 Buffalo Sabres schedule

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Fry1989

• Thursday, October 13- v. Montreal Canadiens – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, October 16 – at Edmonton Oilers – 7 p.m. ET
• Tuesday, October 18 – at Calgary Flames – 9 p.m. ET
• Thursday, October 20 – at Vancouver Canucks – 10 p.m. ET
• Tuesday, October 25 – at Philadelphia Flyers – 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 27 – v. Minnesota Wild – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, October 29 – v. Florida Panthers – 1 p.m.
• Sunday, October 30 – at Winnipeg Jets – 3 p.m. ET
• Tuesday, November 1 – at Minnesota – 8 p.m.
• Thursday, November 3 – v. Toronto Maple Leafs – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 5 – at Ottawa Senators – 7 p.m.
• Monday, November 7 – at Boston Bruins – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 9 – v. Ottawa – 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, November 11 – v. New Jersey Devils – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 12 – at New Jersey – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 15 – at St. Louis Blues – 8 p.m.
• Thursday, November 17 – v. Tampa Bay Lightning – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 19 – v. Pittsburgh Penguins – 7 p.m.
• Monday, November 21 – v. Calgary – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 23 – v. Detroit Red Wings – 7 p.m.
• Friday, November 25 – at Washington Capitals – 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 29 – at Ottawa – 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, December 1 – v. New York Rangers – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, December 3 – v. Boston – 1 p.m.
• Monday, December 5 – at Washington – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 6 – v. Edmonton – 7 p.m.
• Friday, December 9 – v. Washington – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 13 – v. Los Angeles Kings – 7 p.m.
• Friday, December 16 – v. New York Islanders – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, December 17 – at Carolina Hurricanes – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 20 – at Florida Panthers – 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, December 22 – v. Carolina – 7 p.m.
• Friday, December 23 – at New York Islanders – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 27 – at Detroit – 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, December 29 – v. Boston – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, December 31 – at Boston – 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 3 – at New York Rangers – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, January 5 – at Chicago Blackhawks – 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, January 7 – v. Winnipeg – 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 10 – v. Philadelphia – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, January 12 – at Tampa Bay – 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, January 13 – at Carolina – 7:30 p.m.
• Monday, January 16 – v. Dallas Stars – 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 17 – at Toronto – 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, January 20 – v. Detroit – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, January 21 – at Montreal – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 24 – at Nashville Predators – 8 p.m.
• Thursday, January 26 – at Dallas – 8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 31 – at Montreal – 7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, February 2 – v. New York Rangers – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, February 4 – v. Ottawa – 7 p.m.
• Monday, February 6 – at New Jersey – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, February 7 – v. San Jose Sharks – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, February 9 – v. Anaheim Ducks – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, February 11 – at Toronto – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, February 12 – v. Vancouver – 7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, February 14 – at Ottawa – 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, February 16 – v. Colorado Avalanche – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, February 18 – v. St. Louis – 1 p.m.
• Sunday, February 19 – v. Chicago – 6 p.m.
• Saturday, February 25– at Colorado – 10 p.m.
• Sunday, February 26 – at Arizona Coyotes – 8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, February 28 – v. Nashville – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, March 2 – v. Arizona – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 4 – v. Tampa Bay – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, March 5 – at Pittsburgh – 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 7 – v. Philadelphia – 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, March 10 – at Columbus Blue Jackets – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 11 – v. Columbus – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 14 – at San Jose – 10:30 p.m.
• Thursday, March 16 – at Los Angeles – 10:30 p.m.
• Friday, March 17 – at Anaheim – 10 p.m.
• Monday, March 20 – at Detroit – 7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 21 – v. Pittsburgh – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 25 – v. Toronto – 7 p.m.
• Monday, March 27 – v. Florida – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 28 – at Columbus – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, April 2 – v. New York Rangers – 3 p.m.
• Monday, April 3 – v. Toronto – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 5 – v. Montreal – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 8 – at Florida – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, April 9 – at Tampa Bay – 5 p.m.

Get more information about the season at sabres.nhl.com.