Five Things to do in October 2016

Ellicottville Fall Festival – Saturday and Sunday, October 8-9 in the Village of Ellicottville and at Holiday Valley Resort. Featuring unique foods, carnival rides, an arts and crafts show, live entertainment and much more – find out more at www.ellicottvilleny.com.  

Buffalo History Museum
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Jazz on Second Sundays – Sunday, October 9 at the Buffalo History Museum, One Museum Ct. in Buffalo. The recently-formed Buffalo Jazz Collective launches their first concert season with shows at the History Museum on the second Sunday of most months; pre-show talks begin at 2 p.m., with music getting underway at 2:30 p.m. Find out more at www.buffalohistory.org.

Dining Out For Life – Tuesday, October 11 at participating restaurants around Western New York. This fundraising event raises money for AIDS service organizations, including Evergreen Health. Participating restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner to these organizations – find out more about it here.

Buffalo on Tap Harvest Festival –Saturday, October 15 from 5-8 p.m. at the Hamburg Fairgrounds Events Center (5820 South Park Ave. in Hamburg), featuring more than 100 brews from some of the country’s best craft breweries. Standard tickets for this 21-and-over event are $38 in advance ($48 at the door) and includes a souvenir sampling glass, live entertainment and three hours of sampling; VIP tickets are $60 ($70 at the door) and includes entry at 4 p.m., a food voucher, growler coozie and more – get more information here.

Local Restaurant Week – from October 17-23, some of the best locally-owned and operated restaurants in the Western New York area will be offering special menus for lunch and/or dinner – options range in price from $20.16, $30.16 and $40.16, and can be for one or two people. Check out the full listing of restaurants at www.localrestaurantweek.com. 

BfloGirlSports: October 2016 Buffalo Bills schedule

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• Sunday, October 2 – at New England Patriots – 1 p.m.
• Sunday, October 9 – at Los Angeles Rams – 4:25 p.m. ET
• Sunday, October 16 – v. San Francisco 49ers – 1 p.m.
• Sunday, October 23 – at Miami Dolphins – 1 p.m.
• Sunday, October 30 – v. New England Patriots – 1 p.m.

Fall fun 2016: House of Horrors and Haunted Catacombs

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House of Horrors and Haunted Catacombs returns for the 2016 Halloween season at a new location, Union Road Plaza, 3637 Union Rd. in Cheektowaga (behind Ted’s and Sonic). This year’s haunted attraction, which opens Friday, September 30, includes six haunted houses and, new this year, three escape rooms.

The haunted houses making up the House of Horrors and Haunted Catacombs this year include Hell House, Killer Theater, The Infected, Where Evil Dwells, The Last Ride and Mark of the Beast. The three escape room experiences are Escape the Pharaoh’s Tomb, Escape the Serial Killer and Locked in a Room with a Zombie. The houses and escape rooms are recommended for teenagers and adults, and it is suggested that children under 10 be accompanied by an adult. Find other FAQs here.

Tickets for the House of Horrors and Haunted Catacombs start at $25, with a VIP Speedpass available starting at $35 (no waiting in line); group admission for 20 or more people is also available. Discount coupons are available online here.

The House of Horrors and Haunted Catacombs is open various dates and times from September 30 through Saturday, November 5, including 12 straight days from October 20-31 – find the complete schedule here. Find out more about House of Horrors and Haunted Catacombs at www.houseofhorrorsbuffalo.com. 

Fall fun 2016: Holiday Hollow

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Located at 1410 Main Rd. (Route 5) in Corfu, Holiday Hollow hosts a “Halloween Shire” in a Renaissance Faire environment. The Hollow is hosting its annual Halloween Festival on Saturdays and Sundays from October 1-30, plus Columbus Day, Monday, October 10, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. all days.

Pass the day watching some or all of the shows at the Festival, including the comedy/action Captain Hook and Mr. Smee Show, the Talking Pumkins Show, the Wacky Witch Show, and the Victorian Villains Show. The shows take place outdoors in the “Shire” if the weather cooperates, or moves indoors to the theatre if the rain comes down. There is also Hook’s Hideout Dark Maze, the Photoshire, the Haunted Parlor, Admiral Portley’s concessions for food, and Treasure Island and Cricket Cottage for gifts and toys.

Admission is $13 for ages 11 and up, $12 for ages 3-10, and children 2 and under are free – visit the website listed below for a $1 off coupon; some activities do require additional charges. For more information on the Halloween Festival, visit www.holidayhollow.com or call 585-762-8160 or 716-474-4300.

Fall fun 2016: Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion

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Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion, located at 151 Charlotte St. in Canandaigua, has a few fall-inspired events coming up before the facilities close for the season on Monday, October 31 – take a road trip for one of these fun events.

• Fall Gardening Symposium – Saturday, October 8 features a day-long seminar with Dr. Allan Armitage covering annuals, perennials, and “Crazy Plants for Crazy Gardeners.” Lunch is included; admission is $75 for Sonnenberg members, $85 for the general public.
• Mansion Mysteries – Friday through Sunday, October 21-23 and Friday and Saturday, October 28-29, from 7-9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 4-6 p.m. on Sunday. Be part of a "whodunit" at Sonnenberg: guests can take part in this live-theater event by uncovering clues that will solve the mystery and bring the guilty party -or parties- to justice! Guests are welcome to attend in costume if desired. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $25 for Sonnenberg members and youths 12-18.
• Haunted Garden Stroll – Sunday, October 30 from 6-8:30 p.m. Hear strange Sonnenberg tales and encounter spooky characters during the walk. $7 per person, children under 5 free.

Find more information about these events and Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion at www.sonnenberg.org. 

Fall fun 2016: Halloween fun for all ages

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Haunted Fortress – Saturday, October 15 and October 22 from 7-9 p.m. at Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown. Learn about the haunted past of the Fort during this nocturnal tour. Advanced reservations and payment are required – call 716-745-7611 to make reservations ,and find out more at www.oldfortniagara.org.

Spooktacular Days at the Buffalo Zoo –Saturday and Sunday, October 8-9 at the Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave. in Buffalo. Guests enjoy numerous treat stations, $2 hayrides, face painting and more. This event is free with Zoo admission; activities run from noon-3 p.m. – find out more at www.buffalozoo.org or by calling 716-995-6133.

Halloween Spooktacular – Friday, October 14 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Herschell Carrousel Factory, 180 Thompson St. in North Tonawanda. This family-friendly event will feature Halloween games, crafts and treats, plus a visit from In Jest Entertainment at 7 p.m. Cost is $6 per person, $5 for Carousel Society members – find out more at carrouselmuseum.org.

Haunted Paintball – Fridays and Saturdays from September 30 through October 29 at Holland Paintball Adventure Park, 11586 Holland Glenwood Rd. (Holland Speedway) – hours are 6:30-10:30 p.m. Reservations are required – call 716-418-7223 or visit www.hollandpaintballadventurepark.com for more information. 

Fall fun 2016: Wheatfield Pumpkin Farm

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The Wheatfield Pumpkin Farm, located at 6920 Nash Rd. in Wheatfield, is open daily from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. through October 30. The farm features pumpkins, apple cider, squash, corn stalks, mums and decorative gourds for sale, all just minutes away from the Niagara Factory Outlet Mall and Niagara Falls.

On October weekends, the farm features the Family Fun pass special, available from noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at a cost of $6 per person. The pass includes a mini corn maze, hayride, play area, drink and popcorn.

Haunted Hayrides, starting at dusk, are $8 for adults, $6 for kids 13 and under; dates are October 8, 14-15, 21-22 and 27-29. Haunted hayrides start at dusk and leave every 15 to 20 minutes. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by at least one adult on the hayride.

Find out more at wheatfieldpumpkinfarm.com. 

Fall fun 2016: Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village

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The Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village, located at 3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd. in Amherst, will be hosting their annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat in October, but there’s also some fun for adults at the Village this season.

The Halloween Trick-or-Treat will be held Friday and Saturday, October 21-22. This safe trick-or-treating event is for kids ages 3-12 and takes place outdoors around 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. Cost is $8 for kids and $5 for adults.

BNHV will host six Victorian Séances this season: Friday, September 30 (8-10 p.m.); Friday, October 14 (8-10 p.m.); Friday, October 21 (10 p.m.-midnight); Saturday, October 15 (10 p.m.-midnight); Friday, October 28 (8-10 p.m.); and Friday, November 4 (8-10 p.m.). Learn about Spiritualism, Victorian mourning culture, and how death impacted the area in the 19^th century in a program designed for BNHV by Buffalo History Tours’ Joel Dombrowski. Registration is required – two types of séances are being offered, and tickets start at $30 for members and $35 for non-members.

Learn more about these programs and others at Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village at bnhv.org. 

Fall fun 2016: Medina Railroad

Medina Railroad Museum
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The Medina Railroad Museum, located at 530 West Ave. in Medina, has a number of fall foliage runs and Halloween trains scheduled for October that would be a great fall family outing or a fun night for couples.

Fall Foliage Excursion Trains will run Saturday, October 8 (11 a.m.), Wednesday, October 12 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.), Saturday, October 15 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.), Saturday, October 22 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and Sunday, October 23 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) from Medina. There is also a Lockport departure a Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and $20 for children ages 2 to 17; fares include Museum admission as well.

On Saturday, October 8, the Museum presents Blues and Booze from 1-5 p.m. featuring a choice of a wine package (wine, cheese and crackers, and chocolate) or a beer package (beer, peanuts, pretzels and chocolate). Tickets start at $45.

The Medina Railroad Museum will host the Jumpin’ Pumpkin Jamboree on Saturday, October 29 with two train departures: noon and 1:15 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $24 for kids. Also on October 29, Terror on the Tracks runs from 5-7 p.m. (train leaves at 5 p.m.). Tickets start at $45 and include sampling of wine or beer, a bottle of water and a keepsake glass.

For more information on these events and the Museum, visit www.medinarailroad.com.

Fall fun 2016: Frightworld

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Frightworld returns for its 15^th season to scare Buffalonians with its unique brand of haunting on Friday, September 23. Located at 800 Young St. in Tonawanda (formerly BJ’s) for the 2016 season, Frightworld features five haunted houses spread across thousands of square feet.

Previously voted one of the best haunted attractions in the country, this Eerie Productions haunt allows visitors to explore all five haunted houses under one roof (the entire attraction is indoors). Returning this year are Grindhouse, Eerie State Asylum, Condemned, Insanity and Night Stalkers, an interactive flashlight experience.

It is recommended that children 10 and under be accompanied by an adult – find answers to other frequently asked questions here.

New for 2016, take the kids to “Light Frights With Lights” on October 29 from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Kids’ admission is $10 each, and parents are free.

Tickets are $28 for admission to all haunted houses, $40 for the VIP Frightpass or $18 for admission to any two houses; tickets are available at the website listed below. Group rates are also available – check the website listed below for information on registering your group.

Frightworld is open various nights through Saturday, November 5, including 12 days straight from October 20-31 (for exact dates and times, click here). More information is available at frightworld.com. 

Fall fun 2016: Nightmare Hayride on Sommerville St.

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The Nightmare Hayride on Sommerville St. takes place at 6319 Sommerville Valley Rd. in Ellicottville (home of the Ellicottville Rodeo) on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from September 30 through October 30, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. each night.

The night begins with a 25-minute long tractor-drawn hayride featuring live “creatures,” leading to the gothic chamber and haunted wooden maze. When you’ve made your way through the maze, you end up at the haunted barn, which features a vortex tunnel. The entire experience takes less than 45 minutes. The Nightmare Hayride also features a post-spooking cook shack and pavilion with seating to share the tales of your haunting.

Reservations are not necessary; tickets are $19 each, kids under 5 are free. For more information go to www.nightmarehayride.com or call 716-699-4839.

For more information on Ellicottville, including information on the Fall Festival weekend, Saturday and Sunday, October 8-9, visit www.ellicottvilleny.com.

Fall fun 2016: Mason Winfield ghost walks and pub crawls

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Mason Winfield, the author of a number of books on the paranormal and supernatural in upstate New York, will host a variety of ghost walks and haunted pub crawls beginning this weekend and leading up to Halloween.

On Tuesdays in October from 7-8:30 p.m., the Larkinville tour begins at Hydraulic Hearth (716 Swan St.) and explores Gaslight-Era Buffalo and its mysteries. The tour costs $15 for adults, $10 for kids 7-11 and free for kids under 7.

On Fridays, choose from ghost walks in Orchard Park and Lewiston, both running from 7-8:30 p.m. throughout the month. The Orchard Park walk meets at SPoT Coffee, 6519 E. Quaker Rd. – the tour costs $15 for adults, $10 for kids 7-11 and free for kids under 7. The Lewiston walk meets at the Barton Hill Hotel & Spa (100 Center St.) – the tour costs $15 for adults, $10 for kids 7-11 and free for kids under 7. Happy hour at the Barton Hill Hotel bar runs from 5-7 p.m., and all attendees arriving by 6 p.m. receive 10-percent discounts on refreshments.

The popular Haunted Pub Crawls take place Saturdays in October in East Aurora (meet at Tony Rome’s Globe Hotel at 711 Main St.).  The Pub Crawls run from 7-9 p.m. (registration begins at 6:30 p.m.) and cost $20 per person. Also in East Aurora on Saturdays, Winfield will lead a ghost walk from 7-8:45 p.m., venturing from the Roycroft Inn (40 S. Grove St.) to Tony Rome’s Globe Hotel. The tour costs $15 for adults, $10 for kids 7-11 and free for kids under 7.

This is only a sample of the upcoming programs offered by Mason Winfield for the Halloween season, and there are programs offered throughout the year. Visit www.masonwinfield.com for more information on these and other events.

BfloGirlSports: 2016-17 Sabres Training Camp begins September 23

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The Buffalo Sabres open their 2016-17 training camp on Friday, September 23, with these and all other practices taking place at HarborCenter, across the street from the First Niagara Center. These sessions – and additional dates to be announced – are open to the public.

Friday, September 23

• Session 1 – 9-9:45 a.m. (New Wave Energy Rink)
• Scrimmage – 9:50-10:35 a.m. (First Niagara Rink)
• Session 2 – 10:40-11:25 a.m. (New Wave Energy Rink)
• Session 3 – 12:50-2 p.m. (First Niagara Rink)

Saturday, September 24

• Session 1 – 9-9:45 a.m. (New Wave Energy Rink)
• Scrimmage – 9:50-10:35 a.m. (First Niagara Rink)
• Session 2 – 10:40-11:25 a.m. (New Wave Energy Rink)
• Session 3 – 12:50-2 p.m. (First Niagara Rink)

Sunday, September 25

• Session 1 – 9-9:45 a.m. (New Wave Energy Rink)
• Scrimmage – 9:50-10:35 a.m. (First Niagara Rink)
• Session 2 – 10:40-11:25 a.m. (New Wave Energy Rink)
• Session 3 – 12:50-2 p.m. (First Niagara Rink)

Find out more about Sabres training camp at sabres.nhl.com. 

2016 Buffalo Sabres pre-season schedule

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• Monday, September 26 – v. Minnesota Wild at the Pegula Ice Arena at Penn State University – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, September 27 – v. Ottawa Senators – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, September 29 – at Toronto Maple Leafs at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines, Ontario – 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, September 30 – v. Ottawa – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 4 – v. Carolina at the Lakeview Center in Marquette, MI – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 5 – at Carolina at the Essar Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario – 7 p.m.
• Friday, October 7 – at Ottawa – 7 p.m.

*****

The Rochester Amerks will host the Binghamton Senators on Thursday, October 6 at HarborCenter in downtown Buffalo. Tickets for the 7:05 p.m. game are available for $10 each – find out more here.

Fall fun 2016: U-pick harvests in WNY

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Scott Bauer-USDA

Fall in Western New York is about craft fairs, fall festivals, haunted houses, and trick-or-treating – and local farms offering “u-pick” opportunities for families, giving kids and adults the fun of picking crops in the garden without all the work of tending the garden itself. Here are just a few of the area’s pick-your-own-harvest spots – take a road trip this weekend!

• Stonehill Orchard, 2356 Shirley Rd. in North Collins (14111), offers u-pick and already-picked apples and grapes; open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. – call 716-337-2380 for more information.
• Meadows Farm, 10459 Prospect Rd. in Forestville (14062), offers u-pick and already-picked apples; open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. – call 716-965-2674 for more information.
• Becker Farms, 3724 Quaker Rd. in Gasport (14067), offers a variety of fruits and vegetables available in store, plus a u-pick pumpkin patch; also offers homemade baked goods and fudge plus on-site winery and brewery. Visit www.beckerfarms.com or call 716-772-2211 for more information and hours.
• Blackman Homestead Farm, 4472 Thrall Rd. in Lockport (14094), offers u-pick apples, pumpkins, grapes, winter squash and pears (in season). Check out www.blackmanhomesteadfarm.com or call 716-434-7116 for more information.
• Murphy Orchards, 2402 McClew Rd. in Burt (14028), offers u-pick apples, pears, pumpkins and more; visit www.murphyorchards.com or call 716-778-7926 for more information and hours.
• Greg’s U-Pick, 9270 Lapp Rd. in Clarence Center (14032), offers u-pick berries (in season) and pumpkins. Call 716-741-4239 or visit gregsupick.com for more information.

A great source for finding pick-your-own areas in Western New York and throughout the United States is www.pickyourown.org; some of the information is not updated, but it will give you addresses, phone numbers, and websites when applicable. Also check out www.nyapplecountry.com. 

Fall fun 2016: Darien Lake Harvest Festival

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Darien Lake Amusement Park presents its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 17-18 and September 24-25. Located at 9993 Allegheny Rd. in Darien Center, the Harvest Festival features fun for all ages from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Tickets are buy one get one free for the weekend events.

Families will enjoy family-friendly fall-themed events throughout the park, crafters and artisans, food trucks, a beer garden, three stages of entertainment and more.

The park is offering camping packages for Harvest Fest starting at $59 per night – for more information, visit www.darienlake.com or call 585-599-4641.

Fall fun 2016: Kelkenberg Farm of Clarence Center

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Kelkenberg Farm, at 9270 Wolcott Rd. in Clarence Center, will open for Fall Pumpkin Fun Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning Saturday, September 17 and running through October, plus Columbus Day (Monday, October 10). Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day.

Admission includes a hayride, pony rides for the kids, a farm tour, a straw maze and a pumpkin from the pick-your-own patch. Birthday party rentals are available at the farm as well: there is an admission charge per guest (children and adults) plus a $75 barn rental fee for three hours.

There will be baked goods, cornstalks, gourds, pumpkins, apples, cider and squash available for purchase, and refreshments are also available. Visit kelkenbergfarm.com for more information.

Fall fun 2016: The Great Pumpkin Farm

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The Great Pumpkin Farm, located at 11199 Main St. in Clarence, is full of fall fun for families, especially on festival weekends. The Farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to dusk from Saturday, September 17 through Monday, October 31, but the weekend festivals are what really draw in the crowds.

The Farm will open Saturday and Sunday, September 17-18 for a free preview weekend, with activities available for a small fee. The Farm also hosts the Buffalo Zombie Mud Run on Saturday, September 17 – the event is held separately from the festival; get more information at buffalozombiemudrun.com.

“Oinktoberfest,” taking place Friday through Sunday, September 23-25, is the annual BBQ cook-off at the Farm. Friday is preview night, with free admission from 5-9 p.m., but Farm activities will not be open; admission on Saturday and Sunday is $7 each day. In addition to great food, there will be live music all three days.

On Saturday and Sunday, October 1-2, check out the World Pumpkin Weigh-Off and the Nickel City Reptile Show each day from 2:30-3:30 p.m..

Columbus Day weekend (Saturday through Monday, October 8-10) features the Pumpkin Olympics, plus the annual Pumpkin Drop on Monday.

The High School Trebuchet Contest takes place Saturday and Sunday, October 15-16, where local high school building their own pumpkin catapult for the distance contest. You can also check out Dinosaurs in the Corn Maze from noon-4 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23 is the World Pumpkin Pie Eating Competition (amateurs on Saturday, professionals on Sunday), plus pig racing five times a day.

Saturday and Sunday, October 29-30, is the final weekend for 2016. A costume contest will be held both days (kids at 1:30 p.m., adults at 4 p.m.), and all attractions will be running. Nickel City Reptiles and Exotic Animals return for one show each day from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Tickets for all Great Pumpkin Farm festivals are available in advance at Wegmans; admission during non-festival days is free. For more information on the Great Pumpkin Farm, visit www.greatpumpkinfarm.com or call 716-759-8483 or 716-759-2260.

Curtain Up! Buffalo – September 16, 2016

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The 35^th annual Curtain Up! Buffalo celebration kicks off the 2016 theatre season on Friday, September 16 at more than a dozen professional theatres in the Buffalo area. The festivities include dinners, performances and a post-performance party in downtown Buffalo.

Attendees may choose to start the evening off with dinner at any one of the Theatre District's numerous restaurants, or attend the Gala Dinner, taking place on the main stage of Shea’s Performing Arts Center and beginning at 5:30 p.m.

After dinner, check out a show at one of more than a dozen of Buffalo's outstanding professional theatres. Shows on stage that night include:

• Dear Lydia by Larry Gray at Alleyway Theatre (1 Curtain Up Alley in downtown Buffalo)
• Wonder of the World by David Lindsay-Abaire at Buffalo Laboratory Theatre (710 Main St. in Buffalo)
• Sweet Bird of Youth at Irish Classical Theatre Company (625 Main St. on downtown Buffalo)
• A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at Lancaster Opera House (21 Central Ave. in Lancaster)
• Gentlemen Prefer Divas by Mary Kate O’Connell at O’Connell and Company in residence at Shea’s Smith Theatre (660 Main St. in Buffalo)

The free Theatre District street party kicks off when the shows are over and lasts until 1 a.m. The party features live music, dancing, street performers and more.

Get a full schedule of events for Curtain Up! 2016 at the Curtain Up! website.

Fall fun 2016: Pumpkinville

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For a fun family adventure in the fall of 2016, visit Pumpkinville, located at 4844 Sugartown Rd. in Great Valley, just minutes away from Ellicottville and Holiday Valley Resort. Pumpkinville is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning Saturday, September 17 through Monday, October 31.

Pumpkinville features hayrides, “pumpkin jumpin’ pillows,” a six-acre corn maze, farm pedal carts, a cow train and more (some charges apply – visit website for complete details). Pumpkinville grows its own pumpkins, squash, gourds and corn, and a u-pick pumpkin field helps create a total farm experience. There are also a variety of harvest treats available at Pumpkinville, including weekend chicken BBQs, kettle corn, homemade pies, fresh fudge and the Pumpkinville Grill. Apples and apple cider are also available for purchase, and visitors can even watch the cider being pressed in the antique cider press.

Everyday admission to Pumpkinville is free, but charges may apply for some festivals and activities. For information on group trips, festivals, harvest treats, and more, visit www.pumpkinville.com or call 716-699-2205.

Fall fun 2016: Arcade and Attica Railroad

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digidreamgrafix

The Arcade and Attica Railroad, located at 278 Main St. in Arcade, has a number of fall events scheduled for September and October that would make for great family outings or a great weekend date night.

Steam engine ride times are available in September and October – dates include September 10-11, September 17-18, October 2, October 7-9, October 14-16, October 21-23 and October 28. Times vary by day – tickets are $17 per person.

A special train ride entitled “The Great Train Robbery” will run Saturday and Sunday, September 24-25 at 1 p.m. both days. Tickets for this all-ages event are $20. On Monday, October 10 – Columbus Day – a special train ride runs at 1 p.m. – tickets are $17 per person.

There are some special wine and beer tasting events for the 21-and-over crowd as well. The Arcade Historical Society presents a Wine and Ale Tasters “On the Rails” event on Saturday, September 24 at 5 p.m. – tickets are $35 for either wine or beer. A Wine Tasters Special “On the Rails” runs Saturday, October 1, departing at 6 p.m. – tickets are $32 per person. An Ale Tasters “On the Rails” event takes place Saturday, October 15; the train departs at 6 p.m. and costs $32 per person.

Haunted Halloween Train Rides take place Saturday and Sunday, October 29-30 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. both days. Tickets are $20 per person.

For more information on these and other events, visit www.arcadeandatticarr.com. 

Fall fun 2016: Cambria Corn Maze

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In the heart of Niagara County, the Cambria Corn Maze, located at 5274 Lockport Junction Rd., Rt. 270 in Lockport, features a 12-acre corn maze as well as pumpkins, refreshments, local products and produce for sale. The Cambria Corn Maze opens on Saturday, September 10.

Friday and Saturday nights are Flashlight Nights – bring your own flashlight. Become a fan of their Facebook page to learn more about upcoming events at the Corn Maze.

The Cambria Corn Maze is open Thursdays through Sundays. Hours are 3-8 p.m. Thursday, 3-9:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday; the last tickets are sold one hour prior to closing. Tickets are $10 for adults (15+), $5 for kids 5 to 14 and free for kids 4 and under. Find out more about this maze at www.cambriacornmaze.com. 

Buffalo Sabres Prospects Challenge: September 16-19, 2016

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The Buffalo Sabres will host the Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils for this year’s Prospect Challenge, taking place Friday through Monday, September 16-19 at HarborCenter in downtown Buffalo. The three teams will compete in a round-robin challenge, with each team playing two games during the event.

Game tickets are $10 each and are on sale at the First Niagara Center box office, or order by phone (1-888-223-6000) or online (tickets.com).

Prospects Challenge schedule:

Friday, September 16 –

• Buffalo practice – 10 a.m.-noon
• New Jersey practice – 12:30-2:30 p.m.
• Boston practice – 3-5 p.m.

Saturday, September 17 –

• Buffalo morning skate – 10-11 a.m.
• Boston practice – 10 a.m.-noon
• New Jersey morning skate – 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Buffalo v. New Jersey – 7 p.m.

Sunday, September 18 –

• Buffalo practice – 10 a.m.-noon
• Boston morning skate – 10-11 a.m.
• New Jersey morning skate – 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Boston v. New Jersey – 7 p.m.

Monday, September 19 –

• Buffalo morning skate – 10-11 a.m.
• Boston morning skate – 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Buffalo v. Boston – 7 p.m.

Find out more at sabres.nhl.com. 

National Buffalo Wing Festival: September 3-4, 2016

Aerial view of the Buffalo Wing Festival
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The 15^th annual National Buffalo Wing Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, September 3-4, at Coca Cola Field in downtown Buffalo. The annual celebration of Buffalo’s gift to the food world features live music, eating contests, a kids’ zone and, of course, lots of chicken wings. LaNova Pizzeria and Wing Company will be this year’s inductee to the Buffalo Wing Hall of Flame.

New this year is the VIP Party Deck, located in the right field bleachers (21-and-over only). Tickets are $25 for a two-hour period, and gives ticket holders a free beverage, free samples, private seating, a private cash bar and 15^th anniversary mug, plus much more.

The US National Wing Championship will once again feature some of the country’s best competitive eaters, including Joey Chestnut and Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas. The main event is set for Sunday at 5 p.m. Other competitive eating contests scheduled throughout the weekend include the Amateur Wing Eating Championship, the Buffalo Buffet Eating Championship and the Triple Atomic Hot Wing Eating Contest.

Admission is $5 each day and free for kids 8 and under – food tickets are $1 each. Hours are Saturday noon-9 p.m. and Sunday noon-7 p.m. Find out more at buffalowing.com.