Things to do in Buffalo this weekend, Nov. 12 to 15
Allentown brings its chili to Nietzsche's on Sunday
By Lou P. and the Buffalo Loop editors. Thursday, November 12, 2026
Allentown holds a chili cook-off at Nietzsche's on Sunday. Before that, the Central Library hosts Indie Author Day and its book fair on Saturday, and Burchfield Penney stays open late Friday for Second Friday. Punch Brothers close out the weekend at UB.
IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING
Buffalo Music: Allentown Chili Cook-Off
The Allentown Chili Cook-Off fills Nietzsche's on Sunday afternoon at 12:30, and it's the kind of neighborhood event the whole city can walk into.
Nietzsche's hosts its annual Allentown Chili Cook-Off, a midday community food gathering on Allen Street. It's a easy way to spend a November afternoon in the neighborhood.
Sunday at 12:30 pm · Nietzsche's, 248 Allen St, Buffalo, 14201
FREE THIS WEEKENDcosts nothing
Buffalo Art: M&T Second Friday: November 2026
Friday at 5:30 pm
Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14222
The Burchfield Penney stays open late and free on the second Friday, with live music, gallery access, art-making and curated screenings. Roux Soup Bar & Café is there if you want a bite.
"Putting the Beds to Bed" Work Day
Saturday at 10 am
BPS 195: Pelion Community Garden at City Honors, 212 Best Street, Buffalo, NY, 14209
Help close out the Pelion Outdoor Classroom for the season at this volunteer work day. Excess plant cuttings, vegetables and transplants are on offer, and you can ask about fostering special plants over winter.
WITH KIDSbring them
Once Upon A Time Children's Concert
Saturday at 7 pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Buffalo Culture: The Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo's Fifth Annual Renaissance Gala
Saturday at 6 pm
Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo, 2351 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14216
The Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo celebrates five years at its Hertel and Delaware home with its Renaissance Gala. Tickets are sold individually or as tables of ten, and it supports the center.
Buffalo Family + Kids: How to Talk to Grown-ups About Art
Saturday at 10:30 am
Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14222
Kids learn playful ways to describe their own art, try looking games with Charles Burchfield's work, then paint Burchfield-inspired watercolor landscapes in the Useum Studio.
THE WEIRD ONE with Lou P.
Buffalo Comedy: Wizard Fight!!! with Frunkle's Friends
Buffalo Improv House has set aside Saturday at 8:30 for a Wizard Fight with Frunkle's Friends, three exclamation points included.
Saturday at 8:30 pm · Buffalo Improv House, 255 Great Arrow Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14207
DATE NIGHTfor two
Buffalo Music: “A Night at the Movies” – Classic Movie Music Reimagined Through Jazz
Friday at 7 pm
Pausa Art House, 19 Wadsworth Street, Buffalo, NY, 14201
The Buffalo Jazz Collective reimagines classic movie music as jazz arrangements. Seating is reserved, and Pausa asks for a minimum of two menu items per guest during the show.
Buffalo Theater: Uncle Vanya
Friday at 7:30 pm; also Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm
Road Less Traveled Theater, 456 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202
Annie Baker's new version of Chekhov's drama follows a rural Russian estate where Vanya and Dr. Astrov both fall for the Professor's young wife. Expect unrequited love and a sense of wasted life.
BRING A TOTEmarkets and sales
Buffalo Literature: Indie Author Day and Book Fair 2026
Saturday at 10 am
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library - Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY, 14203
Local and indie authors gather at the Central Library for a free book fair, with a schedule of presenters and tables to browse. Good for readers who like meeting writers and buying local books.
BIG SHOWSyou've heard of these
- SUN 7:30 PMPunch Brothers, UB Center for the Arts - Mainstage Theatre
- SAT 7:30 PMMaria Bamford, Electric City
- SAT 7 PMSOMBR - You Are The Reason Tour, KeyBank Center
PLAN AHEAD
WHAT DID WE MISS?
We do our best to read every calendar in Buffalo, and we still miss good stuff. The church supper, the band at the corner bar, the block party your neighbor is throwing. If you know about something, tell us. Just write hello@loopcities.com. We read every note.
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