The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

Niagara Frontier Bicycle Club (NFBC) has been a driving force in Western New York’s cycling scene since 1969, making it the area’s oldest and most established club.

NFBC organizes daily group rides from mid-March through October, spanning Erie, Niagara, and even reaching into Canada.

Riders of all levels participate in excursions ranging from 15 to 100 miles, with routes clearly rated from easy to “insanely difficult.”

Seasoned ride leaders guide groups and help build a strong sense of community and safety.

Start points dot Lancaster, Clarence, Orchard Park, Tonawanda, Amherst, and downtown Buffalo, encouraging everyone to find their rhythm and their crowd.

NFBC blends challenge, discovery, and friendship through signature events like the Kazoo Ride and annual Welland, Ontario trip, along with over 1,000 distinct routes that reveal new scenery and cross-border adventures.

Membership is open year-round for anyone eager to ride, explore, and connect.

The Buffalo Bills have introduced a dynamic Public Art Program at Highmark Stadium, weaving local and national creativity into the heart of the new venue.

More than 45 artists and teams, alongside thousands of community members, are contributing to a vibrant, permanent art collection spread throughout the stadium.

Selections included a region-wide search for a signature Bison sculpture and specific opportunities for Western New York artists to craft ceiling installations, murals, and wall art.

From 433 applications, a diverse panel representing 17 local arts and cultural organizations chose the final works, ensuring broad community representation.

The finished collection will feature unique pieces in over 40 locations within the stadium, each celebrating the area’s artistic spirit and cultural richness.

This initiative establishes Highmark Stadium as an ongoing showcase for public art, deepening the connection between the Bills and the Western New York creative community.

Lamont Thomas, a devoted single father from Buffalo, has welcomed his sixth child through adoption, deepening his lifelong mission to care for children in need.

Thomas, who has fostered more than 30 children, became known in 2019 for adopting five siblings to keep their family intact.

On April 21, 2026, Judge Kelly Brinkworth finalized the adoption of 4-year-old Mike-Kel at Erie County Family Court, making him an official part of the Thomas family.

Since arriving as a seven-month-old in 2021, Mike-Kel has grown close to Thomas and his siblings, becoming a beloved helper at home.

The Thomas family’s journey highlights Lamont’s belief in *keeping siblings together* and offering children lasting bonds.

Despite the challenges of raising six children alone, Thomas remains devoted.

For him and eldest daughter Zendaya, their family is built on love and the joy of choosing each other, making them stronger than ever.

Spring in Full Swing: Buffalo's Weekend Picks

1. 🌸 Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival

• 📅 Date: April 25–26, 2026
• 🕒 Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Delaware Park / Japanese Garden / Buffalo History Museum
• 🎟️ Admission: Free
• 📄 Details: A beloved spring tradition featuring cherry blossoms in full bloom, live music, cultural performances, food trucks, and hands-on activities like origami and bonsai.

2. 🌳 WNY ReLeaf Arbor Day Expo

• 📅 Date: April 25, 2026
• 🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Cazenovia Park
• 🎟️ Admission: Free
• 📄 Details: Celebrate Arbor Day with tree giveaways, environmental exhibits, and family-friendly activities focused on sustainability and conservation.

3. 🏃 PanCAN PurpleStride Buffalo

• 📅 Date: April 25, 2026
• 🕒 Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Buffalo Riverworks
• 🎟️ Admission: Registration required
• 📄 Details: A meaningful walk/run event supporting pancreatic cancer research, bringing the community together for awareness and fundraising.

4. 🎭 Into the Woods (Live Theater)

• 📅 Date: April 25, 2026
• 🕒 Time: 7:30 PM
• 📍 Location: UB Center for the Arts
• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
• 📄 Details: A captivating production of Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical, blending fairy tale characters into a witty and emotional story.

5. 🎶 Soul Spectrum Live @ Buffalo Iron Works

• 📅 Date: April 25, 2026
• 🕒 Time: 8:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Buffalo Iron Works
• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
• 📄 Details: Enjoy a high-energy night of soul, funk, and groove music—perfect for a lively Saturday night out.

6. 🎨 Allentown Art Walk Spring Edition

• 📅 Date: April 25, 2026
• 🕒 Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Allentown Historic District
• 🎟️ Admission: Free
• 📄 Details: Explore local art, photography, and crafts while enjoying live street performances and pop-up food vendors in one of Buffalo’s most creative neighborhoods.

7. 🚲 Slow Roll Buffalo – Season Kickoff Ride

• 📅 Date: April 25, 2026
• 🕒 Time: 6:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Larkin Square (start point)
• 🎟️ Admission: Free
• 📄 Details: Join hundreds of riders for a fun, community-focused bike ride through Buffalo neighborhoods, complete with music and a festive atmosphere.

8. 🛍️ Elmwood Village Indoor Spring Market

• 📅 Date: April 25, 2026
• 🕒 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Lexington Co-op (Elmwood Ave)
• 🎟️ Admission: Free
• 📄 Details: Browse fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items from local vendors—perfect for a Saturday morning outing.

9. 🎬 Buffalo International Film Festival – Spring Showcase

• 📅 Date: April 26, 2026
• 🕒 Time: Various showtimes
• 📍 Location: North Park Theatre
• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
• 📄 Details: A curated selection of indie films, documentaries, and shorts, with opportunities to hear from filmmakers during post-screening Q&As.

10. 🐾 Dog Days of Spring Adoption Event

• 📅 Date: April 26, 2026
• 🕒 Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• 📍 Location: SPCA Serving Erie County
• 🎟️ Admission: Free (adoption fees apply)
• 📄 Details: Meet adoptable pets, connect with local vendors, and enjoy a family-friendly event centered around helping animals find their forever homes.

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