The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

The United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, joining forces with Assemblymember Jon Rivera, has expanded Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to serve all of Erie County.

Now, every child under five can receive a free, age-appropriate book each month, sparking a lifelong love of reading.

Assemblymember Rivera stressed the critical timing, pointing out the nation’s growing literacy crisis and how the pandemic worsened early learning gaps.

The expansion aims to tackle these inequalities by granting every local family equal access to high-quality books and learning tools.

United Way CEO Trina Burruss reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to eliminating barriers like zip codes that can limit a child’s potential.

The Imagination Library has already sent over 20,000 books to Erie County kids since it began, showing strong community enthusiasm and proven impact.

Families can register online, ensuring countless local children start their school years with strong literacy skills and brighter futures.

The Buffalo Zoo proudly welcomes Tupi, a 7-year-old male giant anteater who recently arrived from Nashville Zoo.

Born at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, Tupi has become acclimated to his new home and now lives in the M&T Bank Rainforest Falls exhibit.

Visitors can observe Tupi’s fascinating adaptations, such as his long snout and impressive two-foot tongue, used to eat thousands of insects each day.

He has been paired with resident female Maria as part of the Species Survival Plan, a program dedicated to supporting endangered animals like the vulnerable giant anteater.

Tupi and Maria’s pairing strengthens global conservation efforts while giving guests a rare look at the world’s largest anteater species, which can grow up to eight feet long.

The Zoo invites everyone to visit and discover how they are helping protect these extraordinary creatures for the future.

Buffalo’s only downtown movie theater, AMC Market Arcade 8, will permanently close on December 31, 2025.

The closure marks a major loss for the city's entertainment scene and its vibrant Theater District.

Located at 639 Main Street since 1987, the venue underwent multiple management changes and received a $9 million renovation by AMC in 2018.

Despite revitalization efforts, declining attendance—accelerated by the pandemic and rise of streaming—proved insurmountable.

Benchmark Group, the building's owner, confirmed that AMC chose to end their lease after seven years, citing unrecoverable pre-pandemic sales.

This local closure echoes a broader national trend as more audiences shift to at-home movie experiences.

While the Theater District still boasts live venues like Shea’s and the Town Ballroom, community leaders are now seeking ways to preserve the area’s cultural vitality.

Need Plans for New Years?

🎉 Buffalo Ball Drop at Roosevelt Plaza

• 📅 Date: Tuesday, Dec 31, 2025

• 🕒 Time: ~10:00 PM – Midnight

• 📍 Location: Downtown Buffalo (near The Electric Tower & Roosevelt Plaza)

• 🎟️ Admission: Free

• 📄 Details: A classic Buffalo tradition featuring live music, DJ hosting, the iconic ball drop from the Electric Tower, and a midnight fireworks show. Great for all ages and a must-see moment downtown!

Kid-Friendly Countdown

1. 🎈 Explore & More Noon Countdown

   • 📅 Date: Dec 31, 2025

   • 🕒 Time: Multiple daytime countdowns (e.g., noon, mid-afternoon)

   • 📍 Explore & More Children’s Museum

   • 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed family event

   • 📄 Details: Fun early NYE celebrations perfect for kids (before the late night).

🎧 Silent Disco NYE at Buffalo Iron Works

• 📅 Date: Dec 31, 2025

• 🕒 Time: 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM

• 📍 Buffalo Iron Works (near Canalside)

• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed 21+ event

• 📄 Details: Silent disco with multiple music channels — great for dancing without pumping amps!

🍻 Big Ditch Brewing NYE Party

• 📅 Date: Dec 31

• 🕒 Time: 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM

• 📍 Big Ditch Brewing Company

• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed

• 📄 Details: Party with open bar, buffet, late night snacks, and special NYE beer releases — fun for social groups.

🍻 Buffalo’s Nerdiest NYE Bash at Hofbräuhaus

• 📅 Date: Dec 31

• 🕒 Time: Party starts evening

• 📍 Hofbräuhaus Buffalo (Scott St)

• 🎟️ Admission: ~$15+ (VIP options available)

• 📄 Details: A fun NYE party with appetizers, open bar window, champagne toast, and live music.

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