Find your favorite red T-shirt – or go buy a new one – because it’s Dyngus Day time. Though it’s not the only event happening in the next week, it’s a major one and that’s where we’ll start with a look at event highlights for the next week.
Dyngus Day Buffalo Festival. Gates at noon, parade at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 1 throughout the Historic Polonia District.
The 18th annual parade and festival signifies the end of Lenten sacrifice while celebrating spring and renewal. Our Dyngus Day celebration is so well-known that it’s a topic of national news. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Drive, traveling throughout the historic district as it heads west along Broadway to Fillmore. Events start early in the day, however, and go into the night at bars, restaurants, social halls and other venues throughout Old Polonia and beyond. While many events are free, you can avoid paying admission costs at official events by buying a Pussy Willow Pass via Tops Markets and other Dyngus Day venues.
People are also reading…
Corpus Christi Church starts things off with Mass at 11 a.m., followed by a family-friendly preparade party with activities, food and drink. Admission is $15; kids are admitted free from noon to 5 p.m. The church also hosts post-parade activities. The Pussy Willow Park Festival Tent (ages 21 and older; $15) begins early in the day and is highlighted by Grammy Award winner Jimmy Sturr with IPA Hall of Famer Johnny Karas, and Chris Caffery (of Trans Siberian Orchestra) from 7 to 10 p.m. Authentic folk dance troupes from across North America and dozens of other bands and entertainers will perform at the many official venues. Use the Pussy Willow Pass Shuttle for free transportation to the official venues. Look for the full list of vendors, entertainers and info on the Pussy Willow pass and shuttle via dyngusday.com.
North Tonawanda Dyngus Day Parade. 5 p.m. Monday, April 1 throughout North Tonawanda.
This fourth annual event parades down Oliver Street starting at 10th Avenue, turning down Keil Street and ending at the North Tonawanda City Market (310 Robinson St., North Tonawanda) where there will be a free post-parade party. Polish food, burgers, hot dogs, sweet desserts and beer is from the Sweeney Hose Fire Company. Polka band Captain Tom and the Hooligans will entertain. There’s still time to register to be in the parade at ntdyngusday.com.
Pils, Pierogi & Polka. Noon to 5 p.m. March 30 at Flying Bison Brewing Co., 840 Seneca St.
This is one of those annual events that is just so Buffalo – bringing together three favorites for an afternoon that’s part of early Dyngus Day celebrations. Eat pierogi, wash them down with pilsners from Flying Bison and dance to polka music by Those Idiots. The $25 general admission includes one beer.
Bryan Eng: A Tribute to Nat ‘King’ Cole and album release. 7 p.m. Thursday, March 28 at Pausa Art House, 19 Wadsworth St.
Only 25, jazz pianist, singer and actor Bryan Eng has already performed at such esteemed venues as the Kennedy Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall, Birdland Jazz Club and on Broadway in “Plaza Suite” with Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. He is traveling to Buffalo with his trio in a concert that celebrates the release of his new album, “A Few Days With You,” which includes such standards as “Bye Bye Blackbird,” “Unforgettable” and “In the Still of the Night.” Performing with Eng will be bassist Stephen Parisi and drummer TJ Thompson. Reserved seating in the stage area is $30; $20 in the bar area. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
National Geographic Live: Life on Thin Ice with Kiliii Yüyan. 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 at Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle.
This latest installment of this lecture series from National Geographic is with award-winning photographer Kiliii Yüyan, whose images showcase the native peoples and their relationship to the frigid Arctic land and its animals. Polar bears, musk ox, whales and caribou are some of the Arctic animals co-existing with more than 40 different ethnic groups in the north. Yüyan is a 2023 recipient of National Geographic’s Eliza Scidmore Award for Outstanding Storytelling.
Austin Powers Trivia Night. 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 at 500 Pearl, 500 Pearl St.
Think you know Austin Powers, Mini-Me, Dr. Evil and the gang? Then get out your bell bottoms and show off your knowledge at this groovy event that celebrates the coolest spy since James Bond. There will be an Austin Powers photo backdrop and soundtrack, themed food and drinks and prizes like the one for the best Austin Powers costume. Your ticket gets you your choice of a themed cocktail at the door. Tickets are $7.18 via eventbrite.com.
To get your event in the Things to Do newsletter, email truberto@buffnews.com.