Good morning, Buffalo.

Catholic Charities of Buffalo launched Appeal 2026 today to raise $8 million by June 30, officials said.

Volunteers gathered at an event (with support from the Fund for the Faith) to boost access to counseling, food pantries, housing and other essential services.

American Cruise Lines announced a nine-day Great Lakes cruise beginning in May, priced at $8,675 per person, that will run from Syracuse to Buffalo.

The journey includes stops in the Thousand Islands, Clayton, Ogdensburg, and Rochester, and will conclude with a visit to Niagara Falls.

NeoFab Robotics plans a 28,000 sqft plant in the Vantage International Point office park and will start construction this spring in the Town of Niagara.

County officials will vote on an incentive package on Feb. 11 + the plant is expected to be production-ready by early 2027.

Today, the exhibit 'Khalia's Story' is open at Renovation Church on Hertel Ave to educate locals about how pathways like poverty can lead to trafficking.

Inspired by survivors from Project Mona's House, it is on display Jan. 15 — Jan. 19 at select hours.

Buffalo will host the NHL Draft on June 26 and 27 at KeyBank Center, expected to bring a $2.5M boost from NHL stakeholders.

Mayor Ryan is fast-tracking downtown projects (including reopening the Buffalo Grand hotel and fixing Heritage Point) to prepare for more visitors.

During Wednesday night's game at KeyBank Center, the Sabres hosted Mental Health Awareness Night inviting nearly 300 students to join a panel (featuring former goalie Clint Malarchuk) and local mental health advocates (from community groups).

The event promoted open discussion of mental wellness in sports.

Local disability advocate Natalie Barnhard-Castrogiovanni, who established Western New York's first specialized spinal rehab center and united support groups, died Jan.

9—Motion Project will maintain normal hours this week and soon announce a celebration of life in her honor.

BuffSci officially owns the former Medaille campus after completing an $11.03M purchase following a lease-to-own deal started in 2024.

The charter school acquired the 14-acre site in Buffalo (its first eight-figure real estate deal of 2026).

Downtown businesses expect a boost on Saturday as sports fans gather at KeyBank Center for the Sabres contest against the Minnesota Wild at 12:30 p.m. and the Bills game against the Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m., with venues offering giveaways and drink specials.

Rasmus Dahlin scored two power-play goals as the Sabres defeated the Flyers for the 14th time in 16 games, prompting coach Lindy Ruff to praise the team’s strong play at home today.

Fans can meet Buffalo Sabres alumni at two Tops Friendly Markets events: today in Hamburg from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. with Ales Kotalik, Jason Pominville & Taylor Pyatt, and tomorrow in Depew from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. with JP Dumont, Jochen Hecht & Thomas Vanek, with giveaways available.

Mozart's Mass

10:30 a.m. — Kleinhans Music Hall — $9.00 — Experience the sublime blend of Mozart's Symphony No. 38 and the Great Mass in C minor with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus.

Mozart's Mass and Symphony No. 38

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Kleinhans Music Hall — Ticketed — Experience the emotional journey of Mozart’s symphony alongside his magnificent ‘Great’ Mass in C minor.

Mamma Mia!

2-4 p.m. — Shea's Buffalo Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the timeless ABBA hits in this beloved musical spectacular.

Handmade Pasta Class

6-9 p.m. — Artisan Culinary Loft — $100.00 — Experience the art of pasta making, perfect for all skill levels.

Saving Waves Concert

6:30-8:30 PM — Buffalo Iron Works — Details on ticket cost pending — Experience the vibrant sounds of Saving Waves in a lively setting.

The Jazz Lounge at Milton's

7-10 p.m. — Milton's at Statler Buffalo — $20 — Experience an elegant evening of live jazz and crafted cocktails in downtown Buffalo.

The Strictly Hip: Day For Night

8-11 p.m. — Babeville — $4 – $100 — Experience the music of The Tragically Hip through the talented tribute band The Strictly Hip in an intimate venue.

Urban Elegance Gala

6-9 p.m. — FORBES THEATER — In-person event — Celebrate creativity, culture, and community with art, fashion, and live performances.

Umphrey's McGee Concert

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Town Ballroom — 16+ only — Enjoy a night with Chicago's eclectic rock band pushing the boundaries of the jam band genre.

Live Music with Growlers Blues Band

Time to be announced — Diamond Hawk — No cover charge — Experience a unique blend of blues and rock that will keep you dancing all night!