Good morning, Buffalo.

Today, the official Buffalo Cars and Coffee 2025 season opener takes place at Eastern Hills Mall with clear skies and a cleaned parking lot, and organizers expect a large turnout from local car enthusiasts (demonstrating a strong return for this beloved community event).

Chelsea Hacker, a 30-year-old nurse+ known for her caring work in Buffalo, died in a car crash earlier this month while driving home after dinner and family and friends held a vigil+ established the Chelsea Hacker Memorial Fund to honor her life.

Kurt Deimer, a 59-year-old rock performer — known for his work in acting and music, will open today for Steel Panther and Buckcherry’s Northern Exposure Tour at the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda.

Tickets cost $69— the show starts at 7 p.m.

Erie and Niagara county voters will decide on school budgets and board members on May 20 to fund the 2025-2026 school year and manage property tax changes.

Most district budgets are set to rise while proposals for capital projects and bus purchases will offer additional measures—voters are expected to weigh these options carefully—ensuring local education needs are met.

In the Williamsville School Board race, three incumbents and two challengers are running for three open seats, and the teachers’ union backs the incumbents—Christina Bleckinger, Stuart Bulan, and Mark Manna.

They aim to boost special education, improve parent communication, and keep an eye on the district’s nearly $243 million annual budget.

Governor Kathy Hochul said large private equity firms and hedge funds are worsening the housing shortage by buying homes as business investments—making it harder for families to buy their own houses.

The Buffalo Bandits rallied late in Game 1 to beat the Saskatchewan Rush in the NLL Finals and are one game away from a third straight championship.

Game 2 will take place today at 8:00 p.m. in Saskatoon — an important chance for the team to wrap up the series.

Highmark Stadium hosted a modified middle school girls flag football skills challenge on Saturday, organized by the Bills Youth Football department, Ralph C.

Wilson Jr. Foundation and Buffalo Bills Foundation. Seventeen schools from Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse competed in nine activities that tested throwing—running—kicking skills.

Lettuce Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Electric City — Tickets on sale now — Experience the magic of a six-member musical collective blending funk with hip-hop, rock, and jazz.

Smoking Popes & Off With Their Heads Concert

7-9 p.m. — Rec Room — No cover charge — Catch Smoking Popes deliver their upbeat blend of punk rock in an intimate setting.

Totally Buffalo Festival 2025

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Buffalo RiverWorks — Free entry — Celebrate Buffalo with local artisans, food, live music, and family-friendly fun on Memorial Weekend!

Monday Morning Holiday Paddle

10 a.m. — North Tonawanda Botanical Gardens — Participation at your own risk — A scenic paddle launch to embrace the holiday spirit before the rain sets in.

Grace Lougen Live Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Caz — $20 — Experience a captivating night of music featuring award-winning guitarist Grace Lougen and guests.

The Garcia Project Tribute Show

8-11 p.m. — Buffalo Iron Works — Tickets available — Experience a faithful performance of classic Jerry Garcia Band set lists spanning 1976-1995.

The Unlikely Candidates Live Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — Rec Room — $27.47 — After Dark presents an evening with The Unlikely Candidates and special guests for an entertaining night out.

Grappling Industries Buffalo Tournament

9 AM – 11 PM — Kevin T. Keane Sports Park at Nardin Academy — Check the website for registration fees — Experience an exciting day of grappling competitions in the heart of Buffalo.

Simple Plan Live Concert

6-9 p.m. — Terminal B — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic performance of Simple Plan at Buffalo Outer Harbor.

Wallows Live in Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Terminal B — Visit website for ticket info — Experience an exciting night of music with Wallows and special guest Porches.