Monday, May 5, 6 p.m.: Life Celebration for Kathleen Betsko Yale. The Buffalo theater and literary communities join together to share memories and celebrate the life and work of playwright, actor, poet, and activist Kathleen Betsko Yale, who died on January 30, 2025 at the age of 85 after a valiant battle with cancer. The schedule for the May 5th gathering is as follows: the bar in the Chris O’Neill Lounge in the theatre lobby will be open from 6:00 to 7:00 pm followed by the Program onstage beginning at 7:00 p.m. Irish Classical Theatre, 625 Main Street, Buffalo, New York. Friends are invited for general admission seating.

Tuesday, May 6, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Tuesday Night Open Mic Series at the Em Tea Coffeecup Café hosted by poet Liz Mariani. All are welcome whether new to poetry or a long-time member of the community. 80 Oakgrove Ave., Buffalo, NY. Free and open to the public.

Wednesday, May 7, 7 p.m.: Ground and Sky Poetry Roundtable, informal reading and poetry discussion group led by Joel Lesses. Format is ‘no mic, no list, no podium,’ but an organic discussion of life and poetry. Inspiration Point, 483 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo. Free and open to the public. Program also available via Zoom. Contact http://www.educationtrainingcenterinc.com/ for the link.

Wednesday, May 7, 7:30 p.m.: CFI Literary Café Series reading hosted by poet Ryki Zuckerman and featuring poets Rick LaClair and Peter Siedlecki at the Center for Inquiry, 1310 Sweet Home Rd. in Amherst. The event free and open to the public.

Thursday, May 8, 7 p.m.: Fitz Books presents readings by poets Katherine Hastings and Irene Sipos. The reading will serve as an informal book launch for Irene Sipos’s new collection of poems Connections. Fitz Books and Waffles, 1462 Main St., Buffalo.

Thursday, May 8, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.: TEACHERS ARE WRITERS: In collaboration with WNYNET and the Buffalo State English Education program, Just Buffalo Literary Center offers a writing workshop series for school teachers and educators so they will have the opportunity to explore their own creative work, engage in ongoing conversations about process, and grow as writers. This workshop is FREE and aimed at teachers. CTLE credit is available through the Buffalo State English Education program. Accessibility Note: : If you have any questions/issues accessing any of these opportunities, please let us know and we will work with you to make sure you can participate. Just Buffalo Literary Center, 468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY.

Friday, May 9, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library and the Library Foundation of Erie County present In Conversation, a Celebration of Intellectual Freedom: Featuring New York Times best-selling author Susan Orlean and Margaret Sullivan, former editor-in-chief of The Buffalo News and public editor of The New York Times. Program begins promptly at 7 p.m. Admission also includes drinks & hors d’oeuvres.VIP admission includes a meet & greet with Susan Orlean & Margaret Sullivan,
as well as priority seating at the event. General admission is $125, VIP Admission $200 per ticket. The Admiral Room, Downtown Buffalo, 237 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203.

Friday, May 9, 8:30 pm.: Ground & Sky Poetry open Mic at Caffe Aroma hosted by Joel Lesses. 957 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo. Free and open to the public.