Events

[INFRINGEMENT] If you’re an artist in this city and you signed up to be part of the Infringement Festival, get ready—it’s your time to let loose for the next 11 days. If you’re just a fan, a lover of music, art, poetry, theater, and all things creative, it’s your time to explore all of the whacky, fun, weird, meaningful, outsider art that this city has to offer. The Infringement Festival, which begins Thursday, July 26 and runs through Sunday, August 5 will take over downtown Buffalo for the next 11 days, and it can be overwhelming—hell, look at the 24-page insert in this very paper that’s just jam packed with events, artists, venues, dates, and times. Here, we’ll provide you with a starting point—a place to dive in each day for the first seven days of the festival, but beyond that, it’s up to you.

Thursday
Needless to say, the Opening Ceremonies at Nietzsche’s is a great starting point. Here you’ll catch a few acts that can be considered Infringement veterans like Hooked on Casiophonics, and a couple new comers, but more importantly, you’ll run into artists, organizers, and fans who can point you in the direction of some fascinating stuff you might not be aware of. Prior to this you can hitch a ride on the opening day invisible partybus memorial parade led by Brass Pro and the Waterfront Revivalists, then post up with them for their open busking session.

Friday
There’s so much to do on Friday, but here are a couple highlights: It just happens to be “National Scotch Day” (as in the whiskey), so naturally there’s a party celebrating that, and it’s at Milkie’s with a bunch of live music. This one could get sloppy, so maybe get there early. When you’re all scotched up, dip out and head to Nietzsche’s for some great bands like alt rockers THIS and proggy worldy bdnd Ish Kabbible.

Saturday
Rapid fire, here we go: got a family? Head to Kidfringement in Bidwell Park around 10am. Wanna make some babies? Head to Wet Dreamland at Sewing Souls for some freaky fun at 9pm. Wanna forget everything and just party into the night? Milkie’s is your spot for the Super Spectacular Saturday showcase with Pizza Doughnuts (artist, not food), Tr38cho, DJ Bonaparte, and more.

Sunday
Take this day to do some relaxing stuff. If you’re an artist, there’s open busking outside of Caffee Aroma. Hot Mama’s has a Sunday Sonic Smorgasborg of music and it’s a great place to eat too. Later in the night there’s a massive hip hop show at Mohawk Place with Elzhi + Khrysis, Chuckie Campbell and Black Den, 14 Trapdoors, and more.

Monday
Skip work Monday and check out all of the art installations in the city—there are a ton (check out the pull out guide). If you can’t skip work, head over Pussywillow Gallery right at 5pm for some interesting presentations on everything from intellectual property rights to the history of burlesque. If you’re looking for music, Milkie’s is your spot.

Tuesday
The Nickel City Housing CoOp is the place to be Tuesday after work. The Ol’Wondermoth on North Street will dozens of bands and artists just oozing out of it. 

Wednesday
Make Wednesday a day to explore some local poetry. Head over to Rust Belt Books for a whole poetry showcase and some art installations and/or head over to Pussywillow Gallery to see The Public’s own Deedee Clohessy ready her “Prattletales” followed by an erotic open mic featuring Abby Rose.