What a month for movie fans.
October brings the Screening Room Cinema & Arts Café’s annual monthlong “Horrorfest,” a four-film salute to Robert Redford and the return for of the Buffalo International Film festival. Let’s take a look.
“Horrorfest” opens at the Screening Room with a pair of Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg’s early groundbreaking horror films “Videodrome” and “Rabies” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3. “Videodrome” will also be shown at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7.
Dario Argento’s original 1977 “Suspiria” will have multiple showings including a movie and trivia night at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10, plus screenings on Oct. 14 and 18. The Oct. 18 showing is one of the events hosted by local horror vendor Silk Screams that includes guest presenters and a pop-up shop. Silk Screams will also be on hand for a rare screening of the low-budget cult thriller “Hauntedween” (1991) on Oct. 11 and a 4K restoration of “Trick ‘R’ Treat” with an opening night introduction by The Chainsaw Girls on Oct. 17. (“Trick ‘R’ Treat” will also be shown Oct. 21.)
On Oct. 23, Movie Mayhem features an all-star burlesque/drag horror-inspired show along with a showing of the horror musical “Little Shop of Horrors” (1960).
Returning classics include the hilarious Mel Brooks spoof “Young Frankenstein” (Oct. 24-25, Oct. 28), Vincent Price in the fun “The House on Haunted Hill” (Oct. 29), a 4K restoration of John Carpenter’s original 1978 “Halloween” (Oct. 25, Oct. 31), “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” (Oct. 27 and Oct. 31), the original silent film “Nosferatu” with musical score (Oct. 29) and “Plan 9 From Outer Space (Oct. 31).
The Screening Room is located at the Boulevard Mall (entrance is at 880 Alberta Drive, Amherst). Find the full “Horrorfest” schedule, including dates of Mimosa Matinees, at screeningroom.net.
A four-day Robert Redford movie series will present four of the legendary actor and filmmaker’s most iconic and popular films at the Dipson Amherst Theatre, 3500 Main St. “The Sting” will be shown on Oct. 6, “The Natural” on Oct. 7, “All the President’s Men” on Oct. 8 and “A River Runs Through It” on Oct. 9. Screenings are at 1, 4 and 7 p.m.
“We’re thrilled to bring these timeless classics back to the theater,” said Michael Clement, president of Dipson Theatres. “Robert Redford’s legacy in film is unmatched, and this series is a great opportunity for audiences to revisit – or experience for the first time – his unforgettable performances.”
Advance tickets are available via dipsontheatres.com.
The Buffalo International Film Festival returns for its 19th year with an opening night gala of a documentary depicting how an Elmwood Avenue Starbucks helped organize the first Starbucks union in 2021. “Baristas vs. Billionaires” will be shown at 7:15 p.m. Oct. 9 in the North Park Theatre. A post-film Q&A will feature director/writer/producer Mark Mori, producers Alec Baldwin and Bob Judson, and documentary participant Gianna Reeve.
BIFF will showcase more than 200 feature films, shorts and episodic works from nearly 40 countries from Oct. 9-16 in the North Park Theatre, Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, Buffalo Toronto Public Media (WNED Studios), and Burchfield Penney Art Center. Screenings include special presentations of two Buffalo-made feature films. The closing night gala of the historical drama “The Panic” is at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 in the North Park. The films stars Cary Elwes, Colm Meaney, Malcolm McDowell and Cristiana Dell’Anna.
It’s followed at 9:15 p.m. Oct. 16 with “Cutman” directed by Michael Mailer and starring Buffalo actor William Fichtner. Mailer will be in attendance and answer questions at screenings for both “The Panic” (which he produced) and “Cutman.”
Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack
Much-lauded actor and educator Stephen McKinley Henderson will be honored with the BIFF Lifetime Achievement Award during the Legacy Gala at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 in the North Park which includes a showing of his film “Everyday People.” Henderson will also speak after a showing “The Dutchman” at 4:45 p.m. Oct. 11.
Ghost Hunts. Start Oct. 3 in the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst.
This is no ordinary ghost hunt at the historic Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village. First, you’ll take a brief tour of the village to learn about recent paranormal activity. Then you’ll explore as part of a team looking for supernatural entities. Ghost hunting equipment will be provided, but you can bring your own, too. Times are 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 3, 10, 11, 24 and 25. Ages 14-17 will need a parent or guardian. Team registration is $150 for non-member teams and $135 for BNHV member teams.
Flannel Fest. 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at Kissing Bridge Resort, Glenwood.
There are festivals for chicken wings and beer, movies and art. So why not for flannel and timber sports? Just think of activities you would see a lumberjack do for an idea of what you’ll see at this first Flannel Fest, a family friendly celebration of “timber sports, music and fall fun.” There will be axe throwing, a tug o’war competition for all ages, mountain biking, a trail run and a rock climbing wall. World Champion timber sportsman Mark Bouquin will be on hand to MC the event. “I’m excited to bring Flannel Fest to life here at Kissing Bridge,” said Bouquin. “This is more than an event; it’s the start of a tradition that will grow year after year, attracting the best timber athletes in the world and creating memories for families who love the outdoors, competition, and community.” Music is by Blue Velvet and food includes Wendel’s Chicken Barbecue.
Quick calendar
Grabbitz. 7 p.m. Saturday at Electric City.
Fall in the Forest. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 in Forest Lawn, 1900 Main St. Family activities, food, crafts, hayrides, vendors and fall foliage in the meadow adjacent to the forest Lawn chapel. Robert Bright, author of “the Phantom of Forest Lawn” will sign copies of his books.
World Pumpkin Weigh-off. Starts at noon on Oct. 4 at the Great Pumpkin Farm, 11199 Main St. Clarence. Regular Fall Fest activities include pumpkins, magic shows, petting zoos, hayride and the Boo Barn.
Cider Fest. Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 at the Terrace at Delaware Park with cider, craft beer, cider doughnuts, soup bar, artisan sausages, kids activities and live music.
Music is Art showcase. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 with Philip Stephen, Molly Conrad and TK Lipps at Jack Rabbit.
T-Pain. 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 at Terminal B at the Outer Harbor.
Fall-i-Day. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at Buffalo RiverWorks. More than 100 local artisans will sell fall-themed and Buffalo items. Plus a rodeo on the rinks.
Just announced
Bert Kreischer. 7 p.m. March 1 in Shea’s Buffalo Theatre (sheas.org).
American Legion Band of the Tonawanda. Veteran’s Day Concert. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 in Cardinal O’Hara Performing Arts Center, 39 O’Hara Road (tonawandalegionband.com).
Glenn Miller Orchestra. 4 p.m. May 9 in the Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda. Tickets are $29 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Oct. 3 (rivieratheatre.org).
Brad Garrett with Dave Burleigh and Andy Pitz. 8:30 p.m. April 30 in the Avalon Theatre, Fallsview Casino Resort. 6380 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, Ont. (ticketmaster.ca).
Stay up-to-date on what’s happening
Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!
* I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Toni Ruberto
Gusto Editor
Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!
Your notification has been saved.
There was a problem saving your notification.
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Followed notifications
Please log in to use this feature
Log In
Don’t have an account? Sign Up Today