Buffalo’s recent revival has brought safe and supporting havens for wordsmiths and literary artists alike, to unite and share their work with others. Whether you’re looking for open mic nights or a comforting corner of a book shop to relax and read, this compilation of worldly-wise and writer friendly communities will satisfy your creative side.
Reading Series
Silo City Summer Reading Series
The Canisius Contemporary Writers Series
The Oscar Silverman Readings
Peach Mag Episodes, and the Just Buffalo’s Studio Series.
Pure Ink Poetry is one of the most active literary communities in the city. They have monthly poetry slam events at Gypsy Parlor, along with open mic nights, fundraising events, and occasionally local festivals like the Taste of Diversity. The group was founded by Brandon Williamson in January 2012 and many of the focal members have been nominated in national poetry competitions. Follow them on Facebook for their upcoming events!
Poet’s Storm is another event to watch out for on Facebook. It’s a local public group that features writers from the area who perform their poetry, previously at Nietzsche’s and Community Beer Works.
Wordism is yet another group that was born in Buffalo in 2015. They host open mics for writers to showcase their work to a welcoming audience, usually at either the Pausa Art House or Daily Planet Coffee Co. Check them out on Facebook for their updates.
Other Open Mic Nights
Second Stage Writers hosts open mic nights at Grindhaus Café.
First Friday Poetry at Perks Café hosted by Skyler Rutkowski
4th Friday Poetry Series at Dog Ears Bookstore
Open mics at Caffé Aroma
Open mics at Caffeology with Green Buffalo Productions
Words on the Street by Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, and Just Buffalo Literary Center
Writer’s Meetup Groups
Buffalo Sci-Fi / Fantasy Writers
JB Writing Center & Youth Writing Workshops
Facebook Groups
Western New York Writer’s Network
WAM Buffalo Writers Artists Musicians
Buffalo Sci Fi / Fantasy Writers
A Place for our Poets, Writers, Artists
Bonus: Buffalo Reading Invasion
Local Publishers
Prometheus Books & Seventh Street Books
Named after the Greek god who blessed humans with the spark of curiosity and critical thinking, this established publisher offers writers who prefer science, philosophy, psychology, theology, true crime and more! Providing thought-provoking books since 1969, they are also partnered with Seventh Street Books, inspired by Edgar Allen Poe, a publishing house dedicated to mysteries and thrillers.
Peach Mag is a locally based, though far-reaching literary e-zine and print anthology press.
Sunnyoutside Press has been an independent publisher since 2005, bringing wholesome short stories, poetry, and fiction to the Buffalo scene.
Foundlings Press originally started as a magazine and progressed into a local publishing company.
Slipstream Press is a literary magazine based in Niagara Falls, dedicated to poetry since 1980.
No Frills Buffalo Publishing creates poetry, fiction, short story collections, and children’s books.
Plurality Press is Buffalo-born literary publishing company.
Earth’s Daughters is a feminist lit mag founded in 1971.
Steel Below is a Buffalo literary magazine currently under construction but watch for their comeback! You can check out Second Reader Bookshop at 1421 Hertel Ave. or Rust Belt Books at 415 Grant St. for copies of their previous issues.
BlazeVox – an independent publisher founded by Geoffrey Gatza (poetry and prose – avant-garde literature
Bookstores & Literary Centers
Just Buffalo Literary Center – Offers open mics, BABEL, workshops, classes, book fairs, and much more.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library – Hosts a variety of events, including workshops, reading series, author meet & greets, and book fairs.
Other Events and resources
The Sugar City Zine Fair in the summer.
Annual Buffalo Writing Workshop
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum – There are two in Buffalo!
Bonus: Reading Rules!
Bonus: Read to Succeed
Bonus: WNY Children’s Book Expo
Bonus: JB 40 Stories
Most higher ed learning institutions provide writing resources for the community
Although the Small Press Book Fair was discontinued about two years ago, there are some random independent book fairs out there on Facebook from time to time, so keep an eye out!
For further resources, check out JBLC’s list that they have compiled.
Are you aware of any literary resources available in Buffalo that were not mentioned in this list? Please let me know in the comment section, or by sending an email to kellercatie@gmail.com.
Lead image courtesy Just Buffalo Literary Center | Mural installed by James Moffitt – designed by Julian Montague – commissioned by Just Buffalo Literary Center
