WNY Weekly: Spring Markets, Theatre Talks, Fish Fry Season & Keys Without the Chaos

March 23–29

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Fish fry season in Buffalo just hits different 🐟
Gianni Mazia’s, Clarence

You’re probably looking out the window right now, seeing a patch of brown grass and a lingering pile of dirty snow in the corner of the Wegmans parking lot, and thinking… is this it? Is this the “spring” everyone promised?

Welcome to late March in Buffalo. It’s that magical time of year where the temperature creeps up, everyone declares it hoodie weather, and we start acting like 48 degrees is basically tropical. The good news? The sun is officially sticking around later, past 7:30 PM this week, and in Western New York, that’s basically a personality shift.

If you’re feeling a mix of cabin fever and a sudden urge to check Zillow three times a day, you’re not alone. The spring market is waking up, and so is Buffalo. Whether you're thinking about buying your first home or just looking for something to do that doesn’t involve shoveling, here’s what’s happening in the 716 this week.

What’s Happening in Buffalo This Week

Shea’s Buffalo Theatre District — a cornerstone of downtown culture

Before we get into real estate, let’s talk about the fun stuff.

March 24: The Present and Future of the Theatre District
On Tuesday at 7:00 PM, Shea’s Smith Theatre is hosting a panel on Buffalo’s Theatre District. A great look at how the city is evolving-and yes, this kind of development absolutely impacts real estate.

March 27–29: Easter Makers + Shakers (The Boozy Version)
At The Powerhouse on Lee Street-local vendors, handmade goods, and cocktails while you shop. Enough said.

March 28: The 18th Annual Edible Book Festival
At the WNY Book Arts Center-creative, quirky, and very Buffalo.

The Real Estate Reality Check: Spring 2026

Just listed in Amherst — 1205 Dodge Rd

Buffalo is still a competitive market. Homes are moving quickly, many with multiple offers.

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible-it just means you need a plan.

Spring is when things heat up:

• Buyers come out

• Inventory rises

• Serious sellers list

If you’re buying → be prepared
If you’re selling → this is your moment

Stop the Stress: Keys Without the Chaos

A first-time homebuyer seminar led by local Buffalo experts

Let’s be honest-the hardest part of buying your first home isn’t finding the house… it’s understanding everything that comes before it.

Financing, credit scores, inspections, attorneys, contracts-it can feel like you need a translator just to get started.

That’s exactly why I created this event.

Keys Without the Chaos – First-Time Homebuyer Class

This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a real, step-by-step breakdown of the process taught by local experts who work in the Western New York market every single day.

When: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Doors open at 5:45 PM)
Where: KeyBank Northtowns Branch
3171 Sheridan Drive, Amherst, NY 14226

Meet Your Local Experts

Kristina Krygier (Realtor®, The Petrie Team at WNY Metro Roberts Realty)
I’ll walk you through how to navigate the market-from touring homes to writing strong offers without feeling overwhelmed.

Mark Boudreau (Loan Officer, KeyBank)
Mark will break down financing in a way that actually makes sense-what you can afford, how pre-approvals work, and how to position yourself competitively.

Dara Ordon (Real Estate Attorney, Cheryl Stein Law)
Dara will guide you through the legal side-contracts, inspections, closing, and how to protect yourself every step of the way.

What We’ll Cover

✔️ How to prepare financially before you start looking
✔️ What’s happening in the Buffalo market right now
✔️ Step-by-step: from browsing to closing
✔️ Common mistakes first-time buyers make (and how to avoid them)
✔️ What you actually need to win in a competitive market

👉 Save your spot here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/keys-without-the-chaos-first-time-homebuyer-class-tickets-1985512584589?aff=oddtdtcreator

Spots are limited because we want to keep this small and interactive-so if buying a home is even a maybe for you this year, I’d grab a seat.

No pressure, no jargo-just real answers from local professionals who do this every day.

Is Now the Right Time to Buy?

Every buyer’s timeline is different-it’s about finding what works for you

There’s no perfect time.

But waiting until everyone else jumps in?
That usually makes it harder.

Right now = opportunity for prepared buyers.

A Quick Note for Sellers

Spring = more buyers, more attention, stronger offers.

If you’re even thinking about selling, now’s the time to at least explore your options.

Buffalo Tradition: Fish Fry Season Is Here

Gianna Mazzi’s on Main Street in Clarence-one of our go-to fish fry spots

With Good Friday coming up, fish fry season is in full swing.

And in Buffalo… it’s not just dinner, it’s a tradition.

My parents owned a restaurant in Amherst called Shirlee’s Restaurant & Deli and this was one of the busiest times of the year. Packed dining rooms, nonstop takeout, and everyone convinced theirs was the best.

Now I just get to enjoy it.

A couple go-to spots:
• Brunner’s Tavern-classic and always solid, a neighborhood favorite
• Gianna Mazzi’s (Clarence)-our regular spot, somehow no crazy wait and always great

Final Thoughts

A little reminder this week… even after the storms, there’s always something beautiful waiting on the other side

Buffalo is thawing, the days are longer, and the spring market is waking up.

If buying a home is even on your radar this year-start by getting informed.

Come to the class, ask questions, and take the stress out of the process.

Stay warm-we’re almost there.

Questions? Reach out anytime — I’d love to help.