UB Center for the Arts Announces Fall 2026 Season

The University at Buffalo Center for the Arts (UBCFA), Western New York’s premier arts hub, announces its fall 2026 season, with programming spanning music, comedy, film, dance, free events and the university’s Distinguished Speakers Series. From nationally touring artists to creative work happening across UB, the season offers audiences a wide range of ways to experience the arts.

“There’s so much happening at the Center for the Arts this season,” says Jamie Enser, UBCFA executive director. “We hope audiences will explore our full calendar, discover something new and find their next experience.”

On Saturday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m., comedian, writer, producer and musician Fred Armisen brings Comedy For Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome to UBCFA. An 11-season veteran of “Saturday Night Live”, Armisen is the co-creator and co-star of “Portlandia and Documentary Now!” and served as bandleader of the 8G Band on “Late Night” with Seth Meyers from 2014–24.

October continues with the supernatural classic Ghostbusters in Concert on Friday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Experience the beloved 1984 film like never before as it is presented on a large HD cinema screen, fully synced to a live orchestra performing Academy Award®-winning composer Elmer Bernstein’s spine-tingling score. Blending film, live music and iconic 1980s nostalgia, the event offers a memorable night out for families, film lovers and longtime fans.

Art in the Open returns on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 5 p.m. with a free, immersive evening celebrating the creativity of the UB arts community. Guests are invited behind the scenes to explore studios, galleries and rehearsal spaces; meet student and faculty artists; enjoy performances, film screenings and installations; and seeing a glimpse into the creative process across disciplines.

Award-winning performer Carisa Hendrix brings her charming socialite and cocktail enthusiast Lucy Darling to the Mainstage on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 5 p.m. in “The More the Merrier”, Lucy is joined by pianist TJ Shanoff and multi-instrumentalist Mark Ettinger for a touring variety show blending comedy, music, magic and audience interaction, with playful improvisation making each performance different.

Punch Brothers return to the UBCFA on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. as part of their Unsung North American Expedition tour. The Grammy-winning, boundary-pushing acoustic quintet features mandolinist and vocalist Chris Thile, guitarist Chris Eldridge, bassist Paul Kowert, banjoist Noam Pikelny and violinist Brittany Haas. The tour follows the July release of the band’s seventh album, “The Unsung Adventures of Punch Brothers.” The album includes its first all-instrumental recording and its first with Haas.

On Friday, Nov. 20, at 8 p.m., Gary Owen brings his No Hard Feelings Tour to the UBCFA. Entertaining audiences for more than two decades, Owen is known for sharp observational humor and fearless storytelling drawn from his personal life, military service and the everyday absurdities that connect people across backgrounds.

Closing out the month, The Wailin’ Jennys take the stage on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 8 p.m. Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody and Heather Masse have grown from a one-time performance in a Winnipeg guitar shop into one of today’s most beloved international folk acts, known for their distinctive harmonies and acclaimed live performances.

The fall calendar also features work from UB’s creative community, including theatre and dance productions presented by the Department of Theatre and Dance, exhibitions by UB Art Galleries and the Department of Art and performances by the Department of Music in Slee Hall, along with other university events. Additional fall performances and events will be announced in the coming weeks.

UB’s Distinguished Speakers Series returns this fall with a lineup of world-renowned speakers. The series begins on Friday, Oct. 2, with award-winning journalist and bestselling author Andrew Ross Sorkin. On Tuesday, Nov. 10, former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney takes the stage for “Defending Democracy: A Conversation with Liz Cheney.” Award-winning engineer Moogega Cooper,PhD, planetary protection engineer for the Mars Perseverance Rover, will visit UB on Thursday, Feb. 11. The series concludes on Tuesday, March 9, with paleoanthropologist, evolutionary biologist and PBS host Ella Al-Shamahi. All events begin at 7 p.m. 

Looking ahead to spring, UBCFA Presents Parsons Dance on Saturday, April 3. Known for its energized, athletic and joyous style, the internationally renowned company is celebrated for bold ensemble work and an innovative approach to contemporary American dance. Parsons Dance celebrates its 40^th anniversary during the 2026–27 season. More spring programming will be announced throughout the season.

Tickets for ticketed performances are available now at ubcfa.org or through Ticketmaster. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the UBCFA Ticket Office. Visit ubcfa.org for current Ticket Office hours.

For group sales, engagement opportunities, or more information, contact Jamie Enser at 716-645-6254 or jenser@buffalo.edu.

Explore the full calendar of performances, exhibitions and events.