Our Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

As a precaution to help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and care for our community, Just Buffalo Literary Center has postponed a number of events, and we will follow the guidance of Buffalo Public Schools in terms of Just Buffalo Writing Center programming.

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BABEL: Buffalo Hosts World-Famous Authors

Just Buffalo Literary Center’s acclaimed BABEL series brings four of the world’s most important authors to Buffalo each year, engaging local audiences, attracting guests from across the country and Canada, and creating a global literary conversation right here at home.

2025–2026 BABEL Season Subscriptions

ON SALE THROUGH OCTOBER 16! Season Subscriptions include a ticket for all four BABEL events at Kleinhans Music Hall, as well as virtual links for all four events, offering flexibility for attendees to attend in-person or from home.

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No events currently scheduled. Check back soon for updates to the calendar!

2025–2026 Individual BABEL Event Tickets

ON SALE NOW! Individual BABEL event tickets include a virtual link, offering flexibility for attendees to attend in-person or from home.

Thursday, November 20, 2025
7:30 pm
Kleinhans Music Hall
Babel - Hernan Diaz - November 20 2025 - Kleinhans Music Hall - Just Buffalo Literary Center

BABEL: Hernan Diaz

Pulitzer Prize winner Hernan Diaz takes the stage to discuss Trust, the bestselling novel Barack Obama called one of his favorites. Diaz blends history, mystery, and money into an electrifying exploration of power and truth. Soon to be an HBO series.

Come be inspired by this acclaimed writer & thinker.

3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

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Thursday, March 26, 2026
7:30 pm
Kleinhans Music Hall
Babel - Tara Westover - March 26 2026 - Kleinhans Music Hall - Just Buffalo Literary Center

BABEL: Tara Westover

Tara Westover’s memoir Educated—a #1 New York Times bestseller for over two years—has transfixed readers with its unforgettable story of self-invention. Born to survivalists in rural Idaho, Westover didn’t set foot in a classroom until she was 17 but went on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University and wow the world.

Come be inspired by her story of resilience and the power of learning to rewrite your own script.

3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

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Thursday, April 23, 2026
7:30 pm
Kleinhans Music Hall
Babel - Imani Perry - April 23 2026 - Kleinhans Music Hall - Just Buffalo Literary Center

BABEL: Imani Perry

MacArthur genius and National Book Award winner Imani Perry unveils her new book, Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People. Blending history, art, and personal reflection, Perry illuminates the forces that have shaped American life and the Black imagination through the color blue—from indigo cloth to blues music.

Join us for a revelatory evening with one of today’s most powerful thinkers and poetic voices.

3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

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2025–2026 BABEL Community Events

Join us for a series of BABEL-related events throughout the season, including reading groups, writing workshops, and more.

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No events currently scheduled. Check back soon for updates to the calendar!

FAQs About BABEL

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about our BABEL Author Series.

Why assigned seating?

Your security is of the utmost importance to us. Assigned seating provides greater assurance of safety & also gives you the assurance that you get the seat you want!

Do I need to read the book to attend?

Absolutely not. BABEL events are inspiring whether you’re a dedicated fan or just curious.

What are your safety & security procedures?

Metal detection wands will be used upon entry to the venue. Please do not bring large bags or backpacks; they will not be permitted inside the hall, and must be left at coat check.

Are proof of vaccination or masks required?

No, proof of vaccination is not currently required for entry to Kleinhans Music Hall, nor are masks required inside the venue.

Where do I park?

Parking is free at the Kleinhans Music Hall parking lot. Space is limited.

Will there be books available to buy?

Yes! Talking Leaves … Books will be on-site selling books by our featured author (and all of this season’s BABEL authors!). A book signing will follow the event.

How do I watch the event from home?

All ticketholders will receive an email from babel@justbuffalo.org 48 hours before the event with a link to watch the live stream, with an additional reminder sent day-of. Click the red button at the bottom of the email that says “My Virtual Event Link” to watch live! This link will only work for the live stream starting at 7:30 p.m. on the night of the event. A password-protected event recording will be made available to watch within 48 hours of the event.

NOTE: You must be signed up for the Just Buffalo Newsletter in order to receive the virtual link. (To sign up, opt-in during the checkout process, or use the form in the footer of the website.)

Can I participate in the Q&A from home?

Yes! Just drop your question in the chat on Vimeo, and we will write your question on an index card (just like our in-person audience will be doing) and get it onstage.

Help! I'm having some issues with watching the live stream.

Direct any questions you have during the BABEL live stream to the chat box and we’ll try to help! First, though, some tips: use Google Chrome as your internet browser for the best experience, and make sure you have your browser window fully maximized on your screen (otherwise, it may cut off the chat box, depending on your browser & screen size).

I missed the live stream—how do I watch the recording?

You will also be granted access to a password-protected event recording, which will be emailed to you within 48 hours of the event and remain accessible to watch one week after the event through 11:59 p.m. (EST) This email will come from babel@justbuffalo.org.

Where is the event program?

The event programs are digital this year! You can always view the latest digital BABEL program at https://www.justbuffalo.org/babelprogram.

More Questions?

Email info@justbuffalo.org with “Event Question” in your subject line, or call us at (716) 832-5400.

Toni-Morrison-BABEL-500x500
Colson-Whitehead-booksigning-photo credit Nancy J Parisi 500x500
Jesmyn-Ward BABEL photo credit Nancy J Parisi
George Saunders BABEL photo credit Nancy J Parisi
Patti Smith BABEL photo credit Bruce Jackson 500x500
Kiese Laymon 4.25.24 photo-credit-NancyJParisi_500x500

About BABEL

The very name of the series is inspired by that ancient tale of a world shattered and confused, people unable to speak to one another. How to explain the inexplicable? This is the gift of great literature: offering us not simple answers, but lasting enigmas that challenge us to speak even when we have no words.

And BABEL is more than a lecture series. For every author, we organize a full spectrum of events, including book discussions, screenings of film adaptations and documentaries relevant to the selected books, and special events for high school and college students to meet the authors in an intimate setting.

Get Involved with BABEL

Here are a couple of ways that you can get involved.

Toni-Morrison-BABEL-500x500

Become a BABEL Sponsor

Just Buffalo’s BABEL series reaches a dynamic cross-section of our community—breaking social, economic, cultural, and geographic boundaries to bring people of all walks of life together to celebrate the power of the written word.

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Colson-Whitehead-booksigning-photo credit Nancy J Parisi 500x500

Make a Donation

One of the simplest but most meaningful ways to support BABEL and Just Buffalo’s mission is to make an online donation in whatever amount is convenient for you—one-time, monthly, or yearly. Give in honor or in memory of someone special, and we’ll send an acknowledgement.

Make a Donation
Jesmyn-Ward BABEL photo credit Nancy J Parisi

Become a BABEL Volunteer

Want to give the gift of your time?
 Just Buffalo’s BABEL Author Series is powered by generous, curious, community-minded people like you. Whether you’re greeting guests at the door or handing out programs, you’re helping to bring world-class literature to Buffalo—and making sure every guest feels welcome.

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The Latest BABEL News

Stay up-to-date on the latest news about the BABEL Author Series.

BABEL with Colm Tóibín
Friday, October 17, 2025
BABEL with Colm Tóibín
Last night we kicked off the BABEL season with none other than Brooklyn and Long Island author Colm Tóibín. Tóibín dazzled the audience with his humor, insight, and beautiful storytelling—a perfect start to the season!
BABEL with Tommy Orange
Thursday, November 14, 2024
BABEL with Tommy Orange
Last night was deeply inspiring and insightful. Thank you to Tommy Orange, our audience and all of the people behind the scenes that make BABEL possible!
BABEL with Sandra Cisneros
Friday, October 11, 2024
BABEL with Sandra Cisneros
Last night was such a wonderful start to the BABEL season! Sandra Cisneros captivated all of us with her honesty, her humor and her effortlessly beautiful storytelling.
All BABEL News
All Literary Events News

Past BABEL Events

Take a look at BABEL’s rich history to date.

Oct 16, 2025
Kleinhans Music Hall
Babel - Colm Toibin - October 16 2025 - Kleinhans Music Hall - Just Buffalo Literary Center

BABEL: Colm Tóibín

Join critically acclaimed, bestselling author Colm Tóibín and host Barbara Cole for an in-depth and in-person discussion about his work and his book, Long Island.

3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

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Apr 30, 2025
Kleinhans Music Hall
James McBride - BABEL - Just Buffalo

BABEL: James McBride

Join bestselling author, musician, and screenwriter James McBride and host Barbara Cole for an in-depth and in-person discussion about his work and his book, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store.

3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

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Oct 10, 2024
Kleinhans Music Hall
Sandra Cisneros - BABEL - Just Buffalo Literary Center

BABEL: Sandra Cisneros

Join award-winning poet, short-story writer, novelist, essayist, performer, and artist Sandra Cisnerosi and host Barbara Cole for an in-depth and in-person discussion about her work and her book, The House on Mango Street.

3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

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Nov 9, 2023
Kleinhans Music Hall
Michelle Zauner - BABEL - November 9 2023 - Just Buffalo Literary Center

BABEL: Michelle Zauner

Join indie-rock artist and bestselling author Michelle Zauner and host Barbara Cole for an in-depth and in-person discussion about her work and her book, Crying In H Mart.

3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

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Oct 6, 2023
Kleinhans Music Hall
Jhumpa Lahiri - BABEL - October 6 2023 - Just Buffalo Literary Center

BABEL: Jhumpa Lahiri

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning and bestselling author Jhumpa Lahiri and host Barbara Cole for an in-depth and in-person discussion about her work and her book, Whereabouts: A Novel.

3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

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Apr 26, 2023
Kleinhans Music Hall
Isabel Wilkerson - Babel 2022-2023 - Just Buffalo Literary Center

BABEL: Isabel Wilkerson Sold Out

Join National Book Critics Circle Award-winning and bestselling author Isabel Wilkerson and host Barbara Cole for an in-depth and in-person discussion about her work and her book, The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration.

3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

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Mar 30, 2023
Kleinhans Music Hall
Anthony Doerr - Babel 2022-2023 - Just Buffalo Literary Center

BABEL: Anthony Doerr Sold Out

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning and bestselling author Anthony Doerr and host Barbara Cole for an in-depth and in-person discussion about his work and his book, All the Light We Cannot See.

3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

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Nov 10, 2022
Kleinhans Music Hall
Omar El Akkad - Babel 2022-2023 - Just Buffalo Literary Center

BABEL: Omar El Akkad Sold Out

Join bestselling author and journalist Omar El Akkad and host Barbara Cole for an in-depth and in-person discussion about his work and his book, What Strange Paradise.

3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

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Oct 14, 2022
Kleinhans Music Hall
Elizabeth Kolbert - Babel 2022-2023 - Just Buffalo Literary Center

BABEL: Elizabeth Kolbert Sold Out

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning and bestselling author Elizabeth Kolbert and host Barbara Cole for an in-depth and in-person discussion about her work and her book, The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History.

3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

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Apr 21, 2022
Kleinhans Music Hall
BABEL - Colson Whitehead - April 21 2022 - Just Buffalo Literary Center

BABEL: Colson Whitehead (In-Person & Online)

Join Just Buffalo Literary Center for an evening with award-winning author Colson Whitehead, discussing his book The Underground Railroad, a gripping tale of one woman’s will to escape the horrors of bondage—and a powerful meditation on the history we all share.

3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

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Mar 16, 2022
Kleinhans Music Hall
BABEL - Alison Bechdel - March 16 2022 - Just Buffalo Literary Center

BABEL: Alison Bechdel (In-Person & Online)

Join Just Buffalo Literary Center for an evening with award-winning cartoonist Alison Bechdel, discussing her latest work, a profoundly affecting graphic memoir titled The Secret to Superhuman Strength, which was released in 2021 and described by The Guardian as “quietly astonishing” and “extraordinarily generous.”

3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

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Nov 18, 2021
Kleinhans Music Hall
BABEL - Chang-rae Lee - November 18 2021 - Just Buffalo Literary Center

BABEL: Chang-rae Lee

Join Just Buffalo Literary Center for an evening with award-winning author Chang-rae Lee, discussing his book My Year Abroad, an exuberant, provocative story about a young American life transformed by an unusual Asian adventure—and about the human capacities for pleasure, pain, and connection.

3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

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More BABEL Seasons (2010-April 2021)