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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Current BABEL Season

BABEL 2024-2025 Logo - Just Buffalo Literary Center

Just Buffalo Literary Center is excited to announce the BABEL season for 2024–2025, once again bringing the world’s most important authors to Buffalo, engaging local audiences, attracting guests from across the country and Canada, and creating a global literary conversation right here at home.

BABEL Tickets

March 2025
Cheryl Strayed - BABEL - Just Buffalo

BABEL: Cheryl Strayed

Join bestselling author Cheryl Strayed and host Barbara Cole for an in-depth and in-person discussion about her work and her book, Wild.
Thursday, March 20, 2025
8:00 pm
Kleinhans Music Hall & Online
3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201 (Free Parking) / Online via Livestream
April 2025
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.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
8:00 pm
Kleinhans Music Hall & Online
3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201 (Free Parking) / Online via Livestream
No event found!

BABEL Community Events

No event found!

I got an e-ticket and paper tickets—which should I use at the door?

It’s up to you! We recognize that what’s convenient & comfortable is different for each attendee, so we have provided both options and you may present either your e-ticket or paper ticket at the door.

How do I find my e-ticket?

Search your email inbox for:

  • A subject line that begins with “Your Ticket(s)”
  • The sender “admin@justbuffalo.org”
  • Be sure to use the most recent version you’ve received, as they now include individual QR codes for each attendee
  • You can also click the “Download PDF” button in the header to get the most recent version of your e-ticket

I bought e-tickets for a group—how does that work?

  • If all attendees on your ticket are arriving and entering together, scroll down to the “Scan To Check In All Attendees” QR code for faster entry!
  • If any of the attendees on this ticket will be entering separately, use the individual QR codes on your e-ticket instead. Be sure that each attendee has this e-ticket email and knows which attendee QR code to use (in case they aren’t clearly labeled).

Frequently Asked Questions about BABEL & Other Events

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 8 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.

I'm having some issues with watching the live stream—help!

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 about our events?

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

About BABEL

Past BABEL Seasons

E-Ticket Check-in Process

Be sure to have your e-ticket ready when you arrive at Kleinhans.

  • If ALL attendees on your ticket are arriving and entering together, scroll down to the “Scan To Check In All Attendees” QR code for faster entry
  • If ANY of the attendees on your ticket will be entering separately, use the individual QR codes (and be sure that each attendee has the e-ticket email)

Watching from Home?

  • If you choose to watch from home instead of attending in-person, the virtual link will be sent to you from babel@justbuffalo.org.
  • 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.)
  • Ticket purchases made after 3:45pm EDT on April 26 will not receive live-stream link. But if you miss the live stream, don’t worry—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 through Friday, April 7, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.