Local Activities
Some may find it surprising, but Mensa is a very social organization. Each local group has a number of social events, and Western New York Mensa is no exception. There are a wide variety of activities to choose from, not just intellectual or "highbrow" activities. Each issue of our newsletter, the Mensana, includes a calendar of upcoming events.
Here are a few socials we have featured on our calendar of events:
![]() (Saturdays) Meet at a member's home to play games, eat snacks, and just chat. Participants are asked to bring a snack as well as any favorite games that they would like to play, which can include board games, card games, or just about anything else. |
![]() (Fridays or Sundays) Get together at a member's home to view a DVD, or enjoy a classic movie presentation with a brief history and background before the film. |
![]() (First Friday of each month) On the first Friday of each month, a group of Mensans meet to see an art film and then go out to eat afterwards. |
![]() (Saturdays) Meet fellow Mensans for ice cream. Past locations have included Anderson's and Antoinette's. In the summer months, this event is often combined with a walk at a nearby park or bike path, and/or dinner at a restaurant. |
![]() (Saturdays) This is either a potluck dinner at a member's home, or a dinner meeting at an area restaurant. |
![]() (Saturdays) Join fellow Mensans for drinks and/or dessert at a local coffee shop such as Spot Coffee, Caffe Aroma, or Starbucks. |
![]() Meet at a bar or restaurant (usually during happy hour) for drinks and/or food. |
![]() (Saturdays during winter) Meet at a member's home to play a few games of pool and enjoy some snacks. |
![]() Various events for Mensa families, for example board games events, indoor rock-climbing, Science Museum visits, theater visits, movies, picnic, parents' discussion, etc. |
We also have some annual events:
![]() (Saturday in April or May) This is an all-day event at a member's home, including a potluck brunch, game playing and socializing. |
![]() (Saturday in July) On the Saturday closest to the 4th of July, view a fireworks display at a park. |
![]() (Saturday in July or August) Classic family-friendly picnic with BBQ and games at a local park. |
![]() (Labor Day weekend) Join fellow Mensans for a few games of bowling at Airport Lanes. |
![]() (Saturday in mid/late October) Games night with a Halloween theme. Costumes and treats with a spooky theme are welcome. |
![]() (Thanksgiving weekend) Enjoy a delicious potluck dinner and pleasant conversation at a member's home. |
![]() (Saturday or Sunday, mid-December) Enjoy dinner at a banquet hall and participate in a gift swap. |
![]() (December 25th) For those who don't want to celebrate Christmas the traditional way, or who don't celebrate it at all. Join fellow Mensans for Chinese food and a movie. |
But we aren't limited to the events you see listed here. Other events that we have held include lunch meetings, antiquing, and a viewing of Shakespeare in the Park. Keep in mind that all the events you see on the calendar were put there by individual members - so as a member, if there's an activity you'd like to see on the calendar, feel free to suggest it.
Calendar of Events May 2025
- THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 7:00-9:00 PM. CHAT & NIBBLE (& SIP) at SNEAKERS, 205 Martin Avenue, Blasdell
- Come out and enjoy scintillating conversation and perhaps an appetizer or sandwich and maybe a pint to wash it down. Questions? Call Fred Collins at (716) 824-2867. On the day of the event, you can contact Fred on his mobile phone, (716) 868-2705
- SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 7:30 to 9:30 PM. ICE CREAM SOCIAL at KING CONDRELL’S CANDY AND ICE CREAM, 2805 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore.
- Serving up treats such as the Kenmore West, Kit Kat Attack, and Snickerlicious since 1966, King Condrell’s is sure to please. No RSVP necessary, but call Joe at (716) 885-1097 if you have questions.
- SUNDAY, MAY 4, 11:00 AM. BRUNCH AT PEGASUS RESTAURANT, 5748 South Park Avenue, Hamburg.
- This month, our "Eat Local" breakfast brigade will meet at Pegasus Restaurant, now in its 30th year serving food family-style just down the street from the Hamburg Fairgrounds. RSVP to Jan by Thursday, May 1, by calling or texting Jan at (716) 432-1077
- SUNDAY, MAY 4, 4:00 PM. CULTURE QUEST XXXVI team competition will be held for those who previously signed up with Joe Ippolito.
- Event will be held via Zoom. Our teams have placed in the top 20 nationally in recent years.
- SATURDAY, MAY 10 is the deadline for June calendar events.
- Call Joe at (716) 885-1097 or email josephmontante@yahoo.com
- SATURDAY, MAY 17, 11:00 AM. ANNUAL PANCAKE BRUNCH AND GAMES AFTERNOON hosted by Joe Montante, 59 Chapin Parkway, corner of West Delavan Avenue, Buffalo
- RSVP at (716) 885-1097 or by email to josephmontante@yahoo.com by 6 PM Friday, May 16, so that menu items can be coordinated. Bring a dish to pass and a favorite game to play. Kitty contribution: $2. Some in the group may decide to take a walk after the big meal
- SATURDAY, MAY 24, 7:00-9:00 PM. ICE CREAM SOCIAL at Alethea’s Chocolates, 8301 Main Street, Clarence
- In addition to their fabulous ice cream treats, they have homemade pies, cheesecakes, rice pudding, and specialty coffee. Questions? Call Joe at (716) 885-1097.
- THURSDAY, MAY 29, 7:00-9:00 PM. CHAT & NIBBLE (& SIP) at AMBER LANTERN BREWING COMPANY, 44 North Main Street, Warsaw
- Come out and enjoy scintillating conversation and perhaps an appetizer or sandwich and maybe a pint to wash it down. Questions? Call Fred Collins at (716) 824-2867. On the day of the event, you can contact Fred on his mobile phone, (716) 868-2705.
Future Events - Save the Date
- SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 ANNUAL PICNIC
- Pinewoods Park, Shelter #1 - the same shelter that we have used previously.