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:

Games Night (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.	Movie Night (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 Art 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.
Ice Cream Social (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.	Dinner Meeting (Saturdays) This is either a potluck dinner at a member's home, or a dinner meeting at an area restaurant.	Coffee Shop Meeting (Saturdays) Join fellow Mensans for drinks and/or dessert at a local coffee shop such as Spot Coffee, Caffe Aroma, or Starbucks.
Bar Meetup Meet at a bar or restaurant (usually during happy hour) for drinks and/or food.	Billiards Night (Saturdays during winter) Meet at a member's home to play a few games of pool and enjoy some snacks.	Gifted Youth Program 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:

Pancake Brunch and Games Afternoon (Saturday in April or May) This is an all-day event at a member's home, including a potluck brunch, game playing and socializing.	Fireworks Viewing (Saturday in July) On the Saturday closest to the 4th of July, view a fireworks display at a park.	Summer Picnic (Saturday in July or August) Classic family-friendly picnic with BBQ and games at a local park.
Bowling (Labor Day weekend) Join fellow Mensans for a few games of bowling at Airport Lanes.	October Games Night (Saturday in mid/late October) Games night with a Halloween theme. Costumes and treats with a spooky theme are welcome.	Thanksgiving Potluck (Thanksgiving weekend) Enjoy a delicious potluck dinner and pleasant conversation at a member's home.
Holiday Party (Saturday or Sunday, mid-December) Enjoy dinner at a banquet hall and participate in a gift swap.	Jewish Christmas (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.