thurs. 22-sun. 25

Plantasia: Taste of Spring — Thousands of square feet of beautiful gardens, water features, patios, flowers and accessories. Shop at more than 175 vendors, enjoy food and have some spring fun. Enjoy free educational seminars presented by experts. Don’t forget to bring the kids so they can enjoy the Children’s Discovery Garden. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, March 22-Saturday, March 24; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, March 25 at the Fairgrounds’ Event Center and Expo Hall, 5820 South Park Ave., Hamburg; $. 649-3900, www.plantasiany.com

fri. 23

Blues & Brews Benefiting Kevin Guest House — More than 500 guests are expected to pack the house to enjoy cold brew, mouthwatering barbecue from Kentucky Greg’s Hickory Pit and the legendary blues sound of Chicago Jack Civiletto & the Win, Lose or Draw band, 6-10 p.m. Friday, March 23 at the Ellicott Square Building, 295 Main St., Buffalo; $. Advance tickets can be purchased by cash, check or credit card at Kevin Guest House, 782 Ellicott Street, Buffalo. 882-1818, http://kghbluesandbrews2012.eventbrite.com

Amherst Player’s Season Closer — Come mingle with all your Amherst Player’s friends, 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 23 at Christ United Methodist Church, 350 Saratoga Road, Amherst. R.S.V.P. at 791-7529 or e-mail amherstplayersinc@gmail.com

fri. 23-sun. 25

Buffalo Motorama — The premier indoor car and bike show in Buffalo is carrying on the 50-plus-year tradition of custom, original, race, exotics and bikes showcased in downtown Buffalo. The show will feature rare and original muscle cars, high-end exotics, customs, tuners, race and bikes. Hours: 4-10 p.m. Friday, March 23; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, March 24; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, March 25 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin St., Buffalo; $. 855-5555, www.buffalomotorama.com

sat. 24

International Wear Purple Day 2012 — This annual international effort was started by a young girl in Nova Scotia and supported by the Anita Kaufman Foundation. The event continues to raise awareness for epilepsy by following in their tradition in hosting this fun for everyone fundraiser. It includes an open bar, a buffet dinner and basket auction. 6-10 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at Banchetti’s by Rizzo’s, 550 North French Road, Amherst; $. 883-5396, www.epilepsywny.com

Annual Pancake Breakfast — Presented by the Amherst Lions Club, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 350 Saratoga Road, Amherst; $. 838-6444

sat. 24-sun. 25

Gem Mineral Fossil Show — Join the Buffalo Geological Society for their 44th annual show, featuring demonstrations, displays, beads, jewelry, gem collections and unique gifts, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, March 24; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, March 25 at the Fairgrounds’ Market & Grange buildings, Hamburg; $. www.bgsny.org

sun. 25

St. Gabriel’s R.C. Church Theme Basket Raffle — There will be a bounce house for the kids, free ice cream sundaes, 50/50 raffle, and food will be available for purchase. There are more than 100 baskets, 11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 25 at St. Gabriel’s R.C. Church, 5271 Clinton St., Elma; Free. 685-3986

St. Joseph’s Table — Presented by the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, 1 p.m. Sunday, March 25 at St. Benedict Church, 1317 Eggert Road, Amherst; $. 832-2086

The WNY Toy, Comic Book & Collectible Show — Shop for a variety of collectibles with more than 45 tables of discount toys and collectibles, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, March 25 at American Legion Post 1322, 950 Payne Ave., North Tonawanda; $. 695-3415, toyshow@roadrunner.com

Sips and Tips — There’s no people like show people — especially when they’re your bartender for the evening. All the tips collected from the celebrity mixologists will benefit the Theatre Alliance of Buffalo. Administrators and artistic directors of prominent Buffalo theatres will be “acting” as celebrity bartenders, 6-8 p.m. Sunday, March 25 at Solé Restaurant, 810 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo; $. www.theatreallianceofbuffalo.com

50th Annual Variety Kids Telethon — 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, March 25, Adam’s Mark Hotel Grand Ballroom, 120 Church St., Buffalo. 854-7577

10th Annual Fur Ball — Ten Lives Club presents 100-plus theme baskets, silent auction items, crafts, vendors, food and music, 1-6 p.m. Sunday, March 25 at Knights of Columbus, 36 Pierce Ave., Hamburg. 646-5577

mon. 26-sun. 1

WNY Local Restaurant Week — A Bit of WNY culture in every bite as you celebrate dining out with friends and family for $20.12, at the same time supporting your local independent restaurants. Visit www.localrestaurantweek.com for more information.