A- Overview:
The breathtaking beauty of the natural wonder that is Niagara Falls would be enough to attract and hold the interest of almost any visitor. Yet, there is so much more to see and do in Niagara County that one vacation isn’t long enough. Twelve million visitors arrive in the area each year. More than a tourist attraction; Niagara Falls is part of our national heritage. Along with the Washington Monument, Yosemite Park, and Mount Rushmore, Niagara Falls is a place to visit with the whole family.
The entrance to the Falls on the United States side is through America’s oldest park, Niagara Reservation State Park. The year round spray and mist of the Falls contribute to a thriving, diverse plant life, and the trees, flowers and shrubs in the park provide a naturally occurring, incredibly beautiful background.
Within the park, there are a number of ways of enjoying the Falls experience. The best spot for viewing the American Falls and Upper Rapids is Prospect Point, the piece of land that juts out the farthest west over the Niagara River. The New York State Visitors Center located there provides information and a good introduction to the Falls and surrounding parks.
The New York State Park Observation Tower is also in the park. For an admission charge, the glass walled elevator can be taken to the area above the falls for a spectacular view. For a tour of the park, take the Viewmobile from Prospect Point. Tours by tram are offered seasonally.
The world famous Maid of the Mist Boat Tour is a must. Access to the tour is gained from the Observation Tower where rain gear is provided as part of the experience. The ride lasts one half hour. The boat tours run from mid May through October.
For the more adventurous traveler, the Niagara River can be rapidly covered on the Whirlpool Jet Boat. The Cave of the Winds trip provides an opportunity to walk through the spray at the base of the Falls. There is also a helicopter tour over the Falls with Rainbow Air. At a more relaxed pace, there are the tours of the Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara’s Wax Museum of History, and Niagara’s other museums and educational facilities. Casino gambling and entertainment has become a major attraction with the opening of the large Seneca Niagara Casino in downtown Niagara Falls, New York.
See top quality theater at Artpark and Artpark at the Church. Take a relaxing ride on board the Grand Lady Cruise Boat for a lunch or dinner cruise. Each night, take in the breathtaking view of the Falls, illuminated in vivid multicolor. During the summer months, Fireworks Over the Falls is featured every Friday evening. For winter visits, enjoy A Festival of Lights celebration, as Niagara Falls magically becomes a winter wonderland, complete with animated displays, entertainment, and daily activities.
Just minutes from the Falls are the charming small cities, towns, and villages where a visit to a local apple orchard or farm, exploration of historic landmarks, and shopping in picturesque craft and antique stores, as well as in extensive outlet malls, are all possibilities.
A fascinating vignette of our nation’s past is the extensive Erie Canal System that was hand dug in the early 1800s before the days of modern machinery. It was, and is, a marvel of engineering. Its system of locks raised and lowered the water at numerous points along the route from Albany to Buffalo to accommodate mule pulled barges carrying people and commodities. The 363-mile long canal system connected the Hudson River with Lake Erie to provide a major shipping route. A substantial height adjustment of 49.5 feet was necessary as the barges approached the Niagara escarpment. The Erie Canal Museum and two hour cruise on a surviving portion of the canal can be experienced at nearby Lockport, New York. Passengers watch the water rise as they peer from aboard the cruise boat through locks 34 and 35 at the approach to the escarpment. The cruise and museum are examples of the living history that is so abundant in the Niagara Falls, New York area, and is a priceless treasure to share with children and grandchildren.
Niagara is well known as a year-round, world-class sport fishing destination. Camping and boating sites are numerous. All of this is accompanied by a friendly, welcoming, hometown feel that brings visitors back year after year.
B- City Information:
Facts
Population: 61,840
Elevation: 571 feet
Height of American Falls: 190 feet; width 1060 feet.
Time Zone: Eastern Time
Area:
Emergency: 911. Non-emergency: police (716) 286-4711
Time and Temperature: (716) 844-1717
Average Temperatures:
Month
High
Low
January
30F
17F
February
30F
16F
March
38F
23F
April
52F
34F
May
65F
44F
June
75F
55F
July
80F
59F
August
79F
58F
September
72F
51F
October
60F
44F
November
46F
32F
December
33F
213F
Niagara’s winters are brisk and chilly, perfect for the Winter Festival! Snow and ice can continue into the month of March, and a snowstorm is still a possibility even in mid April. Be prepared with a jacket or sweater even in the summer, as there are cool breezes off Lakes Ontario and Erie.
Public Holidays:
Jan. 1 New Year’s Day
January ( 3rd Monday) Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday
February (3rd Monday) Presidents’ Day
May (Last Monday) Memorial Day
July 4 Independence Day
September (1st Monday) Labor Day
November 11 Veterans’ Day
November (4th Thursday) Thanksgiving Day
December 25 Christmas Day
How to get around:
Traveling by car from the south, take the New York State thruway (I90) and connect either with I190 or I290. I-190 is a spur which leads across Grand Island and connects with major highways to downtown Niagara Falls. For the most scenic entrance to the Falls, take the Robert Moses Parkway exit and follow signs to the Niagara Reservation State Park.
Within the city, the streets are laid out in an easy to follow grid pattern. Numbered streets run north to south and named streets run east to west. Avenues run east to west and boulevards run north to south or diagonally.
Bus service: For route and schedule information call: (716) 285-9319. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (Metro) provides bus service within the city and outlying areas, including Lockport and Buffalo. Buses run from 5:30am to 10:30pm. Some routes have extended hours; others have more limited schedules.
Railway: The Amtrak station is located at Hyde Park Blvd. and Lockport Road. For train schedule and ticket information call (716) 285-4224 or (800) 872-7245.
Automobile: It is wise to have a car available if travel is planned to any of the many attractions that are located outside the city.
Air Travel
From the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport, take Genesee Street to 1-90 East, Follow 1-290West (exit 50) to I-190 North, about a 25-30 minute drive. The Independent Taxi Association runs scheduled service between the airport and several Niagara Falls hotels. Please call ITA for more information: 1-800-551-9369. Rental cars are also available at the airport.
Airlines serving the Niagara Falls area:
Continental Airlines
5330 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221-5360
716-634-9622
Approximate mileage from major cities within
a 500 mile radius of Niagara Falls, NY USA
CITIES
MILES
Boston
475
Chicago
500
Cleveland
185
Detroit
250
Hamilton, Ont. (Canada)
58
Montreal, Que.(Canada)
380
New York City
400
Ottawa, Ont. (Canada)
335
Philadelphia
400
Pittsburgh
240
Rochester
53
Syracuse
148
Toronto Ont. (Canada)
90
Washington, DC
425
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Attractions
Note: New York State Master Pass can be purchased from Niagara Reservation State Park at P.O. Box 1132, Niagara Falls, NY 14303-0132. Tel. (716) 278-1770. It offers a 20% discount on attractions marked below.
Niagara Falls State Park Attractions
Maid of the Mist Boat Tour
151 Buffalo Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY
Access via Observation Tower elevator
at Prospect Point, located at the Reservation State Park.
716-284-8897
World famous boat tour of the three Falls (New York State and Ontario, Canada)
Spectacular one-half-hour ride.
Waterproof clothing provided.
Mid-May until late Oct.
Admission charge and small elevator fee.
Handicapped accessible
Included in New York State Master Pass.
New York State Park Observation Tower
Prospect Point
716-278-1762.
Dramatic views of all three Falls from this 282 foot structure.
A glass-walled elevator rises above the Falls, then descends
to the base and the boat tour. Admission charged.
Handicapped accessible.
Included in New York State Master Pass.
New York State Park Viewmobile
Prospect Point trams operate throughout the state park.
716-278-1730
Stops at all major points of interest.
Seasonal. Admission charged.
Handicapped accessible
Included in New York State Master Pass.
New York State Park Visitors’ Center
Prospect Park, Niagara Falls.
716-278-1796
An introduction to the Falls and surrounding parks.
Exhibits, Great Lakes Gardens,
tourist information center, gift shop, Falls side Cafe, restrooms.
Free.
Ice Bridge (sometimes appears in the winter)
The falling water and mist create ice formations along the banks of the Falls and river. This can result in mounds of ice as thick as fifty feet. If the winter is cold for long enough, the ice will completely stretch across the river and form what is known as the ice bridge.
This ice bridge can extend for several miles down river until it reaches the area known as the lower rapids. Until 1912, visitors were allowed to actually walk out on the ice bridge and view the Falls from below. February 24th of 1888 the local newspaper reported that at least 20,000 people watched or tobogganed. On February 4th 1912 the ice bridge broke up and three tourists lives were lost. Foot traffic on the bridge of ice is no longer allowed
There can also “mini-icebergs” which flow down the Niagara River from frozen Lake Erie. The flow of ice has been reduced considerably by the yearly installation of the “ice-boom” on Lake Erie. The ice-boom is a large floating chain of logs strung from Buffalo New York to Fort Erie Ontario. It is usually set in place during the month of December and removed in March. This boom helps prevent the ice from clogging the river and most importantly, the hydroelectric companies water intakes.
Prospect Point
Prospect Park
716-278-1762.
The prime viewing area for the American Falls
and upper rapids. Look for a rainbow in the morning mist or see
the Falls illuminated in colored lights every night.
Handicapped Accessible.
Cave Of The Winds Trip
on Goat Island
Niagara Falls , NY USA
(716) 278-1730
Seasonal. Admission charged.
Handicapped Accessible
Hours: Daily 9-8, mid-May through Labor Day; 9-5 (also Sat.-Sun. 5-6), day after Labor Day-late Oct. Schedule may vary; phone ahead
Under age 6 must be at least 42 inches tall
Waterproof clothing provided.
Included in New York State Master Pass.
The walking tour follows wooden walkways to within 25 feet of the base of the falls. An elevator takes visitors 175 feet through the Niagara rock escarpment to view the falls from the bottom. Allow 1 hour minimum.
Whirlpool State Park
On the Robert Moses Parkway
Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 278-1770
Admission: Free
Daily 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
The park is on a bluff overlooking the whirlpool that results from the Niagara River’s 90-degree turn. Nature trails throughout; Ramps and steps wind along the gorge.
Wintergarden
300 Rainbow Blvd.
Niagara Falls , NY 14303 USA
(716) 286-4940
Free Admission.
Daily 9 a.m.-11 p.m..
This is a glass-enclosed garden with tropical, semitropical and desert plants and trees, waterfalls, pools and secluded rest areas. Winding pathways, platforms and three-story glass elevators offer a variety of views. The garden is illuminated in the evening.
This is a favorite spot for weddings.
Niagara Summer Experience
E. Dent Lackey Plaza
300 Fourth Street at Duggan Drive
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
716-284-6188
Free.
Handicapped accessible.
Fridays at 8:00pm, in July and August. Music,
dancing, cultural exhibits, art fairs, concerts and
ethnic festivals presented by the Niagara Council of Arts.
Luna Island
Small island between the American and Bridal Veil Falls.
Offers a close-up view of both.
Terrapin Point
Goat Island. Viewing area for Horseshoe Falls.
Thundering water over the wide expanse and sweeping
curve of the Horseshoe.
Three Sisters Islands
Access via Goat Island. Offers a unique view of the upper
rapids and the river as it races to the falls.
Thrill Ride Niagara
2405 Niagara Falls Blvd.
Niagara Falls NY 14304
716-731-343
Niagara Festival Theater
1 Prospect Point Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 278-1792
The theater presents the film “Niagara Wonders.” Filmed using a technique that gives a 3-D effect, the movie provides a bird’s-eye view of the Niagara Falls region.
Admission charged
Shows on the hour Wed.-Sun. 10-8, May 19-Sept. 9; 10-6, Apr. 1-May 18 and Sept. 10-Oct. 7; Wed.-Sun. 9-5, Oct. 8-Nov. 24
Goat Island
716-278-1762
Niagara Falls , NY USA
in the Niagara River at the Falls. Easily accessible by foot or vehicular bridge,
this wooded island has paved drives and walks that offer spectacular views of both falls. The Three Sisters Islands, which lie in the rapids, are accessible by footbridge, as is Luna Island, which lies between the American and Bridal Veil falls. Wonderful area for a quiet walk, close-up view of the rapids
Niagara Reservation State Park
1 Prospect Point
Niagara Falls , NY
(716) 278-1796
Admission: Free
Visitor center open daily 8 a.m.-10:15 p.m., early May-Labor Day; daily 8 a.m.-8:15 p.m., early Apr.-early May and day after Labor Day-late Nov.; Sun.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-8:15 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-10:15 p.m., late Nov.-early Jan.; daily 8-6:15, rest of year. Park open daily dawn-dusk
The park covers more than 400 acres. New York’s oldest state park, it opened in 1885. The visitor center has displays and electronic exhibits about the falls and information about area attractions.
Over The Falls Tours
8888 Porter Rd
Niagara Falls , NY 14304 USA
(716) 283-8900
Admission charged.
Hours: Tours depart daily from 9-7. Hours may vary; phone ahead for information.
A choice is offered of three narrated van tours of Niagara Falls, New York . Each tour includes a ride aboard the Maid of the Mist. The tour also includes the Cave of the Winds Trip. The Illumination tour allows visitors to see the area’s attractions both during the day and at night. Allow 4 hours, 30 minutes minimum. One tour also includes a trip to the Canadian Falls.
Rainbow Air, Inc.
454 Main Street
Niagara Falls NY 14301
716-284-2800
Fax 716-298-5866
Daily 9-dusk
Ten minute tour.
Air tour offers views of both the American and Canadian falls. Allow 1 hour minimum
The Schoellkopf Geological Museum
Off the Robert Moses Pkwy near Main St.
Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 278-1780
Open April through October, call for hours.
Admission charged.
716-278-1780
Handicapped accessible
Included in New York State Master Pass.
The museum provides an audiovisual explanation of the natural history of the Niagara Gorge and the Falls. A geological garden and nature trail are on the grounds. Guided trail tours are offered seasonally by reservation.
The Church was built in the early 19th century. Highlights include stonework and stained-glass windows.
A Festival of Lights
345 Third Street
Niagara Falls NY 14303-1117
716-285-8484
Fax 716-285-0941
A Festival of Lights is one of the oldest and most outstanding regional winter festivals in the country. Since 1981 hundreds of thousands of families from around the world have attended the winter festivities.
The yearly show also features a Festival Laser Light Show. Along with indoor and outdoor light displays, there are activities and entertainment for families and visitors of all ages. Late November -January 1.
Other Local and Area Attractions
Niagara’s Wax Museum of History
303 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls NY 14303
716-285-1271
Admission charged.
Daily 9 a.m.-11 p.m., May-Sept.; 11-9 in Apr. and Oct.-Dec.; 11-5, rest of year
Handicapped Accessible.
Forty-six exhibits featuring life size wax figures in scenes depicting the history of the area. Topographic maps and collections of memorabilia from the Niagara frontier also are displayed.
Niagara Arts and Cultural Center (The NACC)
1201 Pine Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 282-7530
The NACC is located in a landmark, 1924 former high school. It is home to more than 75 artist studios and offers art, music, and dance classes. There are also two galleries, two theaters, a gift shop, and internet café.
St. Mary Of The Cataract Church
259 4th St. Niagara Falls , NY
(716) 282-0059
Admission: Free
Sun.-Fri. 8-1, Sat. 8-5
Seneca Niagara Casino
310 Fourth Street
Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14303 USA
716-299-1100
1-877-8-SENECA (73-6322)
Designed to simulate the gaming, dining and entertainment experience of Las Vegas, the casino advertises nationally-renowned performers; state-of-the-art slot machines and table games. There are 106,000 square feet of gaming, with over 3,000 slot machines and 97 table games. Also featured is Turtle Island, the non-smoking casino, the Blue Heron Room designed exclusively for high-stakes table games enthusiasts, a new High-Limit Slot Area and a live Poker Room. Seneca Niagara Casino also offers three restaurants, a 443-seat showroom-style theater, a live music venue on the gaming floor, retail stores, complimentary Valet parking and free self-parking. Located within walking distance of the Falls.
Daredevil Museum
303 Rainbow Boulevard
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
716-282-4046
Free.
9 am – 11 pm
Handicapped Accessible
Exhibits and photographs of people who have attempted daredevil stunts such as going over the Falls in a barrel.
Niagara Aerospace Museum
6929 Williams Road
Niagara Falls NY 14304
716-297-4148
Fax 716-297-4148
The Niagara Region was home to Curtis Wright and Bell Aircraft (later Bell Aerospace) who produced warplanes during World War II. Later, Bell Aircraft became famous for its jet and rocket engineering. This new and growing museum is dedicated to preserving the history of powered flight and of planes used in recent wars. It also recounts some of the history of associated industries such as Calspan, Cornell Aeronautical Labs, and Moog. The WWII Bell Airacobra, early helicopters, gasoline and jet engines, civilian airplanes are on display.
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool St.
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
(716) 285-3575
Daily 9-7, Memorial Day-Labor Day; 9-5, rest of year. Closed Thanksgiving and Dec. 25
Open year round from 9am daily. Parking is free
Admission charged.
Handicapped Accessible
Included in New York State Master Pass.
The aquarium displays more than 1,500 aquatic animals ranging from the Great Lakes to the coral reefs and is home to the state’s largest collection of Great Lakes Fish. Visitors can see California sea lions, sharks, piranha, river otters and more. Highlights include a colony of endangered Peruvian penguins and an outdoor harbor seal pool. The penguins are fed daily at 9:30 and 2:30, the seals at 11 and 3:45; sharks and otters are fed on alternate days at 11:30am
Fort Niagara
Youngstown NY 14174
716-745-7611
Fax 716-745-9141
This 300 year old French-British fort contains exhibits, historic buildings and is the scene of battle enactments by soldiers in period costume. Preserved as they stood in the 1700’s when France and Britain controlled Niagara, the Fort’s structures include the oldest building in the Great Lakes.
Old Fort Niagara is a NYS Historic Site operated by the Old Fort Niagara Association, a non-profit organization, in cooperation with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.
Herschell Carousel Factory Museum
North Tonawanda NY 14120-0672
716-693-1885
Fax 716-743-9018
Admission includes tickets to ride on the antique carousels (only persons under 42 inches in height can ride the Kiddie Carousel).
The building and 1916 carousel are listed on both the New York State and National Registers of Historic Sites.
Exhibits include: hand-carved carousel animals and two antique, working carousels:
The large 1916 #1 Special Carousel is 40 feet in diameter, has 36 hand carved horses and over 580 lights. This carousel was one of the first machines the company shipped after it opened for business at the Thompson Street location in 1915.
The second is located in the Children’s Gallery is a small 1940’s aluminum carousel. Called a “Kiddie Carousel” in the Allan Herschell Company catalog, it was created specifically for small children to ride without the need for adults to accompany them. The horses are child-size and the machine moves more slowly than a full sized carousel. The Kiddie Carousel has been completely restored and while adults cannot ride on the machine,
Pedaling History Bicycle Museum
3943 North Buffalo Road
Orchard Park, NY 14127
716-662-3853
Fax 716-662-4594
Pedaling History features one of the world’s largest collections of antique and classic American bicycles, including thousands of items of cycling-related memorabilia.
A very rare 1883 Otto Dicycle large two wheeled bicycle has recently been added to the collection. The gentlemen rider sits on this vehicle between two large wheels, one on each side of him. This is the only one of its kind in America and one of only a few remaining in the world. The machine is completely restored to its original condition.
Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Tours Inc.
210-228 Market Street
Lockport NY 14094
716-433-6155 or 1-800-378-0352
Fax 716-433-3679
Much remains the same on the Erie Canal today as it was in the 1800’s. Hand-dug to connect the Hudson River with the Niagara River and Lake Erie, the 363-mile Grand Old Erie Canal is a truly great engineering feat. Originally, 83 stone locks overcame the 571-foot difference in the level between the rivers. Enlarged in the early 1900’s, 35 locks now allow larger vessels to travel across New York State.
Experience a unique two hour cruise which includes “locking through” and being raised the 49 ft. elevation of the Niagara Escarpment (the same one that creates Niagara Falls) in the only double set of locks on the Erie Canal. You will pass under bridges that raise straight up, see water cascade over Lockport’s famous “Flight of Five” 1840’s locks, and travel through the solid walls of the “rock cut” as your United States – licensed captain describes the architecture, sights, and folklore along the way.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Attractions of Interest to Children
Explore & More: a Children’s Museum
430 Main St East Aurora, NY 14052
716/655-5131
Wed.-Sat. 10-4. Closed on holidays.
Admission charged
Unique museum encourages children to touch as they experiment, discover, play and learn. Designed for children up to age 10.
Herschell Carousel Factory Museum
North Tonawanda NY 14120-0672
716-693-1885
Fax 716-743-9018
The Carousel:
Located in the Children’s Gallery is a small, working, 1940’s aluminum carousel. Called a “Kiddie Carousel” in the Allan Herschell Company catalog, it was created specifically for small children to ride without the need for adults to accompany them. The horses are child-size and the machine moves more slowly than a full sized carousel. The Kiddie Carousel is restricted to children under 43 inches in height.
Toy Town Museum
636 Girard Avenue
East Aurora, NY
(716)687-5151
Fax (716) 687-5098
100 years of toys, games, music and literature for children. Fisher Price toy collection from 1930-1970. Rotating exhibit of various toy collections also.
ToyWorks is an interactive learning section of the museum for children to explore.
Niagara Aerospace Museum
6929 Williams Road
Niagara Falls NY 14304
716-297-4148
Fax 716-297-4148
Niagara Aerospace Museum is a new and growing museum. It is dedicated to preserving the history of powered flight and the man-made thunder that rolled over Niagara on the wings of war birds. It also recounts some of the history of associated industries such as Calspan, Cornell Aeronautical Labs, and Moog. The WWII Bell Airacobra, early helicopters, gasoline and jet engines, and civilian airplanes are on display
Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Tours Inc.
210-228 Market Street
Lockport NY 14094
716-433-6155 or 1-800-378-0352
Fax 716-433-3679
Experience a unique two hour cruise which includes “locking through” and being raised the 49 ft. elevation of the Niagara Escarpment (the same one that creates Niagara Falls) in the only double set of locks on the Erie Canal. You will pass under bridges that raise straight up, see water cascade over Lockport’s famous “Flight of Five” 1840’s locks, and travel through the solid walls of the “rock cut” as your United States licensed captain describes the architecture, sights, and folklore along the way.
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool St.
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
(716) 285-3575
Daily 9-7, Memorial Day-Labor Day; 9-5, rest of year. Closed Thanksgiving and Dec. 25
Open year round from 9am daily. Parking is free
Admission charged.
Handicapped Accessible
Included in New York State Master Pass.
The aquarium displays more than 1,500 aquatic animals ranging from the Great Lakes to the coral reefs and is home to the state’s largest collection of Great Lakes Fish. Visitors can see California sea lions, sharks, piranha, river otters and more. Highlights include a colony of endangered Peruvian penguins and an outdoor harbor seal pool. The penguins are fed daily at 9:30 and 2:30, the seals at 11 and 3:45; sharks and otters are fed on alternate days at 11:30am.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events
April
SEAster Egg Hunt
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool Street
Niagara Falls (716) 285-3575
The only underwater egg hunt in western NewYork. Rain or shine.
Lake Ontario Counties Spring Trout and Salmon Derby
Late April; early May
1-888-REEL2IN
Over $30,000 in cash and prizes. Call for dates and details.
May
Annual Railroad Showcase
Kenan Center Arena
Lockport, NY
(716) 433-2617
Call for dates ad details.
Lewiston Smelt Festival
Center Street and Lewiston Waterfront
(716) 754-9500
Anglers will batter and fry hundreds of pounds of smelt while local restaurants serve chowder, beer, Western NY’s famous beef on Weck, etc. Live music, Smelt Queen, lots of fun. Free admission.
June
Niagara Falls Community Faire
Early June
Hyde Park, Niagara Falls.
(716) 286-4325
Four days of free entertainment, concerts, rides, ethnic food, a Kidfest, parade. Free admission. Call for dates and times.
Annual National Trails Day
Early June
Niagara Gorge Discovery Center
Niagara Falls State Park
(716) 278-1770
Hike gorge and rim trails from Artpark to the Discovery Center. Free. Call for dates and times.
Annual Renaissance Faire
Hershell Carousel Museum
180 Thompson Street
North Tonawanda, NY
(716) 693-1885
Travel back in time with knights, old time crafts, music, and merriment for all ages. Admission charged.
End of June
Annual Outdoor Arts and Crafts Festival
Main Street
Lockport, NY
(716) 433-0813
Over 250 craft and food vendors in downtown Lockport. Free admission.
Artpark Big Band Series
Every Tuesday in the summer
Lewiston, NY
(716) 754-4375
Call for dates and scheduled performers.
July
Buffalo Philharmonic Pops Concerts
Artpark Mainstage Theater
Lewiston, NY
(716) 754-4375
Summer series featuring Marvin Hamlisch, conductor. Call for schedule.
Admission charged.
Annual Garden Walk
1302 Main Street
Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 283-6258
Twelve gardens in the area are open for viewing on the tour. Call for date and times.
French & Indian War Encampment
Old Fort Niagara
Youngstown, NY
(716) 745-7611
British and French armies, their native allies, and a host of settlers fill the fort to depict the 1759 siege of Niagara. Admission charged.
August
Niagara County Fair
Early August.
4487 Lake Avenue
Lockport, NY
(716) 433-8839
Features events, displays, entertainment for the whole family, including livestock shows, historical displays, music, food, games, rides, and fun.
Admission charged.
Late August
International Festival
Gill Creek Park
Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 284-6188
Call for details and dates.
September
Niagara Airshow
Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station
(716) 236-3200
Free Admission. Call for details.
Niagara Council of the Arts
E. Dent Lackey Plaza
4th St. & Duggan Dr.
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
(716) 284-6188
Niagara Council of the Arts presents a series of professional ethnic and performing arts events, within walking distance from the Falls.
September Fridays
6pm-10pm
Wilson Cruise Nights
Young St. in Wilson
(Off Rt. 425)
Classic cars displayed on Young St., the main street in Wilson, Stevie J. the DJ , Business Spotlight, and door prizes given each Friday.
716-751-6764
Niagara Wine, Food, and Jazz Festival
Third Street between Niagara and Main
Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 285-1252
Many events. Call for details. Admission free.
Last weekend of September
SEA & Do Festival
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool St.
Niagara Falls, NY
Family afternoon of hands-on fun with museums, attractions & community groups from across WNY & Southern Ontario! Aquarium admission includes all.
716-285-3575
October
Halloween Happenings
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool Street
Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 385-3575
Free admission when you arrive dressed as a sea creature. Prizes, treat bags, Sea Lion shows. Call for date and times.
November
mid-November-Dec 31
Fri: 6pm-10pm
Sat: 3pm-10pm
Sun: 3pm-9pm
A Festival of Lights
Downtown, Niagara Falls
NY’s premier 44 day winter festival; nightly illuminated Niagara Falls; indoor World of Animation; Wintergarden; ice skating; Holiday parade and tree lighting; entertainment; events.
716-285-8484
Thanksgiving weekend (Friday/Saturday)
Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
Niagara Falls Convention Center
Niagara Falls, NY
Annual Christmas arts & crafts show, located at the Niagara Falls Convention Center (100 vendors)
716-433-0813
Arts and Entertainment
Artpark & Company, Inc.
450 South 4th St., Lewiston, NY 14092
box office telephone: 716-754-4375
fax: 716-754-2741
Artpark offers a full spectrum of engaging entertainment; from productions of immortal Broadway musicals, swinging big band concerts and celebrity performances in the Main Theater; to free concerts, music and cultural festivals in the outdoor amphitheater. Created especially with the family in mind, Artpark also offers art, theater, and video camps for youth, and a variety of family programs on Saturdays. The park also includes numerous hiking trails, nature areas, fishing docks and picnic areas. There’s something for everyone at Artpark! Artpark is in New York State near the border between the US and Canada. Big bands, Bluegrass, comedy, Pops, 50s Rock.
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
Kleinhans Music Hall
370 Pennsylvania Street
Buffalo, NY 14201
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra enjoys a fine reputation around the world, especially among experienced musicians, composers and conductors.One will be hard pressed to find a major soloist who has not performed with the Philharmonic – from Jascha Heifetz to Itzhak Perlman, from Jennie Tourel to Jessye Norman, from Artur Rubinstein to Van Cliburn, from Danny Kaye to Yo-Yo Ma. The list of conductors is likewise impressive with names like Leonard Bernstein, Igor Stravinsky, Neville Marriner, Henry Mancini and a host of others.
Perhaps the Orchestra’s greatest accomplishment is its contribution to the artistic life of Western New York, made possible by more than six decades of support from its dedicated patrons. The Orchestra has performed over a thousand Youth Concerts for more than two million students on the Niagara Frontier as well as many concerts at campuses across the United States. Under the able direction of JoAnn Falletta, the Philharmonic averages more than 100 community performances each year bringing orchestral music to audiences throughout the region.
Principal Pops Conductor, Marvin Hamlisch, who also holds the position of Principal Pops Conductor with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC., directs the ambitious schedule of Buffalo Philharmonic Pops Concerts each summer at Artpark.