Destination - Allentown!
2008 Events and Tours Listing
Explore Allentown, Buffalo’s preeminent historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy walking tours, an interior house tour, art festivals, theater and more! There are many events for the whole family to enjoy while strolling some of the most picturesque Victorian streetscapes found anywhere in Western New York.
The Allentown Association, Inc.
14 Allen Street, Buffalo, New York 14202
(716) 881-1024 / www.allentown.org
Porter Avenue, Symphony Circle and the War of 1812
Historic Marker Dedication and One-hour Walking Tour
Learn about Porter Avenue and North Street’s role during the War of 1812 while at the same time see the architectural wonders that have been built there in the last nearly 200 years. At 10:30 AM, a new historical marker will be dedicated in front of the Karpeles Porter Hall Museum, telling the story of Job Hoisington’s brave battle on Porter Avenue. A brief reception will follow (inside the museum) and at noon, a one-hour walking tour of Porter Avenue and Symphony Circle will be given. Sat. 5/24; dedication starts at 10:30 AM and tour at noon; both begin at Karpeles Porter Hall, 453 Porter Ave. FREE.
Franklin Street
Two-hour Exterior Walking Tour
Franklin Street contains Buffalo’s best intact collection of large brick mansions built during the 1850s and 1860s. See Italian Villa mansions and other architectural marvels like the St. Louis Church, Buffalo’s oldest high school and the Cyclorama building that housed 400 foot-long painted murals! Sat. 5/31, 10 AM, tour starts at the corner of Franklin at Edward Streets, $8/$6 for Allentown Association members & kids.
Irving and Park Streets
Two-hour Exterior Walking Tour
On two of Allentown’s most beloved streets, Irving and Park, every beautiful house proclaims the craftsmanship of their 19th century builders. See the famous Tifft “row houses,” an icon of Allentown and the famous arts & crafts Rolfs House. Learn where author F. Scott Fitzgerald lived and which houses were built on the former cemetery that inspired a short story by Mark Twain. Sat. 6/7 & 8/30, 10 AM tour starts at the corner of Allen St. and Irving Pl., $8/$6 for Allentown Association members & kids.
Victorian Pocket Parks
Two-hour Exterior Walking Tour
19th century horticulturalist Andrew Jackson Downing and Allentown namesake Lewis F. Allen both recommended the creation of “pocket parks” around which to build homes. Allentown has two of these parks: Arlington and Days Park. See these charming pedestrian parks and the stately houses surrounding them, including Buffalo’s finest Carpenter Gothic Revival house. Fri. 6/20, 7 PM, tour starts at the corner of North and College Streets, $8/$6 for Allentown Association members & kids.
North Pearl and Main Streets
Two-hour Exterior Walking Tour
See picturesque North Pearl, a street that echos Buffalo's post-Civil War prosperity with brick and stone homes built between 1865 and 1885 in the Italianate and Second Empire styles. Also see some preservation victories including the GraniteWorks and McDonnell building along with Allentown’s current preservation challenge, the Bosche Building. Sat. 6/28, 10 AM, tour starts at the corner of N. Pearl and Allen Streets., $8/$6 for Allentown Association members & kids.
Mariner and Park Streets
Two-hour Exterior Walking Tour
Named for Buffalo’s early lake mariners, Mariner Street today is known for its many wood-frame Victorian “Painted Lady” homes. See where the famous actress Katherine Cornell lived and many of the restored substantial houses on Park Street. Sat. 8/2, 10 AM, tour starts at the corner of North and Mariner Streets, $8/$6 for Allentown Association members & kids.
Kleinhans Music Hall and Symphony Circle
Two-hour Interior and Exterior Walking Tour
Kleinhans Music Hall, a National Historic Landmark, is an architectural and artistic treasure. Built from funds bequeathed by philanthropists Edward & Mary Kleinhans, the hall was designed by world-class architects Eliel & Eero Saarinen who produced a modern, yet timeless, masterpiece. Explore the exterior and interior of the hall and the surrounding Frederick Law Olmsted-designed restored Symphony Circle. Sat. 7/12 & 9/6, 10 AM, tour starts at the statue of Chopin on Symphony Cir., $10.
North Street, Symphony Circle and Arlington Park
Two-hour Exterior Walking Tour
See the spectacular buildings that surround the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Symphony Circle including the Birge Mansion and other mansions built on a former cemetery. Also see the soaring tower of the First Presbyterian Church, a nearby group of restored Victorian homes built on the site of a former circus ground and lovely Arlington Park. Fri. 6/27, 7 PM & Sat. 8/23, 10 AM, tour starts at the corner of North and College Streets, $8/$6 for Allentown Association members & kids.
Allentown: The Weekday Full Walking Tour
Two-hour Exterior Walking Tour
Enjoy a leisurely walk as you see the charming streets and Victorian architecture of the historic Allentown district. Each week the tour guide will present a progress report on the recreation construction of the Carriage House at the Theodore Roosevelt site. Mondays beginning 6/30, 10 AM, in front of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site at 641 Delaware Avenue. $6 or $4 for TR Inaugural Site Members.
Allentown Ghost Walk
1½ hour Exterior Walking Tour
Take a walk on the dark side… into Allentown’s shadowy past! Sponsored by Mason Winfield’s Haunted History Ghost Walks, discover Allentown’s occult architecture and (though the shady streets are lovely), some of the grisliest ghosts in Buffalo. A key feature of the walk is the curious "Allentown Line." You'll look with new eyes on the atmospheric district of famous authors, artists, buildings and events! Fridays begining 7/11, 7 PM, tour starts at Allen St. Hardware Cafe, 245 Allen at College Sts. $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 7-11.
Allentown Art Festival / Allen West Festival
Join the thousands of art patrons who visit the annual festival held since 1958 with over 400 juried exhibitors. At the same time, the Allen West Festival (sponsored by Metro Polis Realty and produced by the Allentown Association), takes place on Allen Street between Elmwood Ave. and Wadsworth Street and features local artists, arts & crafts and a jolly good time! If you are hungry or thirsty during the festival, please visit the Allentown Association’s hot dog stand on Delaware Ave. near Edward St. Sat., 6/14 and Sun., 6/15, 11 AM to 6 PM - FREE.
Garden Walk
Self-Guided Tour of Allentown’s Gardens
Buffalo’s premier self-guided tour of its most interesting gardens - with many Allentown gardens included in the walk. Sat. 7/26 and Sun. 7/27, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Allentown headquarters, 14 Allen Street - FREE, full map is $5.
Buffalo Infringement Festival
The festival brings together a broad range of eclectic, independent, experimental, and controversial art forms. Visual, performing, musical, and media art exhibitions take place in multiple venues in and around Allentown, Thurs. 7/24 through Sun. 8/3. For specific event listing, see: http://infringebuffalo.org/ on the Internet. FREE or a small donation for most events.
Allentown Porch and Garage Sale
Nothing could be more fun than walking Allentown’s famed streets filled with Victorian homes while searching for that bargain to add to your antique collection. Many of Allentown’s residents will be selling their wares on Sat. 8/16, 9 AM - 5 PM. Get your map at the Allentown Association, 14 Allen St. - FREE.
Secrets of Allentown
Self-Guided Interior Historic Home Tour
Buffalo’s premier interior historic house tour includes some truly spectacular and rarely-opened private homes. The self-guided tour begins at the Clement Mansion and includes the Katherine Pratt Horton home on Delaware Avenue, preserved to look as it did when it was occupied by one of Buffalo’s most prominent City of Light-era socialites. Tour starts at the Clement Mansion (Red Cross), 786 Delaware Avenue at Summer Street. Sun. 9/14, 11 AM to 5 PM; $17 pre-sale or $20 day-of-event.
Victorian Christmas
Holiday Events at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site
Enjoy the holiday season by visiting the Wilcox Mansion at 641 Delaware Avenue near North Street, decked out in grand style with fragrant greens and seasonal decor. Find one-of-akind gifts at their well-stocked holiday boutiques. Be sure to visit the Internet site at http://www.nps.gov/thri/index.htm for a full listing of events, dates and prices.
2008 CALENDER
Sat. May 24 - 10:30 AM - War of 1812 Marker Dedication; Noon - 1 hour walking tour; Karpeles Museum, 453 Porter Ave. - FREE
Sat. May 31 - 10 AM - 2 hour Franklin Street walking tour, starts at corner of Franklin/Edward, $8/$6.
Sat. June 7 - 10 AM - 2 hour Irving and Park Streets walking tour, starts at corner of Irving/Allen Streets, $8/$6
Sat. June 14 & Sun. June 15 - Allentown Art Festival and the Allen West Festival on Allen Street, 10 AM - 6 PM - FREE
Fri. June 20 - 7 PM - 2 hour Victorian Pocket Parks walking tour, starts at corner of North/College Streets., $8/$6
Fri. June 27 - 7 PM - North Street/Arlington Park walking tour, starts at corner of North/College Streets, $8/$6
Sat. June 28 - 10 AM - 2 hour North Pearl and Main Street walking tour, starts at corner of Allen/N. Pearl Streets, $8/$6
Mon. June 30 - 10 AM - 2 hour full Allentown walking tour, starts at TR Site, 641 Delaware, $6/$4 for TR Site members
Mon. July 7 - 10 AM - 2 hour full Allentown walking tour, starts at TR Site, 641 Delaware, $6/$4 for TR Site members
Fri. July 11 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware Cafe, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Sat. July 12 - 10 AM - 2 hour Kleinhans Music Hall interior and exterior tour, starts at Chopin Statue in Symphony Circle, $10
Mon. July 14 - 10 AM - 2 hour full Allentown walking tour, starts at TR Site, 641 Delaware, $6/$4 for TR Site members
Fri. July 18 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware Cafe, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Mon. July 21 - 10 AM - 2 hour full Allentown walking tour, starts at TR Site, 641 Delaware, $6/$4 for TR Site members
Fri. July 25 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware Cafe, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Thurs. July 24 - Sun. August 3 - Buffalo Infringement Festival - many events in Allentown - FREE or low cost
Sat. July 26 & Sun. July 27 - GardenWalk, 10 AM - 4 PM Allentown headquarters, 14 Allen Street - FREE
Mon. July 28 - 10 AM - Two hour full Allentown walking tour, starts at TR Site, 641 Delaware, $6/$4 for TR Site members
Fri. Aug. 1 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware Cafe, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Sat. Aug. 2 - 10 AM - Two hour Mariner and Park Streets walking tour, starts at corner of Mariner/North Streets, $8/$6
Mon. Aug. 4 - 10 AM - Two hour full Allentown walking tour, starts at TR Site, 641 Delaware, $6/$4 for TR Site members
Fri. Aug. 8 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware Cafe, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Mon. Aug. 11 - 10 AM - 2 hour full Allentown walking tour, starts at TR Site, 641 Delaware, $6/$4 for TR Site members
Fri. Aug. 15 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware Cafe, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Sat. Aug. 16 - 9 AM - 5 PM - Allentown porch and garage sale, maps available at 14 Allen Street
Mon. Aug. 18 - 10 AM - Two hour full Allentown walking tour, starts at TR Site, 641 Delaware, $6/$4 for TR Site members
Fri. Aug. 22 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware Cafe, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Sat. Aug. 23 - 10 AM 2 hour North Street/Arlington Park walking tour, starts at corner of North/College Streets, $8/$6
Mon. Aug. 25 - 10 AM - Two hour full Allentown walking tour, starts at TR Site, 641 Delaware, $6/$4 for TR Site members
Fri. Aug. 29 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware Cafe, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Sat. Aug. 30 - 10 AM - 2 hour Irving and Park Streets walking tour, starts at corner of Irving/Allen Streets, $8/$6
Fri. Sept. 5 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware Cafe, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Sat. Sept. 6 - 10 AM - 2 hour Kleinhans Music Hall interior and exterior tour, starts at Chopin Statue, Symphony Circle, $10
Fri. Sept. 12 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware Cafe, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Sun. Sept. 14 - Secrets of Allentown Interior Historic House Tour, 11 AM - 5 PM, starting point at the Clement Mansion, 786 Delaware Ave.; $17 pre-sale and $20 day-of-event
Fri. Sept. 19 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Fri. Sept. 26 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Fri. Oct. 3 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware Cafe, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Fri. Oct. 10 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware Cafe, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Fri. Oct. 17 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware Cafe, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Fri. Oct. 24 - 7 PM - 1½ hour Allentown Ghost Walk tour, starts at Allen St. Hardware Cafe, 245 Allen, $10/adults, $5/children
Victorian Christmas, Dec. 2008 - Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site (Wilcox Mansion)
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