Forest Lawn Cemetery / Step Out Buffalo
During a typical Buffalo winter, we all feel inclined to stay and bed and snuggle up with some hot cocoa and a movie (wishing we could ignore jobs and sleep instead!). Luckily, we’ve had a mild winter this year — so why not make the most of it? Instead of waiting for the spring, grab your friends and scope out some new places now. The best part? You can leave your wallet at home – because not only are these ideas less than $5, they’re actually free!
Ice Skating at the Rotary Rink
LOCATION: 20 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202
HOURS: Tuesday through Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Closed Mondays
*February 15th through February 19th : 11am – 9pm
From now until March 13th, you can grab your pair of skates and head to the Rotary Rink. Located amidst the scenic downtown Buffalo, you can skate day or night. With Valentine’s Day coming up quickly, the Rotary Rink is the perfection place to bring your winter sweetheart. The Rotary Rink is family friendly, as well — and if you (or your kids) need skates, you can rent them for under $5.00. For more information about hours and rates, click here.
Take a Walk in the Park
Although wandering outdoors might sound like a crazy idea at first, it can actually turn out to be a picturesque and relaxing experience. There are plenty of parks, nature reserves and spots to wander scattered around Western New York such as Delaware Park, Amherst State Park, Forest Lawn Cemetery, and the Clarence Bike Path. You can either bring a notebook and a pen and sketch in solitude, or get in some brisk exercise with a friend. And of course: you can always build a snowman!
M&T First Free Friday at the Albright Knox
LOCATION: 1285 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
The first free Friday at the Albright Knox is one of my favorite long-standing traditions. The Knox is open for an extended period — from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on — often, there is food and music that accompanies the art. The next free Friday takes place on March 4th. Artwork from Joan Jonas, Erin Sheriff, the Impressionists, and more will be on display! For more information about current exhibits, click here.
UB’s Gallery Re-Opening at the CFA
LOCATION: 103 Center For The Arts, Buffalo, NY 14260
The UB Gallery will hold and opening reception on February 25th from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. showcasing work by Ragnar Kjartansson. Kjartansson, an Icelandic performance artist, has been featured in museums internationally. The UB Art Gallery will have his nine screen video installation, The Visitors, on view. This exhibit will be open until May 14th. For more information about the UB Art Gallery and upcoming events, click here.
Pure Ink Poetry Slam
LOCATION: The Gypsy Parlor. 376 Grant St, Buffalo, NY 14213
Whether you’re there to listen or to sing out your ode to the crowd, Pure Ink Poetry welcomes all to the Gypsy Parlor to indulge in a night of artistic appreciation. For more information about Pure Ink Poetry and The Gypsy Parlor, click here and here.
See a free show at Buffalo Ironworks
LOCATION: 49 Illinois St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Finding free concerts can be a trying task in the winter when the bustling Canalside closes down. Luckily, Buffalo Ironworks offers plenty of free concerts — both of local and international variety — all winter long! This month, Ironworks presents Dirty Smile (February 24th) a local band that is characterized as “rockpopsoul.” There are also several other free concerts in March — from Miller and the Other Sinner (March 1st) to The Black and Blues Band (March 8th). For a detailed calendar of all free concerts, click here.
Go to an art class at Locust Street Art
LOCATION: 138 Locust St, Buffalo, NY 14204
HOURS: Tuesdays & Thursdays: 3:30-6, 6:30-9:00 PM, Saturdays: 1 – 6 PM
From now until May 7th, Locust Street Art offers free art classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Locust Street Art, an organization established in 1959, aims to provide free education for youth and elderly alike; they strive to provide an accessible and creative learning environment for both beginners and art-vets. Locust Street Art offers classes in painting, clay, book arts, and more! For more information about classes, click here.
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