Downtown Buffalo has long been known for its rich architectural history, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, guests will have an opportunity to visit and explore these marvels up close and personal during Doors Open Buffalo. This free, self-guided tour is offered exclusively through Explore Buffalo.
All participating buildings are within a 1.5-mile radius of the Buffalo Convention Center.
An annual and highly anticipated event, the goal of Doors Open Buffalo is to excite visitors about the city’s unique architectural heritage … and it never disappoints! It’s an opportunity to visit building interiors that are often not open to the public, and participants can visit as many locations and in whatever order they wish.
Following are some Doors Open Buffalo ’26 highlights:
• A Family Friendly Trail sponsored by C-SAAHN will be offered, where locations will host kid friendly activities.
• New locations in 2026 include the Edward M. Cotter Fireboat, Eliza Quirk House, Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship (former Buffalo News building) and Mohawk Place.
• Among the returning institutions is the Historic Colored Musicians Club, which is near the finish line of an extensive renovation.
• Helpful Information Hubs will be located in the Buffalo Convention Center and Buffalo Visitor Center at Canalside, where participants can come with questions, ask for directions, etc.
Please note that the average participant experiences between five and seven buildings during Doors Open Buffalo. This self-guided event takes place rain or shine, and vsitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. All participating buildings are within a 1.5-mile radius of the Buffalo Convention Center.
Doors Open Buffalo is made possible with the support of grants and many sponsors, including the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, Visit Buffalo, Ciminelli Real Estate, Highmark WNY, West Herr, C-SAAHN Fund, Lawley, National Fuel, Uniland and The Summit FCU. Explore Buffalo programs, including Doors Open Buffalo, are also made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and by Erie County Cultural Funding.
For more information on Doors Open Buffalo, please visit https://explorebuffalo.org/doorsopenbuffalo/.
Free registration is required to attend Doors Open Buffalo. To register, visit https://explorebuffalo.vbotickets.com/event/doors_open_buffalo_2026/203085.
For a map of participating locations, visit https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?ll=42.88279538205681,-78.87294849999998&z=15&mid=1OwgiVUhxh-mcDQBFuBVjIGtTHAXEie0. Printed maps will also be available at all participating locations on Sept. 26.
Also, please note each building’s listed hours in advance as some will not be open for the entirety of the event.
To learn more about Explore Buffalo and its many offerings and programs, please visit https://explorebuffalo.org/, call (716) 245-3032 or email ex*****@************lo.org today.
