Doors Open Buffalo Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to see every building on Doors Open day?
The average Doors Open visitor sees between 5 and 7 buildings on Doors Open Buffalo Day. We include dozens of different buildings so that there’s something for everyone’s interests! Doors Open Buffalo is not designed for visitors to make it to all participating buildings in one day. Doors Open is an annual event, and we bring back many of the same buildings every year. If you miss some buildings that you wanted to see this year, we will be back again next year!
Is Doors Open Buffalo a Guided Tour?
Doors Open Buffalo is a choose-your-own-adventure self-guided experience! You may visit any building in any order you like at your chosen pace. Some participating locations do offer guided tours of their buildings. Guided Tours of buildings will be noted on individual buildings’ pages on the website.
Where do I begin?
The first step is to pre-register for the event for free on our website. On the day of the event, please bring your emailed confirmation either on your phone or printed out. You may start your day at any of the participating locations. You may also pick up your map and admission bracelet at any participating location by showing your registration email confirmation. Once you have your bracelet, that is your admission into the participating locations (except for Timed Ticket buildings which require an additional ticket). On September 20, if you’d like to chat with Explore Buffalo staff or have general questions about the event, you can visit us at our Information Hub at the Buffalo Convention Center located at 153 Franklin Street!
What are Timed Ticket buildings?
Timed Ticket buildings require that you register for an additional ticket in order to tour those particular buildings. Timed Tickets are free of charge and are first come first served. There are no waiting lists available if Timed Tickets sell out. Buildings with Timed Ticket requirements are noted next to the building name on the website and noted on the paper map.
If I am only going to reserve a spot at a Timed Ticket building or am only registering for Quiet Hour, do I still need to register for the entire event?
If you are only registering for a Timed Ticket, we ask that you also register for the entire event. If you are only attending Quiet Hour, you only need to register once.
How do I learn more information about the building I am visiting?
While our wonderful volunteers will have some information to share with you on the building you are visiting, there are more details on each individual building’s page on our website.
May I take photos of the buildings’ interiors?
Most buildings allow for interior photography and filming, but there are a few that do not. Please check each individual building’s page or ask our volunteers if interior photography is allowed.
How do I get around downtown during Doors Open Buffalo?
All participating buildings are within a 1-mile radius of the Buffalo Convention Center. We suggest parking your car in one place and walking to each building that you want to visit. It’s a great way to get your steps in! (Note: Most street parking in downtown Buffalo is free on Saturday but please always check the street signs for parking information.)
You can also visit the NFTA’s website to learn more about getting around via public transportation. (Note: Explore Buffalo does not determine the NFTA bus and light rail schedules.)
How do I know if the buildings are fully wheelchair/stroller accessible?
Buildings that are wheelchair/stroller accessible are noted with an H next to them on the paper map. On the website, each individual building page will list if the building is wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Where are the restrooms located?
Buildings that offer restroom facilities are noted with an R next to them on the paper map. On the website, each individual building page will list if the building offers restrooms.
Where can I eat or get a cup of coffee on September 20?
We have compiled a list of many downtown restaurants and cafes that will be open on Saturday September 20. Click here to view them!
(Note: This list does not include food trucks. Please check with your favorite food trucks to see if they’ll be in the area that day.)
