Black Rock Riverside Alliance

Scajaquada Full Circle Speaker Series - History from Indigenous to Industrial
2024-09-03 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14222, United States
This September we’ll be holding a recurring speaker series at the Burchfield Penney Art Center every Tuesday from the 3rd to the 24th!
Our Scajaquada: Full Circle Speaker Series brought to you in conjunction with the Black Rock Historical Society and the Scajaquada Corridor Coalition will center on the Scajaquada Creek Corridor and talk about the history of Scajaquada Creek as a vital lifeline in what is now the City of Buffalo! You can book your tickets at https://scajaquadaspeakerseries.eventbrite.com. Tickets are FREE!
Check out our Eventbrite page and our events calendar for more information.
This series is sponsored by the generosity of the Baird Foundation, City of Buffalo Common Councilor Joseph Golombek and the ECEMC.

Children's Bike Parade and Free Seed Giveaway
2024-06-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Market Square Park, Amherst & Niagara St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
Children’s Bike Parade: June 30th, 2023
Assembly begins at 2:00 PM at Market Square Park (corner of Amherst & Niagara St.) Bike Parade begins at 3:00 PM
ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY PARENT OR GUARDIAN
Fun kids’ activities, bike decorating, and a free seed giveaway by the BRRAlliance!

June 2024 Really Really Free Market
2024-06-22 10:00 - 12:00 | St. Mark’s/All Saints Church, 311 Ontario St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
We’re holding another Really Really Free Market! Saturday June 22, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at St. Mark’s/All Saints Church, 311 Ontario St., Buffalo NY 14207, bring your (clean) clothes, functional appliances, toys your kids have outgrown and other useful items you no longer need to give away to others, and find some things to take home yourself – Really, Really Free!

Please note that this is not a drop-off event! Please stick around so that you can take home any items you bring that aren’t taken by another visitor or collected to be donated to those in need. Thank you!

2024 Urban Treks Challenge
2024-06-21 00:00 - 2024-10-15 23:59 | NY
Welcome to the 3nd Annual Western New York Urban Treks Challenge brought to you by Outside Chronicles and the Black Rock Riverside Alliance (BRRAlliance). This challenge was created to get people out on our urban trails during our beautiful Buffalo summers.
The Western New York Urban Treks Challenge is designed to give people an opportunity to visit some of well-known and little-known urban parks. Along with hiking the trails, the trail material will educate participants on parks history and local flora and fauna to spot along the trail.
The Urban Treks Challenge will run until October, 15, 2024. Registration is $20 for a single individual and $40 for a family of up to four individuals.
Visit https://outsidechronicles.com/urban/ for more information!

2024 Gay Mart
2024-06-01 11:00 - 17:00 | Market Square Park, Amherst & Niagara St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
The second annual Gay Mart is happening! Come on down to the Market Square Park at the corner of Amherst St and Niagara St in Riverside NY for a super fun flea/makers market! This market is geared towards LGBTQIA+ vendors and customers but everyone is invited! It is a safe space for everyone to come shop, meet new people, and see some local entertainment!

Hosted by Jay Dragomir Art and The Story Garage with the support of the Black Rock Riverside Alliance.

11:00 AM – 5:00 PM June 01, 2024 at Market Square Park, corner of Amherst & Niagara St., Buffalo NY 14207.

May 2024 Really Really Free Market
2024-05-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Black Rock Harbor Center, 52 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
May 18 2024 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
52 Amherst St., Buffalo NY 14207

It’s time for another Really Really Free Market! Got toys or clothes your kids have outgrown? Bring ’em! Got a new toaster and no longer need your old one? Bring it! Bring and give away still-useful things you no longer need and browse the tables for the things you DO need!
And it’s all really, really free!

Spring Environmental Speaker Series #4 - Be in the Know: Environmental Impact Projects Happening in 2024
2024-04-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Black Rock Harbor Center, 52 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
April 27 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Black Rock Harbor Center, 52 Amherst St Buffalo, 14207
The BRRAlliance is hosting a Spring environmental speaker series. This is the last in a series of four engagements.
Topic: Be in the Know: Environmental Impact Projects Happening in 2024
Presenter: Anne McCooey, Executive Director, BRRAlliance
The BRRAlliance has been at the forefront of environmental work in the community since it’s inception. From creating and maintaining community gardens, to improving streetscape, to promoting and investing in beautification projects, to making Buffalo and Erie County the 16th and 6th largest National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitats respectively in the country the BRRA has been positively impacting the environmental health and wellness of the community.
BRRAlliance Executive Director Anne McCooey and a special guest or two, will share updates on projects happening in our community and discuss ways that everyone can participate in 2024 in some of the projects and programs underway. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more and get involved, because the environmental health of a community is reflected in health of it’s residents.

Spring Environmental Speaker Series #3 - Niagara Musky Association Conservation Efforts
2024-04-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Black Rock Harbor Center, 52 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
April 20 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Black Rock Harbor Center, 52 Amherst St Buffalo, 14207
The BRRAlliance is hosting a Spring environmental speaker series. This is the 3rd in a series of four engagements.
Presenter: Scott Kitchen, Treasurer and Conservation Director, Niagara Musky Association
Topic: Niagara Musky Association Conservation Efforts
An overview of the basis for the conservation efforts by the Niagara Musky Association that focuses on preservation and enhancement of the Lake Erie and Niagara River aquatic environments.

Spring Environmental Speaker Series #2 - Wonderful Winter Waterfowl of the Niagara
2024-04-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Black Rock Harbor Center, 52 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
April 13 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Black Rock Harbor Center, 52 Amherst St Buffalo, 14207
The BRRAlliance is hosting a Spring environmental speaker series. This is the 2nd in a series of four engagements.
Speaker: Connie Adams, Department of Environmental Conservation
Topic: Wonderful Winter Waterfowl of the Niagara
This talk will focus on the diversity of waterfowl species that spend from December through March on Lake Erie and the Niagara River.
As a wildlife biologist for NYS DEC, Connie Adams will examine what draws these ducks, geese and swans to Western NY from the high Arctic every winter, and some of the challenges they face as they spend a chilly season on this waterway we treasure.

Community Eclipse Viewing at Riverside Park
2024-04-08 13:30 - 16:30 | Riverside Park, Buffalo NY, NY, 14207, United States
April 08 2024 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (Approximate, see below)
Location: Riverside Park, Buffalo NY 14207
This once in a lifetime opportunity to be in the path of totality for a solar eclipse is definitely an event worth experiencing with friends, family and neighbors so join the BRRAlliance and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy for a community eclipse viewing at Riverside Park on Monday, April 8, 2024 from 1:30p-4:30p, and graciously supported by North District Common Council Member Joe Golombek.

The BRRAlliance will have solar eclipse viewing glasses available on a first come, first serve basis thanks to the support of the Buffalo Museum of Science and Erie County Legislator Michael Kooshoian.

So bring a chair or blanket, a picnic lunch or refreshments to enjoy while you wait and watch as the moon slowly blocks out our sun for three minutes! And don’t forget once we are in totality the temperature is expected to drop up to 10 degrees so dress appropriately.

Due to the increase in traffic in the city anticipated on this day, we encourage our community members to walk, bike or take public transportation to and from this event whenever possible.

Spring Environmental Speaker Series #1 - What is the Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust?
2024-04-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Black Rock Harbor Center, 52 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
April 06 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Black Rock Harbor Center, 52 Amherst St Buffalo, 14207
The BRRAlliance is hosting a Spring environmental speaker series. This is the 1st in a series of four engagements.
Speaker: Tracy Fletcher, Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust
Topic: What is the Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust?
Land Trusts do important work in our communities and the Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust is no exception. Recently accredited with the Land Trust Alliance, the BNRLT is focused on improving waterfront access and remediating impaired lands along them. Come hear about the work we do and get an update on each of our project sites.

Adopt-A-Block Collaborative: March 30 Niagara St. Clean-Up
2024-03-30 10:00 - 12:00 | NY
UPDATE: This event has been rescheduled to March 30 due to inclement weather.
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Sat. March 30 – Various locations along Niagara St.
See the flyer below for more information.

The BRRAlliance Meat Raffle
2024-03-09 17:30 - 20:30 | American Legion Post #1041, 533 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
Back for Year 2! Come out and help the BRRAlliance at this meat raffle fundraiser by taking a chance on winning something tasty for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, or Dyngus Day! There will also be door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and basket raffles!
Pre-sale admission $10, reserved tables of 8 seats $70. Admission at the door $12 on the night of the raffle. Our Eventbrite page is now LIVE!
The price of admission will include a beer and wine bar – bring your own snacks to share! 21+ only, please. No outside alcohol.
Raffle emceeing by WNY Meat Raffles.

Dare to Repair Cafe
2024-02-24 11:00 - 14:00 | Black Rock Harbor Center, 52 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
Fix it, don’t ditch it!
A FREE event hosted by the BRRAlliance and the Tool Library.
When your stuff breaks, you should have the right to repair it. We’ll show you how!

Dare to Repair Cafes are pop-up community events where individuals can bring broken items and have a team of volunteer fixers try to repair the item alongside them FOR FREE!

Current repair categories include small appliances, lamps, vacuums, small electronics, clothing, and textiles, and costume jewelry.

Please no gas powered items, cellphones, tablets, or TVs.

Learn a new skill, save money, and help save the planet!

Please be sure to RSVP on our website so we know what sort of repairs to expect and we can ensure we’ve got a fixer who can help you: https://www.thetoollibrary.org/daretorepair/

Birds on the Niagara International Winter Bird Festival 2024
2024-02-16 08:00 - 2024-02-19 22:00 | NY
Promoting the intersections between birds, environmental conservation and social justice.
An all-ages, family-friendly event series. Hosted tours, walks, seminars, presentations, family and kids’ events.
An event itinerary with locations and times is coming soon! Keep an eye on the Birds of the Niagara website and their Facebook page for more information!

Niagara Cycle Street Track: Adopt-a-Block Follow-Up Meeting
2024-02-15 09:30 - 11:00 | Black Rock Harbor Center, 52 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
February 15th, 2024. 9:30 AM, at the Black Rock Harbor Center
52 Amherst St., Buffalo NY 14207
The Adopt-a-Block program is seeking volunteers and organizations who want to help make the Niagara Street Cycle Track a more vibrant, safer, cleaner place for pedestrians, cyclists, and businesses!

2023 Environmental Speaker Series
2023-10-28 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-10-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-10-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Black Rock Harbor Center, 52 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
A series of one hour events discussing issues we face in our urban environment, ways we can be good environmental stewards, and new environmental initiatives being undertaken by the City of Buffalo.

October 07: Anne McCooey & Chris Murawski,

BRRAlliance & Clean Air Coalition of WNY
Topic: Air Quality in Our Communities

October 14: Barbara Haney, Erie County SPCA

Topic: Coexisting With Urban Wildlife

October 21: Ignacio Villa, Farmer Pirates Compost

Topic: The City of Buffalo’s New Composting Initiative

October 28: Connie Adams, Department of Environmental Conservation

Topic: Migratory Birds and WNY: Niagara River Bird Habitats

Market Square Vintage & Maker Market
2023-10-07 11:00 - 16:00 | Market Square Park, Amherst & Niagara St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
An open-air market selling handmade craft items, as well as art, vintage and rare items. October 07 2023, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Market Square Park, Corner of Amherst & Niagara St.

2023 Environmental Speaker Series
2023-10-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Black Rock Harbor Center, 52 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
A series of one hour events discussing issues we face in our urban environment, ways we can be good environmental stewards, and new environmental initiatives being undertaken by the City of Buffalo.

October 07: Anne McCooey & Chris Murawski,

BRRAlliance & Clean Air Coalition of WNY
Topic: Air Quality in Our Communities

October 14: Barbara Haney, Erie County SPCA

Topic: Coexisting With Urban Wildlife

October 21: Ignacio Villa, Farmer Pirates Compost

Topic: The City of Buffalo’s New Composting Initiative

October 28: Connie Adams, Department of Environmental Conservation

Topic: Migratory Birds and WNY; Niagara River Bird Habitats

Music by the Murals in Market Square Park
2023-09-30 15:00 - 18:00 | NY
A FREE live music series provided by the BRRAlliance! August 19th, September 2nd, 16th, and 30th. 3:00-6:00 PM.
Aug 19: JJ White & the Mojo Sauce Band
Sept 02: Henry’s Summer Kitchen
Sept 16: Stoneflower Acoustic
Sept 30: The Jay/Sharptet
This program is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by Arts Services Inc.

34th Annual NYPA Wildlife Festival
2023-09-23 10:00 - 2023-09-24 17:00 | Niagara Power Vista Visitors’ Center, 5777 Lewiston Rd, Lewiston, NY, 14092, United States
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will host its 34th annual Wildlife Festival featuring more than 50 exhibitors and vendors, various wildlife shows, archery, fishing pond, shooting trailer, and more. Get hands-on experience in outdoor activities. Exhibitors include the NYS DEC, NYS Parks, area scouts and conservation groups. Learn about conservation and renewable energy and enjoy wildlife shows with The Primate Sanctuary, Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics and Hawk Creek. Sign-up for the Kids Fishing Derby and enjoy a festival scavenger hunt. In addition to the festival activities, guests are invited to enjoy the all-new state-of-the-art exhibits at the Niagara Power Vista. Free admission and free parking!

Music by the Murals in Market Square Park
2023-09-16 15:00 - 18:00, 2023-09-02 15:00 - 18:00 | Market Square Park, Amherst & Niagara St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States

2nd Annual River Rock Run 5K
2023-09-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Riverside Park, Buffalo NY, NY, 14207, United States
Please join us for the 2nd Annual River Rock Run 5K being brought to you by the BRRAlliance (Black Rock Riverside Alliance)! We are excited to announce that we are hosting our race on Saturday September 9, 2023. This year we will unveil a brand new USATF certified course and provide professional RFID timing and finish line services with the help of Race Management Solutions! Proceeds from the event will be used to fund the operations and environmental and economic development initiatives of the BRRAlliance and their mission of improved quality of life and community enrichment for those that live and work in the North District of Buffalo. Visit our OFFICIAL WEBSITE for additional information on who we are, what we do, and for a complete list of upcoming events and activies!

Music in Market Square Park
2023-08-19 15:00 - 18:00 | Market Square Park, Amherst & Niagara St., Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
A FREE live music series provided by the BRRAlliance! August 19th, September 2nd, 16th, and 30th. 3:00-6:00 PM.
This program is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by Arts Services Inc.

Niagara County Fair
2023-08-02 08:00 - 2023-08-06 20:00 | Erie County Fair & Exposition, 5600 McKinley Pkwy, Hamburg, NY, 14075, United States
Come visit the BRRAlliance at our booth!

12th Annual Paddles Up Niagara
2023-07-29 10:30 - 13:30 | Beaver Island State Park, 2136 W Oakfield Rd, Grand Island, NY, 14072, United States
Looking to participate in one of the best group kayak paddle events in the region? Yes? If that’s the case, then you will want to know about the annual Paddles Up Niagara event – an outing that not only gets people out on the water, it also provides insight into of the region’s most coveted natural resources – The Mighty Niagara River.
The 16th Annual Paddles Up Niagara event is presented by the Niagara River Greenway, along with NY State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Town of Grand Island. The group paddle takes place at Beaver Island State Park on July 30, 2022, and features multiple nature-focused organizations, such as US Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, and the WNY Land Conservancy.
This paddle outing is for water lovers, nature enthusiasts, conservationists, adventurers, and those who want to learn a thing or two along the way.

2023 Give 716
2023-07-16 19:16 - 2023-07-18 07:16 | NY
Help the BRRAlliance raise funds through the 2023 Give 716 initiative supported by the Buffalo Bills, Sabres, and the NLL CHAMPION Buffalo Bandits!
