Buffalo Naval Park

Overnight Youth Encampment
2023-05-06 16:00 - 2023-05-07 10:00, 2023-04-29 16:00 - 2023-04-30 10:00, 2023-04-22 16:00 - 2023-04-23 10:00, 2023-04-15 16:00 - 2023-04-16 10:00, 2023-04-01 16:00 - 2023-04-02 10:00 (America/Halifax) | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Spend the night aboard USS Little Rock! Our overnight youth encampment is a unique adventure for scouts, youth groups, friends, and families.
During your overnight encampment, you will:
• Sleep in berthing compartments where the real Little Rock crew lived;
• Enjoy dinner and breakfast in the crew’s Mess Deck;
• Tour the USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, and USS Croaker;
• Participate in educational programs and activities to learn about life onboard ship (educational programs may vary).
Visit buffalonavalpark.org/overnight for additional information.

Behind the Scenes Curator Tour
2023-05-06 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-04-22 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-04-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Join the Buffalo Naval & Military Park’s Curator and Director of Museum Collections, Shane Stephenson, for a special behind the scenes tour of USS Little Rock.
This tour will give an in-depth look at our collections and highlight some of the challenges in preserving these important artifacts for future generations. Visit spaces on board the USS Little Rock that are not available on any of our other tours.
Each tour will last approximately 2 hours and will be limited to 11 people. When touring most areas of the ship, visitors should expect to traverse narrow passageways, be able to step over significantly raised thresholds, and climb up and down very steep ladders. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and bring a flashlight. Due to the length of the tour and the spaces that will be visited, this tour is not recommended for those under 11 years of age.
Curator Tours will take place at 1:00 PM.
Click here to purchase your tickets!

National Borinqueneers Day Commemoration
2023-04-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Buffalo Naval Park's Monuments Garden, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
On April 13, the Buffalo Naval Park will host a ceremony near the WNY Hispanic American Veterans Memorial at 11:00 AM to honor National Borinqueneers Day. The designation of April 13 as National Borinqueneers Day recognizes the bravery, service, and sacrifice of the 65th Infantry Regiment, a U.S. Army unit that consisted mostly of soldiers from Puerto Rico. They fought in World War I, World War II, and Korea.
This outdoor event is free and open to the public.

USS The Sullivans 80th Anniversary Event
2023-04-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
On April 4, 1943, USS The Sullivans was launched and christened by Alleta Sullivan, the mother of the five Sullivan brothers, less than five months after they were killed in action at the Battle of Guadalcanal. On the 80th Anniversary, at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 4, join the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park for a special event with members of the Sullivan family to honor the history and legacy of the ship and to recognize the people who have played an important role in its preservation.
This event is free and open to the public.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony
2023-03-29 10:00 - 10:30 | Buffalo Naval Park's Monuments Garden, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
On March 29, the Buffalo Naval Park will host a ceremony near the Vietnam War Memorial at 10 AM to honor National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
This outdoor event is free and open to the public.

Opening Day
2023-03-25 10:00 - 17:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Join the Buffalo Naval & Military Park on our opening day!
Ribbon cutting ceremony at 9:30 AM near the entrance of USS The Sullivans.
Hours for the 2023 Season:Open 7 days a week10 AM to 5 PM, with the last ticket sold at 4 PM

Army-Navy Game Watch Party
2022-12-10 14:30 - 18:00 | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Join the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park for the rivalry game of the year! We’ll be watching the Army-Navy Game on the big screen inside the Hangar Building. There will be food, drinks, games, prizes, and giveaways!
Registration is required. This event is open to the public with a recommended $35 donation at the gate. All proceeds from the game will be donated to the Buffalo Naval & Military Park to help maintain and preserve our ships.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony
2022-12-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Local actor Albert McFadyen will reprise his role as Franklin Delano Roosevelt during a special program at the Buffalo Naval & Military Park to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Japanese attacks on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in which more than 2,500 servicemen and civilians were killed and more than 1,200 were wounded.

McFadyen will recreate Roosevelt’s “Day of Infamy” speech to Congress, given on December 8, 1941, and share stories and anecdotes about Roosevelt’s life and presidency. He uses an antique wheelchair and cane in his portrayal of the 32nd president, who was paralyzed from the waist down because of polio. McFadyen has portrayed FDR at numerous schools and theaters around the United States and supplied Roosevelt’s voice in the Ken Burns production “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.”

This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to reserve your seat!

Behind the Scenes Curator Tour
2022-11-25 13:00 - 15:00, 2022-10-15 13:00 - 15:00, 2022-09-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Join the Buffalo Naval & Military Park’s Curator and Director of Museum Collections, Shane Stephenson, for a special behind the scenes tour of USS Little Rock.
This tour will give an in-depth look at our collections and highlight some of the challenges in preserving these important artifacts for future generations. Visit spaces on board the USS Little Rock that are not available on any of our other tours.
Each tour will last approximately 2 hours and will be limited to 10 people. When touring most areas of the ship, visitors should expect to traverse narrow passageways, be able to step over significantly raised thresholds, and climb up and down very steep ladders. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and bring a flashlight.
Curator Tours will take place at 1:00 PM.
Click here to purchase your tickets!

Speaker Series: The Legacy and Loss of USS Juneau
2022-11-11 16:00 - 17:30 | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
On November 13, 1942, a violent explosion engulfed USS Juneau (CL-52) and the ship seemed to vanish from sight. Catastrophically hit by torpedoes from Japanese submarine I-26, the ship sank in less than a minute with most of its 693 crewmen onboard. About 115 Sailors survived the sinking, but only 10 were rescued after days at sea. The story of service and sacrifice of USS Juneau, particularly the loss of the five Sullivan brothers, had a powerful impact on the U.S. Navy and the nation as a whole, then and today. The discovery of the wreck on March 17, 2018 off the coast of the Solomon Islands has provided the Navy with an opportunity to corroborate the historical records and try to answer some of history’s lingering questions.
On Veterans Day – Friday, November 11, the Buffalo Naval & Military Park is honored to welcome Blair Atcheson to Buffalo to discuss the legacy and loss of USS Juneau. She is the Program Manager for the Naval History and Heritage Command’s (NHHC) Underwater Archaeology Branch, located in Washington, DC. NHHC is responsible for the management, research, preservation, and interpretation of the U.S. Navy’s sunken and terrestrial military craft. A collection that includes over 3,000 shipwrecks and 14,000 aircraft wrecks dispersed world-wide and which date from the American Revolution to the nuclear age. The study of USS Juneau fulfills the Underwater Archaeology Branch’s mission to interpret, manage, and protect the Navy’s shipwrecks, but also serves as a way to honor the service of the ship and crew.
The speaker series program will begin at 4:00 PM in the Buffalo Naval Park’s Hangar Building. It is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be available for purchase. Please register to reserve your seat.

Veterans Day at the Buffalo Naval & Military Park
2022-11-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Celebrate Veterans Day at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. Veterans receive free admission. The Naval Park will be open from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with last admission at 3:00 PM.Join us for a Veterans Day ceremony in the Hangar Building at 10:00 AM. It is free and open to the public.

Veterans Race
2022-11-05 08:30 - 11:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Since 2012, the Veterans Race, presented by Destination Races, has been honoring all who served and currently serving in our military. Proceeds will benefit both Veterans One-Stop Center and the Buffalo Naval & Military Park to PRESERVE. PROTECT. HONOR all who served. Racers in the 5K and 10K will receive a custom bib and a giveaway. The race, supported by Richmond Vona Personal Injury, is open to all, civilian or military, with special awards for top overall in each class. A post-race party will be held at Southern Tier Brewing Co. EVENT DATENovember 5, 2022Race Start Time: 8:30 AMREGISTRATION
Follow this link to register.PACKET PICK UPThursday, November 3 from 3:30 PM – 7:30 PMFriday, November 4 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM Location: Buffalo Naval & Military ParkKIDS RACEDate: November 5, 2022Race Start Time: 10:30 AMOpen to all kids ages 2-12. Immediately following the Veterans Race, our “cadets” will run 100 meters alongside the ships at the Naval Park. Kids will receive a bib, awards, a day pass to Explore & More, and post-race activities for the whole family inside the museum. Registration is required. POST RACESouthern Tier Brewing Co. Participants receive food & drink Spectators welcome for free, but to enjoy the food and drink it is $5

Ship or Treat at the Buffalo Naval Park
2022-10-29 12:00 - 15:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Celebrate Halloween at the Buffalo Naval & Military Park! Wear your costume and “Ship-or-Treat” aboard USS The Sullivans and USS Little Rock to participate in family activities and collect Halloween goodies. Admission to the Naval Park is included in the ticket price. This event is designed for children ages 15 and under.
The Naval Park will be open from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with last admission at 3:00 PM. The Ship or Treat activities will be available between 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Please purchase a Ship or Treat ticket only for those who wish to participate in the activities and Halloween goodies. All other guests can purchase a general admission ticket. All children ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
When touring most areas of the ships, visitors should expect to traverse narrow passageways, be able to step over significantly raised thresholds, and climb up and down very steep ladders. If you choose to wear a costume, please ensure that it is family friendly and fits properly to help prevent trips and falls. Please avoid items such as oversized shoes, high heels, and long capes. Click here to purchase your tickets!

The Borinqueneers Book Presentation and Signing
2022-10-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States

All Hands On Deck Yoga
2022-10-09 10:30 - 11:30 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Come join us for All Hands on Deck Yoga! Brought to you by Yogis in Service (YIS) and the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, supporting YIS yoga programs for veterans, Yoga on the USS Little Rock is back for its fifth year! Enjoy an outing of yoga and history with Yogis in Service and the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park, all for just $15! Begin with a 60-minute yoga practice on the historical USS Little Rock centered on themes of service and gratitude, led by guest teacher Danny Irwin and YIS teachers Wendy Guyker and Catherine Cook-Cottone. Then, take advantage of all the Naval Park has to offer, take photos on the ship, etc. as your ticket is also good for Naval Park admission for the day. All levels and all ages are welcome, and admission is free for active duty service members and veterans. Shelter on ship is available, so event is RAIN OR SHINE. Space is limited, so reserve your spot by getting your ticket now! Get your yoga practice in before the Bills kick-off!
Schedule:
10:00 a.m. – Registration, set-up
10:30-11:30 a.m. – Yoga flow
11:30-12:00 p.m. – Event wrap-up*
*Your ticket is good for naval park admission for the day.
We are pleased to offer free admission to active duty service members and veterans**
**Please e-mail wmguyker@buffalo.edu for ticket information if you are a veteran or active duty. Click here to purchase your ticket!

African American Veterans Monument Dedication & Unveiling
2022-09-24 11:00 - 14:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Witness the dedication and unveiling of the Nation’s First African American Veterans Monument honoring all African American veterans who have served this country since the Revolutionary War! Tickets are free and can be reserved online by following this link.The dedication and unveiling of the African American Veterans Monument is a significant event that will commemorate and preserve the legacy of African American military service members in defense of our Nation. African Americans have served in all 12 of the country’s major conflicts dating back to the Revolutionary War in 1775. The monument will be the first in the United States that collectively celebrates the contributions of African American veterans. The African American Veterans Monument is intended to raise the consciousness of visitors by providing individuals, both young and old, with the opportunity to learn about African American cultural history. The African American Veterans Monument will have a significant impact on visitors to the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, Canalside, the waterfront, and the Erie Basin Marina. It will provide an opportunity to learn more about the sacrifices and contributions made by African Americans amid extremely challenging times including slavery, segregation, and discrimination. Only a small percentage of African American veterans’ stories are known publicly. This interactive exhibit will provide visitors with a virtual reality tour including historical information on each conflict and personal accounts from African American soldiers and/or their respective families.

Time & Location
Saturday, September 24 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
1 Marine Dr, Buffalo, NY 14202

African American Veterans Monument Gala
2022-09-23 18:00 - 22:00 | NY
Celebrate the First of Its Kind in the Nation Monument to honor all African American Veteran heroes! The monument will recognize the contributions of African American veterans from the five branches of the military who served during war and in peace times!
The African American Veterans Monument Gala is a black-tie affair and will be held at Templeton Landing which showcases the best waterfront view in Buffalo, New York! This amazing evening demonstrating excellence, honor, and sacrifice will celebrate our African American Veteran Heroes who have served this country since the Revolutionary War. This monumental event will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by an intimate dinner and program. After the keynote speaker’s presentation, the festivities will continue with dancing to the music of Taylor Made Jazz. Proceeds from the Gala will support updating, programming, and ongoing expenses of the Monument. We hope to see you there! Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the host committee at info@aavmwny.org. Event Details
Date: Friday, September 23, 2022
Location: Templeton Landing, 2 Templeton Terrace, Buffalo, New York 14202
Cocktail Reception – 6:00 PM
Dinner & Program – 7:00 PM
VIP Guest Speaker – 8:45 PM
Mingling and Dancing – 9:30 PM (the event ends at 10:00 PM)
Attire: Formal Attire is Required
Parking:
Parking is available in the Templeton Landing parking lot directly in front of the venue. For Gala attendees that would like valet parking, we have arranged for optional valet parking at a cost of $10.

Battle of the Bags: Charity Cornhole Tournament
2022-09-17 09:30 - 15:30 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
You are invited to the first Battle of the Bags Charity Cornhole Tournament, sponsored by Ingram Micro, Lenovo, and Queen City Yard Game Co. LLC. The event will take place on the Fantail of USS Little Rock from 10:00 AM until 3:30 PM on Saturday, September 17. Registration begins at 9:30 AM. $75 entry fee for a team of 2 people includes a Naval Park family pass, coupon for food/beverages, access to the ships, and a lifetime of memories! We highly encourage you to bring your own bags, but bags will be provided if you do not have your own. Follow this link to register!

9/11 Flag of Honor Across America Memorial Ceremony
2022-09-11 08:30 - 10:00 | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
To commemorate the 21st Anniversary of 9/11, the Naval Park will host a Flag of Honor Across America Memorial Ceremony in partnership with Erie County. Join us at 8:30 AM on Sunday, September 11 inside the Hangar Building. This event is free and open to the public.
As one of 75 sites across the country participating in this ceremony, community members will have the honor of reading the names and a short biography of 65 individuals who died on September 11, 2001, as well as those with a connection to Western New York. If you would like to request a specific name to be read during the ceremony, please follow this link.

Honk for Heroes
2022-09-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Join the Buffalo Naval & Military Park and Explore & More Children’s Museum on September 10 to celebrate heroes in the Western New York community. Honk for Heroes, presented by GEICO, is a free outdoor showcase of military and first responder vehicles, and activities for the entire family. Come show your appreciation for our brave military personnel and emergency responders who keep our country and community safe! All outdoor displays and activities are free and open to the public and will be available from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. The Buffalo Naval & Military Park will be open all day with “pay what you wish” admission.

Family Summer Series: Navy/Marines Day
2022-09-04 12:00 - 16:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Join us at the Buffalo Naval & Military Park on Sunday, September 4th as we celebrate the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps!
Active-duty and veteran Sailors and Marines will be on site with special exhibits and activities to interact with families and answer questions. There will be giveaways for the kids as well.
Free with paid admission.
Don’t forget to check out our family membership option as well!

Vietnam Welcome Home Living History Event
2022-09-04 10:00 - 17:00 | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
The Black Lions 1st ID Vietnam Living History Group will be at the Buffalo Naval & Military Park this Labor Day weekend for a brand new Vietnam living history event called “Vietnam Welcome Home.” They will be inside the red Hangar Building on Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4 from 10 AM until 5 PM. Vietnam War Living Historians will be present with table displays designed to educate attendees on the uniforms, equipment and stories of the era. This event is free to the public and is a great opportunity to learn about the Vietnam War and to help support the Naval Park. Planned activities include table displays of military equipment and weapons, military vehicles, educational films and opportunities for Vietnam Veterans to speak. The Black Lions is a Living History group in the Western New York area that educates the public on the Vietnam War. The group concentrates on an impression of the 1st U.S. Infantry Division, 2nd Battalion, 28th Regiment “Black Lions” B Company Rifle Squad in Vietnam during 1967-1969. The group utilizes hands-on displays of the uniforms, equipment, weapons and every day items carried and used by the “Big Red One” Infantry of the Vietnam War.
