Family events in Niagara Falls, NY

Faceoff at the Falls Tournament brings youth hockey to Hyde Park Ice Rink in Niagara Falls, NY with divisions for 9U to 16U, plus 18U. Boys teams and coed teams can compete across Tier I AAA, Tier II AA, and Tier III A, B, and BB. Each team is guaranteed four games, with championship play closing out the event. Entry fees range from $1,899 to $1,999 USD. The complete schedule is released seven days before the event.

The second annual Hay Day and Fall Festival at Sanborn Marketside blends favorite traditions with a new highlight, the first ever car show. Guests can explore local vendors, enjoy live music, sample food from trucks, let kids bounce and play, and take part in a car seat safety check conducted by the Niagara County Sheriff's Department. The car show will feature awards including Best in Show, People's Choice, Best Vintage for pre-1960 vehicles, Best Classic for 1960 to 1979, Best Modern for 1980 and newer, Best Truck, Best Muscle Car, Future Showstopper, and a Kids' Choice Award. Registration is $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show, and the first 50 vehicles receive dash plaques. Whether displaying a vehicle, shopping with local makers, grabbing lunch, or spending time with family and friends, there is plenty to enjoy. Families, friends, and dogs are welcome. For vendor or car show questions, contact Corrine at 716-461-8769.

Hope Closet provides free clothing for children and adults along with shoes for all ages. If apparel costs are stretching the household budget, this welcoming outreach makes it possible to choose what you need at no charge and without an application or proof of income. Upon arrival, visitors sign in with the date, ZIP code, and family size, then browse items that volunteers have cleaned, sorted, and arranged by size and type for easy shopping. The selection changes with community donations and is mostly clothing and footwear, with the occasional accessory such as a purse or tie. Volunteers are available to help locate sizes and can assist with carrying items to a vehicle if needed. Items are intended for personal and household use, and guests are encouraged to take only what their family will use so there is enough for neighbors. This program is an outreach of The Gathering Place Project, and all are welcome.

Rising costs and unexpected bills can strain a household’s food budget. This community outreach program from The Gathering Place Project offers groceries to help individuals and families bridge the gap. Guests choose items with support from welcoming volunteers, with pantry staples available alongside a rotating selection of refrigerated and frozen foods donated by local grocery stores and restaurants. Service focuses on residents of Niagara County and the City of Tonawanda, and anyone in need of food assistance is welcome. Amounts are based on household size, and visitors are encouraged to limit trips to twice per month so supplies can reach more neighbors. First-time guests complete a short intake form, and no proof of income is required. Please bring reusable shopping bags. Volunteers can bag groceries and help carry them to vehicles. The program operates at The Gathering Place Project inside The Way Church of God, and the Hope Closet clothing program will also be open for those who wish to visit both during the same trip.

Hands Healing Heroes presents its 13th Annual Veterans Appreciation Day, a community celebration dedicated to honoring those who have served and their families. Veterans and their families receive free entry. Each veteran is welcomed with an entrance gift, a complimentary haircut and massage, one sheet of basket auction tickets, assistance with an Armed Forces medal search with applications available, prearranged transportation to and from the event if needed, and a full luncheon. Live music will be provided by Wood -n- Steel. Admission for the general public is $20 and includes one meal ticket and one sheet of auction tickets. Additional basket auction tickets are available at $5 per sheet or $20 for five sheets, and big ticket item sheets are $10 each or $25 for three. For details on donating or volunteering, call Hands Healing Heroes at (716) 282-2225. Hands Healing Heroes is a non-for-profit 501(c)(3) veterans appreciation group.

Meet adoptable dogs while enjoying a drink and brunch. This recurring event takes place on multiple dates throughout the summer and fall.

This class supports leash reactive dogs that bark, growl, or lunge. Some react out of worry and a desire for more space, while others are full of excitement and express it loudly. The focus is on building calmer, more confident responses so dogs can move through everyday situations with greater ease.