NACC: 'Cheers to 100 Years!' celebrates site

Press Release

The Niagara Arts and Cultural Center is hosting a centennial celebration, at 1201 Pine Ave. (corner of Pine Avenue and Portage Road), from July 20-27. 

The historic building that was once the Niagara Falls High School, and is now the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024. 

Generations of Niagara residents have had the opportunity to pass through the halls of the building as either high school students or as patrons of the NACC. The building was scheduled for demolition in 2000 but, thanks to a group of concerned citizens who saved the building from the wrecking ball, the site continues to serve the community. 

To celebrate that community victory, a committee of local volunteers have been hard at work organizing a week full of events that will help us all recognize and celebrate the important part of our local history.

The group has collected 100 years’ worth of "Memories and Memorabilia" from NHFS and NACC archives. This amazing display of community history will be on display in the NACC Townsend Gallery (former NFHS cafeteria), free and open to the public, from July 20 through Aug. 17. 

The group has also organized a week of activities to mark the occasion, and to foreshadow some of the new offerings that will be a part of the building's future as the NACC prepares to start an $8.5 million theater renovation project on Aug 17.

Free performing arts events will take place during the week – all on the front lawn with no admission charge, thanks to generous sponsors – with an epic anniversary party to take place from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, July 27.

 The "Cheers to 100 Years!" centennial anniversary party will feature two bars, music and displays in various parts of the building, so people will have a chance to literally dance in the halls!

Tickets are $30, and include two drink tickets, plus a food buffet catered by Marketside and Fortuna's, The Village Bake Shoppe, DiCamillo Bakery and Spot Coffee. 

Entertainment will be provided by DJ Lasia Liberty, spinning tunes from across the decades, plus Pangea World Jazz in the gallery, and Cheap Thrills Karaoke in the cafe.

Tickets for Saturday's celebration party are available in person at the NACC, online at www.TheNACC.org/Tickets, or at The Marketside Restaurant.

Centennial week

•Saturday, July 20 – “Opera For Everyone” at 4 p.m., in partnership with Niagara Opera Company and Arts Services Initiative of WNY. Enjoy a food truck from 3-7 p.m., with Carm’s Kitchen out on the lawn!

•Wednesday, July 24 – “Shakespeare On The Lawn” at 7 p.m., with “A Midsummer Night’s Tour” In partnership w/Shakespeare in Delaware Park. The featured food truck will again be Carm’s Kitchen.

•Friday, July 26 – Marsha McWilson will present her “Motown Review” at 7 p.m. The food truck will be Something Serious Soul Food.

•Saturday, July 27 – The “Cheers to 100 Years!” 1201 Pine Ave. anniversary party runs from 6-9 p.m. for those ages 21-and-over. Tickets are $30. Proceeds will help support the cultural programs at the NACC.

Much of this fabulous, weeklong celebration is being accomplished through the generosity of sponsors. The members of the committee wish to thank everyone for their support and recognition in celebrating this important milestone within our community.

For more information, visit www.thenacc.org or call 716-282-7530, ext. 110.