We all know what this weekend has in store for this historic Buffalo neighborhood: streets packed with people from far and wide descending on Allentown to fill the few blocks designated for this annual event. Yes, the Allentown Art Festival is once again upon us, and with it brings an invasion unlike any other the city has seen. For natives this can be both a blessing and a curse. Local business owners may approach it with a mixture of hope and dread, welcoming the proceeds but anticipating some grueling work in exchange. Allentown residents had better park their cars on Friday and not move them for the entire weekend if they want to keep a parking spot. And no one ought to plan on calling it an early night on Saturday. But the neighborhood also comes to life from within, and the weekend marks an opportunity for local businesses, galleries, and restaurants to extend their hours and their hospitality. So while the tourists and visitors are out on the streets, there’s ample opportunity for urbanites to take advantage of the special, non-festival events scheduled throughout the neighborhood. Starting Friday night, Allentown art galleries will be hosting openings and pre-parties galore, and will keep their doors open during festival hours on Friday and Saturday as well (see Artviews, this issue). Nietzsche’s has got bands scheduled all day long, both days, starting at 2pm (visit nietzsches.com for full schedule). So even for the festival-phobic, why not head outside during what’s known affectionately as “Allentown,” and support the local business owners and artists (as well as the visiting ones).

Saturday & Sunday, 11am-6pm. Various locations throughout Allentown.