Barney's Run for Warriors 10K, 5K and one-mile Fun Run and Walk: Saturday . All rights reserved. Be an insider: Sign up for our free Preview newsletter for bonus picks each week. . Nearby Lark Street and Madison Avenue have an abundance of eateries to grab a bite to eat, and the park is a short walk from some of Downtowns most popular destinations. Check out the Howe Caverns for a fun, unforgettable experience underneath the earth. Come celebrate Elvis' birthday with The Lustre Kings at Rustic Barn Pub in Troy. The Albany Institute of History and Art is one of the top places to go for art lovers in the city. It still carries that feeling of funk and soul today; its just been channeled into offbeat businesses, many of which are mom-and-pop shops that you wont find anywhere else outside of Albany. General public cruises include sunset and specialty cruises and feature a full bar, as well as concessions. Lark Street is definitely among the top 10 of Albanys attractions, so you wont want to miss it! 1. These are just 10 of our top picks, but there are plenty more fun and free things to do in Albany and the Capital Region! Having trouble using this site? Theyre accessible through several parks, but if youre coming from Albany, youll probably want Falls View Park. Calvert Vaux and Frederick Olmstead designed this 81-acre park in the 1870s-80s. Stephen Pearcy (from RATT) at Cohoes Music Hall, Feb. 26. Theres also a newer, sleeker Ferris wheel thatll make you dizzy just to look at it! Get Happy and Fall in Love with music of Harold Arlen! If you time your trip just right, you might even be able to attend a gala. (518) 474-5877. Albert Lee at The Strand Theatre, Jan. 22. Vlad Caamano at The Comedy Works, March 31-April 1. Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady,1 Rush StSchenectady,NY12305. Visiting other parts of New York? You can go camping, climbing, hiking, skiing, and sledding, and thats just the beginning. Free Albany Institute of History & Art,125 Washington AvenueAlbany,NY12210. There are many amazing places to see to Albany, and with the help of the Cycle the Erie Canal Bike Tour, you wont have to pick and choose among them! If you'd prefer a little punk, get your fill at Fuze Box in Albany. Built between 1966 and 1978, the Egg appears from a distance to be a piece of sculpture rather than a building. Schenectady Public Library McChesney Room,99 Clinton StreetSchenectady,NY12305, Hsin-Yun Huang on Viola and Wu Man on Pipa at Massry Center for the Arts. You can find everything from luxury goods to cheap tinker toys at this particular mall. We only write about places we love in an attempt to help you in your adventures, but we cant guarantee you will love them, too. Jamie Lissow at Albany Funny Bone, June 2-3. Know of an event that should be on the calendar and isn't? If you're looking for free things to do this weekend in Albany, consider the New York State Museum. Drop by the onsite Visitor Center for a quick orientation to learn more about Schuyler before taking in the mansion itself; dont miss the gift shop as you wrap up your visit. You can watch a musical; you can attend a lecture. You can go biking, boating, hunting, golfing, and more! Sharpen your reflexes at the venues axe-throwing cages or try your luck at one of The Yards indoor lawn games. Its the perfect slice of nightlife for visitors who want to have fun in the city after the sun goes down. More, Looking for a fun, family-friendly winter activity? Address: 100 S Mall Arterial, Albany, NY 12242, United States. More, Explore Albany County's nightlife scene. More, View special offers, discounts, and hotel packages. Leaf Peeping Spots Halloween Guide Upcoming Fall Events Apple Orchards Pumpkin Patches Corn Mazes Fall Photography Tips He founded New More, 'Tis the season to be jolly! Its all copyrighted. Your vessel will be an old-fashioned riverboat inspired by the ones used by sailors in 19th century New York. The Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site is their childhood home. Capital Apple & Wine Festival Youll be able to walk in the footsteps of the countrys Founding Fathers while enjoying the old-world feel of a colonial architectural marvel. Today, the theatre hosts diverse performing acts steps from Albanys other attractions, making it the perfect way to end a history- filled day. TOUR: New York State Capitol. We strive to insure accuracy on Albany.com however accuracy cannot be guaranteed. If you don't want to spend Thanksgiving in the kitchen, plan to More, Trick or treat! It'll be out of this world: Head to No Fun in Troy for an "astrologically-themed" dance party. The New York State Museum focuses on the human and natural history of the state. Hiking at Thacher State Park is one of the most fun things to do in Albany NY. The event will also feature Kathe Farris and Erin Harkes. This massive museum has collections on New York State birds and animals, Native Americans, the World Trade Center, and much, much more, and they often have fun events going on. Just bring a valid photo ID and you are all set. Address: 1 Crossgates Mall Rd, Albany, NY 12203, United States. The Capital Concert Series, MVP Kids Day, and theNew York State Hops and Harvest Festival are just a few of the events you'll want to add to your calendar. Its beauty evolves from season to season, so youll be hiking fields of wildflowers in the summer and snapping ice crystals off the trees in the winter. Head to No Fun in Troy for an "astrologically-themed" dance party. It also boasts a library with literally hundreds of thousands of texts and photographs! Save Pop-Up Park Picnic: Couple Date Night (Self-Guided) - Cohoes Area to your collection. Lace up those ice skates and beat the winter More, Jesse Sommer, a New York-licensed attorney, is a lifelong resident of Albany County. Local artist Momartista will be live-painting during the event, and various speakers will take the stage. Looking for more thrills around New York? Address: 141 Broadway, Albany, NY 12202, United States. Jurored and curated shows feature emerging and established American artists in an intimate environment; the gallery is locally known as a cultural hub for artists, filmmakers, musicians, and other creatives. The tremendously popular Empire State Plaza Ice Rink in Albany will be open to the public throughout the 2022-2023 winter season. Get ready for your trip with this list of the best things to do in Albany, NY. Located about 50 minutes from Albany, Mt. Ghosts of Albany Haunted Walking Tour Holiday events: See our full list of ways to celebrate the season. Its infrastructure includes everything from finance buildings to trendy boutiques and coffee shops. The onsite Discovery Center offers educational activities and exhibits about the ecology of the preserve, and special events are scheduled throughout the year. Having crossed the United States by bike, she is inspired by the American landscape and adventure by way of endurance. Evans Brewing Company is a must-see for drinkers in the Albany area. Exhibitions range from The Mystery of the Albany Mummies to Fashionable Frocks of the 1920s.. If youre planning to spend a day walking Albanys downtown district, be sure to start with the New York State Museum, located on the citys Empire State Plaza. Its a grim history at times, but its an important one to remember. These include warships, governors mansions, historic homesteads, and Underground Railroad stations. Get tickets before they're gone. During your visit to the museum, you can browse its many exhibits, enjoy a bite to eat at its cafe, and partake in special events such as classes and workshops. If youre traveling with kids, youre probably wondering what to do that can burn off some energy. Make time for the Empire State Plaza during your trip to Albany. 1 photo. Follow, like and subscribe to albany.com on social media. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Anita is a freelance writer focusing on travel, recreation and the art world. Discover Albany'sannual events and festivals! Things to do this weekend for kids, teens, and families in the Capital District! The Linda,339 Central AvenueAlbany,NY12206. 1. Get in touch with Dutch Apple Cruises to schedule your own excursion today. Aside from a few places like Thacher State Park, however, Albany isnt close to the lush forests and waterfalls that make up New Yorks wilder edges. There are galleries of flowers, fossils, minerals, and gemstones. Click here to submit anevent! Save Yoga with a Pint! Albany was a little-known stop along the Underground Railroad, but thats exactly what made it so efficient. Albany, NY 12230. It is named for its unusual shape and has become an icon of New Yorks Capital District. Latest posts by Anita Maksimiuk, Staff Writer, 15+ THINGS TO DO IN LAKE TAHOE FOR OUTDOOR-LOVERS, 13+ AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN ST GEORGE, UTAH, 19 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SCOTTSDALE AZ FOR MAKING LONG-LASTING MEMORIES, 19+ SUPER FUN THINGS TO DO IN TACOMA, WASHINGTON, 16 GORGEOUS OREGON COAST TOWNS YOUVE GOT TO VISIT, 27 Fun Things To Do In Syracuse NY Youll Love, 17 Phenomenal Things To Do In Lake George, NY, 22 Things To Do In Ithaca NY For Year-Round Fun, 14 Really Amazing Things To Do In Times Square, SKI TRIP PACKING LIST: 47 THINGS YOU NEED TO BRING (+SNOWBOARDING, TOO! Daily cruise schedules can be found on the companys website, and tickets are available in advance. Learn more. Please dont repost anything elsewhere without asking me first. Cohoes Falls are definitely a must-see destination when youre in Albany. An old-fashioned carousel offers rides throughout the day. Special events can range from New Years Eve masquerade balls to Fourth of July fireworks shows. The Mopco Improv Theatre,10 N. Jay St.Schenectady,NY12305. Address: 32 Catherine St, Albany, NY 12202, United States, UpstateNYer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Another thing that hasnt changed is the casual, hole-in-the-wall atmosphere of its painted red shack with its wooden picnic tables out front. Guided tours are available, along with public programming and rotating exhibits. We do not sell links or accept unsolicited guest posts under any circumstances. Located within Albanys Russell Sage College, Opalka Gallery showcases work by contemporary artists hailing from across the country. The Empire State Plaza also hosts special events during the spring, summer, and fall, including movie nights, tours, and farmers markets. Ages 3-6. Are you ready to experience all of the fun things to do in Albany, New York? Youll be treated to a guided tour of the entire ship, and youll have the opportunity to lay in the bunks, aim the cannon guns, and otherwise bring the past to life through interactive immersion. This is an area known for its entertainment venues, so even if you cant find something on The Eggs schedule to interest you, you can probably strike gold nearby. Discover these, From larger venues to intimate bars, we've rounded up the Albany. The Capitol building has housed the states government since the late 19th century, and youll be able to walk through the legislative chambers as your guide introduces each room. Looking for fun things to do in Albany's Capital Region? Stick around in the summertime and experience Art on Lark, an annual arts festival that draws thousands. These 3,350 acres nestled in between the Catskills and Adirondacks are locally known for a unique sand-dune landscape and 20 miles of easy, tranquil trails. 2023 Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau. The John Erbenson- designed building was built in the 1930s, and restored in 2003. Visit thefarmers marketthat takes place at the Empire State Plaza - all year long! Save New York Bridal & Wedding Expo to your collection. Learn more. You wont even believe that youre near the city when youre surrounded by sky-high pine trees and the calls of hawks and warblers. Every week, we scour event calendars to find the things that are especially worth your time and attention, and we share them here. Today, the natural landscape of the bush has shrunk considerably, but its still one of the largest of its kind in the US. If youre driving, the closest place to park near the theatre is the Quackenbush Garage, located one block away. Scenic Hudson's Long View Park - Recommended Park Venue or another park choice when we send the itinerary. Friday is Country Night at Van Slyck's at Rivers Casino and Resort in Schenectady with Tompkins Drive. For those who love to stay active, the Egg also offers yoga classes alongside its performance schedule. Designed by the same landscape architect as New York Citys Central Park, Washington Park is located in the heart of Albany, and it often serves as the citys heart as well. Address: 221 Wolf Rd, Albany, NY 12205, United States. Posts may contain affiliate links at no cost to you. These are just a few of the most exciting things to see and do in Albany, New York. The ships store offers gifts and souvenirs, and all proceeds go to continued preservation efforts. Springtime brings the annual Tulip Festival. Here are, Are you ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime? The neo-classical New York State House, designed by Isaac Perry and completed in 1899 at a cost of $25 million, is worth stopping into if only to see the Great Western Staircase. For years, African-American residents Stephen and Harriet Myers were able to help slaves reach freedom by sheltering them at their home, and no one knew about it. Located more than 150 feet below the surface, Howe Caverns is a series of prehistoric caves made from limestone and brimming with gems, stalagmites, and other wonders. A Local's Guide to New Jersey: The 15 Best Activities . Albany, NY on TripAdvisor. Address: 141 Broadway, Albany, NY 12202, United States. Admission is free, but the refreshments will cost you. Whether youre looking for full-fledged retail therapy or just a souvenir or two to take home, experience some New York glamor at a New York mall. You might recognize the USS Slater from wartime films like Last Operations Under the Orion. Here are 7 of the best things to do in Troy NY. Dutch Apple Cruises is headquartered just south of the USS Slater, meaning you can combine two Hudson River adventures in one day. Musicians of all genres take the stage on any given night under the buildings ornate ceilings. Whether you are visiting on a family vacation, or exploring between business meetings, there are plenty of exciting things to do. Take a drive to some of the working farms in Clifton Park and enjoy tours, apple picking, hayrides, demonstrations, animals, tasty food, and more. The bar is stocked with all of the classics ranging from light cocktails to knock you on your butt liquor. Events this weekend Events next weekend >> Organization: The Music Studio Location: 1237 Central Avenue Albany, NY, 12205 United States See map: Google Maps 518-459-7799 Free Mini Music Class Bring your child (age 2 to 7) to a FREE, fun-filled hour at The Music Studio. Here are 14 things to to in Albany NY that you and your crew will enjoy. Why not check out some of the best things to do on Long Island & some of the best things to do in Manhattan? If you arent afraid to say boo, call the Ghosts of Albany Haunted Walking Tour and find out where theyre heading out next. Buy tickets and learn more. Ongoing and temporary exhibitions bring artwork and historical objects of the Upper Hudson Valley, from the 17th century to the present day together, while public programming offers art classes and educational workshops.