If you’re in the mood to attend a fancy gala or a great party this is the weekend to do it in Albany! Galas are being held to benefit local causes, Cinco de Mayo festivities are in store, and several other events are on tap as well. Which event are you looking forward to this weekend?
Attend a Gala for a Great Cause
Friday, May 5
The Museum of Innovation and Science in Schenectady is hosting its annual Big Bang Gala for the 10th year – this year’s theme is A Decade of Discovery. Enjoy great music, delicious food, a silent auction, and more. Tickets start at $100.
Friday, May 5
This year’s theme for the St. Catherine’s annual gala is Star Wars! This is sure to be a fun evening, and it’s all in support of the programs St. Catherine’s provides for children in need. The two people being honored, Virginia Touhey and Kathleen Simmonds, are longtime supporters of children’s programs in this country and abroad. Tickets start at $75.
An Evening to End Alzheimer’s Gala in Memory of Mary DeCrescente
Friday, May 5
This gala is happening at the Albany Capital Center and is benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. There will be cocktails and gourmet food courtesy of Mazzone Hospitality, lively entertainment, and dancing all night. Tickets are $200, or $150 for ages 35 and younger.
Find a Cinco de Mayo Party
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta with Hartley’s Encore and The Late Shift at Parish Public House
Friday, May 5
Catch two great bands this Cinco de Mayo at the Parish Public House: The Late Shift is an alternative rock band, and Hartley’s Encore describes themselves as being “about making music that’s equal parts soundtrack to your Saturday night and bacon for your Sunday brunch.”
Friday, May 5
Seven An American Bistro in Clifton Park is offering $5 margaritas, taco specials, and free chips and salsa for Cinco de Mayo. Seven offers a variety of wine, beer, and cocktails to choose from. If you don’t like tacos, try their delicious pizza!
Cinco de Mayo Celebration at The Rusty Nail
Friday, May 5
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at The Rusty Nail with Dos Equis specials and fun giveaways. The Rusty Nail is a favorite tavern in the Clifton Park area with an extensive menu with specialties like buffalo chicken quesadillas, cajun boneless wings, and a bacon cheddar burger.
Tanager at Wolf Hollow Brewing Company for Cinco de Mayo
Friday, May 5
Wolf Hollow Brewing Company in Glenville is hosting local jazz ensemble Tanager for their Cinco de Mayo party. Wolf Hollow is focused on creating local craft beer captured at peak freshness, so if beer is your drink of choice this Cinco de Mayo, this party might be the one for you!
Immerse Yourself in Nature
Sunday, May 7
Get into a springtime mood with a quick .9-mile walk at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. This walk is focusing on using the senses to explore the world around us, drawing inspiration from Rachel Carson, author of the famous environmental science book Silent Spring. Pre-registration is required, and there is a cost of $3 per person or $5 per family.
Children’s Fairy Garden Workshop at Brookside Nursery
Sunday, May 7
Bring the kids to this fun workshop at Brookside Nursery in Ballston Spa. The group will be learning about how important it is to keep forests and gardens free of trash. They’ll also be creating an enchanting fairy house out of recycled materials and foliage, and enjoying fairy treats and pink lemonade. The cost is $20. Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited, so sign up today!
Peebles Island – I Love My Park Day
Saturday, May 6
This Saturday is the statewide I Love My Park Day, with numerous parks, historic sites, and others participating. You can join in the fun by volunteering at Peebles Island in Cohoes. They’ll be resurfacing trails, removing brush and downed tree limbs, and picking up litter. All ages are welcome. Limited work tools are available, so bring any gloves, rakes, and shovels you have with you.
Sunday, May 7
There is free admission to this spring festival event! The Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction is exploring plants, animals, streams, and ponds, and how they all tie together. There will be kayak demos, live birds of prey on site, nature crafts for kids, and more demonstrations and exhibitors.
5Ks, Walks & Marches for Charity
Take Steps Walk for Chron’s and Colitis
Saturday, May 6
A walk and concert are happening at The Crossings in Loudonville, hosted by the Chron’s and Colitis Foundation. The School of Rock’s House Band will be performing and motivating attendees as they walk and raise money to help find treatments for these diseases.
Joan Nicole Prince Home 5K & Mile Run
Saturday, May 6
A family-friendly 5K run and 1-mile walk is happening in Schenectady’s Central Park, with proceeds going towards the Joan Nicole Prince Home. The Joan Nicole Prince Home in Scotia provides hospice care for residents who have a prognosis of three months or less. The organization runs primarily on volunteers and counts on community support to continue the important services they provide.
March for Babies – Schenectady
Sunday, May 7
March for Babies is put on by the March of Dimes to improve the health of babies. Money raised at this event will go towards treating babies in neonatal intensive care units.
Join the Suffrage Rally & Have Fun with History
Sunday, May 7
A reenactment of a suffrage rally is happening at Albany City Hall with pro- and anti-suffrage speeches, songs, and historical dress. Feel free to dress up in historic or vintage clothing!
18th Annual Albany History Fair
Sunday, May 7
As part of the Suffrage Rally, Historic Cherry Hill is hosting their annual history fair which will be highlighting the centennial of women getting the right to vote in New York State. Special activities include a costumed debate on suffrage, talks, musical performances, and more.
Take a Food Tour
Central Troy Historic District Food Tour – Opening Day
Saturday, May 6
If you’re a major foodie you should take advantage of this great opportunity to sample foods and beverages from the downtown Troy riverfront area. This is a three-hour walking tour that finishes at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, allowing you time to shop the market and meet local farmers and vendors. In addition to the food, this tour also involves learning fun tidbits about the amazing architecture and cultural history of Troy. Tickets are $49 for adults and $29 for kids 3 to 12.
