Fall is arguably the most popular season in the Albany area and not just because of the gorgeous foliage. Some of the best events of the entire year happen in the fall, and a few are happening this weekend!
Excellent Festivals & Fairs
Two of Albany’s most popular fall events are happening this weekend and the best part is they’re occurring on different days, so you don’t have to choose! These events are such a great way to enjoy fall in Albany.
Saturday, September 23
Lark Street will be transformed this weekend into Upstate New York’s largest one-day street festival, LarkFest. Browse over 100 vendors selling handmade items, enjoy live music from great bands like Cloud Nothings, eat delicious food from food trucks, and keep the kids entertained with a number of children’s activities.
Sunday, September 24
The Upper Madison Improvement Group invites you to kick off the fall season with the Upper Madison Street Fair, happening on Upper Madison Avenue. There will be music, dancing, art, food, and fun for all ages with arts and crafts, a used book sale, plein air painting, a silent auction, and a Kids Zone with even more fun for the little ones.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Celebration at The Plaza
Saturday, September 23
Check out a number of great performances at the Empire State Plaza this Saturday, happening as a tribute to Latin culture. Enjoy music, dancing, food, and family-friendly activities.
Worthwhile Walking Tours
Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23
The Ghosts of Albany walking tours starts its first tour of the season this Friday. If you didn’t know Albany was haunted before, you will after this spooky and informative tour on the ghosts of Albany, antique sites, scandalous tales, and mysterious sightings. Tours cost $15 and must be booked in advance.
Saturday, September 23
Explore Schenectady’s historic Stockade district with the Stockade Walkabout, which happens just twice a year. This is a great chance to get an exclusive look inside notable homes, including the Brouwer Rosa House that dates back 300 years.
Last Chance to Check Out the Troy Flea
Sunday, September 24
This Sunday is the last Troy Flea of the year, so if you haven’t checked out this great flea market yet this is your opportunity to do so. A wide variety of items are available for sale like vintage clothes, new and reclaimed furniture, collectibles and comic books, housewares, and much more.
See Bands Compete
Jammin’ on Jay Concert Series: Battle of the Bands
Friday, September 22
A Battle of the Bands is happening at the Jay Street Marketplace in Schenectady on Friday. Four bands will compete for the top prize of opening SummerNight 2018, and you’ll also get to see the 2016 winner Lucy headlining.
Fall Drives & Festivals
If you’re up for a fall drive this weekend these two festivals are huge and are each just over an hour away from Albany. Enjoy a scenic drive and a spectacular event!
Oktoberfest at Hunter Mountain
Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24
Oktoberfest at Hunter Mountain spans four weekends of traditional German and German-American entertainment and this weekend is kicking the festival off with Ciders in the Catskills and a Monster Energy Aerial Stunt Show. Sample amazing ciders, eat great food, and see a wild aerial stunt show.
Thursday, September 21 to Sunday, September 24
Every year Capital Region and North Country residents look forward seeing hundreds of hot air balloons at the Adirondack Balloon Festival in Glens Falls and Queensbury. Check out the schedule and then head north to see the sky filled with balloons.
