Who’s ready for Oktoberfest beer, fall festivals, spooky attractions, and more? The weather is once again cooling down and fall has officially arrived in the Albany area, so see what’s going on this weekend, then get out and enjoy.
Area Festivals
Saturday, September 30
North Albany’s Oktoberfest is happening at and near Wolff’s Biergarten, with a stretch of Broadway closed off for the festivities. Food vendors will line the street and events will be going on for all ages from an Oktoberfest 5K, the Mayoral Keg Tap, and more. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day-of.
Saturday, September 30
The second annual Altamont Fall Festival will include artisan vendors, great food, live music, face painting, pumpkin painting, games for both kids and adults, and more. Proceeds from the Apple Baking Contest bake sale and raffle will be donated to the Altamont Community Food Pantry.
Saturday, September 30
If you missed Irish Festival 2000 you’ll have another chance this weekend to enjoy Irish festivities at the Troy Irish Festival, happening on Division Street and Front Street in Troy. Enjoy live music and more Irish-related fun.
Spooky Attractions
Nightmares at Liberty Ridge Farm
Saturday, September 30
Nightmares opens this weekend at Liberty Ridge Farm in Schaghticoke with two haunted houses, a haunted corn maze, a haunted trolley ride, and much more. Tickets cost $26. Be forewarned – this is a truly scary experience.
Saturday, September 30
Double M Haunted Hayride in Ballston Spa is also now open for frights and thrills. For $26 you can encounter the Walking Undead, Brutality, Last Inn, and Outrage. As with Nightmares, this is a very scary attraction and is not for the faint of heart, or young children.
For a Great Cause
Sunday, October 1
The 12th annual Empty Bowls is taking place at the Italian Community Center in Troy. Each person selects their own handmade bowl and fills it with their choice of soup, provided by a number of area restaurants. At the end of the meal your bowl is washed and returned to you, so you can take it home as a reminder of the importance of fighting hunger. Tickets cost $15 in advance or $20 at the door and proceeds go towards local food programs.
A Fun Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, September 30
The fourth annual Albany History Race is happening at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center. This is a scavenger hunt for anyone who’s interested in learning about Albany’s past. The event is free and no prior knowledge is required.
A Remarkable Clown Show
This is Not a Test: Montreal-Trained Clown Presents One-Man Show at Troy Arts Center
Friday, September 29 to Sunday, October 1st
This weekend and next weekend you can see a truly unique (and un-scary) one-man clown show at The Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy. Professionally trained Aaron Marquise has a reputation for dazzling audiences with his performances. Tickets are $20, and $15 for kids 12 and under.