Comfort food and basketball come together with the Hannaford MAAC-n-Cheese Fest this Friday! There’s also a Restaurant Week happening, a chili cook off, four thrilling kids events, and more going on in the Albany area this weekend.
Indulge in Great Food
Friday, March 2
The Hannaford MAAC-n-Cheese Fest isn’t just about the macaroni and cheese – there will also be craft beer and wine, as well as the semi-final round of the inaugural I Love New York 3-on-3 MAAC Corporate Basketball Challenge. The event is happening at the Albany Capital Center. Tickets are $8 for five samples of mac and cheese, and craft beer tasting tickets are $5 for three samples.
through Sunday, March 4
Schenectady Restaurant Week is happening now through the weekend. Take advantage of meals priced at $25 that are valued at a minimum of $35 throughout Schenectady. View the list of participating restaurants and then get out there and enjoy fabulous food at a great price!
Saturday, March 3
The Van Alstyne Homestead & Museum in Canajoharie is hosting their 6th annual Chili Cook Off. For $10 you can taste over a dozen of the best chili donated by members of the community. There will also be music, a 50/50 raffle, and more going on.
Keep the Kids Entertained
Saturday, March 3
The 13th annual Hannaford Kidz Expo returns to the Empire State Plaza this weekend and the little ones will not want to miss out on this free event! There are multiple activities and events going on throughout the day, including an appearance by the Octonauts – if you have young kids, you know how fun and educational this eight-member crew of aquatic heroes is.
Bunny Arrival at Colonie Center
Saturday, March 3
Did you know Easter is pretty early this year? It’s on April 1st, so now is the time to get the kids in to see the Easter Bunny! The arrival of the big bunny himself at Colonie Center this Saturday will be marked with entertainment and activities – a magic show, music, face painting, and arts and crafts.
Saturday, March 3
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is hosting a “Hug a Tree” event, which is centered around teaching kids basic survival principles. There will be an indoor presentation and demonstrations followed by an outdoor presentation and guided hike. The event is $3 per person or $5 per family and is best suited for children 6 to 12, but can be effective with slightly younger and older kids.
Saturday, March 3
Have you taken the kids ice skating yet this season? It’s not too late! Kids can learn to skate for free at the Empire Skate Plaza on Saturday. Registration is required.
Check Out Live Music Performances
Insane Clown Posse at Upstate Concert Hall
Sunday, March 4
The unique hip hop/hardcore group Insane Clown Posse will be performing at Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park this Sunday along with three other bands. Tickets are $25 in advance or $28 the day of the show.
Let’s Be Leonard at Savoy Taproom
Friday, March 2
The popular local band Let’s Be Leonard will be taking on a Let’s Be Dead persona at the Savoy Taproom on Friday for a special Grateful Dead tribute show. No cover charge!
Laugh It Off at a Play
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Cohoes Music Hall
Thursday, March 1 through Sunday, March 11
No, it’s not an actual spelling bee – the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious play being shown at the Cohoes Music Hall. The Broadway hit is running on select dates through this weekend and next. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under.
Get Into Maple Season
Maple Sugarhouse Tours at Riverside Maple Farms
Saturday, March 3
It’s maple time! Tours will be going on all day at Riverside Maple Farms in Schenectady on Saturday and they’re free. The tours are about 30 minutes long, and you get to learn all about how maple is produced.
