One of Albany’s biggest festivals of the year is this weekend: LarkFest! See what else is going on, including kid-friendly happenings, 5Ks, and more, plus two huge events taking place just north of the Albany area.
Music, Art & Fashion
Saturday, September 22
Upstate New York’s largest one-day street festival is happening this Saturday! You will not want to miss out on LarkFest, where there is a full lineup of bands playing on two separate stages, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and activities for all ages.
Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the Plaza
Saturday, September 22
Enjoy Latin music and culture at the Empire State Plaza on Saturday evening. Oro Solido, who is considered to be one of the biggest Latin music groups on the planet, will be headlining.
Jammin’ on Jay Concert Series: Battle of the Bands
Friday, September 21
The Battle of the Bands series in Schenectady comes to an end this Friday with the Battle of the Bands. Admission is free and food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Sunday, September 23
Head to Upper Madison Avenue on Sunday afternoon for arts and crafts vendors, food, dancing, plein air painting, a used book sale, kids activities, and more.
Rock Your Style for Trinity Alliance
Friday, September 21
The Capital Region’s biggest fashion show is back – Rock Your Style for Trinity Alliance is happening at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. This event includes a boisterous show, cocktails, and more fun, and it’s all for a great cause.
For the Literary Enthusiasts
Sunday, September 23
Happening at the Polish Community Center, the Albany Book & Paper Fair will feature old books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, prints, posters, and postcards.
Times Union Upstate Crossword Championship
Saturday, September 22
Are you a crossword puzzle wizard? The Times Union is hosting a Crossword Championship! All skill levels are encouraged to participate. The cost to join in the fun is $30, which includes a buffet lunch, snacks, and giveaways.
Friday, September 21
Did you know Sean Penn wrote a novel? You can hear all about it when he appears at SUNY Albany. Free admission!
Family-Friendly Fun
Movies Under the Stars: Beauty and the Beast
Friday, September 21
This is the last Movie Under the Stars for the season! Check out Beauty and the Beast at Sage College of Albany, presented by Christ’s Church Albany. There will also be live music and snacks.
Family Fun Day at the Moo-seum
Saturday, September 22
The Albany Institute of History & Art is hosting a Family Fun Day with a full schedule of events ranging from storytimes to face painting.
5Ks & Walks for Great Causes
Sunday, September 23
Breathe Deep Albany is a 5K walk and fun run happening at The Crossings, which raises funds for lung cancer research and education.
Saturday, September 22
Dress like a super hero and participate in the annual Walk for Autism in Schenectady’s Central Park. There will also be entertainment, food, and exhibitors.
Capital Region Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Saturday, September 22
Raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research at the Capital Region Walk to End Alzheimer’s, happening at Siena College.
A Unique Walking Tour
Saturday, September 22
Local walking tours are always really cool and this looks like an excellent one: the Schenectady County Historical Society is hosting this GE Realty Plot Tour at Steinmetz Memorial Park. Tickets are $20 and you’ll get to hear stories about those who formed the Plot. There will also be entry into one of the homes.
Big Festivals Happening Up North
Thursday, September 20 to Sunday, September 23
The Adirondack Balloon Festival, one of the biggest events of the year for the North Country, is happening this weekend. A number of special events are taking place in Glens Falls and Queensbury, just about an hour north of Albany.
Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival
Saturday, September 22 to Sunday, September 23
The Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival is happening at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Greenwich, a little under an hour from Albany. Explore everything fiber arts among over 100 vendors, watch sheep herding and shearing demonstrations, and much more.