This is one of those weekends in Albany where something is undoubtedly going on for everyone. Haunted attractions opening this weekend top our picks for things to do, but if getting scared isn’t your jam you might want to check out: a pet expo, a book festival, a famous comedian or a “wedding flea market.” We’ll even tell you how you can get free coffee!
Horrors, Hauntings & a Hell-Raising Good Time
Field of Horrors – Sneak Peek Weekend
Friday, September 28 to Saturday, September 29
Field of Horrors in Troy is offering a Sneak Peek Weekend to get the season started. Admission is only $17 (normally $27) and there are multiple haunted attractions for the one price.
Harvest Party at Double M Haunted Hayrides
Friday, September 28
Double M Haunted Hayrides in Ballston Spa is also kicking off the Halloween season with a special event – a Harvest Party. The Audiostars will be performing, there will be beer and wine, and of course the traditional haunted attractions. Admission is $30.
Nightmares at Liberty Ridge Farm
Saturday, September 39
Nightmares at Liberty Ridge Farm opens for the season this weekend! Get ready for two haunted houses, a haunted corn maze, a psychic sideshow, and more classic spooky fun. Tickets are $29.
Oktoberfest in Albany & Beyond
Saturday, September 29
Broadway in North Albany will be shut down on Saturday for Oktoberfest activities. There will be food vendors, beer, events for all ages, and wiener dog races.
Oktoberfest at Hunter Mountain
Saturday, September 29 to Sunday, September 30
The second of four Oktoberfest weekends is happening at Hunter Mountain, a little over an hour from Albany. The theme for this weekend is Colors in the Catskills Motorcycle Rally.
Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins
Sunday, September 30
Make your way to Saratoga Spa State Park this weekend for the Giant Pumpkinfest. Pumpkin growers from all over the Northeast will be competing to see who grew the biggest pumpkin this year.
Purr-fect Pet & Animal Events
Saturday, September 29
Love pets? Check out the Capital Region Pet Expo at Viaport in Schenectady. There will be pet vendors, seminars, demonstrations, and more.
Paws in the Park Walk for Animals
Saturday, September 29
Stroll around the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in Troy this Saturday as part of a fun walk for animals, presented by 4 Paws Veterinary Care. There will be also be vendors, contests, food, and activities for both pets and people.
Friday, September 28
The last Friday of the month is already upon us! Troy Night Out’s theme this month is All About Animals (& Pets).
Authors, Books & Literary Fun
Saturday, September 29
Bookstores, publishers, and others in the literary world are coming together for the Albany Book Festival at SUNY Albany. A long list of authors will be in attendance, and there’s free admission! Come to meet authors, get books signed, and check out book-related merchandise.
Food Events & Free Coffee
Sunday, September 30
Empty Bowls of Troy is back this Sunday. Participating restaurants donate soups, stews, chowders, and more to fill handmade bowls for you to enjoy. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, proceeds go towards local food pantries, and you get to keep the bowl (after they wash it for you).
Saturday, September 29 to Sunday, September 30
Happening in Saugerties, a little less than an hour from Albany, you can check out the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival. There is a full lineup of entertainment and guests will have a prime opportunity to sample many different kinds of garlic.
Saturday, September 29
Love coffee? Head to any Stewart’s Shops location on Saturday and get a free hot, iced, or cold brew coffee from 12pm until close.
A Chance to Channel Your Inner Lucille Ball
Saturday, September 29
The Hill at Muza in Troy is putting on their annual Vineyard Grape Stomp. This unique event allows participants to jump into an eight-foot vat to stomp on 900 pounds of vineyard grapes; there will also be a wine tasting.
Comedy From One of the Best
Tim Meadows at the Cohoes Music Hall
Friday, September 28
Tim Meadows (Saturday Night Live, Mean Girls) will be performing at the Cohoes Music Hall on Friday. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 the day of the show.
Get Decor & More for Your Wedding at Low Prices
Sunday, September 30
Engaged? This is a new and unique event happening at the Takk House in Troy that you’ll want to check out. Decor and other gently used wedding-related items like centerpieces will be sold. Admission is $5. Weddings are expensive, and this is a great cost effective way to grab some of those miscellaneous things you’ll need.
