Craft beer, wine, and spirits? Chili, chowder, and soup? Count us in! Check out all the delicious details on the two festivals happening this weekend at Price Chopper/Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights in the Park. And, get a rundown on our other picks for weekend events in the Albany area, ranging from a grilled cheese festival to a family improv show.
Can’t-Miss Holiday Fun at Washington Park
Price Chopper/Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights in the Park only offers a few walk nights per season, so you will definitely not want to miss out on the below events! Proceeds from these festivals go towards Albany PAL, which provides several important programs in the area including community service projects, a youth mentoring program, and more.
Craft Beer, Wine & Spirits Fest
Saturday, November 17
Enjoy tastings, music, and of course the incredible lights on display at Washington Park during the Craft Beer, Wine & Spirits Fest. Tickets are $29.95 in advance or $49 at the door.
Sunday, November 18
The Chili, Chowder & Soupfest will feature food samples from area restaurants, taverns, and delis. There will also be music, crafters, Santa, and more. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for kids 10 and under in advance, or $12 for adults and $5 for kids at the door.
Monday, November 19
Extend the weekend fun into Monday night – take your pet for a walk around the lake! There is a suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per family.
More Holiday Happenings: A Parade & Shopping Opportunities
Fidelis Care Holiday Parade in Downtown Schenectady
Saturday, November 17
This is the largest evening parade in the Northeast! Check out the Fidelis Care Holiday Parade in Schenectady, which typically draws upwards of ten thousand people. New this year, there will also be a pre-parade street festival.
Saturday, November 17
The annual Christian Brothers Academy Craft Fair in Colonie will feature candles, jewelry, baskets, clothes, painted items, carved items, and much more. There will also be raffles, food and drink available, and a bake sale.
Colonie Central High School Annual PTSA Craft Fair
Saturday, November 17
This craft fair is happening at Colonie Central High School. You’ll find over 75 crafters selling handmade items, along with a concession stand, raffles, and a bake sale.
Watervliet Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair
Saturday, November 17
Get unique and useful gifts from area businesses and independent artists at the Watervliet Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair. Wouldn’t it be nice to get that holiday shopping done while supporting local at the same time?
For the Cheese Lovers
Saturday, November 17
Melt N’ Toast is the Capital Region’s only grilled cheese festival and this is just the second year running. Tickets are $35 and include 10 samples of any grilled cheese sandwich (quarter sandwich) and one free beverage (a cash bar is also available). This food-centric event is taking place at the Takk House in Troy.
Live Performances Worth Checking Out
Moriah Formica at the Cohoes Music Hall
Friday, November 16
Moriah Formica, the local teen who rose to stardom on The Voice, will be performing at the Cohoes Music Hall. Tickets are $10, and a portion of proceeds will be donated to the Cohoes Connect Center for Youth.
Friday, November 16
Comedian Jim Breuer, known for Saturday Night Live and Half Baked, will be performing at The Egg on Friday. Tickets start at $29.50.
For the Comic Book Enthusiasts
Saturday, November 17 to Sunday, November 18
Attention comic fans! The Saratoga Comic Con is happening this weekend and there will be celebrity appearances, games, anime, sci-fi, comic books, artists, vendors, cosplay, and more comic fun. Tickets are $20 on Saturday, $15 on Sunday, or you can get a weekend pass for $30.
Family- and Kid-Friendly Events
Saturday, November 17
Mopco in Schenectady always has fun shows, classes, and events going on. This is a special all-ages improv show where they’ll create stories, characters, and songs off the top of their heads. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
Curious George: The Golden Meatball
Sunday, November 17
The Park Playhouse is presenting Curious George: The Golden Meatball at the Cohoes Music Hall. Everyone’s favorite monkey goes on a mission to enter his chef friend’s meatballs into the Golden Meatball Contest in Rome. Tickets are $15.
