The first day of spring is right around the corner, and there is no shortage of fun things to do in the Albany area. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are beginning this weekend, a Turkish-Mediterranean restaurant recently opened in downtown Albany, and the Easter Bunny is back in the Capital Region. Get details on all of this and more in this week’s news/events roundup.
Unleash Your Inner Irish on St. Patrick’s Day
Whether you’re a fan of corned beef and cabbage, Guinness, Irish music, or all three, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about St. Patrick’s Day. Albany is one of the top places to celebrate the holiday, and some of the upcoming in-person and virtual events include:
- Virtual Irish Sweat-er Run 2021: Today Through Sunday, March 14
- Virtual 2021 Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Saturday, March 13
- Lucky Waffles Virtual 5K Run/Walk: Wednesday, March 17 – Sunday, March 21
- 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at River Street Market: Wednesday, March 17
- St. Patrick’s Day at Indian Ladder Farms Cidery and Brewery: Wednesday, March 17
- Saint Patrick’s Day with Get Up Jack – Virtual Concert presented by The Linda: Wednesday, March 17 – Thursday, March 18
View the full list of St. Patrick’s Day events >>
Hop on Over & Get a Photo with the Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny is coming back to both Crossgates Mall and Colonie Center on Saturday, March 13.
At Crossgates, you will be able to visit with the Easter Bunny and get your photo taken on the lower level in the Macy’s wing. Crossgates Mall’s Easter Bunny Land is located in its own storefront this year, and the Easter Bunny will be on-site from March 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, and April 2-3.
At Colonie Center, the Easter Bunny will be located in the Center Court, and you’ll be able to visit and get your photo taken by the mall’s in-house photographers. The Easter Bunny will be at Colonie Center on March 13-14, 20-21, 26-31, and April 1-3.
Times Union Center Announces Limited Spectators for NCAA Men’s Hockey Albany Regional
Last week, the Times Union Center announced that they had been awarded the 2021 NCAA Men’s Hockey Albany Regional and will host the event on March 27-28. Sports fans will also be happy to hear that a limited number of spectators will be permitted at the arena. All tickets will be sold in pods of two, and you can learn more here.
New Turkish-Mediterranean Restaurant Opens in Downtown Albany
The Spinning Gyro, a family-owned Turkish-Mediterranean restaurant, recently opened near downtown Albany’s Times Union Center. They are currently open for dine-in and takeout, and their specialties include homemade and fresh gyros, kabobs, salads, spreads, and more. Stop by and try something new in downtown Albany!
Local Favorite Fred the Butcher Opens Second Location in the Capital Region
Since opening in 1979, Fred the Butcher in Halfmoon has become one of the Capital Region’s most well-regarded (and reviewed) butcher shops. As noted by the Times Union, the business has expanded to include Fred the Butcher II, located in Slingerlands. If you’re in the area, check out their excellent selection of dry aged prime and certified Angus beef.
Albany Public Library Continues Reopening Process
Albany Public Library’s branches are continuing to reopen and offer additional services for patrons. As of March 8, browsing of the physical collections is permitted at Albany Public Library’s Arbor Hill/West Hill, Bach, Delaware, Howe, and Pine Hills branches. Appointments are strongly recommended for all services, and a full breakdown of each library branch’s services is available on their website.
See the Albany events calendar for more things to do >>
Sources:
- Times Union – Turkish Mediterranean restaurant opens opposite TU Center
- Times Union – Father and sons bring Fred the Butcher to New Scotland
