Looking for a great way to unleash your creative side? A weekend-long arts event is coming up in Troy! Get full details about this Studio Sampler below, and check out news from the local restaurant scene, major announcements from Crossgates Mall, and more in our weekly roundup.
The Arts Center of the Capital Region to Host Studio Sampler Event
This weekend, April 24-25, The Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy will host a Welcome Back Studio Sampler event featuring free workshops. This is a safe, fun, and interactive art making experience that will allow you to meet The Arts Center’s teaching artists, explore the studios, and learn about their upcoming classes and camps.
As of Wednesday, April 21, there are spots open for the Family Kids Camp Preview Sampler on April 24 and the Woodworking Sampler Workshop and Stained Glass Studio Sampler Workshop on April 25. Visit their website to register online; following registration, students will receive a confirmation email.
Register today >>
What’s Happening in the Local Restaurant Scene
The Times Union reports that New World Bistro Bar in Albany, which has been closed since mid-January, plans to reopen on Wednesday, April 28, with a new menu from executive chef Ian Brower. Their hours of operation will be Wednesday – Sunday, 5:00pm-9:00pm, and they will be open for indoor and outdoor dining.
Located at the former location of Wolff’s Biergarten in Troy, the Troy Beer Garden is a new bar and restaurant that will offer a plant-based selection of small plates, local craft beers, and specialty cocktails. Opening weekend will run from Friday, April 23 – Saturday, April 24, 4:00pm-11:00pm. Stop by or make a table reservation ahead of time.
New Grocery Store Planned for Albany’s South End Neighborhood
According to an article by the Albany Business Review, the former McDonald’s in Albany’s South End neighborhood will become a new grocery store later this year. A coalition made of up the African American Cultural Center of the Capital Region, Albany County, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District, and BlueLight Development Group have a contract to buy the building from the Albany Housing Authority.
After the closing is complete, the coalition will work in collaboration with Albany’s El Pilon Market to develop a new grocery store that will offer fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy, gluten-free and vegetarian products, and more. The tentative opening date is Fall 2021.
Crossgates Mall Continues to Reopen
There is a lot of exciting news coming from Crossgates Mall this month. Last Friday, they announced that the Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant has reopened after a year of being closed. The Funny Bone Comedy Club is following all regulations that have been set forth by New York State along with recommended guidelines from the CDC.
In addition, Regal is reopening on Friday, April 23, and Crossgates Mall will have new hours of operation starting that day as well. Their new hours will be Monday – Wednesday, 10:00am-7:00pm, Thursday – Saturday, 10:00am-9:00pm, and Sunday, 11:00am-6:00pm.
Lend a Hand at Downtown Albany’s Earth Day Cleanups
This Saturday, April 24, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) will host neighborhood Earth Day cleanups at two locations. Volunteers are needed to help with the beautification projects at The Olde English Dog Park (10:00am-12:00pm) and at the African American Cultural Society of the Capital Region (12:00pm-2:00pm).
Rakes, shovels, gloves, and leaf and garbage bags will be provided, but volunteers are asked to sign up in advance through Eventbrite, practice social distancing, and wear masks.
Explore Upcoming Events in the Albany Area
Here are some of the highlights from the local events calendar:
- Baby Animal Days: Happening through May 9
- “Spring Lights” at the Thomas Cole Historic Site After Dark (Weekend 2): April 23 – 25
- Pop-Up Shop at Colonie Center: April 24 – 25
- Welcome Back Studio Sampler at The Arts Center of the Capital Region: April 24 – 25
- Earth Day Clean-Up in Downtown Albany: April 24
- Free Virtual YO HO HO…It’s the Penny the Pirate Show!: April 24
- TORI: Open For Take-Out Virtual Concert: April 26
See the full Albany events calendar >>
Find outdoor dining options in the Capital Region >>
Sources:
- Times Union – New World Bistro reopening soon
- Albany Business Review – Albany coalition planning grocery store at former McDonald’s in the South End
