The first day of summer is finally here, and there’s a lot to look forward to this season. Kick it off with Father’s Day celebrations, take a ride on the new Nature Bus, and find out who was named the 2021 Albany Tulip Queen.
Dad Fest, Juneteenth, and More Upcoming Events
Are you ready to have some fun this weekend and next week in Albany? Mark your calendar for Dad Fest, a Juneteenth celebration, opening night of the Freedom Park Summer Concert Series, and more.
- Gillette Carnival at ViaPort Rotterdam: Today through Sunday, June 20
- Black Panther | Bites Camera Action Movie Series: Friday, June 18
- Dodge the Deer 5K & Kids Races: Saturday, June 19
- Schaghticoke Strawberry Festival: Saturday, June 19
- Juneteenth 2021: Saturday, June 19
- Albany’s Dad Fest: Sunday, June 20
- Father’s Day Sightseeing Cruises: Sunday, June 20
- Mental Health & Wellness 101: Wednesday, June 23
- 2021 Gala at The Arts Center of the Capital Region: Wednesday, June 23
- Freedom Park Summer Concert Series: Hot Club of Saratoga: Wednesday, June 23
See the full Albany events calendar >>
Check Out 5 Newsy Updates in the Albany Area
Summer Bus Service Connects the Albany Community to Nature
To help connect people in the City of Albany with all of the beautiful natural areas in Albany County, the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy has partnered with the Capital District Transportation Authority and other organizations to provide a free bus service this summer – the Nature Bus.
This bus service will run every Saturday from June 12 – September 25, 2021, and it will bring Albany residents to some of the region’s most scenic outdoor destinations, such as John Boyd Thacher State Park, the Pine Hollow Arboretum, and Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. View the route schedule: https://www.cdta.org/schedules-route-detail?route_id=872
Albany Removes Registration Requirement for Bites Camera Action
Based on the latest guidance from New York State, the popular Bites Camera Action outdoor movie series in Albany will now accept walk-in seating based on lawn capacity, and there will be no assigned pod seating. You do not have to pre-register to attend, and the lawn will open for seating at 7:30pm. The next movie is Black Panther, and it will be screened tonight.
The 2021 Albany Tulip Queen & Court Have Been Revealed
On Sunday, June 13, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan introduced this year’s Albany Tulip Queen and her four court members at a small ceremony in Washington Park. The 2021 Tulip Queen is Ashanti’ Bishop of Latham, and the court members are Aadya Kaushik of Loudonville, Sierra Liotta of Guilderland, Allison Moser of Guilderland, and Andrea Thomas of Albany.
Bishop will work with her four court members on community service and literacy advocacy initiatives over the next year. Congrats to the new Albany Tulip Queen and Tulip Court!
New Beauty Salon Opens in Downtown Albany
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new STUDIO23 beauty salon at 46 State Street. Co-owned by sisters Christina and Crystal Mallett, STUDIO23 specializes in manicures, pedicures, natural nail care, haircuts for men and women, and other services. Find them online and book your appointment today.
Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Now Operating at Full Capacity
For the first time since closing back in March of 2020, Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady is open at full capacity thanks to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in New York State. In addition, all plexiglass barriers have been removed from slot and table games, and Van Slyck’s Bar has reopened as of today, June 18. Masks are still required for guests who are not fully vaccinated (honor system).
Plan a summer beach day near Albany >>
Source:
- CDTA – New Nature Bus Connects Communities to Outdoor Opportunities in Albany County
