It’s going to be a beautiful weekend in Albany, and there is a lot to know about! The annual Lupine Fest ends on Saturday, the first 2021 virtual Alive at Five concert has been announced, and there is more news from around the region.
Lupine Fest Ends, ArtsWeek Begins, and More Upcoming Events
Looking for fun events in the Capital Region? Here’s what’s going on:
- Lupine Fest 2021: Happening through Saturday, June 5
- Tri-City ValleyCats vs. New Jersey Jackals: Friday, June 4
- 2021 Saint Basil Troy Greek Festival: Friday, June 4 – Saturday, June 5
- 3rd Annual Downtown Schenectady ArtsWeek: Saturday, June 5 – Saturday, June 12
- Schenectady Pride – Day of Visibility: Saturday, June 5
- Friends of SCPL Book Sale: Saturday, June 5 – Sunday, June 6
- VIRTUAL EVENT: 18th Annual Dining Out For LifeĀ®: Thursday, June 10
- Jazz on Jay: Azzaam Hameed & Friends: Thursday, June 10
See the full Albany events calendar here >>
6 Newsy Updates to Know in the Albany Area
Read the Latest About Alive at Five & Dad Fest
The City of Albany has announced the return of the Alive at Five summer concert series, which will be held virtually on Thursday nights from June 10 – August 5. Although the full schedule hasn’t been revealed yet, the first virtual concert on June 10 will include performances by Ryan Leddick and Erin Harkes.
In addition, Albany’s annual Father’s Day celebration, Dad Fest, will take place on June 20 in Washington Park. The highlight of this year’s event is a classic car show with great food, vendors, and free admission for spectators.
Enjoy a Unique Musical Audio Tour in Washington Park

As part of the Empire State Youth Orchestra’s (ESYO) youth leadership program, a local high school senior has curated a Soundwalk in Washington Park. This Soundwalk is an immersive, musical audio tour that accompanies walkers as they stroll through the park. To experience it, just download the app and select the program, and then your phone’s GPS will determine where you are in Washington Park and play a piece of classical music based on the location.
As noted in an article by CBS 6 Albany, the ESYO Soundwalk was inspired by the ones created by composer Ellen Reid for Saratoga Spa State Park and Central Park. Get full details and then visit Washington Park: https://esyo.org/soundwalk
A New Vegan Restaurant Is Coming to Lark Street
The Lark Street Business Improvement District recently shared a photo on their Facebook page of a new vegan restaurant that’s coming soon to 277 Lark Street. Although there aren’t many details about this establishment yet, it’s named Subculture Vegan Deli & Provisions, and they will be offering sandwiches, salads, wraps, desserts, and more. Keep an eye out for more news about the restaurant.
Huck Finn’s Playland Removes Reservation Requirement
Huck Finn’s Playland, one of the top family attractions in Albany, is no longer requiring reservations thanks to the new state guidance. They have returned to their normal hours of operation of 11:00am-8:00pm on weekends through June 13, and then they will be open daily from June 18 through Labor Day.
Eat Local & Support Albany in a Tri-County Restaurant Promotion
To help support local restaurants in the Capital Region, Discover Albany, Discover Schenectady, and Discover Saratoga have teamed up to present the Tri-County Tip-Off Challenge throughout the month of June. From now until June 30, the three organizations are encouraging people to eat out at their favorite restaurants in Albany County, Schenectady County, and Saratoga County and take a photo of their receipt and tip.
If you submit your photo online and fill out the Tri-County Tip-Off Challenge form, then you’ll be entered to win one of three prize baskets worth a total of $300. In addition, at the end of June, the county with the most tips will win the Tri-County Tip-Off Challenge. Support your home county and enjoy some delicious food this month! Learn more: https://www.albany.org/restaurants/tri-county-tip-off-challenge/
Relax and Rejuvenate with a Visit to Albany’s Newest Spa
A new spa offering various massages and facials is expected to open at 98 Wolf Road (Suite 15) in Albany on June 14, reports the Times Union. The business is called Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, and it’s part of a chain of franchised massage spas in the United States. When they open, their services will include a full complement of specialty massages, facials, and enhancements.
Head off the beaten path and find new things to do >>
Sources:
- Discover Albany – Tri-County Tip-Off Challenge
- Times Union – Couple opens Hand and Stone Massage on Wolf Road
- CBS 6 Albany – Teen sets Washington Park to music in ESYO Soundwalk project