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2024 Annual Winter Events in Albany & the Capital Region

Updated (01/21/2024): 

The Capital Region offers many fun and spirited events each winter! Whether you want to get some new gear, sample delicious foods, or find items for your home, there's an awesome annual event for you.

Upcoming Events:

Empire "Skate" Plaza

Dates: Open Throughout Winter

people ice skating outdoors near city buildings

Enjoy ice skating with family and friends at the Empire "Skate" Plaza in Albany. Open Tuesdays - Sundays throughout winter (as weather permits), the Empire "Skate" Plaza welcomes all, and admission is free. Skate rentals are available for a small fee whenever the ice skating rink is open, and they are free on Saturdays courtesy of Hannaford Supermarkets.

Fire & Ice Bar at The Mill on Round Lake

Dates: February 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17, 2024

a long ice bar

Don't miss the 7th Annual Fire & Ice Bar at The Mill on Round Lake in February! Ice bars are some of the coolest winter events, and The Mill features the longest ice bar in the Capital Region. Enjoy drink specials, a live DJ, ice activities, and more.

Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival

Dates: January 25-27, 2024

platter of crostini

Taste delicious offerings from the best local restaurants at the Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival. Enjoy a full weekend of food-related events and competitions. Highlights will include the Mayor's Reception and Kickoff on January 25, the Grand Tastings on January 26-27, and the Grand Gala dinner on January 27.

Downtown Schenectady Soup Stroll

Date: January 27, 2024

soup stroll

Plan a trip to downtown Schenectady on Saturday, January 27, for the annual Soup Stroll. Participating restaurants will offer their best soups for only $1 for a 3oz serving. It's a great way to spend a cold winter day!

Grafton Lakes Winter Fest

Date: January 20, 2024

two snowshoes

Bring the whole family to the 39th Annual Grafton Lakes Winter Festival on Saturday, January 20, at Grafton Lakes State Park. The festival will feature outdoor events along with a variety of indoor exhibits to check out, food vendors, and family-friendly recreational activities. Admission is free, and the event will run from 11:30am-3:00pm.

Albany Wine & Chocolate Festival 

winefest

On Saturday, February 10th plan on sampling some of the best wine & chocolate in the Capital Region. There will be unlimited samples and you may purchase a bottle of your favorite wine at a great price. If you aren't interested in wine, the festival is including distilleries and cideries too. Admission is $35 for advance tickets and the festival has two sessions from 1-4 PM or 5-8 PM. 

Early Winter Events:

Adirondack Sports & Northeast Ski Expo

Dates: November 2-3, 2024

people at an indoor winter sports expo

The Adirondack Sports & Northeast Ski in Albany is a late fall/early winter (preparedness) event that features the latest in winter sports equipment and apparel at the best possible prices. 100 exhibitors will be on hand, and categories will include alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, health, fitness, travel, and more.

Check out the full Albany events calendar >>

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