Park News Article
10 Free Things to do this January in Albany NY
January 2, 2025
January is here and Albany, NY has even more free events for you and your loved ones to enjoy this month! From live music to drag events, and bingo nights, and more, there is never a lack of things to do in New York’s Capital City!
It’s time for yet another show at one of the Capital Region’s newest live music venues! On January 10th from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, you can find Averill Park natives 10:01 rocking out at The Eleven at Lark Hall! Singing both covers and original songs with a mix of alternative-rock, indie, and blues, 10:01’s show is one you do not want to miss!
Bring out your chips and boards because it’s time for bingo! Recurring every Thursday night at 7:00pm, the City Beer Hall hosts a free interactive music bingo night. All you have to do is bring yourself and a phone to play on and you are all set! And the best part is, there are prizes up for grab every round! Visit the City Beer Hall every Thursday to test your music knowledge in a fun and interactive music bingo night!
One of Albany’s favorite ice cream eateries is home to a weekly lineup of live artists and music for everyone to enjoy! On select Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year from 7:00pm until 9:30pm, you can enjoy a free live concert from artists such as singer/songwriter Alan Goldberg, trio Pearl, Slingshot, and more! Come for some tasty ice cream and stay for some amazing live music!
One of the most popular wintertime activities in Albany is ice skating at the Empire State Plaza Ice Rink! Open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00am until 6:00pm this free (weather-permitting) activity is a must-do during winter in New York’s Capital City! Ice skating itself is free, and skate rentals are $5.00 except for Saturdays where you can rent skates for free! And don’t forget, on-street parking in the City of Albany is free after 5:00pm on weekdays and all day on weekends!
01/20: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Beloved Community March
Honoring the courageous Dr. King and his legacy, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Beloved Community March is the place to be in Albany on January 20th. This community march highlights the importance of not only Dr. King but also the historical peaceful March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. This free event starts at 11:00am on the steps in front of the New York State Museum and ends at the Martin Luther King Jr. Statue in Lincoln Park. If you want to participate but can’t walk, CDTA will have a bus service available.
It’s time for a drag show!! On the fourth Thursday of every month from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, Nine Pin Ciderworks hosts “Drag Me to Nine Pin”! This free rotating drag event with host Typhoid Mary is one-of-a-kind and a must-see on your trip to Albany’s Warehouse District! And the best part is, you’ll have a different experience every time you go!
01/24: Opalka Gallery Screenprint Biennial 10th Anniversary
On January 24th stop by the Opalka Gallery for a unique art opening! From 5:30pm to 7:30pm, join the Opalka Gallery and founder Nathan Meltz to the opening reception of the Screenprint Biennial 10th Anniversary. With music from Connor Armbruster, enjoy a free walkthrough of the gallery’s latest exhibition with the reception happening directly afterwards.
Stop by the New York State Museum any time of the year for a family-friendly good time! Open Tuesdays through Sundays 9:30am to 5:00pm, there is a lot to do and it’s all free! With yearlong exhibitions such as “Unveiled: Wedding Wear in New York, 1910’s – 1940’s”, permanent exhibitions such as “Adirondack Wilderness” and a working antique carousel on the top floor, the New York State Museum is the perfect way to spend your day! On-street metered parking is available at no cost to you after 5:00pm on weekdays and all day on weekends!
The Olde English Pub is an iconic Downtown Albany restaurant where you can eat, drink, and relax in an authentic British pub atmosphere! On the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm, the Olde English offers live Irish music for all to appreciate. Grab some authentic and delicious English food and relax to live Irish music while you eat. Off-street parking is available at the nearby Quackenbush Parking Lot.
One thing you can enjoy all year round is the art at Quackenbush Square! Located directly off Clinton Avenue, Quackenbush Square is home to ParkAlbany’s public art collection which features a variety of amazing art pieces for all to enjoy! From dazzling blue birds and mesmerizing murals, upcycled parking meter art installations, and one-of-a-kind sculptures, there is a lot of art to experience down at Quackenbush Square! Parking is available next door at the Quackenbush Garage.
January in New York’s Capital City is jampacked with free events for you and your loved ones to do! Be sure to check out our events calendar to stay updated on everything going on in Albany, New York!
