Park News Article
10 Free Things to do this October in Albany NY
October 3, 2024
October is here and there’s so much to do throughout the City of Albany, including numerous free events! Whether you want to dance the night away at an all-night party or learn about your family tree, October is full of free and exciting things for you and your family to do!
This one is for the runners! Sponsored by Common Roots Brewing Company, this weather permitting weekly event was created to help promote a healthy and active lifestyle amongst the residents of Albany. Participants meet every Wednesday night in front of Common Roots’ Albany Outpost in Quackenbush Square for a group run across the Albany Skyway! After the run, the afterparty kicks off, and $1 from every beer sold between 7:00pm and 9:00pm gets donated to the Common Roots Foundation to help the greater Albany community! Off-Street Parking for this event is available in nearby Quackenbush Garage
If you’re interested in fascinating history and architecture, this is for you! Every Friday from June to December, the New York State Capitol Building opens itself up to visitors for a one-of-a-kind celebration. Partnering with First Friday Albany, the Capitol lets guests experience the Governor’s Reception Room, Instagram worthy photo ops, historic staircases and more! This event starts every Friday at 5:30pm and reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. And don’t forget that on-street parking near the New York State Capitol and the Empire State Plaza is free after 5pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.
Albany Center Gallery After Hours: All Hallow E’en Art Path 2024
Spooky season is upon us and The Albany Center Gallery is ready! Join them on October 4th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm for the “ACG After Hours – All Hallow E’en Art Path” event celebrating local artists and their work which has been put on display across two locations within the City of Albany, Maiden Lane and Quackenbush Gallery. This art path showcases a collection of storefronts, window displays, and mural installations created by a variety of local artists.
Upstate New York’s largest and longest running Vegan Festival is back for the 14th year in a row! This family-friendly event showcases delicious vegan food and drinks, raffles, exhibitors, and so much more! Stop by the Albany Capital Center on October 6th from 11:00am to 5:00pm to enjoy this remarkable celebration of the Vegan culture!
Jonathan Palmer – Catskill Mountain House
If you are interested in history and the natural world, come learn about the story of the historical Catskill Mountain House at the Albany Institute of History and Art! Greene County Historian Jonathan Palmer will be holding a lecture about the famous hotel on its 200th anniversary, where guests will get to learn all about the Catskill Mountain House, what it represented and its significance both locally and nationally! This lecture is open to the public and will be held on October 6th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
It’s time to rock out with Ashbury Park natives Blush, at The Eleven on Lark Street! Making their first Albany debut, Blush is performing for free at this brand-new venue located underneath Lark Hall on October 11th from 7:00pm until 10:00pm. If you’re in the mood for good vibes, dancing, rock, pop, blues, and funky jams, make sure you stop by The Eleven and see them rock!
The Capital Region’s first alternative market is back! If you are into the dark arts and oddities, then the Albany Twilight Market is the event for you! Showcasing the Northeast’s best alternative creators and artists, you are sure to find several one-of-a-kind gifts, antiques, vegan food, tarot readers and many more spooky surprises! This free event is open to the public and will be held in Washington Park on Saturday, October 12th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Additional paid off-street parking is available at ParkAlbany’s Parking Lots 2 & 3.
New York Bridal and Wedding Expo
It’s wedding season! Every bride-to-be stresses about their big day, but thanks to the New York Bridal and Wedding Expo, they can have one less thing to worry about. This free event is for newly engaged couples and their loved ones to help start planning the wedding of their dreams. Guests meet with several wedding companies and professionals specializing in flowers, dresses, food, and everything couples need to help make all their dreams to come true! The New York Bridal and Wedding Expo will be held at the Albany Capital Center on Sunday, October 13th from 1:30pm to 5:00pm and is free with registration.
Fall Finds – Family Scavenger Hunt
It’s time for a scavenger hunt! The Fall Finds – Family Scavenger Hunt is a family -friendly event perfect that’s the perfect way to start off the fall season! Located in the Ten Broeck Mansion’s gardens, this scavenger hunt allows children to learn about nature and animals while earning some fun prizes! This free event will be held on Saturday, October 14th from 10:30am to 11:30am and registration is recommended.
Genealogy Help with Lisa Walsh Dougherty
If you’ve ever been interested in discovering the details of your family tree, now’s your chance! Recurring monthly on the last Wednesday of the month at 11:00am, visitors will find Professional Genealogist Lisa Dougherty in the Irish American Heritage Museum for a special one – on – one session! During these free meetings, you can learn all about your family history and explore your family tree!
Fun times in Albany doesn’t always mean spending money! There are always lots of events in the city that are free for you to enjoy and explore without emptying your pockets and wallets so make sure you check out our events calendar to stay up to date! But no matter where you end up, ParkAlbany’s garages and lots are always a quick trip away!
