News Article

9 Free Things to do this March in Albany NY

March 2, 2025

March is here and New York’s Capital City is jampacked with plenty of amazing free events for you to enjoy this month! Learn to paint at the Albany Center Gallery, attend a live sing along at Lost and Found Bar and Kitchen, and get hyped for so much more this month, all for free!

03/08: Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Niña in El Mundo

Looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday with your little ones? Well, look no further because the Albany Institute of History and Art has the perfect event for you! On March 8^th from 11:00am until 12:00pm, enjoy the free-with-museum admission performance “Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Niña in El Mundo”! Presented by Opera Saratoga, this 45-minute interactive children’s program tells the story of internationally renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and Mariana, a young girl who wants her portrait painted. Directly after the program, guests can take part in a discussion with the artists.

Entrance of the Albany Institute of History & Art with modern glass and brick architecture, a sign on the right, and a blue sky background.

Street view of a building with large windows displaying a sign that reads "Free and Open to the Public Like a Really Great Chat." The street is cobblestone and reflects a sunny day.

03/08: Pastel Workshop

This one is for the art lovers! On Saturday, March 8^th from 12:00pm until 3:00pm, the Albany Center Gallery is hosting a pastel workshop in collaboration with artist Takeyce Walter. Whether you’re an art expert or have never picked up a paint brush, this event is open to everyone! Guests will be treated to demonstrations, instruction, and explore their creative side while learning composition, color theory, and more! All materials will be provided but registration by March 6th is required. And don’t forget, on-street parking in Downtown Albany is free all-day on weekends with additional paid parking available at the Riverfront Garage.

03/09: Upstate Punk Rock Flea Market

Mark your calendars because the Upstate Punk Rock Flea Market is back again! On March 9^th from 11:00am to 5:00pm, you can immerse yourself in anything and everything punk rock. Guests of all ages can shop everything from baked goods, t-shirts, and vinyls to taxidermy, natural goods, and original art! This free entry event will be held at Empire Live and is open to the public. And remember, on-street parking is free every weekend in Downtown Albany, so make sure you bring your family to this one-of-a-kind event and shop your heart out!

Entrance to Empire Live venue with a yellow sign, metal barricades, and a parked blue car nearby.

Street view of Lark Hall and The Eleven restaurant with red awnings in an urban area, featuring a sidewalk, street signs, and buildings under a partly cloudy sky.

03/14: Alec Lewis Group

Nearby Recommended Parking: Central Ave Lot 2

The Alec Lewis Group is back again for yet another electrifying performance at The Eleven at Lark Hall! On March 14^th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, this Albany bred group mixes contemporary funk and modern pop with rock and blues to create their own individual sound! The Alec Lewis Group is sure to bring Center Square a show that you won’t want to miss!

03/15: St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Feeling lucky? Stop by the 74^th annual Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade! On Saturday, March 15^th at 2:00pm, join local Irish and Irish American organizations for a day-long celebration of the Irish culture. Following a 9:00am mass along with a reception at Blessed Sacrament Church, this free event is open to the public and will take place in Downtown Albany, starting at Eagle Street running all the way down State Street to Broadway. And ParkAlbany has the event parking covered at all 3 of our downtown parking garages!

A marching band in traditional Scottish attire plays bagpipes during a parade.

A corner building with a red roof houses a pizza restaurant and other shops. It features tall windows and is located at a street intersection with traffic lights overhead.

03/15: Nickopotamus

Nearby Recommended Parking: Central Ave Lot 2

If you’re a fan of rock, jam, funk, or all 3 and more, this is the event for you! On March 15^th from 3:00pm to 7:00pm join Albany-based band, Nickopotamus, for a post-St.Patrick’s Day Parade show at The Eleven at Lark Hall. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and then jam out with Nickopotamus for an unforgettable show at this amazing Lark Street venue!

03/21: NYS Walking Tour

Interested in learning more about the history of New York? Visit the New York State Library on March 21^st from 1:00pm to 2:00pm for a tour of the local history and a glimpse into genealogy resources. Led by associate librarian Cara Janowsky, participants will be able to view numerous historical documents including United States and New York State Census records, newspapers on microfilm, and much more! This event is free, but registration is required.

Entrance with revolving doors to the Cultural Education Center. Signs and posters are visible inside the building.

Brick building exterior with sign reading "Opalka Gallery" and sculpture of abstract art attached to the wall. Grass and bushes in front.

03/21 and 03/25: Osi Audu, The Self in African Art Reception

If you are a fan of art, then stop by the Opalka Gallery on March 21^st from 5:30pm to 7:30pm for the opening of their latest exhibit “Osi Audu, The Self in African Art”! Guests will be able to enjoy a reception and music from the Alan Thomson Jazz Trio while exploring the latest art installation. And on March 25^th, Osi Audu himself along with Collector Pierre Brooks will be leading a free walkthrough of the exhibition.

03/21: Femininomenon Live Sing Along

It’s time to belt your heart out! Head on down to the Lost and Found Bar and Kitchen on March 21^st at 8:00pm for a late-night party full of dancing, singing, and fun! Bring your friends and join Shannon Tehya and DJ Fearless for a night of songs by popular artists such as Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and more! Sponsored by the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, this 21+ event is the perfect way for you to spend your Friday night! And remember, on-street parking is free in Albany after 5:00pm on weekdays!

Bar sign reads "Nerd Beers and Dope Food For Reals" at Lost & Found. Nearby are a pedestrian crossing sign and a stop sign.

Albany, NY is full of amazing events for you and your loved ones to enjoy this March! Be sure to stay up to date on everything happening by checking out our events calendar