News Article

10 Things to Do during Weekends in Albany, NY

August 7, 2024

Looking for something to do during weekends in Albany? There’s always something exciting happening throughout New York’s Capital City! From shopping and dining to thrilling events and world-class sites and experiences, make the most of your weekend with these ten things to do in Albany, NY! And no matter where you choose to enjoy your weekend in the city, ParkAlbany’s garages & lots are always just a quick walk from all the fun at your destination.

A serene landscape with a river running through tall grass, surrounded by green trees and a clear blue sky.

Relax in Scenic Washington Park

Located in the heart of Albany, take a journey to scenic Washington Park and unwind amidst 80+ acres of stunning nature! Home to vibrant annual festivals like Tulip Fest & Dad Fest, the wonderful Washington Park Farmers Market, yearly theatrical productions by the Playhouse Stage Company at the historic lake house and so much more, this iconic park has been a fixture for fun and relaxation in New York’s Capital City since the 1870s! Featuring miles of trails to explore, iconic monuments, playgrounds, a picturesque lake, and plenty of green space for a picnic, stunning Washington Park is a must-visit site for those looking to get their steps in and enjoy a slice of nature in the city!

Bike Along the Empire State Trail

Did you know the renowned 750-mile-long Empire State Trail runs through Albany? Take advantage of this extensive trail system and enjoy a bike ride through Jennings Landing and the Corning Preserve! Located right along the Hudson River, visitors and locals can be found enjoying this wonderful trail year-round while soaking in incredible views of the Albany skyline. Bring your own bike and hit the trail right away, or for some extra adventure, park at our Quackenbush Garage, take a scenic stroll across the Albany Skyway and hop on a CDPHP Cycle Electric Bike for a zip along this must-visit trail in style!

A serene park scene with a pond reflecting trees, a path on the right, and a partly cloudy blue sky. The distant silhouette of a building's tower is visible against the sky.

A person sits on a median strip in the middle of a downtown street lined with tall buildings under a partly cloudy blue sky. Buses and cars are on both sides of the street.

Rock Out to Live Music in Downtown Albany

There’s nothing quite like a thrilling concert during the weekend, and Downtown Albany is home to a diverse roster of live music venues catering to nearly every taste! Weekends in this vibrant neighborhood often feature venues jam-packed with concertgoers ready to rock out and dance the night away at one of Albany’s legendary music venues. Downtown Albany is home to exciting spaces like the Palace Theatre, the MVP Arena, Empire Live/Underground, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, and Ophelia’s on Broadway, all of which have been keeping the energy high all week long thanks to their consistent lineups of world-class bands & musicians! Check out our events calendar for more information on upcoming shows at these fantastic venues, along with the best places to park before you enjoy a thrilling weekend show downtown!

Shop & Dine Along Bustling Lark Street

Explore the heart of the stunning Center Square neighborhood with a weekend trip to Lark Street! This bustling thoroughfare boasts some of the city’s most eclectic shops and delicious restaurants. Located between Washington Park and the Empire State Plaza, this iconic street is the perfect place to stop and explore while you’re out sightseeing during the weekend. Scoop a cup of coffee from an amazing local coffee shop, explore the array of unique stores filled with art, oddities, vintage clothing and more, then cap it off with a mouth-watering meal at one of the many locally loved restaurants! For those driving, on-street parking is free all weekend long and additional off-street parking is available at nearby Lots 2 & 3, both just a quick walk from this must-visit destination!

Street view of a city intersection at dusk with string lights overhead, cars stopped at traffic lights, and buildings with lit storefronts lining the street.

The Albany Institute of History & Art building with a modern glass facade and an entrance sign on a sunny day.

Tour the Incredible Art at the Albany Institute

Grab your family and friends and admire the astonishing art within the walls of the legendary Albany Institute of History & Art! Founded in 1791, this storied Washington Avenue site is one of the oldest museums in the United States and serves as a major site for locally and internationally significant collections of artifacts and art. Featuring exceptional rotating exhibits, one of the country’s most prominent collections of Hudson River School paintings, breathtaking sculptures and so much more, the Albany Institute is a wonderful weekend destination for those hot and rainy days, and remains must-visit site to explore for art lovers and history buffs alike (and did we mention there’s mummies?)!

Take in Amazing Views from the Albany Skyway

Want to experience some spectacular city views during your weekend adventure? Look no further than the Albany Skyway, the first elevated park in the Capital Region! The Skyway boasts panoramic views of Albany’s iconic skyline, lush greenery, public art, beautiful color-changing lights, and plenty of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities along this repurposed exit ramp from I-787. This wonderful space serves as a creative connection between Downtown Albany and the scenic Hudson Riverfront and has been a favorite for locals and visitors since May 2022! Park at the Quackenbush Garage just around the corner and journey towards the entrance at Broadway & Clinton Avenue, located across the street from the brand-new Clinton Market Collective and enjoy a weekend walk in the sky!

Urban street view featuring a brick building of Common Roots Brewing Company in the foreground, with a flag-topped high-rise and other city buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.

Sidewalk cafe with tables and umbrellas, patrons sitting and talking, dogs resting beside them, parked cars on the street, and buildings visible in the background on a sunny day.

Unwind on a Patio along New Scotland Avenue

Al fresco dining always tastes better on the weekends, and New Scotland Avenue is the perfect place to unwind with a delicious meal! This lively stretch in the New Scotland neighborhood between Quail Street and Ontario Street features a plethora of amazing restaurants with plenty of patio seating to kick back and enjoy some fresh air. Mr. Bumbles Café has a great outdoor space to enjoy breakfast, and your lunch/dinner options are covered throughout this vibrant block, with renowned eateries like Sake Café, Graney’s Bar & Grill, Albany Ale & Oyster, and The Fountain offering shaded outdoor seating! Plus, visitors driving to this must-visit stretch of restaurants can enjoy free on-street parking every weekend along New Scotland Avenue (and throughout the City of Albany)!

Browse the Striking Art in Quackenbush Square

Art enthusiasts are sure to love a weekend stroll through Quackenbush Square! Located adjacent to the Quackenbush Garage, the nearby Albany Skyway, and the Clinton Market Collective, this beautiful space features an ever-growing collection of beautiful public murals and sculptures. Between the square, garage, and rear parking lot, there are over a dozen public art pieces to enjoy! Thanks to the Capital Walls program, once dull spaces have been transformed by colorful murals that have drawn thousands of visitors since its inception in 2016. From the iconic Bluebirds by Michael Conlin to the colorful neon mural by renowned muralist Adam Fujita, art lovers have plenty to enjoy in Downtown Albany! Be sure to stop by the fantastic establishments throughout the square, such as The Olde English Pub, Discover Albany Visitors Center, Irish American Heritage Museum, and Common Roots Brewing Company’s Albany Outpost while you’re out snapping pictures during your weekend expeditions!

Outdoor space with a colorful neon sign reading "You Belong We All Belong" in front of a multi-level parking garage. The area includes street lamps and sparse foliage.

Street view of a brick building with a murals advertising "Biergarten." A retro-style diner with signs for "Tanpopo Ramen" and "Sake Bar" is on the right. American flag in the background.

Enjoy a Night Out in the Warehouse District

Albany’s Warehouse District has transformed into one of the city’s premier neighborhoods for dinner and drinks! Located north of Downtown Albany, this neighborhood buzzes on the weekends with people flocking to one of the many diverse bars and restaurant options lining Broadway. This area has seen a resurgence over the last 10-15 years, and with an abundance of wonderful eateries and bars to choose from, it’s no wonder so many enjoy nights out in the Warehouse District! From longtime staples like Lost & Found, Tanpopo Ramen, and Nine Pin Cider Works to recently opened hotspots like Fidens Brewing Company, The Copper Crow, and Lionheart on the Green, there’s something for everyone in this bustling neighborhood, featuring free on-street parking every weekend!

Stroll Through the Iconic Empire State Plaza

Day or night, the legendary Empire State Plaza is always worth a weekend visit! Fans of modern art and striking architecture are sure to adore this massive complex in the heart of Albany, home to world-class brutalist and neo-renaissance architecture and an array of incredible sculptures commissioned by Governor Rockefeller. Daytime visitors will encounter beautiful views of the reflecting pools, fountains, lively concerts and events, and phenomenal views of the New York State Museum, New York State Capitol, Corning Tower, and 4 Agency Buildings. Nighttime walks transform the landscape of the plaza into a quiet respite with remarkable color-changing uplighting and a truly unique ambiance that’s hard to match anywhere else in Albany. So, grab your walking shoes and your camera and get ready to enjoy one of America’s most awe-inspiring Capitol complexes during your weekend odyssey in Albany!

Night view of a city plaza featuring modern, colorful-lit buildings, a reflective water feature, and an egg-shaped structure illuminated in yellow. The central building in the background is classically styled.

From sightseeing to shopping and plenty in between, there’s always something exciting to do during a weekend in Albany, New York! And no matter where you choose to explore and experience New York’s Capital City, ParkAlbany is proud to offer convenient parking options at our garages and lots just around the corner from all the action. To stay up to date on happenings within the city for your next weekend journey, be sure to browse our events calendar for more information and to find the best places to park!