For decades, Albany has presented an array of award-winning events celebrating our Capital City's rich heritage and Hudson River landscape. We strive to provide world-class art, entertainment and culture for residents and visitors of all ages, completely free of charge. In these uncertain times we are compiling a list of all the great At Home Entertainment you can access FREE in the area!
The Palace Theatre, the City of Albany and Mirth Films are teaming up to present The Palace Sessions, a monthly live music series featuring some of our favorite regional acts performing in unique spaces within the historic performing arts center. Fallbany Art and Craft Market a showcase for local art, music and culture, Fallbany features exhibits and work available for purchase from regional mixed media artists and crafters.
The Palace Theatre, the City of Albany and Mirth Films are teaming up to present The Palace Sessions, a monthly live music series featuring some of our favorite regional acts performing in unique spaces within the historic performing arts center. Fallbany Art and Craft Market a showcase for local art, music and culture, Fallbany features exhibits and work available for purchase from regional mixed media artists and crafters.
Services
The City of Albany, NY Office of Cultural Affairs plans, produces and co-sponsors an array of fairs, festivals, and concerts promoting art, entertainment and cultural interest for all ages throughout the year.
This office researches and hires talent, programs children's activities, coordinates food and craft vendors, coordinates technical and logistical aspects, markets and publicizes events, solicits sponsorship, and solicits, trains and manages a core of 2,000 volunteers.This office is often called upon to execute one time special events, ceremonial programs, press conferences and other event activities occurring in downtown Albany.
This office researches and hires talent, programs children's activities, coordinates food and craft vendors, coordinates technical and logistical aspects, markets and publicizes events, solicits sponsorship, and solicits, trains and manages a core of 2,000 volunteers.This office is often called upon to execute one time special events, ceremonial programs, press conferences and other event activities occurring in downtown Albany.
The City of Albany, NY Office of Cultural Affairs plans, produces and co-sponsors an array of fairs, festivals, and concerts promoting art, entertainment and cultural interest for all ages throughout the year. Fallbany Art and Craft Market a showcase for local art, music and culture, Fallbany features exhibits and work available for purchase from regional mixed media artists and crafters.
Dad Fest is the City of Albany's celebration of all the fantastic fathers out there. Featuring our newly added Classic Car Show, great food and vendors! Dad Fest is a chance for the whole family to kick back and enjoy an early summer afternoon at one of the Capital Region's most picturesque parks. Of course, you don't have to be a dad to enjoy Dad Fest - this event offers a little fun for everyone.
The 25th Annual Albany Last Run 5K is a great race for all ages, featuring a beautiful course through Capital Holiday Lights in Washington Park and a spectacular fireworks show! Following the race, awards recognition and posting of results takes place at the Empire State Plaza Concourse at the base of the Egg, featuring age-based divisional awards and random prize drawings.
The Cash for Coats Drive is a community event collecting funds toward the purchase of NEW winter items for Albany kids in need. For 13 years, the City of Albany and its partners have proudly facilitated the purchase and distribution of over 10,000 NEW, quality winter coats and tens of thousands of new winter accessories to Albany's children in need.
Reviews (7)
William K.
Jul 02, 2019
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I agree with Lo K, this used to be a fun event when it was on Broadway. Now it has to be under total control. Can't bring beer either, you have to buy their $5 beers in long lines I didn't care to wait in anyhow. I've only been to this venue 3 times and each time I say why? Never again. Quiet Riot was horrible.
Brett W.
Jun 18, 2019
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Not what it used to be several years back but can be a fun night out with friends. Variety of eats and several vendors from local businesses. More top name talent would come play but the past few years its mostly been local artists and indie up-and-comers. Gets really crowded so I'd get there early if you can and maybe get some lawn space with a blanket or chair.
Diane V.
Aug 05, 2016
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PROS: good variety of entertainment, free, outside in summer, small variety of food & beverage choices, at low to average prices, people watching is fun, some of the clothing people wear is entertaining in itself, meet new people, nice people, see people you have not seen a long time, spacious enough to move around behind the larger crowd. Most people respect others enough to try to not touch them while walking through the crowds. On very hot sunny days the Boat Launch is the best for staying out of the hot sun, to beat the heat. Most beautiful view at the Corning Preserve, of the Hudson
Lo K.
Jun 10, 2016
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Alive @ 5 used to be great when Jerry Jennings was in office. Now, there are no dogs allowed. Thank you Kathy Sheehan. Who rides to work on her broomstick every morning. I'm pretty sure I saw her flying around our capital like the wicked witch of the west the other day. First event of the summer, she walks past a group of Police Officers and didn't say a word to them. But I'm sure will call if she has a problem. Absolutely ridiculous. I'll give my hard earned money to a place that respects our Police and allows me to enjoy music with my four legged friend. Enjoy your power trip
Alf C.
Dec 28, 2012
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Very cool concert series. you get the chance to see some big names that are still doing there thing. this summer had bootsy collins, buckwheat zydaco, nickleback, and kevin bacon. yeah, kevin bacon from that movie about the undergound earthquake worms. who knew he's also a rock and roll musician.
they've been doing alive at five for longer than i've been alive. it is a chance to blow off steam down by the river, drink some beers, and enjoy the fashionable crowd. the mayor is there doing his thing, so that's cool.
i recomend this series if you have the opportunity to get down
they've been doing alive at five for longer than i've been alive. it is a chance to blow off steam down by the river, drink some beers, and enjoy the fashionable crowd. the mayor is there doing his thing, so that's cool.
i recomend this series if you have the opportunity to get down
Rohit R.
Mar 17, 2010
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Nick P.
Jun 05, 2009
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Alive at Five is a really great free event. As with many free events people come out of the woodwork, and thats part of the fun. Albany is a pretty cool town, and the development of the Corning Preserve as a concert venue is fantastic.
I'd say Gerry Jennings has jumped the shark. The boo's from the crowd partly gave it away. He's just lost some of that charisma. I'm not going to make a tan joke.... even that's not as much fun as it used to be.
While Blues Traveler has had more popular days, they are still really good. I got the feeling this show another day at the
I'd say Gerry Jennings has jumped the shark. The boo's from the crowd partly gave it away. He's just lost some of that charisma. I'm not going to make a tan joke.... even that's not as much fun as it used to be.
While Blues Traveler has had more popular days, they are still really good. I got the feeling this show another day at the
