Events

@ Thacher State Park Overlook

Thacher Park Overlook is a great place to watch for hawks flying south during their fall migration. Hawk Watch leader Will Aubrey will be on hand to answer questions, provide background material, compile statistics, and assist with hawk identification. Come see live raptors and learn about wildlife rehabilitation. Refreshments will be available at the Overlook concession stand. On Sunday, September 11, raptor viewing and counting continues with Will Aubrey. Please call 872-0800 for additional information.

@ Albany

Tour the last World War II Destroyer Escort afloat in America. USS SLATER is open for tours Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is charged.

@ Albany Visitors Center

Notorious bootlegger, John 'Legs' Diamond met his end in Albany, NY. Was it 'offed' by rival gangster, Dutch Schultz? Was it a 'hit' organized by his jealous wife, Alice? Or perhaps his girlfriend, Kiki Roberts, had something to gain from his execution? Follow your guide and uncover the truth behind the death of Legs Diamond. Along the way, you will also hear stories of Albany's colorful brewing history, from the Erie Canal to present day.

@ Five Rivers Environmental Education Center

Woodland hawks can be very secretive. Even our common Red-tailed Hawks are generally viewed only one or two at a time. But from late August into December, hundreds of thousands of hawks will leave their northern breeding territories to wing their way to their southern wintering grounds. This indoor program will help you identify hawks in flight, suggest places to view hawk migration, and prepare you to enjoy this spectacular seasonal phenomenon.

@ 1 Van Schaick Ave, Cohoes NY

The Van Schaick Mansion is one of the most historic homes in New York State with a rich history that is tied to both the French and Indian War & the American Revolution. Built circa 1735, the house was used as military headquarters for a number of English generals during the French and Indian War. During the American Revolution the mansion once again served as military headquarters and was inhabited by Generals Schuyler, Gates, Poor, St. Clair and Colonels Morgan, Gansevoort and Arnold while formulating the plans for the battle of Saratoga. In the days leading up to the battle some 5,000 Continental soldiers were garrisoned around the mansion. Due to the historic significance of this venue, the Van Schaick Mansion was named to the National Register of Historical Places in 1970, to the New York State Revolutionary War Heritage Trail in 2008, and in 2013 was named a member of the “NYS Paths to History”. For the past 278 years, the mansion has been lovingly cared for by descendants of the Van Schaick Family, various individuals; and since 2001, the Gen. Peter Gansevoort Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Van Schaick Mansion Project, under the auspices of the General Peter Gansevoort Chapter, NSDAR, was established to collect, preserve, and present the cultural history of Van Schaick Island. The Project pursues this mission through the preservation and interpretation of its site, the Van Schaick Mansion, as a site for the presentation of collections, exhibitions and programs to benefit the community.

@ Huyck Preserve

Join our naturalist for a hike in search of the last flowers of summer along some of our core trails!

@ Madison Avenue Pinelands Trailhead (#7)

Come witness the transformation of the Pine Bush. Through habitat management, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission is restoring the Pine Bush to an open pine barrens. One of only 20 left in the world! Join us for a hike along the trails and learn how the Commission is bringing this globally rare ecosystem back. We will be meeting at the Madison Avenue Pinelands trailhead (#7) and hiking approximately one mile over rolling sand dunes. Ages 8+.

@ Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center

It’s that time of year when birds are on the move. Come along on an early morning adventure to observe some of the amazing birds here and see our science team in action as they capture and band birds! They are working together to learn more about birds migrating through the Pine Bush. There will be a short inside presentation followed by an outside observation period, and then back indoors for hands-on activities. Indoor portion will occur rain or shine. All ages.

@ Berne, Knox, Rensselaerville and Westerlo

Experience the scenic Hilltowns of Albany County on this self-guided driving tour of farms, artisan studios, markets, historical museums and other places of interest. Choose from dozens of destinations. Maps with details, schedules, wheelchair accessibility, and locations for gas and food are available free at all venues or can be downloaded from our website www.Hilltowns.org.

@ Five Rivers Educational Center

Late summer and early autumn are excellent for observing insects. Join us as we explore the fields for grasshoppers, beetles, mantids and more. Classify insects into families by looking at their identifying features, and discover the wonderful adaptations each has to aid its survival.

@ Altamont Fair grounds

The 24tr annual Capital Region Apple & Wine Festival will again be held at the Altamont Fair Grounds, Route 146, Altamont. Activities include a juried craft show, farmers market & bakery, a variety of entertainment, car show(sunday), haunted house, Bounce Houses, wine tasting (additional fee) and pony rides. Tons of festival foods and drinks. Lots of apples and apple products!

@ Albany to Waterford NY

Our ride will take the Hudson River waterfront from dowtown Albany through Cohoes to Waterford and Troy. We will make stops along the way and explore the birthplace of the great Industrial Revolution of the United States. The original Erie Canal, the Cohoes Falls, Peebles Island and the Burden Iron Works are just a few of the historic sites we'll explore and learn about. This tour has a 25 rider limit so please register early as previous tours have sold out.

@ Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center

What would the Pine Bush be without fungi? These amazing organisms work silently all around us, making our ecosystems function. They break down dead material, help plants get the nutrients they need, and feed a wide array of creatures. Come learn about Pine Bush fungi and hunt for their fruiting bodies along the trails. We will be hiking approximately one mile. Ages 10+.

@ Five Rivers Environmental Education Center

Pick up a scavenger hunt list at the nature center and head outdoors. Our scavenger hunt suggests fun activities to complete alone or with friends and family. Simply check the activities off your list as each is completed. Bring your list to the education center after you have completed at least 12 of the activities and receive a free poster.

@ Thacher State Park

Descend the cliff and learn about the geologic and cultural history of the Helderbergs on this scenic and historic trail. See underground streams, look for fossils and step inside the crevice cave along the trail. Trail is moderately rugged with stair climbing and a couple of steep slopes. Wear sturdy shoes and meet at the Indian Ladder picnic area. Walk lasts about 1.5 hours.

@ Albany Visitors Center

A guided walking tour highlighting downtown Albany's historic places and magnificent architecture.

@ Lark Street between Madison & Washington Avenues

LarkFEST is Upstate New York's largest one-day street festival celebrating Lark Street- The Heart of Albany. The event hosts hundreds of vendors, 2 stages of music with both local and national headlining music acts. With an estimated 80,000 people descending upon Lark Street, this is an event to not miss! LarkFEST was voted in the top 3 "Best Arts Event" in both 2009 and 2010. 2016 promises to be as exciting as ever as we celebrate the 34th Annual LarkFEST with fantastic music, more than a hundred unique vendors, great food, and more!

@ Albany Public Library - Washington Avenue Branch

The Third Annual Albany History Race is an Amazing Race style afternoon scavenger hunt for history experts, novices, and visitors interested in learning about Albany’s past. No prior knowledge is needed to participate. For this year's race the Albany Public Library is partnering with Historic Albany Foundation and showcasing the endangered buildings of our city. The event will begin in the library’s local history room and conclude at McGeary’s Pub, where teams will receive 20% off their food and drink that afternoon. Additional Albany themed prizes will be awarded to the fastest teams! For more details, visit the Albany Public Library's event calendar. http://goo.gl/wh26Xk

@ Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center

Join us for a 0.9 mile walk to discover the amazing world of buckmoths. The inland barrens buckmoth is a large beautiful moth with bold black and white wings that flies for only a brief window of time in the early fall. A species of special concern in New York State, the buckmoth is uniquely dependent on the scrub oak that thrives in this sandy fire-dependent ecosystem. Ages 6+.

@ New York State Museum

Thomas Rinaldi and Robert Yasinsac, photographers and authors of the book Hudson Valley Ruins: Forgotten Landmark of an American Landscape, will present a gallery tour and tell the story of the region through its ruins. They will share anecdotes from 20 years spent traversing the region on a mission to document its vanishing architectural legacy. An author meet & greet with light refreshments will begin at 1 p.m. in South Hall. A gallery tour of the exhibition will begin at 2 p.m. Their book, Hudson Valley Ruins: Forgotten Landmark of an American Landscape, will be available for purchase and signing at 3 p.m..

@ Cohoes, NY

This walking tour will follow the route of the former Schenectady & Troy Railroad from the site of the "Crescent Station" at Loudon and Fonda Roads in Colonie south to Alexander Street in Cohoes, a distance of approximately 3.25 miles. As we walk the route, we will discuss the passenger stations, industrial sidings, grade crossings and bridges at various stops along the tour. We will also look at railroad artifacts along the route, which will help tell the story of the railroad. We will discuss the origins of the railroad in 1841, its inclusion in the New York Central System in 1853, the Penn Central in 1968, and its eventual abandonment in 1977 after the creation of Conrail.

@ Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site

Between 1765 and 1804, over a dozen men, women, and children were enslaved by the Schuyler family, their labor exploited to achieve the luxury and refinement of the family’s elegant lifestyle. Performance-education group, the Children of Dahomey, will use a combination of audience participatory dance, music, percussion, and storytelling to introduce visitors to the historical experiences of enslaved Africans and African-Americans in 18th century New York. Throughout the program, participants will also learn about how the enslaved resisted their bondage through cultural resilience. Refreshments will be provided following the performance. Please call the site for Rain-Date information.

@ Blueberry Hill West trailhead (#5), Albany Pine Bush Preserve

Join us for an end of summer family hike. We will meet at Blueberry Hill West trailhead (#5) and hike 1.4 miles over rolling terrain.

@ Thacher State Park Overlook

Thacher Park Overlook is a great place to watch for hawks flying south during their fall migration. Hawk Watch leader Will Aubrey will be on hand to answer questions, provide background material, compile statistics, and assist with hawk identification. Come see live raptors and learn about wildlife rehabilitation. Refreshments will be available at the Overlook concession stand. On Sunday, September 10, raptor viewing and counting continues with Will Aubrey. Please call 872-0800 for additional information.

@ Albany

Tour the last World War II Destroyer Escort afloat in America. USS SLATER is open for tours Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is charged.

@ 1 Van Schaick Avenue, Cohoes, NY 12047

Site of the planning for the Battles of Saratoga in the summer of 1777, the historic Van Schaick Mansion is an architectural gem. Generals Schuyler, Gates, Col. Morgan and the Riflemen of Virginia, General Benedict Arnold, Stark Kosciusko, and many more people of this time stayed at the house for the buildup of the army before the advance to meet the British Army under the leadership of General Burgoyne.

@ Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center

Come spend part of your day with us as we draw inspiration from nature and pause to observe life in the Pine Bush. We will combine drawing, scientific observation, poetry and more as we each record a visit to the Pine Bush in our own creative way.

@ Altamont Fair grounds

The 25th annual Capital Region Apple & Wine Festival will again be held at the Altamont Fair Grounds, Route 146, Altamont. Activities include a juried craft show, farmers market & bakery, a variety of entertainment, car show, haunted house, Bounce Houses, wine tasting (additional fee) and pony rides. Tons of festival foods and drinks. Lots of apples and apple products!

@ Berne, Knox, Rensselaerville and Westerlo

Experience the scenic Hilltowns of Albany County on this self-guided driving tour of farms, artisan studios, markets, historical museums and other places of interest. Choose from dozens of destinations. Maps with details, schedules, wheelchair accessibility, and locations for gas and food are available free at all venues or can be downloaded from our website www.Hilltowns.org. 2017 map will be finalized in September.

@ Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center

Snakes may seem scary, Oh my! Whether you love snakes or not, join us for a presentation on the many snake species that live here in the Pine Bush and their amazing adaptations. Then go exploring in snake habitat to see how many of them we can find.

@ Five Rivers Environmental Education Center

On Saturday September 16, from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., rain or shine, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center will hold its annual FALL FESTIVAL. This FREE family festival is held at the Center’s 450-acre nature center and wildlife preserve at 56 Game Farm Road in Delmar, with free on-site parking. A cooperative effort of the Friends of Five Rivers and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the Fall Festival draws over 2,000 visitors annually. The Festival is known for its “kid appeal.” Return favorites include eco-crafts, live animals (with experienced animal rehabilitators), juggling, astronomy, games and fly casting, “The Incredible Journey” of a water droplet, and the “Insect Safari” with trained naturalists. There are also naturalist-led family hikes at regular intervals, featuring geology, botany, and wildlife. Live music adds to the festival atmosphere. Hot dogs, cider, popcorn, and bake sale goodies are available until they run out!

@ Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center

They may not be singing anymore, but fall is a busy time of year for birds as our local residents are moving out and some non-local birds are stopping through the Pine Bush on their southward migrations. Join us this morning for a birding walk through the preserve. We will take our time hiking 2.6 miles through various habitats to search for birds of all shapes and sizes. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours!

@ Lark Street between Madison Ave. and Washington Ave.

The 36th Annual LarkFEST is Upstate New York’s largest one day street festival! It is one of Albany’s most anticipated events with 80,000 people expected to attend this year. Live music and entertainment including top regional bands, fun activities for people of all ages, visual art, craft vendors, food trucks and much more!

@ Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center

Lace up your best walking shoes and gather at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center to embark on a chilling afternoon of Haunted History. Brave guests will be guided along Albany’s downtown streets to unearth the capital city’s storied past. Learn about the spirits of Legs Diamond, Boz the Baker and even Abraham Lincoln, all of whom may still inhabit the city to this day!

@ Thacher State Park Visitor Center

Join us for a day of family fun and festivities including hayrides, wildlife presentations, archery, crafts, old fashioned games, local artisans and crafters selling quality handcrafted items, farm fresh veggies and flowers, live music, food vendors, and more. Take a guided walk and explore Geology, Local History, or Hawk Migration. Event will be based at the beautiful new Thacher Visitor Center, with panoramic views from the Helderberg Escarpment.

@ Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center

Join us for a 0.9-mile hike to discover the amazing world of buckmoths. The inland barrens buckmoth is a large beautiful moth with bold black and white wings that flies for only a brief window of time during daylight in the early fall. A species of special concern in New York State, our local buckmoths depend on scrub oaks that thrive in this sandy, fire-dependent ecosystem.

@ Historic Cherry Hill

In honor of the centennial of women's suffrage, this house tour will focus on fifth-generation Cherry Hill owner, Emily Rankin, who came of age as the suffrage debate was raging in New York and the nation. How did Emily's experiences at Cherry Hill, in Albany, and at Smith College shape her views on this critical issue of her time? Follow Emily's footsteps on a tour of her home, view some of her photographs and belongings, and find out which side Emily was on. Tours are offered Wednesdays and Saturdays starting at 1, 2, & 3pm.

@ Albany Public Library - Washington Avenue Branch

The Fourth Annual Albany History Race is an Amazing Race-style afternoon scavenger hunt for history experts, novices, and visitors interested in learning about Albany's past. No prior knowledge is needed. This year, to support the efforts of the future Albany Firefighters Museum, Albany Public Library is partnering with Albany firefighter Tim Blaney and City Historian Tony Opalka, who are researching the history of the Albany Fire Department. All locations visited in the race will have connections to the fire department and historic Albany fires. The event will begin and end at the library's local history room. Pizza will be provided to all participating teams and Albany-themed prizes will be awarded to the fastest teams. To register, and for more details, visit the Albany Public Library's event calendar. http://goo.gl/QV32pH

@ Blueberry Hill West trailhead (#5), Albany Pine Bush Preserve

Join us for an end of summer family hike. We will meet at Blueberry Hill West trailhead (#5) and hike 1.4 miles over rolling terrain.

@ Albany

Tour the last World War II Destroyer Escort afloat in America. USS SLATER is open for tours Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is charged.

@ Thacher State Park Overlook

Thacher Park Overlook is a great place to watch for hawks flying south during their fall migration. Hawk Watch leader Will Aubrey will be on hand to answer questions, provide background material, compile statistics, and assist with hawk identification. Come see live raptors and learn about wildlife rehabilitation. Refreshments will be available at the Overlook concession stand. On Sunday, September 9, raptor viewing and counting continues with Will Aubrey. Please call 518-872-0800 for additional information.

@ Discover Albany Visitors Center

The City of Albany is WILD! Wild Tails of Albany Animals is a first of its kind guided walking tour that leads your family on a safari through downtown Albany. Together with your guide, you will uncover many creatures in the form of carvings and statues hidden in plain sight. Your guide will regale you with historic tails of Albany's long-time love of furry friends, including Owney the Railway Mail Dog and our beloved Nipper!

@ Downtown Albany - Tour begins at the Olde English Pub

Did you know Albany was once at the center of the North American beer industry? Albany Beer Historian, Craig Gravina, is an author and co-founder of the Albany Ale Project. Craig will be leading tours through Albany's former brewing districts, discussing the impact beer and ale had on Albany. The Downtown Albany Tour will meet at the Olde English Pub, known to locals as The Quackenbush House.

@ Historic Cherry Hill

Tour the five-generation home of the Van Rensselaer family. Learn about the Cherry Hill family's experience during World War I and about the mansion's final phase of restoration.

@ 1 Van Schaick Avenue, Cohoes, NY. 12047

The historic Van Schaick Mansion was built around 1735 and is where the Battles of Saratoga were planned. This English house with a Dutch flair is an amazing venue for considering the lives of the people who were here at the time of the American Revolution.

@ Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center

Come spend part of your day with us as we draw inspiration from nature and pause to observe life in the Pine Bush. We will combine drawing, scientific observation, poetry and more as we each record a visit to the Pine Bush in our own creative way. This program will include a short hike of no more than one-half mile.

@ 25 Quackenbush Square, Albany, NY 12207

Taste Albany's rapidly evolving culinary scene by exploring the food print of this historic city on the west bank of the Hudson River! Put on your walking shoes for an entertaining and delicious way to experience Albany. New York’s Capital City for 320+ years, is undergoing a culinary and craft brewing boom. You’ll sip and sample from restaurants that are spicing up Albany’s food scene. Discover stunning architecture and cultural tidbits that will help you develop a fresh perspective on New York’s capital city. Each Friday, we sprinkle in history, architecture and culture to kick off your weekend in the Capital District. Bring your appetite and your friends and family, to celebrate this great legacy city and let your culinary adventure begin! 6 sips and tastes for a complete meal. Discover New York's historic connection with craft brewing and how it has returned to flourish. Get an insider's introduction to one of the oldest churches in New York and discover where some of the famous congregants sat.

@ Altamont Fairgrounds Altamont NY

Our 26th annual festival, includes a craft fair, local foods, apple, ciders, baked goods, NYS wineries, family entertainment and music.

@ Berne, Knox, Rensselaerville and Westerlo

Experience the scenic Hilltowns of Albany County on this self-guided driving tour of farms, artisan studios, markets, historical museums and other places of interest. Choose from dozens of destinations. Maps with details, schedules, wheelchair accessibility, and locations for gas and food are available free at all venues or can be downloaded from our website www.Hilltowns.org. 2018 map will be finalized in September.

@ Albany Rural Cemetery

Founded in 1841 and covering 467 acres, the Albany Rural Cemetery has many unique ties to the Capital Region’s Dutch heritage. A walking tour will explorer these historic connections from 18th century headstones to Van Rensselaer Patroons and beyond. The Cemetery’s 1884 Chapel will also be open with refreshments, displays, and more.

@ Five Rivers Environmental Education Center

On Saturday September 15, from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., rain or shine, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center will hold its annual FALL FESTIVAL. This FREE family festival is held at the Center’s 450-acre nature center and wildlife preserve at 56 Game Farm Road in Delmar, with free on-site parking. A cooperative effort of the Friends of Five Rivers and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the Fall Festival draws over 2,000 visitors annually. The Festival is known for its “kid appeal.” Return favorites include eco-crafts, live animals (with experienced animal rehabilitators), juggling, astronomy, games and fly casting, “The Incredible Journey” of a water droplet, and the “Insect Safari” with trained naturalists. There are also naturalist-led family hikes at regular intervals, featuring geology, botany, and wildlife. Live music adds to the festival atmosphere. Hot dogs, cider, popcorn, and bake sale goodies are available until they run out!

@ Municipal Parking Lot, Kenwood Ave at the 4 corners in Delmar New York

South of Albany, bicycling opportunities and history abound. It was here in the Town of Bethlehem that Henry Hudson dropped anchor during his epic voyage of 1609 in the heart of what was then Mohican territory. Join us in downtown Delmar for this 22 mile tour beginning with a ride on the newly opened Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail to Slingerlands. We'll ride the open back roads to the Hudson River waterfront, visit an 18th century mansion and cemetery and stop at a museum. The last leg of our tour includes a stop at the site of a Native American settlement before riding through the spectacuar Normans Kill gorge and back to our starting spot.

@ Albany Rural Cemetery

Joking the Audubon Society of the Capital Region and the Friends of the Albany Rural Cemetery for an autumn morning bird walk. Previous bird walks have been a popular event for bird lovers with almost thirty species of birds being seen - from brown creepers to red-tailed hawks.

@ Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center

Equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night.” As autumn begins, the temperatures drop and daylight wanes further. Join us for a 0.9-mile hike to learn about the effects of this yearly change on the unique ecology of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

@ Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center

It’s that time of year when birds are on the move. Come along on an early morning adventure to observe some of the amazing birds here and see our science team in action as they capture and band birds! They are working together to learn more about birds migrating through the Pine Bush. There will be a short inside presentation followed by an outside observation period, and then back indoors for hands-on activities. We plan to hike approximately one mile. The indoor portion will occur rain or shine.

@ Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center

Join us for a 0.9-mile hike to discover the amazing world of buckmoths. The inland barrens buckmoth is a large beautiful moth with bold black and white wings that flies for only a brief window of time during daylight in the early fall. A species of special concern in New York State, our local buckmoths depend on scrub oaks that thrive in this sandy, fire-dependent ecosystem.

@ Berne, Knox, Rensselaerville and Westerlo

Experience the scenic Hilltowns of Albany County on this self-guided driving tour of farms, artisan studios, markets, historical museums and other places of interest. Choose from dozens of destinations. Maps with details, schedules, wheelchair accessibility, and locations for gas and food are available free at all venues or can be downloaded from our website www.Hilltowns.org. 2019 map will be finalized in September.

@ Thacher State Park Overlook

Thacher Park Overlook is a great place to watch for hawks flying south during their fall migration. Hawk Watch leader Will Aubrey will be on hand to answer questions, provide background material, compile statistics, and assist with hawk identification. Come see live raptors and learn about wildlife rehabilitation. Refreshments will be available at the Overlook concession stand. On Sunday, September 8, raptor viewing and counting continues with Will Aubrey. Please call 518-872-0800 for additional information.

@ Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center

An extraordinary journey into the Albany Pine Bush – a globally rare, nationally significant and locally distinct inland pine barrens. Our experts will guide you along this 0.9-mile hike over rolling sand dunes where you will discover Pine Bush natural history and seasonal surprises and transformations.

@ Discover Albany Visitors Center

The City of Albany is WILD! ‘Wild Tails of Albany Animals’ is a first of its kind guided walking tour that leads your family on a safari through downtown Albany. Together with your guide, you will uncover many creatures in the form of carvings and statues hidden in plain sight. Your guide will regale you with historic tails of Albany’s long-time love of furry friends, including Owney the Railway Mail Dog and our beloved Nipper!

@ Albany Public Library - Washington Avenue Branch

Can't afford tickets to Hamilton? Join us for an Amazing Race-style afternoon scavenger hunt to discover Albany's connections to Alexander Hamilton, the Schuyler Family, Lafayette, and Aaron Burr! The event is free and no prior knowledge is needed. This year, Albany Public Library has partnered with Albany Institute of History and Art, which will serve as the finish line for this event. Finishing teams will receive pizza and Hamilton themed prizes will be awarded. For more details, and to register, visit the Albany Public Library event calendar. https://tinyurl.com/y52cogdy

@ Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center

There is incredible beauty in nature, from magnificent birds, flowers and landscapes to the tiniest insects. Join us for this workshop led by Denise Hackert-Stoner of Naturelogues. Suitable for all levels of photographers with a variety of equipment, this program covers the basic elements of nature photography including light, composition, and focus. We will discuss how these elements apply to close-ups, landscapes, and wildlife photography. Also included will be a discussion of simple editing, and where to photograph nature in upstate NY. There will be a two-hour workshop session followed by a one-hour hike around the Pine Bush so that we can practice our skills. If you have a camera, from a cellphone camera to a digital SLR, we encourage you to bring it!

@ 25 Quackenbush Square, Albany, NY 12207

Taste Albany's rapidly evolving culinary scene by exploring the food print of this historic city on the west bank of the Hudson River! Put on your walking shoes for an entertaining and delicious way to experience Albany. New York’s Capital City for 320+ years, is undergoing a culinary and craft brewing boom. You’ll sip and sample from restaurants that are spicing up Albany’s food scene. Discover stunning architecture and cultural tidbits that will help you develop a fresh perspective on New York’s capital city. Each Friday, we sprinkle in history, architecture and culture to kick off your weekend in the Capital District. Bring your appetite and your friends and family, to celebrate this great legacy city and let your culinary adventure begin! 6 sips and tastes for a complete meal. Discover New York's historic connection with craft brewing and how it has returned to flourish. Get an insider's introduction to one of the oldest churches in New York and discover where some of the famous congregants sat.

@ Altamont Fairgrounds Altamont NY

Our 27th annual festival, includes a craft fair, local foods, apple, ciders, baked goods, NYS wineries, family entertainment and music.

@ Albany

Tour the last World War II Destroyer Escort afloat in America. USS SLATER is open for tours Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is charged.

@ Discover Albany Visitors Center

The Architecture in Downtown Albany is like none other in the United States. This tour will reveal the rich history of the city through the creative works of the architects who built her. Learn what the Olde English Pub has to say about early Dutch America, uncover the hidden faces at the SUNY Administration Building and the drama surrounding the construction of the State Capitol.

@ Cohoes Visitor Center

Cohoes began its rise to industrial prominence as a canal town. The Erie and Champlain Canals traversed Cohoes, and this network of waterways, along with abundant waterpower, made Cohoes a leader in the Industrial Revolution. On this tour, you will travel old canal towpaths where mules pulling barges once trod, see 170 year old limestone locks built by hand, and learn the history of this 19th century technological achievement. You will find out the different routes the canal took through Cohoes over time, hear stories of life in a lively canal town, and learn how transportation and power canals led to the growth of the Harmony Mills and other industries in Cohoes.

@ Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center

Join us for a 0.9-mile hike to discover the amazing world of buckmoths. The inland barrens buckmoth is a large beautiful moth with bold black and white wings that flies for only a brief window of time during daylight in the early fall. A species of special concern in New York State, our local buckmoths depend on scrub oaks that thrive in this sandy, fire-dependent ecosystem.

@ Five Rivers Environmental Education Center

On Saturday September 15, from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., rain or shine, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center will hold its annual FALL FESTIVAL. This FREE family festival is held at the Center’s 450-acre nature center and wildlife preserve at 56 Game Farm Road in Delmar, with free on-site parking. A cooperative effort of the Friends of Five Rivers and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the Fall Festival draws over 2,000 visitors annually. The Festival is known for its “kid appeal.” Return favorites include eco-crafts, live animals (with experienced animal rehabilitators), juggling, astronomy, games and fly casting, “The Incredible Journey” of a water droplet, and the “Insect Safari” with trained naturalists. There are also naturalist-led family hikes at regular intervals, featuring geology, botany, and wildlife. Live music adds to the festival atmosphere. Hot dogs, cider, popcorn, and bake sale goodies are available until they run out!

@ Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center

They may not be singing anymore, but fall is a busy time of year for birds as our local feathered residents are moving out and some non-local birds are stopping through the Pine Bush on their southward migrations. Join us this morning for a birding walk through the preserve. We will take our time hiking 2.6 miles through various habitats to search for birds of all shapes and sizes. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours!

@ Albany NY

The Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital District and the Albany Bicycle Coalition are collaborating on an exciting and informative bicycle tour of historic sites and structures relating to the Underground Railroad Movement in the Capital Region. We begin and end at the Stephen and Harriet Meyers Residence in Albany, an outstanding artifact from the Anti-slavery period and ride north along the Hudson River to Troy NY where the true story of Charles Nalle and how Harriet Tubman helped him escape the evil bounty hunters hot on his trail will be explored. Paul Stewart, co-founder of the URHP will accompany us on the tour and deliver commentary at selected sites along the way. Our return to Albany will be on the lovely and scenic Mohawk- Hudson Bike Path where refreshments are available after the ride.

@ Washington Park, Albany, NY 12210

Washington Park, Albany was born at the intersection of aesthetics and intense social control, as elites in the 1860s and 70s confronted their anxieties about public health, immigration, spreading tenements, and urban disorder. The park changed in the making, expressing a wealth of landscape ideas and changing norms of public behavior, all framed by an extraordinary wealth of nineteenth century architecture. In this excursion around the park John Pipkin will focus its early decades. Meet at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument near the intersection of Henry Johnson Blvd and Washington Park Rd.

@ Corning Preserve Boat Launch, Colonie/Water Streets, Albany, NY

Join Parks & Trails New York for a bike ride, three-quarters of which will be on a paved bike path, from Albany along the banks of the Hudson River up to Peebles Island State Park in Cohoes. At the park, we will be led on a short hike by members of the Friends of Peebles Island State Park and will be led on a tour of the park which is rich in history. Following lunch (not provided) we will return by bike to Albany.

@ Historic Cherry Hill

Tour the five-generation home of the Van Rensselaer family. Learn about Cherry Hill's architecture and layers of history...see for yourself why such a major restoration was needed and what is being done to address structural issues, preserve the house, and restore the mansion to its historic charm.

@ Albany Rural Cemetery,

Public demonstration of the Albany Rural Cemetery Explorer, a cell-phone-based technology, using Geographic Information Science (GIS). The program enables visitors to walk from grave to grave, linking sites to portraits, biographies and burial records of the deceased and currently covers 90 individuals, family plots, and monuments. The app has been developed by faculty and students of the University at Albany’s Geography and Planning Department, with financial support from the Bender Family Foundation. Some of those highlighted include: Chester A. Arthur, 21st President of the United States; Kate Stoneman, the first female lawyer in New York State; Captain Samuel Schuyler, black pioneer, and shipping company owner; Stephen Van Rensselaer III, founder of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Dr. Alden March, founder of Albany Medical Center; Erastus Dow Palmer, world-renowned sculptor; Erastus Corning II, Mayor of Albany; James Burden, owner of Burden Iron Works and allowed the first women's union; and Margarita "Peggy" Schuyler, one of the "Schuyler Sisters," highlighted in the Broadway Musical Hamilton In the event of rain, an alternative date is the following Saturday, October 5, from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

@ Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center

Join us for a 0.9-mile hike to discover the amazing world of buckmoths. The inland barrens buckmoth is a large beautiful moth with bold black and white wings that flies for only a brief window of time during daylight in the early fall. A species of special concern in New York State, our local buckmoths depend on scrub oaks that thrive in this sandy, fire-dependent ecosystem.

@ Albany

Tour the last World War II Destroyer Escort afloat in America. USS SLATER is open for tours Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is charged.

@ 75 Livingston Ave Albany NY

Taste Albany's rapidly evolving culinary scene by exploring the food print of this historic city on the west bank of the Hudson River! Put on your walking shoes for an entertaining and delicious way to experience Albany. New York’s Capital City for 320+ years, is undergoing a culinary and craft brewing boom. You’ll sip and sample from restaurants that are spicing up Albany’s food scene. Discover stunning architecture and cultural tidbits that will help you develop a fresh perspective on New York’s capital city. Each Friday, we sprinkle in history, architecture and culture to kick off your weekend in the Capital District. Bring your appetite and your friends and family, to celebrate this great legacy city and let your culinary adventure begin! 7 sips and tastes for a complete meal. Discover New York's historic connection with craft brewing and how it has returned to flourish. Get an insider's introduction to one of the oldest churches in New York and discover where some of the famous congregants sat.

@ Berne, Knox, Rensselaerville and Westerlo

THIS EVENT IS CANCELED. Experience the scenic Hilltowns of Albany County on this self-guided driving tour of farms, artisan studios, markets, historical museums and other places of interest. Choose from dozens of destinations. Maps with details, schedules, wheelchair accessibility, and locations for gas and food are available free at all venues or can be downloaded from our website www.Hilltowns.org. 2021 map will be finalized in September.

@ Shaker Heritage Society

We look forward to welcoming you to the Shaker Heritage Society for our Harvest Craft Fair! To make this event as safe as possible, we have the following guidelines set in place: All VENDOR BOOTHS will be OUTDOORS in the fresh air and sunshine. Vendors will be at least 6 feet apart, and we ask you to do your part and maintain your social distance, too. Inside the Meeting House, masks will be required for everyone regardless of vaccination status. Visitors and vendors are not required to wear masks outdoors unless unvaccinated and within 6 feet of another person.

@ Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center

Calling all junior producers and directors! Announcing the 2021 Karner Kids Film Festival! We are inviting youth ages 10-18 to create short films featuring the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Visit our screening room in the Discovery Center between 11am and 3pm to view the films from previous years. Get inspired to enter your own film. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Masks required for individuals over the age of 2 who are unvaccinated for COVID-19.

@ Shaker Heritage Society

Participants will make three woven ornaments. An eight pointed snowflake and a puffy heart, woven in thin maple strips, and a reindeer woven in dyed reed. No prior experience is need. Suitable for ages 14 and up. Maximum 10 participants

@ Cohoes Visitor Center

Cohoes began its rise to industrial prominence as a canal town. The Erie and Champlain Canals traversed Cohoes, and this network of waterways, along with abundant waterpower, made Cohoes a leader in the Industrial Revolution. On this tour, you will travel old canal towpaths where mules pulling barges once trod, see 170 year old limestone locks built by hand, and learn the history of this 19th century technological achievement. You will find out the different routes the canal took through Cohoes over time, hear stories of life in a lively canal town, and learn how transportation and power canals led to the growth of the Harmony Mills and other industries in Cohoes.

@ Altamont Fairgrounds

Experience the spooky family-fun of Halloween at the Hollowed Harvest! The Hollowed Harvest brings to life more than 7,000 incredible Jack-O'-Lanterns creating stunning landscapes and larger-than-life displays designed to amaze audiences of all ages! Get your tickets at hollowedharvest.com

@ Corning Preserve Boat Launch, Colonie/Water Streets, Albany, NY

Join Parks & Trails New York for a bike ride, three-quarters of which will be on a paved bike path, from Albany along the banks of the Hudson River up to Peebles Island State Park in Cohoes. At the park, we will be led on a short hike by members of the Friends of Peebles Island State Park and will be led on a tour of the park which is rich in history. Following lunch (not provided) we will return by bike to Albany.

@ Historic Cherry Hill

This tour tells the story of how the last two generations at Cherry Hill responded to social, economic, and personal change at the turn of the 20th century. Artifacts in each room vividly tell the story of Catherine Rankin’s loss of her wealth and near loss of her ancestral home—and her family’s struggle to regain their financial standing and restore Cherry Hill to its colonial grandeur- while watching industry and an immigrant working class neighborhood grow up around the property.

@ New York State Museum

The natural material used to create the exterior walls of the Museum are filled with 365-million-year-old fossils and Llenroc stone. This traditional building stone illuminates New York State’s ancient history. Join State Paleontologist Emeritus Dr. Ed Landing for an educational tour of the outside walls of the Cultural Education Center building.

@ Albany County Visitors Center

Our ride will take us along the route of the Erie Canal from downtown Albany through Cohoes, returning via Waterford and Troy. We will make stops along the way and explore the birthplace of the great Industrial Revolution of the United States. Old canal ruins, 19th century industrial sights and factory buildings and the unsurpassed beauty of the Hudson River will be our constant companions on this unique and educational ride through history. There is a 20 rider limit. Please register early as previous rides have sold out. We will stop to buy your own lunch at the amazing and scenic Cohoes Falls,

@ Historic Cherry Hill

The Rankins of Cherry Hill: Struggling with the Loss of their World tour tells the story of how the last two generations at Cherry Hill responded to social, economic, and personal change at the turn of the 20th century. Artifacts in each room vividly tell the story of Catherine Rankin’s loss of her wealth and near loss of her ancestral home—and her family’s struggle to regain their financial standing and restore Cherry Hill to its colonial grandeur- while watching industry and an immigrant working class neighborhood grow up around the property. This “warts and all” tour addresses such topics as immigration, women’s suffrage, American identity, and the roots of prejudice.

@ Nine Pin Cider Works

Did you know Albany was once at the center of the North American beer industry? Albany Beer Historian, Craig Gravina, is an author and co-founder of the Albany Ale Project. Craig will be leading tours through Albany’s former brewing districts, discussing the impact beer and ale had on Albany. Tour begins at 6pm. Guests are encouraged to check in early to enjoy a pint before the tour! The Historic Neighborhood Brew Tours are part of a series of guided walking tours hosted by Discover Albany and led by Craig. The Warehouse District Tour will begin at Nine Pin Cider Works: New York's First Farm Cidery. Happy Hour pricing will be honored for tour participants. The tour will conclude at Lost & Found.

@ Discover Albany Visitors Center

Politics and Prohibition is a guided tour that will dish out the juicy local gossip behind the secret speakeasies, the bootleggers who supplied them and the suspected politicians who may have had ulterior motives in keeping Albany a dry town. There may even be a dash of murder thrown into the mix. Tour will end at the historic CH Evans Brewery at the Albany Pump Station. Not able to make the tour on September 10th? The Albany Visitor Center may be able to accommodate groups of 5 or more for private tours. Call us for details

@ Shaker Heritage Society

We look forward to welcoming you to the Shaker Heritage Society for our Harvest Craft Fair! To make this event as safe as possible, we have the following guidelines set in place: All VENDOR BOOTHS will be OUTDOORS in the fresh air and sunshine. Vendors will be at least 6 feet apart, and we ask you to do your part and maintain your social distance, too. Inside the Meeting House, properly-worn masks will be required for everyone regardless of vaccination status. Visitors and vendors are not required to wear masks outdoors unless unvaccinated and within 6 feet of another person. Use this link for more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/33734747437

@ The Pruyn House

Join us from Noon to 4:00 pm at the Pruyn House, the historic home of Casparus Pruyn and Cultural Center for the Town of Colonie, for an Old Fashioned Sunday. This free event features “old tyme” demonstrations of blacksmithing, tin smithing, sheep shearing, weaving, honey extraction, and more! Vendor booths featuring jams, maple syrup, crafts, and honey, will be in and around the 1850 Buhrmaster Barn. Children will be entertained by Phyllis Chapman, the “school marm,” telling stories in an original one-room schoolhouse; old-fashioned games; a magician; and a wizard. The House, Carriage House and the Tool Museum will be open for tours hosted by costumed docents. Music by the Colonie Town Bands and Nashville via upstate New York country favorite, Ryan Clark. Come and join us for this festive fall event!

@ Altamont Fairgrounds

Sometimes a name fails to describe the event and that is certainly the case with this show. Given that the event was previously owned by Altamont Orchards, apples were and are still an integral part of the show. After parking their cars, customers are ushered into a large barn that houses arts, crafts, specialty foods, and apples. This serves as the shopping component, and an opportunity for the public to buy directly from the maker. After exiting the Marketplace, one follows a path lined with more booths also offering their wares for sale. Along the way there will be juggling acts and a wandering magician, and even a stage for music. Then, the appetizing cider donuts and cider from Altamont Orchards in addition to a dozen food booths and food trucks offering steak, fries, BBQ, potato pancakes, sausage and onions, Mid-Eastern food chicken kebabs, falafel, tempeh Reuben sandwiches, lemonade, ice cream, pizza, and a lot more. And then the New York Wine and Spirits building and tent, which requires proof of age. where customers receive a commemorative tasting glass and can proceed to sample and taste wines and spirits from 25 NY producers. Usually there is an incredible amount of buying as the customers purchase their favorites. There is a $7 entry fee for the wine tasting. Further along there is a fantastic Kids Zone with bouncy houses, climbing walls, games, bow and arrows, and educational exhibits with live owls and hawks. That is on one side of the path, and on the other is a Car Show. Saturday features cars up to 1975 and Sunday offers cars from 1976 until today. More than 300 cars are expected to participate. After all that, there’s the road back, passing all the booths and entertaimnet, until, finally, The Marketplace barn, making last minute purches, buying some apples, and heading home after a fun filled day.

@ Albany County Visitors Center

This compact bicycle tour in downtown Albany will go back to the colonial period in the Hudson Valley as we ride to the houses and estates of three prominent Dutch families. The history, architecture and family stories of Cherry Hill, Schuyler Mansion and Ten Broeck Mansion, all built in the 18th century are fascinating and will be our focus and destinations on a low traffic Sunday morning. Exploring Albany's present, we'll ride across the newly opened Skyway, along rhe Hudson River on the Corning Preserve bike path and the South End bicycle connector, all part of Albany's emerging bicycle friendly infrastructure.

@ Outside the Discover Albany Visitors Center

The Albany Bicycle Coalition will be sponsoring its first Capital Corruption Bike Tour. The 8 to 9 mile ride will take about 2 to 2.5 hours with discussion stops at sites relating to political corruption and anti-corruption efforts in Albany during the 1960's and 1970's. The Olde English Pub is located at the end of the ride for anyone interested in joining for refreshments.

@ Harmony Mills Lofts meeting room

Events will include a presentation by Robert S. Feranec, Director, Research & Collections Division; Curator of Pleistocene Vertebrate Paleontology; New York State Museum, on the discovery and history of the Cohoes Mastodon. The presentation will be followed by a walk near the area where the mastodon was found, which will also feature views of the Cohoes Falls, historic Erie Canal sites, and the Harmony Mills Historic District.

@ 25 Quackenbush Square, Albany, NY 12207

Taste Albany's rapidly evolving culinary scene by exploring the food print of this historic city on the west bank of the Hudson River! Put on your walking shoes for an entertaining and delicious way to experience Albany. New York’s Capital City for 320+ years, is undergoing a culinary and craft brewing boom. You’ll sip and sample from restaurants that are spicing up Albany’s food scene. Discover stunning architecture and cultural tidbits that will help you develop a fresh perspective on New York’s capital city. Each Friday, we sprinkle in history, architecture and culture to kick off your weekend in the Capital District. Bring your appetite and your friends and family, to celebrate this great legacy city and let your culinary adventure begin! 7 sips and tastes for a complete meal. Discover New York's historic connection with craft brewing and how it has returned to flourish. Get an insider's introduction to one of the oldest churches in New York and discover where some of the famous congregants sat.

@ Historic Cherry Hill

Detailed Times/Hours: Open Fridays and Saturdays, 12pm to 4pm. Tours will begin promptly on the hour.

The Rankins of Cherry Hill: Struggling with the Loss of their World tour tells the story of how the last two generations at Cherry Hill responded to social, economic, and personal change at the turn of the 20th century. Artifacts in each room vividly tell the story of Catherine Rankin’s loss of her wealth and near loss of her ancestral home—and her family’s struggle to regain their financial standing and restore Cherry Hill to its colonial grandeur- while watching industry and an immigrant working class neighborhood grow up around the property. This “warts and all” tour addresses such topics as immigration, women’s suffrage, American identity, and the roots of prejudice.

@ USS Slater DE766

Detailed Times/Hours: USS SLATER is open for tours Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Our guided tours take about 1 hour and are filled with stories about sailors aboard Destroyer Escorts.

Guided tours of the ship. 1 Hour in length.

@ Shaker Heritage Society

Detailed Times/Hours: Open from 10am - 4pm.

Join us at America's first Shaker Settlement for our annual Harvest Craft Fair! There will be over 75 artisans there! Also, we will have family activities, live music, craft demonstrations, specialty tours, delicious food, a petting zoo, and sheep shearing! There is tons to do for the whole family. Parking is free and admission is donation based. Proceeds benefit the Shaker Heritage Society and our mission to revitalize this historic land.

@ The Pruyn House

Detailed Times/Hours: Event starts at noon and ends at 4:00pm.

Join us from Noon to 4:00 pm at the Pruyn House, the historic home of Casparus Pruyn and Cultural Center for the Town of Colonie, for an Old Fashioned Sunday. This free event features “old tyme” demonstrations of blacksmithing, tin smithing, sheep shearing, weaving, honey extraction, and more! Vendor booths featuring jams, maple syrup, crafts, and honey, will be in and around the 1850 Buhrmaster Barn. Children will be entertained by Phyllis Chapman, the “school marm,” telling stories in an original one-room schoolhouse; old-fashioned games; a magician; and a wizard. The House, Carriage House and the Tool Museum will be open for tours hosted by costumed docents. Music by the Colonie Town Bands and the Tri-County Banjo Band. Come and join us for this festive fall event!

@ Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission

Detailed Times/Hours: This team birding competition will take place from 6am-12pm, culminating in an awards luncheon in the Discovery Center at 12:30pm. The Birding Barrens Blitz will keep in guidance with the American Birding Association Code of Ethics. Birdwatchers of all skill levels are invited to participate from novice to expert, teams available for birding throughout the preserve as well as sit and spot teams. The teams, both traversing & sit and spot, will divide and conquer the preserve hiking trails in all regions. The team's eyes and ears will provide a snapshot of the birds in the preserve, teams will compete to spot & identify and collect as many species as possible in the time allotted. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission has 200 bird species who call the pine barrens home. The preserve is a New York State Bird Conservation Area, a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area & part of the New York State Birding Trail. This exciting birding event is presented by Hudson Mohawk Bird Club, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and the Friends of the Pine Bush Community. Highlights * Join with fellow birders to discover some of the 200 avian species who call the Albany Pine Bush Preserve home. * Opportunity to interact with knowledgeable preserve staff and community partners and learn more about the Albany Pine Bush Preserve's unique ecosystem and species. * Chance to win awards & prizes. * Lunch with birding friends old and new.

This team birding competition will take place from 6am-12pm, culminating in an awards luncheon in the Discovery Center at 12:30pm. The Birding Barrens Blitz will keep in guidance with the American Birding Association Code of Ethics. Birdwatchers of all skill levels are invited to participate from novice to expert, teams available for birding throughout the preserve as well as sit and spot teams. The teams, both traversing & sit and spot, will divide and conquer the preserve hiking trails in all regions. The team's eyes and ears will provide a snapshot of the birds in the preserve, teams will compete to spot & identify and collect as many species as possible in the time allotted. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission has 200 bird species who call the pine barrens home. The preserve is a New York State Bird Conservation Area, a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area & part of the New York State Birding Trail. This exciting birding event is presented by Hudson Mohawk Bird Club, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and the Friends of the Pine Bush Community.

@ Cohoes Visitor Center

Cohoes began its rise to industrial prominence as a canal town. The Erie and Champlain Canals traversed Cohoes, and this network of waterways, along with abundant waterpower, made Cohoes a leader in the Industrial Revolution. On this tour, you will travel old canal towpaths where mules pulling barges once trod, see 170 year old limestone locks built by hand, and learn the history of this 19th century technological achievement. You will find out about the different routes the canal took through Cohoes over time, hear stories of life in a lively canal town, and learn how transportation and power canals and the Cohoes Falls led to the growth of the Harmony Mills and other industries in Cohoes. The walk will begin and end at the Cohoes Visitor Center.

@ Altamont Fairgrounds

Detailed Times/Hours: 10-5 Saturday and Sunday, Rain or shine, wine tasting 100% indoors.

Sometimes a name fails to describe the event and that is certainly the case with this show. Given that the event was previously owned by Altamont Orchards, apples were and are still an integral part of the show. After parking their cars, customers are ushered into a large barn that houses arts, crafts, specialty foods, and apples. This serves as the shopping component, and an opportunity for the public to buy directly from the maker. After exiting the Marketplace, one follows a path lined with more booths also offering their wares for sale. Along the way there will be juggling acts and a wandering magician, and even a stage for music. Then, the appetizing cider donuts and cider from Altamont Orchards in addition to a dozen food booths and food trucks offering steak, fries, BBQ, potato pancakes, sausage and onions, Mid-Eastern food chicken kebabs, falafel, tempeh Reuben sandwiches, lemonade, ice cream, pizza, and a lot more. And then the New York Wine and Spirits building and tent, which requires proof of age. where customers receive a commemorative tasting glass and can proceed to sample and taste wines and spirits from 25 NY producers. Usually there is an incredible amount of buying as the customers purchase their favorites. There is a $7 entry fee for the wine tasting. Further along there is a fantastic Kids Zone with bouncy houses, climbing walls, games, bow and arrows, and educational exhibits with live owls and hawks. That is on one side of the path, and on the other is a Car Show on Saturday. More than 500 cars are expected to participate. Sunday is rain date. NOTE: New in 2023 LIVE MIUSIC at 1 and 3 both days. After all that, there’s the road back, passing all the booths and entertainment, until, finally, The Marketplace barn, making last minute purchases, buying some apples, and heading home after a fun filled day.

@ Discover Albany Visitors Center

Politics and Prohibition dives deep into Albany history, highlighting how even the early Dutch settlers recognized the political power brewers could wield and how this tradition carries beyond the prohibition era. Maeve will dish out the juicy local gossip of the secret speakeasies, the bootleggers who supplied them, and the suspected politicians who perhaps had ulterior motives in keeping up the appearance that Albany was a “dry town.” In hushed tones, guests will also investigate leads in the murder of notorious bootlegger Legs Diamond, and decide for themselves who did the nefarious deed.

@ Leave from Corning Preserve Boat Launch, bike ride to Peebles Island State Park and back.

Detailed Times/Hours: Arrive at 9 AM, ride leaves by 9:30 AM, arrive at Peebles Island by 10:30 AM.

Join Parks & Trails New York for a 21-mile bike ride on the Empire State Trail (mostly off-road, with about one mile of on-road riding) from Albany along the banks of the Hudson River up to Peebles Island State Park in Cohoes. After a break for refreshments in Cohoes, we will return by bike to Albany. We expect the event to take 3-4 hours total.

@ Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center

An extraordinary journey into the Albany Pine Bush—a globally rare, nationally significant and locally distinct inland pine barrens. Our experts will guide you through this 0.9-mile hike over rolling sand dunes where you will discover Pine Bush natural history and observe seasonal surprises and transformations.

@ Washington Park Lake House, Washington Park, Albany NY

Detailed Times/Hours: This is an outdoor festival that will take place, rain or shine, from 11:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

The Mohawk Hudson Folklife Festival is a family-friendly, outdoor festival that celebrates the diverse communities of the region. The festival includes music and dance performances, foodways demonstrations, and artisan demonstrations. The event includes food trucks offering varied cuisines. Plan to spend the day with us!

@ The Pruyn House

Detailed Times/Hours: Event starts at noon and ends at 4:00pm. Free. Open to the public. Tours happen daily on the hour.

Join us from Noon to 4:00 pm at the Pruyn House, the historic home of Casparus Pruyn and Cultural Center for the Town of Colonie, for an Old Fashioned Sunday. This free event features “old tyme” demonstrations of blacksmithing, tin smithing, sheep shearing, weaving, honey extraction, and more! Vendor booths featuring jams, maple syrup, crafts, and honey, will be in and around the 1850 Buhrmaster Barn. Children will be entertained by Phyllis Chapman, the “school marm,” telling stories in an original one-room schoolhouse; old-fashioned games; a magician; and a wizard. The House, Carriage House and the Tool Museum will be open for tours hosted by costumed docents. Music by the Colonie Town Bands and the Tri-County Banjo Band. Come and join us for this festive fall event!

@ Shaker Heritage Society

Detailed Times/Hours: Open from 10am - 4pm.

Join us at America's first Shaker Settlement for our annual Harvest Craft Fair! There will be over 65 artisans there! Also, we will have family activities, live music, craft demonstrations, specialty tours, delicious food, a petting zoo, and sheep shearing! There is tons to do for the whole family. Parking is free and admission is donation based. Proceeds benefit the Shaker Heritage Society and our mission to revitalize this historic land.