Press and P/R

Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau unveils new mobile website Visitors benefit from “What’s Nearby” geo-locating feature..more

The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) is pleased to welcome the MAAC basketball tournament back to Albany from 2015-2017, as part of a new contract agreement between the MAAC Council and the Times Union Center...more

Two week scavenger hunt through downtown Albany area encourages residents and visitors to discover Albany!..more

At a Time When Funding Is Scarce, a New Opportunity for Albany County Tourism Emerges..more

Performers from the last 24 years of productions will participate in this concert event, benefiting the Capital Region’s free theatre in the Park. Tickets go on sale April 19 for only $20.00 per seat. VIP Gala tickets will be sold for $100, and include a special pre-show reception honoring Alan P. Goldberg...more

The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) welcomes more than 3000 bowlers and their supporters to the New York State Women's Bowling Championships over five weekends in April and May...more

The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) held their Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 13, 2012, at the Hilton Albany, which is in the final stages of a $14 million renovation. In addition to summarizing the accomplishments of the year, it was also an opportunity to recognize the outstanding work of hospitality providers and the 2012 Albany Ambassadors, as well as showcase local culinary assets...more

A new company, offering tours throughout the Capital Region and New York State, has been formed by three individuals with extensive experience in tourism initiatives...more

This week, the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) distributed the new 2013 Albany Visitors Guide to area attractions, hotels, and community partners...more

Park Playhouse today launched its 2013 season of free theater in Albany's Washington Park with the announcement by Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings that Albany Medical Center is the first member of the "Quarter-Century Sponsorship Program," established to honor the 25th anniversary of Park Playhouse...more

20th Annual Rink Rat Tournament expected to generate over $1 Million in economic stimulus for Capital District businesses...more

Please be advised that due to the condition of the ice, the Empire State Plaza ice skating rink cannot be opened today...more

Tourism industry leaders from the Greater Capital Region will meet with local legislative representatives for a Roundtable Discussion on Thursday, January 31, to discuss important issues pertaining to the tourism industry...more

The New York State Federation of Secondary School Athletic Associations (NYSFSSAA) has officially announced the Basketball Tournament of Champions will return to Albany for a new three-year term starting in March 2014...more

The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) Education Foundation announced today the formation of a Hospitality Grant program designed to support not-for-profit organizations located in Albany County...more

In partnership with Time Warner Cable, Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings, Pulitzer Prize winning author and journalist William (Bill) Kennedy, and Maritime Artist Len Tantillo will be on hand to welcome C-SPAN as the network prepares to feature the city’s history and literary life on the cable network’s non-fiction book channel BookTV (on C-SPAN2) and history channel American History TV (on C-SPAN3)...more

Though Sandy left the Albany area largely unscathed, the Albany hospitality community has taken action to provide comfort and support to those in need, according to the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau...more

Albany area hotels are preparing for emergency situations as Hurricane Sandy approaches landfall in New York State, according to the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau...more

The City of Albany's 65th Annual Tulip Festival has been chosen as one of the American Bus Association's (ABA) Top 100 Events in North America for group travel in 2013...more

ALBANY, NY – The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) welcomes the 6th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV), taking place October 22-25, 2012 in downtown Albany. After being in Europe for the past five years, this will be the first time the conference is held in the United States...more

The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) helped organize a historic walking tour of the City of Albany for the New York State Parking Association’s Annual Meeting, being held at the Hotel Albany this week. The purpose of the walk was to raise money for a local charity, the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society...more

The Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) recently promoted Charlie Hewitt to Group Tour/Convention Sales Manager...more

The Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) recently hired Andrew Sober as marketing coordinator and Jamie Breedlove as convention sales assistant...more

The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, along with their partner hotels throughout Albany County and the Times Union Center, distributed a free breakfast to nearly 100 local taxi drivers today, Tuesday, September 11...more

The public is invited to gather at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center this Sunday, September 9th at 2:00 p.m., to view the release of Arcadia Publishing's newest book, Helderberg Hilltowns, while also enjoying an illustrated lecture and book signing by the local authors...more

ALBANY, NY - Albany County played host to more than 70 conferences, conventions, and special events during the second quarter of 2012. The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) is reporting that three highlighted events have generated $174,970 in local tax dollars for Albany County, and an estimated $2,133,220 in total spending at area hotels, restaurants, and attractions...more

ALBANY, NY - The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) is proud to announce that the 14th Annual Living Resources Carriage House Artists Showcase: The House of Cards that CHAC Built - Play Ball!, opened to the public on Saturday, July 28, 2011, at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center...more

ALBANY, NY - About 500 dogs of all shapes and sizes have descended upon the Altamont Fairgrounds for this weekend's Canine Performance Events (CPE) National Agility Championship, according to the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB)...more

Mayor Jerry Jennings and the City of Albany have announced a new rain site for this year's Alive at Five series, to be located at the Quackenbush Square parking lot behind the Albany Visitors Center...more

ALBANY, NY - The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) proudly announces the arrival of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) this weekend for the first of six outdoor section championships scheduled throughout the summer...more

The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, along with their partner hotels throughout Albany County, distributed 75 free box lunches and gift bags to local taxi drivers today...more

A $490,000 land deal shows the Albany Convention Center project remains alive despite lingering questions about the state's willingness to finance the $220 million downtown proposal...more

Mayor Jennings announced today the first recipient of the Downtown Commercial Energy Efficiency Matching Grant Program (Program) and launched the Albany Green Business Program, another event of Albany’s Sustainable Spring campaign...more

An event that will be at The Century House honoring their involvement in the Enjoy One, Share One program with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern, NY. Please contact Amanda Dolan at amanda@rebelcmc.com if you have any questions...more

(ALBANY, NY) – On May 17, the Albany Symphony will kick-off its annual, four-day American Music Festival transforming the Capital Region into an epicenter of contemporary and new music – with five engaging and creative events designed to feature the cutting edge of music today. Joining the orchestra on the Festival include acclaimed composers like Michael Daugherty, Aaron Jay Kernis, Missy Mazzoli, and Joan Tower, renowned guest artists like violinist Cho-Liang Lin, soprano Talise Trevigne, and performances by small ensembles like Missy Mazzoli’s post-rock group Victoire, and the Albany Symphony’s own unique, genre-busting new music ensemble, Dogs of Desire. Representing the capstone of the orchestra’s 2011-12 season and one of the most ambitiously creative events of any orchestra in the country, the American Music Festival will take place between May 17-20 at the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. The Festival is sponsored by the Howard and Bush Foundation, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Foundation, Turner Construction, and the Faith Takes Family Fund. Tickets start at just $15, and can be purchased by calling 518.465.4755...more

At 10 a.m. on Tuesday,May 15, the Albany Aqua Ducks head out to Splashdown into the Hudson River tolead a flotilla welcoming renowned British expeditionary Richard Harpham andfellow adventurer/photographer Glen Charles...more

After several months of location scouting and workingwith the Albany County Convention &Visitors Bureau and the Albany Film Commission, HBO has finalized plans toshoot three scenes in downtown Albany, NY...more

The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) is reporting that three highlighted events have generated $381,923 in local tax dollars for Albany County, and an estimated $4,948,696 in total spending at area hotels, restaurants, and attractions...more

Mayor Jerry Jennings and TulipFestival Chair Marcus Pryor will introduce the five finalists for 2012 TulipQueen at a press conference in Albany City Hall's Corning Park (behind CityHall) today at 11:00 am...more

On October 21, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI will canonize the first Native American, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, as Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Tekakwitha is known as the “Lily of the Mohawks,” having cared for the sick and elderly in her native region near present-day Auriesville, NY, about forty minutes west of Albany along Interstate 90...more

ALBANY, NY – The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) held their annual meeting on Thursday, April 19, 2012, at The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center. It was not only a wrap-up of the year, but also an opportunity to recognize the outstanding work of multiple Capital Region organizations and the 2011 Albany Ambassadors...more

Albany, New York - Mayor Jerry Jennings invites the media to attend the Tulip Festival press conference on Tuesday, April 10 at 11:00 a.m. in the Albany City Hall Rotunda...more

The Albany Aqua Ducks Opening their 9th season of amphibious tours with a Splash!..more

ALBANY, N.Y.-- With an extra Splash of fun for all, the Albany Aqua Ducks take to the Hudson River for their season opener in time for spring break -- at 1:30 p.m.on Saturday, April 7. You won't want to miss all the fun things that are planned...more

Albany, N.Y. - This week, the Albany CountyConvention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) distributed the new 2012 Albany Visitors Guide to area attractions, hotels, and community partners...more

Hudson Valley, NY (January 2012) - Hudson Valley Tourism, Inc. has developed a mobile phone app for visitors and residents to connect them with the information they need on destinations, hotels, restaurants, events, and more...more

Shakers believed that God was both male and femalein character.  Women shared power fairly equally with men in Shaker society yet the laws and customs of the outsideworld often complicated gender roles within Shaker communities.  Join Shaker Heritage Society ExecutiveDirector, Starlyn D’Angelo for an exploration of the role of women in Shakersociety through the stories of individual Shaker women in honor of Women’s History Month...more

Dedication of the “TRUSTCO Bank Gallery” and opening of the new exhibit, The Irish and the Erie Canal..more

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission today announced that a key post had been re-filled with the hiring of Jeffrey Folmer as the new Discovery Center Director. According to Christopher Hawver, Executive Director of the Commission, “This marks a major turning point for the Discovery Center’s future, particularly with respect to engaging the public in our mission.”..more

Mohawk River Community Partners of Colonie (MRCP), organized to revitalize that town’s more than 10 miles of waterfront, has merged with the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (MHLC), a Slingerlands based conservation group with preserves in Albany, Schenectady, and Montgomery counties. MRCP will become a committee of MHLC, a much larger non-profit celebrating its 20th anniversary this year...more

ALBANY, NY – The Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) recently hired Michele Endries as sales manager and Will Gallagher as customer service/marketing associate...more

BONNIE RAITT With Special Guest Marc Cohn Saturday, June 2 8:00 PM..more

Star Boxing and Times Union Center officials are pleased to announce that Wishing Well Pictures has chosen the arena to film scenes for their upcoming boxing film "The Challenger". Filming will begin on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the KO at the TU Boxing event. Boxing fans in attendance for the event, whose main event features Joe "The Future" Hanks (18-0, 12KO's) vs. Rafeal "The Cuban-Cajun Giant" Pedro (21-9-1, 15KO's), will be asked to stay for filming to be extra's in the movie...more

Albany PAL Hosts Winners from15th Annual Hannaford Capital Holiday Lights..more

The Crowne Plaza in downtown Albany, New York - at 368 rooms, the biggest hotel in the region - will be re-branded a Hilton as part of a multi-million dollar renovation project starting early next year...more

Prior to their 8:00 PM performance at the Palace Theatre tomorrow night, legendary rock group CHICAGO will be on hand to help unveil the new holiday lights display during Albany’s State Street rededication...more

The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) is very pleased that the New York State Convention Center/Albany has been identified as a Capital Region Economic Development Council (CREDC) Transformational Project...more

Moscow Ballet and the Albany County Historical Association (ACHA) are partnering to raise funds for the non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is active as an educational entity and catalyst for historic preservation in Albany County. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold by ACHA for the Saturday, November 12, 2:00pm matinee performance of Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at the Palace Theatre and post performance reception will go toward educational programs for the ACHA and upkeep of the Ten Broeck Mansion. Moscow Ballet soloist Nataliya Miroshynk and other dancers will make a special appearance at the post-performance benefit reception at the stately 2 century-old mansion...more

Art and wine enthusiasts are welcome to attend the opening of Hudson Valley Art & Wine – A Grand Celebration at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, 25 Quackenbush Square (corner of Broadway and Clinton Ave.) at 5–7 P.M. on Wednesday, October 5, 2011. R.S.V.P. required to accvb@albany.org by October 3, 2011...more

Executive Director Kevin Carlon has announced the appointment of Holly Brown as General Manager of the historic Palace Theatre...more

The Hudson River Valley Greenway and National Heritage Area announce a chance for Hudson River Valley Ramble attendees to enter to win two JetBlue airline flight certificates to any JetBlue Non-Stop City from the New York Metropolitan Area. "We are thrilled to have JetBlue, New York's hometown airline, as a sponsor of the Hudson River Valley Ramble. We are very excited to offer our Ramble participants the chance to win two JetBlue travel certificates through our partnership with EscapeMaker.com," states Mark Castiglione, Acting Executive Director Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. "We thank JetBlue for being a partner in celebrating the Hudson Valley's natural and historic resources." "JetBlue is happy to contribute to an event that we believe is a wonderful chance for JetBlue to get involved with the Upstate community!" said Melissa Chien. The contest is presented by EscapeMaker.com...more

Congressman Paul Tonko joined officials from the National Park Service; Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor; I LOVE NEW YORK; the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; and others today to announce a joint tourism initiative that aims to increase visitation to upstate New York by highlighting historic sites, museums, and tours dedicated to interpreting the story of the Underground Railroad (UGRR). Historically, about eight out of 10 national travelers have included a cultural, arts, heritage or historic activity or event while on a trip of 50 miles or more. This represents a significant contribution to the State’s vital $50 billion a year tourism industry...more

Mohuis coming!The week-long arts festival will be held October 8 – 16, 2011 in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties. It will feature theatre, dance, music, visual arts and random acts of art throughout the region. This will be the first annual event. MoHu will also celebrate the individual artist and involve art loving partners...more

Before summer fizzles,plan to hop aboard the Albany AquaDucks & Trolleys for sizzling good times...more

A Christian ministry conference coming to Albany, New York, is expected to pump more than $750,000 into the local economy.....more

The Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) recently hired Schuyler Bull as marketing manager, Tanya Dawn Matthews as senior sales manager, and Charlie Hewitt as convention sales assistant...more

The Hudson River Valley Greenway is encouraging residents of the Hudson Valley and beyond to get ready for the 11th Annual Great Hudson River Paddle, scheduled for July 1-31, 2011...more

Local Museums Embrace Military Families Several Museums in the greater Capital Region are participating in the Blue Star Museums program which offers free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from now through Labor Day. The program, in its second year of operation, was developed by the National Endowment for the Arts and is a partnership with more than 1,300 museums across America. Local Museums Embrace Military Families Several Museums in the greater Capital Region are participating in the Blue Star Museums program which offers free admission to all active duty military personnel and there families from now through Labor Day. The program, in its second year of operation, was developed by the National Endowment for the Arts and is a partnership with more than 1,300 museums across America...more

To date, the Albany Symphony has won more of these awards than any other orchestra in the country!..more

Albany, New York – Mayor Jerry Jennings and the City of Albany are pleased to announce the musical line up for the 2011 Alive at Five Concert Series. These concerts are presented FREE and open to the public on Thursday evenings from 5-8pm at the Albany Riverfront Park amphitheater at the Corning Preserve. Food and beverage vendors complete the scene for a great way to start your weekend...more

Where would a tourism professional go in their own area if they could only choose one place? Tourism directors from the ten counties in the Hudson Valley region chose their favorites recently, providing an inside look at what they personally think is fun. Some walk on the wild side, some just want a little peace and quiet, but all the places chosen are definitely worth a visit...more

The 12th Annual Albany History Fair to benefit Historic Cherry Hill, takes place Sunday, May 15th at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center from 12-4pm. The event is free and open to the public. The event is sponsored by the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, Historic Cherry Hill and the Times Union. The fair is a Heritage Weekend event, www.heritageweekend.org , which takes place May 14-15 across New York State...more

The Tulip Festival Chairman’s Reception for the 2011 Tulip Queen finalists will be held TONIGHT, May 3, at DeJohn’s restaurant from 6:00 pm to 7:30pm...more

The public is invited to visit the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center located at 195 New Karner Road in Albany, to watch a new video about prescribed fire, which will premiere on April 28, 2011 at 6:00pm. The seven-minute video communicates to visitors why and how the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission uses prescribed, or controlled fires to manage its pine barrens ecosystem...more

PUBLIC INVITED TO VIEW SCALE MODEL OF STATE CONVENTION CENTER BUILT BY ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AT ALBANY HERITAGE AREA VISITORS CENTER...more

Tickets for Champagne on the Park, the Lark Street Business Improvement District’s annual fundraiser, are now on sale...more

The Irish American Heritage Museum today, “Easter Monday” the 95th anniversary of Ireland’s “ Proclamation of the Republic” declaring its independence, announced it is moving into a new home at 370 Broadway in downtown Albany, NY. The Museum is completely modernizing the ground floor of the historic 19th century Meginniss Building in what has been a gutted century-old space to transform it into a state-of-the art, year-round exhibit and educational facility that also will house its O’Dwyer Research Library...more

On Saturday, May 14, Schoharie Crossing will host a talk entitled “The Erie Canal Can Cover it All: An Interdisciplinary Look” at 11:00 AM at the Schoharie Crossing Visitor Center as part of the state wide Heritage Weekend events...more

C-R Productions’ C-R Kids was selected as a Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ Youth Action Grant recipient toward its Creative Youth Alliance (CYA). The CYA was formed in the Fall of 2010 as an offshoot of C-R Kids, C-R Productions’ resident youth acting company. In three words, the CYA was developed to “lead, serve, and inspire”. Participants of the CYA are Capital Region students who have an interest in theatre and a dedication to their communities. The students partner with other non-profits in the area to serve their community, as well as study theatre, have opportunities to perform, and help fundraise for and promote the historic Cohoes Music Hall...more

The annual meeting of the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB), held at the Albany Marriott, was not only a wrap-up of the year, but also an opportunity to recognize the outstanding work of multiple Capital Region citizens including the Hospitality Excellence Award Winner and the 2010 Albany Ambassadors...more

Mayor Gerald D. Jennings and Tulip Festival Chair Marcus Q. Pryor will introduce the five finalists for 2011 Tulip Queen at a press conference TODAY in Albany City Hall Rotunda at 11:00 am. The five finalists were chosen through an extensive interview process out of about 70 nominations. Nominees were interviewed by the Tulip Queen & Court Selection Committee, a panel of judges from the community including prior Tulip Queen & Court members. These young women were chosen based on their community service & leadership skills, as well as their knowledge of Albany...more

Mayor Gerald D. Jennings and Tulip Festival Chair Marcus Q. Pryor will introduce the five finalists for 2011 Tulip Queen at a press conference in Albany City Hall's Corning Park (behind City Hall) on Wednesday, April 20 at 11:00 am. Rain location: City Hall Rotunda...more

Mayor Jerry Jennings and the City of Albany are pleased to announce the full schedule of events planned for the 63rd Annual Albany Tulip Festival...more

Come join the fun as the members of the Albany Aqua Ducks & Trolleys Team are joined by special guests in front of the Visitors Center, 25 QUACKenbush Square, to celebrate the opening of the 2011 Duck Season...more

In recognition of Earth Day 2011 and in preparation for the upcoming 187th navigation season on the New York State Canal System, the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center is a participant in the Sixth Annual Canal Clean Sweep the weekend of April 15-17, 2011. The event is sponsored by the New York State Canal Corporation, Parks & Trails New York, and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC)...more

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (March 30, 2011) – March has proven a very lucky month for guests at Saratoga Casino and Raceway, including $124,982 winner John J. Konik of Schenectady who cashed in on Bally’s Reel Mania last Thursday...more

The first ever 24hr Berkshires/Capital Region Theatre Project brings together playwrights, directors, designers, crew and actors from both the Berkshires and the Capital Region armed with the common task of mounting 5 new short works in 24 Hours. WAM Theatre, MOPCO and The Arts Center of the Capital Region host the event happening Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 8 p.m. in the Arts Center of the Capital Region, 265 River Street, Troy, NY...more

Mayor Jerry Jennings, the City of Albany and the TulipFestival Committee seek nominations for the 2011 Tulip Queen...more

The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, a local land trust serving Albany, Schenectady, and Montgomery counties, has received two grants of approximately $14,000 from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program..more

Albany Tulip Queen Mishka Gilkes & her Court team up with students from Albany District Links’ Believers and Achievers mentoring program to present the Dare to Dance Challenge for Charity on January 27that the Myers Middle School cafeteria. The Tulip Queen & Court will be on hand from 3 to 4pm to assist students with organizing the fundraiser. Proceeds from the event will benefit the community programs of Albany Catholic Charities. All Myers students, teachers, staff and family members are invited to attend, but this event is not open to the general public...more

KriegerSolutions will offer the Webinar “Leading and Managing in Difficult Times” on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Eastern Time). As an introduction to Krieger Solutions’ new webinar series, there is no charge for this webinar. Individuals can register at KriegerSolutions, LLC web site www.kriegersolutions.com or by calling (518) 895-2939...more

Saratoga Gamingand Raceway is celebrating its 7th Year of operation in 2011. In conjunction with this celebration, Saratoga Gaming and Raceway announces the change of its name to Saratoga Casino and Raceway and the extension of hours beginning Monday, January 3...more

In celebration of its 20th anniversary season, the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company (ESDC) is pleased to announce the premiere of two new works on Friday,January 21, 2011 at 8 PM. This concert will take place at The Egg’s Hart Theater and is part of The Egg’s Dance New York series. Ellen Sinopoli will introduce the evening’s concert in a Prelude Talk at 7:15 PM...more

Albany Tulip Queen Mishka Gilkes & her court invite the public to drop off recyclable bottles and cans at the Village of Colonie Highway Garage on January 8th to raise funds benefiting the Tulip Queen & Court Fund. The fund, instituted in 2009 as a joint effort between the Albany Tulip Court & the Community Foundation of the Capital Region, awards grants to local literacy organizations...more

Albany, NY: November 30, 2011 – Prior to their 8:00 PM performance at the Palace Theatre tomorrow night, legendary rock group CHICAGO will be on hand to help unveil the new holiday lights display during Albany’s State Street rededication...more

725 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY CONTACT: Loretta Fontaine 518-438-4751, lorettta@lorettafontaine.com Web site: www.holidaycraftsonmadison.blogspot.com HOLIDAY CRAFTS ON MADISON BENEFITS WOMAN’S CLUB, DOUBLE H RANCH What: The 5th Annual Albany Holiday Crafts on Madison Where: 725 Madison Avenue near the corner of Albany’s historic Washington Park When: Friday November 5, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. & Saturday November 6 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Web site: www.holidaycraftsonmadison.blogspot.com..more

ALBANY, NY- When the Hudson River Valley of New York State celebrates the 11th Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble on the weekends of September 11-12, 18-19, and 25-26, Albany is the place to be! "Many of our great attractions are offering historically themed, or river related events to celebrate the history, culture and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area," said Michele Vennard, president and CEO of the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We encourage everyone to explore Albany and to discover its very rich history and exciting events during the Ramble."..more

ALTAMONT, NY (August 13, 2010) – The Capital Region’s Hometown Fair, the Altamont Fair, is celebrating its 117th year. The fair begins Tuesday, August 17 and runs through Sunday, August 22. Directions and hours of operation are located here...more

Click here to read Article in I Love NY..more

Sherman´s Travel Blogs - New York State Capital is Not Just for Class Trips..more

Transeventsusa, Inc. is pleased to announce Transevent 2010: The Empire Conference coming May 19-22 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in historic downtown Albany , NY . This transgender conference offers an impressive lineup of nationally and internationally known speakers, workshop presenters, and educational forums on all aspects of transgender, male to female, female to male, and transgender youth. The Empire Conference will have its grand opening Weds. Evening, May 19 with a BBQ hosted by Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council, which is celebrating its Fortieth anniversary. More than forty different workshops are scheduled during The Empire Conference, featuring Pauline Park, PhD., of New York Association for Gender Rights Advocacy; Michael Silverman, Executive Director of Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund; Arlene Lev, nationally known author, family therapist and founder of Choices Counseling and Consulting in Albany. The full conference schedule of speakers and workshops, conference registration details, and hotel accommodations is available at: www.transeventsusa.org/empire Early registration is suggested for this new and important conference. TransEvent 2010: The Empire Conference is being managed by TransEventsUSA Inc., a non-profit educational corporation recognized by the I.R.S. as a 501c(3) charitable organization...more

It’s time to celebrate love and we invite you do it in Albany, New York! Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of Albany’s many gourmet restaurants, catch a V-Day themed show, or go to a museum?!..more

Albany offers a vast and unique shopping experience perfect for holiday gifts. New York’s Capital Region has an abundance of fine retail stores, small boutique shops, major department stores, and specialty gift shops. Browse in a variety of shopping settings from historic and eclectic neighborhoods to unique museum gift shops, and don’t miss out on the great shop-and-stay hotel packages. Whatever gift you need for the holidays, you will find it in Albany!..more

Mayor Jennings Proclaims Italian-American Heritage Days Albany’s 18th Annual Columbus Parade & Italian Festival Highlights Special Days NOTE: Parade & Festival Photos available at www.columbusdayalbanyny.com ALBANY, N.Y.(September 29, 2009) – Albany celebrates its Italian culture and heritage with its 18th annual Columbus Parade & Italian Festival on Oct. 10. The parade and festival, among the largest of its kind in Upstate New York, begins at 12 p.m. in historic Washington Park. At 1 p.m., the parade will march through the park, beginning at Madison and New Scotland Avenues and proceeding to the Lakehouse. Serving as Honorary Grand Marshals of this year’s parade are.....more

Selected Scotia/Glenville High School students will be available for media interviews as well as Columbia Pictures “The Other Guys” Albany unit location manager, David Chambers. Columbia Pictures have invited the film class from Scotia/Glenville High School to the Wednesday filming of the motion picture, “The Other Guys,” being shot in downtown Albany. Approximately 70 students will be permitted on set from 9:00 a.m. until noon to watch the filming of a stunt scene, and to learn firsthand about the on-set production process of a major motion picture. Conrad Palmisano, second unit director in charge of the films action scenes will be addressing the students.....more

ALBANY WELCOMES BACK COLUMBIA PICTURES TO THE CAPITAL REGION! ALBANY, N.Y. --- After a three month hiatus, Columbia Pictures is back in New York’s Capital Region shooting a feature film “The Other Guys.” The local production of the film, which takes place Wednesday, September 23 through Sunday, October 4, 2009, will bring with it a positive economic impact, as well as recognition to our Capital City.....more

Let the bounty begin! From September 12-21, four counties of the Upper Hudson Valley Region: Albany, Columbia, Dutchess and Rensselaer, will be celebrating their wide variety of farm fresh products and creative culinary delights that result from these sustainable products. See attached.....more

COLUMBUS PARADE & ITALIAN FESTIVAL, INC. 18th Annual Celebration of Italian Heritage ALBANY, N.Y. – Community groups and organizations are invited to participate in Albany’s 18th Annual Columbus Parade & Italian Festival on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Those interested in having a unit march, or having a float in the parade, should call 518-641-7511 or visit www.columbusdayalbanyny.com to download an application. The parade steps off at 1 p.m. in Washington Park and will proceed through the park, with the reviewing stand by the Lakehouse. Throughout Washington Park, there is an authentic Italian Festival is underway from 12 Noon to 5:30 p.m. with music, dancing, Italian food specialties, children’s activities and more. The City of Albany, Albany’s Italian American Community Center, West Albany Italian Benevolent Society and Roma Intangible Lodge #215 Order of Sons of Italy in America sponsor the Columbus Parade & Italian Festival, Inc., with the support of many businesses and community organizations in the Capital Region. ###..more

MAYOR JENNINGS TO HOST CEREMONY UNVEILING ALBANY’S NEW “ALL-AMERICA CITY” SIGNS.....more

A grand celebration for a great cave is planned when Howe Caverns hosts a community celebration for its 80th anniversary on Aug. 1. “We’re looking forward to welcoming friends from far and near as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Howe Caverns re-opening to the public in 1929,” said General Manager Robert Holt. Throughout the day, the cave will be..more

NEW YORK, NY (July 20, 2009) – During her years spent in Indonesia, American anthropologist Ann Dunham; mother of President Barack Obama, collected many unusual and exceptional pieces of traditional Indonesian batik that have formed the heart of a unique exhibition called “A Lady Found A Culture in Cloth: Barack Obama’s Mother in Indonesia” which will arrive in Albany on Tuesday, July 28th. The exhibit has toured four major US cities: Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston in May and June to great acclaim and will be showcased at the Plaza Hotel in NYC on Tuesday, July 21st, with noted Albany Chef, Yono Purnomo serving as guest Chef.....more

What is there to see and do during the summer of 2009? Exploring the Hudson Valley’s 100 Great Places…Just North of New York City offers a plethora of historic and scenic locations for New York and New Jersey residents to visit. The 350-page topical guide is a comprehensive book for those visiting the Hudson Valley region. The book offers up-to-date descriptions and hundreds of websites for additional information...more

Hudson Valley, NY (August 2009) As fall rolls into the Hudson Valley, the crisp air is so spiced with harvest flavors, you can almost taste them. You’ll also marvel at the delicious dishes made with local ingredients at fall festivals throughout the region. The Hudson Valley is giving multiple parties for its renowned cuisine, and you’re invited!..more

Established in 1890, NYLA is the oldest state library organization in the United States. The New York Library Association (NYLA) www.nyla.org has announced that it will be the sponsor of the inaugural Empire State Book Festival in Albany on April 9 & 10, 2010. The event will bring together authors, illustrators, librarians, storytellers, publishers and book lovers to celebrate the literary heritage of New York State......more

The Egg has announced five new performances in its 2009-10 season. For tickets and information, contact The Egg Box Office: 518-473-1845.....more

The Les McCann/Javon Jackson Quintet concert scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 15 has been cancelled. Refunds are available by calling The Egg Box Office at 518-473-1845. If you have any questions or would like further information please call The Egg Box Office for assistance...more

Billy Bragg will perform at The Egg on Sunday, August 2nd at 7:30 PM as part of the Rhythm International concert series.....more

ALBANY, NY - As part of the celebration of the 2009 Hudson-Champlain Quadricentennial celebration, the New York State Office of Cultural Education (OCE) will present at the New York State Museum the exhibition “1609,” which will re-examine Henry Hudson’s voyage, the myths that surround it, and explore the legacies of Hudson’s unexpected discovery...Contact Albert Gnidica agnidica@mail.nysed.gov (See attached)..more

The Albany Trolleys are taking passengers for a first-hand experience focused on Albany’s Baseball History -- past, present, and future. The tour will meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, at Ristorante Paradiso, corner of Robin Street and Central Avenue. Paradiso Owner Matt Daskalakis, a former professional baseball player with the Albany Senators in the 1950s, will.....more

“Your” Albany Symphony received the prestigious Leonard Bernstein Award for Educational Programming from The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). This award was announced today at the League of American Orchestra’s (LAO) 64th Annual Conference in Chicago, as part of the annual 2008-2009 ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming.. The Leonard Bernstein Award for Educational Programming is given to the orchestra whose.....more

...awarded by the National Civic League (NCL) -- a non-profit, nonpartisan organization founded in 1894 to strengthen citizen democracy. This is the 60th anniversary of the award.....more

2009 Celebrates 20 Years of FREE Concerts June 4th – August 13th TONIGHT – THURSDAY, JUNE 11 @ RAINSITE Mayor Jerry Jennings and the City of Albany are pleased to invite the public to Oldies Night at Alive at Five, June 11th, 5pm. Oldies Night will be held at the RAIN LOCATION: Corning Preserve Boat Launch under the I-787 overpass (Water Street) due to the amount of rainfall and possibility of storms today...more

ON FRIDAY, MAY 29TH AT 10:15 AM AND AT 12 NOON – ASSEMBLYMEMBER JACK McEneny Will be delivering the ALBANY AQUA DUCKS TOURS---WOW!!!..more

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission is proud to announce its annual Lupine Festival will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 9 AM – 4 PM at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road in the City of Albany...more

Celebrating 20 Years of FREE Entertainment June 4th – August 13th, 2009..more

ALBANY, N.Y. -- To celebrate Travel Rally Day, May 12, the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) is launching a series of activities highlighting the importance of travel and tourism, including meeting business...more

* May 9th & 10th, 2009 * Albany, New York - Mayor Jerry Jennings, the City of Albany and CDTA are offering transportation options to the annual Albany Tulip Festival.....more

The return of riverboat commuter service to the Capital Region for one day.....more

Regional Specialist New Castle Hotels & Resorts will Manage Established Upstate Hotel ALBANY, N.Y., May 6, 2009 – Albany Holiday Inn announced that New Castle Hotels & Resorts, an independent hotel owner, operator and third-party management company, will manage the hotel effective May 1, 2009. The prominent 312-room hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city’s Wolf Road area. It is the eighth upstate New York hotel and the 20th hotel in the Northeast that New Castle manages, demonstrating its understanding of and commitment to the region. Located at 205 Wolf Road, Holiday Inn Albany was renovated in 2005 and showcases extensive marble flooring, beautiful hand-finished millwork and an expansive 22,800-sqaure foot indoor courtyard that includes an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, game room and fitness center. The six-story hotel also features The Grill restaurant, 205 on Wolf cocktail lounge, an outdoor pool and business center. To ensure that the hotel provides each guest with a first class experience,.....more

ALBANY, N.Y. --- Not only will the local filming of Columbia Picture’s new motion picture Salt bring recognition to the area, but the two week movie shoot will pump well over a million dollars into the Capital Region’s local economy. The production of the film, which tentatively takes place Thursday, April 23rd to Monday, May 4th, brings 150 crew members to the area. Hundreds of local residents and businesses are working with Columbia pictures to help make the Salt vision a reality. Columbia Pictures, which has been working in the area several months has reached out to local businesses with money in hand, for food services, vehicles to be used in the picture, accommodations, construction cranes, tent/chair rentals, parking lot rentals, and the rental of a local speedway for rehearsal… just to name a few. Expenses for the production crew members alone have brought in $200,000 to hotels in the area for accommodations and will bring.....more

STRONG NORTH AMERICAN FIELD LINING UP FOR 31ST ANNUAL FREIHOFER´S RUN FOR WOMEN: DeReuck, Moody, Wiszowaty, Meyerhoff, Troncoso and Defending Master´s Champion Wiltse Among Entrants for May 30th 5 km Road Race in Albany, NY ALBANY, NY (April 29, 2009) — With a strong showing by American athletes at the Boston Marathon last week, it appears U.S. runners are poised to reassert themselves in a sport they haven´t dominated since the 70s and 80s. The 31st Freihofer´s Run for Women 5 km road race, set for May 30, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. in Albany, NY, will be another showcase of top national talent, including those who could very well be the future of American women´s running. The only person standing in their way, of course, is three-time defending champion Benita Johnson of Australia. "I´m very pleased with the way the elite field is coming together this year," said Run for Women Elite Athlete Recruiter John Tope. "The race will have a good mixture of established runners and up-and-comers. It´s always exciting to have the defending champion return and then see who will line up to challenge her." In the open field, Tera Moody, of Boulder, Colorado, has posted excellent results over the last year. She placed 5th at the US Olympic Marathon Trials (2:33:54) last year and 2nd at the 2009 Shamrock Shuffle 8k. Local phenomenon, Toni Wiszowaty, of Plattsburgh, NY, is an up-and-comer with equally impressive..more

* PHOTO OPPORTUNITY * Albany Tulip Queen & Court Communities Connect program Initiative for the Mayor Jerry Jennings Literacy Campaign Albany, New York - The City of Albany 2008 Tulip Queen Sarah Volk and court members Jessica Engel, Kayla Janeski, Amy LaGrange & Caitlin Spinelli conduct their final Communities Connect session with Literacy Volunteers of Hudson Mohawk as part of Mayor Jerry Jennings Literacy Campaign. The Tulip Queen and Court members will present Borders book store gift cards to each student that participated throughout the entire program on Sunday May 3, from 3pm - 4:30pm at Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Ave in the conference room. Media is invited to attend as a photo opportunity. Each year, the Tulip Queen and Court spend their.....more

Albany, New York - Mayor Gerald D. Jennings and Tulip Festival Chair, Marcus Q. Pryor will announce the five finalists for 2009 Tulip Queen at a press conference in Albany City Hall´s Corning Park (behind City Hall) today, Wednesday April 29 at 11:00 am...more

Former destroyer escort sailors will be.....more

HOWES CAVE, N.Y. -- With the roar of the engine and the headlights beaming through a skull, the Orange County Choppers (OCC) unveiled the cave-themed motorcycle developed for Howe Caverns during the company’s 10th anniversary celebration on April 26 at its Newburgh headquarters...more