Celebrating 100 Years of Oysters; 65 Years of Tulips, 25 Years of Free Theater, and more!

Albany, NY - Come discover one of the oldest cities in the United States; Albany, as New York's Capital City on the Hudson River looks forward to a great 2013. As a winter wonderland and a summer paradise, Albany offers four seasons of events that will be sure to amaze. Albany is filled with a slew of celebrations this year, one of the most delectable is sure to be the 100th Anniversary of Jack's Oyster House, which kicked off a year long celebration on January 24.

A spring perennial favorite, the 65th Annual Albany Tulip Festival, brings Washington Park and the City of Albany alive with color as well over 100,000 tulips bloom in a celebration of Albany's rich Dutch heritage. The festival which runs May 11-12, offers entertainment on three stages, over 100 crafters, fine arts show, gardening talks, a vast array of food vendors, crafts, family fun, and of course tulips everywhere!

This summer we invite you to discover a variety of exciting events. Art lovers will enjoy Art on Lark on June 8th, a one day celebration of Albany's Lark Street Art District which showcases artists, musicians, and dance and theater performances. From June 1-2 and 8-9, history buffs can take part in Path through History Weekend where New York State's unique cultural heritage is celebrated through historically themed events and reduced admissions. Throughout the two-day celebration, guests can enjoy tours and exhibits, and visit historic museums and other monumental sites around the Capital Region. Tradition will be honored at the Old Songs Festival on June 28-30, where folk, Celtic, and world music, and dance is celebrated along with workshops, a juried craft show, and food and instrument vendors. Let the celebrations continue as Park Playhouse celebrates 25 years of free professional outdoor theater with Spamalot July 5-28 and Shrek the Musical August 6-18. Finally, end your summer with cool water and hot jazz at the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival.

Fall is a festive time in the Capital Region. Enjoy handcrafted goods and fun for the whole family at the Fall Harvest Shaker Craft Fair. Celebrate the Lark Street neighborhood with live music performances and crafts at the Capital Region's largest street festival, Larkfest. To discover and enjoy local bounty, the Capital Region offers a variety of festivals including the Capital District Apple Festival & Craft Fair at the Altamont Fairgrounds, the Goold Orchards Apple Festival & Craft Show, and the Pride of New York Harvest Fest at the Desmond Hotel & Conference Center. Halloween brings fright to Albany as visitors hunt for ghosts on the New York State Capitol Haunting Tour and on Albany Trolley Ghost Tours.

This winter, blanketed in snow and history, Albany abounds with winter fun. Brighten up your season at the annual Capital Holiday Lights in the Park event. View this spectacular festival of lights as you drive through Olmstead inspired Washington Park. Don't miss Winter Wonderlark where the Lark Street Neighborhood will be full of fun with street performers, great shopping opportunities, and the amusing Santa Speedo Run! Tour uniquely decorated private historic homes when the spirit of the season fills Albany's historic neighborhoods with cheer at the annual Holiday House Tour. Indulge in the finest food and wine at the 6th Annual Albany Chefs' Food and Wine Festival where innovative chefs and global wine and spirit companies come together to provide the best in culinary art at amazing tastings and seminars.

Join us throughout the year as we revisit our past and share a future of continued discovery. For dates and more information on these exciting events please visit www.albany.org or call the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 258-3582 or (518) 434-1217.