Happy Leap Day! In honor of the 29th day of February, we have rounded up 29 events to look forward to over the next 10 months of 2024. From mainstay Albany County traditions to seasonal favorites, take some time during your extra day this year and make plans to visit Albany for one (or more) of these exciting events! 

March April May June July August September October November December 

March 

4th Annual Winter Art Fest 
March 9 | Albany Distilling Co. Bar & Bottle Shop
Chill out at the 4th Winter Art Fest presented by Albany Center Gallery and Albany Distilling Co. with live art installations, delicious food, specialty cocktails and mocktails and winter-themed fun. 

Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade
March 16 | Downtown Albany
Visiting Albany on March 16? You're in luck! The well-loved St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off at 2 PM and can be viewed anywhere along Central Ave or lower Washington Ave.

2024 NCAA Division I Women's Regional
March 29 to April 1 | MVP Arena 
Get ready to be a part of the madness in Albany for the 2024 NCAA Division I Women's Regional. Tickets are going fast for this exciting event.

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April 

USS SLATER Opening Day
April 3 | USS SLATER
Board the USS SLATER, the last Destroyer Escort still afloat in the country and learn about the heroes who fought aboard the ship during WWII.

NYS Writer's Institute Albany Film Festival
April 6 | University at Albany
Join the NYS Writer's Institute for their annual Film Festival featuring full length films, short film screenings, panel discussions and more. This year's special guests from the film industry include oscar-winning filmmaker James Ivory screenwriter for Call Me by Your Name and Abigail Disney, documentary film director and daughter of Roy O. Disney, co-founder of the Walt Disney Company.

Dutch Apple Cruises Opening Day
April 24 | Dutch Apple Cruises
Relax on a cruise along the Hudson River and learn about Albany's history through a completely new perspective. This quintessential Albany experience sets sail again starting April 24.

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May 

Lupine Festival
May 1 to May 31 | Albany Pine Bush Preserve
May is Lupine season in Albany and this year for the first time ever the Albany Pine Bush Preserve has expanded their annual Lupine Festival from one day to a month-long celebration! The preserve will host 31 days of programming inspired by the beautiful and unique violet flower. 

76th Annual Albany Tulip Festival
May 11 & May 12 | Washington Park
Albany's signature spring event returns this Mother's Day weekend. Find delicious foods, unique craft vendors, famous music acts, and wander amongst tulip beds home to approximately 100,000 tulips! 

Opening Days for Seasonal Attractions 
May is when many of the county's seasonal attractions re-open promising outdoor fun from spring to fall. This year, adventure at WildPlay Thacher starting May 11 or have a fun, family-day at Huck Finn's Playland starting May 4. Be sure to check our Things to Do page to learn of more fun, seasonal attractions starting back up again this spring. 

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June 

Celebrate Pride in Albany
June 8 & June 9 | Washington Park
The Pride Center of the Capital Region and In Our Own Voices work side-by-side to bring a main Pride Weekend to Albany during the second weekend in June. This year on June 8, enjoy In Our Own Voices' annual Say it Loud! BIPOC Pride Celebration in Washington Park. Then on Sunday, June 9, join the Pride Center for their annual Capital Pride Parade and Festival. Pride events take place all month long so be sure to visit both organizations' websites and our blog on Where to Celebrate Pride Month in Albany for additional happenings.

Alive at Five Kicks Off
Summer Thursdays starting June 6 | Jennings Landing
A staple of summer in Albany, the Alive at Five concert series returns to Jennings Landing this June. Rock out every Thursday night (excluding July 4) with eight weeks of free concerts starring big names, up-and-coming acts, and local favorites. 

Old Songs Music Festival
June 28, June 29 & June 30 | Altamont Fairgrounds
Head to the Altamont Fairgrounds for this family-friendly tradition during the last weekend in June. Old Songs is a festival of folk, traditional, Celtic and world music known for its relaxed atmosphere and interactive nature. 

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July 

New York State's 4th of July Celebration
July 4 | Empire State Plaza 
Live music, tasty food, and of course a spectacular fireworks display await at Albany's annual Independence Day celebration. Famous music acts often headline the show with past performers including Shiela E. and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. Albany celebrates America's birthday throughout the county so be sure to check our Events Calendar and blog post: Celebrate 4th of July in Albany for updates.

Legally Blonde the Musical
July 17 through August 11 | Cohoes Music Hall
This summer, join the Cohoes Music Hall for a pink-infused powerhouse performance of Legally Blonde the Musical based on the film of the same name.

2024 Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend
July 19 to July 22 | Cooperstown, NY
Swing over to Cooperstown, just a short drive away from Albany, for the annual Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend. Sports Travel and Tours Inc. offers great packages for a stay in the capital city while in the area for this widely anticipated event. 

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August 

Black Arts & Cultural Celebration
August 1, August 2 & August 3 | Empire State Plaza
The three-day celebration of Black arts and culture returns to Empire State Plaza at the very start of August. Past years have featured live performances by chart-topping artists, art exhibitions, delicious food vendors, a teen night and more. 

2024 Altamont Fair
August 13 through August 18 | Altamont Fairgrounds
Nothing says summer in Albany County like the annual Altamont Fair. Back for its 131st year, explore the huge carnival midway, enjoy live entertainment including a circus and shark show, see farm animals up close, and learn more about agriculture in New York State. 

Capital District Scottish Games
August 31 | Altamont Fairgrounds
This year, this annual Celtic festival of arts will take place on the final day of August. Bring the whole family to enjoy pipe bands, highland dancing, Celtic folk/rock music and more.

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September 

Harvest Festivals
There's no better way to bring on the start of fall than stopping by one of Albany County's harvest festivals. On September 11, Empire State Plaza hosts their annual Hops & Harvest Festival. Known for all things fall, this celebration offers craft beverages, bluegrass music, vendors selling fall-themed food and gifts, and fun activities for kids. Then from September 21 to September 22, head over to the Altamont Fairgrounds for their first annual Harvest and Wine Festival. The day will feature wine tastings, live music, a free kid's area, a free haunted house and more.

2024 Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival
September 14 | Jenning's Landing
The free, all-day jazz concert at Jenning's Landing returns on September 14. Enjoy up-and-coming artists along with local favorites. The day ends with an exciting fireworks display. 

PearlPalooza & YogaPalooza
September 21 | Downtown Albany
PearPalooza takes to Pearl Street for the 15th year in a row this September. Crowds fill in for a day of musical performances and a great variety of vendors. Take some time to find your zen at the morning's YogaPalooza starting at 11 AM. 

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October 

Albany's All-Hallow E'en Festival
October 1 through October 31 | Albany County
Discover Albany's resurrection of the city's All-Hallow E'en Festival returns for a second year this October! This month-long festival brings Albany County's favorite Halloween traditions to life throughout October. Uncover the stories of the county's ghostly inhabitants through a variety of ghost tours, take your four-legged friends trick-or-treating during Hounds of Halloween, and get into the spirit at a series of Halloween parties. There are countless happenings this October so be sure to check our webpage for updates. 

Harvest Festival
October 9 | Empire State Plaza
Take a lunchtime trip to the Empire State Plaza for their Harvest Festival featuring a series of fall-themed vendors. 

Shaker Holiday Market 
October 9 through December 15 | Shaker Heritage Society
It's never too early to find the perfect holiday gift for your friends or family members. Shaker Heritage Society's annual Holiday Market starts on October 9. Shop for unique gifts crafted by local artists.

Festival of Nations
October 27 | Empire State Plaza Convention Center
For over 50 years, the annual Festival of Nations has celebrated cultures from around the world with food, performances, music and more.

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November 

Albany Lantern Parade
November 3 | Washington Park
Usually falling in early November, the Albany Lantern Parade has delighted families for the past 9 years. The parade celebrates light and community with a handmade paper lantern walk beginning at sunset.

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December 

Downtown Albany Hot Chocolate Stroll
December 7 | Downtown Albany
This event presented by the Downtown Albany BID features delicious gourmet hot cocoa from a variety of businesses. Vote for your favorite and see who has the best hot chocolate in town. While on your stroll, make sure to stop by the Kenmore Ballroom for the annual Holiday Market held in partnership with the event. 

St. Nicholas Day 
Date TBA | Crailo State Historic Site
Celebrate the season the way the Dutch did when they arrived in Albany. At the historic Crailo home, enjoy 17th and 18th century treats, live music, crafts and a visit from St. Nicholas himself.

Holiday Tree Lightings 
Dates TBA | Multiple Locations
See Albany come alight with tree lightings across the county! The City of Albany tree lighting and New York State Holiday Tree Lighting (at Empire State Plaza) usually take place in early December. Plus, travel to Stuyvesant Plaza, Cohoes, and Watervliet to see their holiday trees which are usually lighted in late November.

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