March is a lucky month for free and frugal events in Albany! With spring just around the corner, find ways to enjoy the last few weeks of winter with these free or low-cost happenings.
Opening Reception: As If, Lifestyles of the Nostalgic Artist
Location: Albany Barn
Date: March 1
Time: 6 PM to 8:30 PM
Price: Free
Head back to the 90's at this throwback exhibition featuring work from resident artist Lexi Hannah and Executive Director Casey Polomaine. The opening reception is completely free, open to the public, and a great way to support local artists while enjoying a blast to the past.
Hannaford Kidz Expo
Image courtesy of the Empire State PlazaLocation: Empire State Plaza Convention Center
Date: March 2
Time: 10 AM to 4 PM
Price: Free
Head to Empire State Plaza on March 2 for a free, fun-filled day for the whole family! Kids have the chance to meet their favorite characters, enjoy theater performances, see reptiles, express their creativity through arts and crafts, and hop into some bounce houses. Plus, parents can find helpful information on summer camps, health care, sports clubs, photographers and more.
Neighbor for Neighbors Story Hour at theRep
Location: Capital Repertory Theatre
Date: March 9
Time: 11 AM
Price: Free
Join the Capital Repertory Theatre for their monthly children's story hour. Designed for children in primary grades, each story hour is led by professional actress and elementary school teacher Barbara Howard. Children can become fully immersed in the world of each story with accompanying activities. Each selection focuses on culture and diversity within the POC community. Last month's picks were Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing, No Mirrors in My Nana's House, and Something Beautiful
4th Annual Winter Art Fest
Location: Albany Distilling Co. Bar & Bottle Shop
Date: March 9
Time: 12 PM to 6 PM
Price: $24 for 21 years and older, $15 for 10 to 20 years old, free for kids under 10
On a chilly winter Saturday stay cozy in Albany Distilling's Bar & Bottle Shop and enjoy the 4th Annual Winter Art Fest. This artful afternoon is co-hosted by the Albany Center Gallery and Albany Distilling Company. Wander through live art installations by local artists while enjoying delicious food from DeFazio's Pizzeria and specialty beverages.
Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade
Location: Downtown Albany
Date: March 16
Time: Parade steps off at 2 PM
Price: Free
It's not St. Patrick's Day in Albany without the St. Patrick's Day parade! Dress in your best green attire and head downtown to enjoy festive fanfare including Irish pipers, decorated floats, marching bands and more. The best places to view the parade are anywhere along Central Avenue or lower Washington Avenue. Bring the family and make it a day-long event!
Ongoing Events
Bloom Exhibition
Location: Albany Center Gallery
Dates: Tuesdays to Saturdays through March 15
Time: 12 PM to 5 PM
Price: Free
Stop by the Albany Center Gallery through March 15 and explore their Bloom exhibition. All pieces were created by regional artists and surround the theme of "biomimicry" or work inspired by and in conversation with the natural world. The work uses nature as a resource to reflect formal, personal, emotional and conceptual issues according to Albany Center Gallery. Visits to the exhibition are free and open to the public.
Albany Patroons 2024 Season
Location: Washington Avenue Armory
Dates: March home games are March 1, March 2, March 21 and March 22. Full schedule.
Time: 7 PM
Price: $15 for adults, $10 military, seniors and students, free for children 12 and under
March brings the start of the Albany Patroons 2024 basketball season. Support the home team at the Washington Avenue Armory through May 26. The season starts off with exciting back-to-back games on March 1 and March 2. Visit the Albany Patroons website for a full schedule and to buy tickets.
New York State Writer's Institute Events
Location: UAlbany
Dates: Vary
Times: Vary
Price: Free
Attend an event hosted by the New York State Writer's Institute this March. Programs include History is Her Story to celebrate Women's History Month on March 3, a film screening of "Merchant Ivory" on March 15, and a conversation with author Lydia Davis on March 26. Find their full schedule of events here.