Events in Albany County today

Each Thursday, Nine Pin offers a $15 special that bundles Bavarian pretzels served with mustard and cheese with one 12 oz cider.

Get into the Halloween spirit at a swing dance registry event in Albany, New York. Enjoy a mix of learning and social fun with workshops, an intensive, and dancing late into the night, along with other activities.

Star Wars: Legion open play takes place at The Fortress of Gaming, giving players a space to set up battles in a distant galaxy. The entry fee is $5, or it is waived with a purchase of $5 or more.

Enjoy a monthly burst of glamour as Typhoid Mary hosts a recurring drag showcase every fourth Thursday. A changing lineup of queens keeps each performance fresh, delivering glittering looks, sharp wit, and commanding stage presence. Admission is free and audiences of all ages are welcome. Seating is first come, first served, so arriving early increases the chance of getting a great spot.

For $10, you receive a pack of your choice along with a small tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Extra beverages can be purchased, and there are food and retail options available too.

This Yu-Gi-Oh dueling night features Advanced Constructed play in a three-round format. Every participant receives two OTS packs for taking part, and additional prizes go to the top finishers, with payouts adjusted by attendance. Friendly competition and a spirit true to the heart of the cards shape the experience.

Take part in open play for Star Wars Unlimited, the latest Star Wars collectible card game. This weekly league welcomes casual matches and card trading, with opportunities to earn free prize packs for playing, trading cards, or teaching the game. Depending on attendance, the group may switch to a draft or run other competitive events. Entry is $5, or the fee is waived with a purchase of $5 or more.

A casual Pokemon league welcomes both video game players and trading card game fans. The entry fee is 6.00, and each participant receives a booster pack of their choice from the available selection upon arrival. Fill out a League Task sheet to unlock exclusive prize packs, stickers, and other rewards. Keep training.

Bingo takes center stage at Celtic Hall. Doors open before the first game, handheld computers will be on hand, and both players and attendees must be 18 or older.

This LGBTQIA+ youth group provides a welcoming space for ages 13 to 18. Drop-in hours are available, offering a chance to connect with peers in a supportive setting. Food and drinks are provided by community volunteers.

Enjoy a full evening dedicated to Magic: The Gathering’s Modern Constructed format in a Swiss-style tournament with three to four rounds. Top performers earn store credit based on overall attendance, and the top two players also receive promotional packs while supplies last. Participants can use the Magic Companion App and the Wizards Event Locator for event details and support.

A friendly board game gathering where participants can bring their favorite titles or see what others are playing. Access to the gaming library and table space at the Fortress is available for a $5 fee or with a stamped purchase receipt from Zombie Planet.

Los Lobos brings its five-decade legacy to The Egg, drawing on a catalog built through relentless touring and prolific recording. The band has played more than 100 shows a year across 50 years, traveling millions of miles to perform for millions, while releasing 17 studio albums, seven live records, three compilations, two EPs, two DVDs, and contributing to over 40 of their friends’ projects. Their work has been recognized with four Grammy Awards, an Austin City Limits Hall of Fame induction, the ALMA Ritchie Valens Pioneer Award, honors from the NEA and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Congressional recognitions, and numerous city proclamations. Rooted in East L.A., their sound blends soul, R&B, and doo wop with the currents of blues, jazz, and rock and roll, and it shines with influences from Mexican and Latin American traditions including Nortena and rancheras, bolero and cumbia, as well as son huasteco and son jarocho. Their songs have carried these traditions around the world, introducing audiences across continents to the richness of Aztlan and the spirit of La Bamba. The lineup features founding members David Hidalgo, Louie Perez Jr., Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano, and Steve Berlin, whose shared commitment on and off stage pairs musical craft with efforts for peace and justice.

Entry is restricted to guests ages 16 and up with a valid photo ID. Anyone younger than 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is at least 21 years old. All attendees will be required to present valid photo identification at the door, so plan ahead to ensure a smooth check-in. Tickets will be available to the general public during a designated on-sale period.

Monster Prom at Lark Hall brings a Halloween celebration from Shannon Tehya and Keegan James as they wrap their States in Between tour. The evening spotlights creativity and self-expression, encouraging everyone to embrace their quirkiest looks with featured performances, a costume contest, and a night of dancing. Expect a mix of spooky grooves, singalongs, and favorites from the artists’ recent projects, with a $10 cover. Keegan James, an Albany-based queer pop artist, shares candid stories of navigating life and relationships in your 20s with a warm, expressive voice. Shannon Tehya leads a dynamic five-piece known for joyful, uplifting shows that blend pop, funk, jazz, and RnB, moving from soul-stirring originals to fresh spins on popular hits. The band features Dane Jennings on drums, Hunter Frost on vocals, guitar, and bass, Peter Roderick on vocals and guitar, and Rachel Costello on vocals. This Albany, NY gathering celebrates community, music, and playful Halloween spirit.

Karaoke night at Lark St Tavern features six large screens that display lyrics and a clear, room-filling sound system. Sign-in takes place before performances begin, and arriving early helps secure a spot on the list.

Experience a focused, 30-minute breathing practice guided by Felicia Neaton of Alchemize Breathwork & Bodywork. The Saturday Exhale centers attention on the breath in a quiet, supported setting, offering a straightforward way to settle the mind, restore balance, and reconnect with yourself. No prior experience is required and there is nothing to perfect, as the facilitator provides a calm space for purposeful breathing. This session is offered monthly at Reflective Harmony. Pre-registration is required.

This family-friendly Halloween and fall shopping market at Colonie Center in Albany showcases local vendors with handmade goods, unique finds, seasonal décor, costumes, sweet treats, and gift ideas. Visitors can browse playfully spooky items and one-of-a-kind pieces for home, costumes, and celebrating the season. Vendor registration is open, and space is limited for sellers interested in connecting with families, trick-or-treaters, and seasonal shoppers.

This hands-on self defense class led by Shoshin Karate focuses on practical strategies for handling escalating aggression. Participants will work on staying aware of their surroundings, using their voice to discourage violence, and applying straightforward techniques to disable an aggressor long enough to get away. It is open to ages 13 and up, and no prior martial arts experience is needed. You can attend on your own or bring a friend. The fee is $30 per person, with a $20 rate for Shoshin Karate members. Advance registration is required on the organizer’s website.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire rolls into MVP Arena with fan favorites like Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, and Skelesaurus. Freestyle motocross riders boost the action with high-flying stunts, and a robot dinosaur that breathes fire and crushes cars adds a dramatic twist. The lineup also showcases Rhinomite, a new rhino-themed truck charging horn-first into the competition. Expect a high-energy experience packed with thrills for the whole family. For entry, only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches are allowed. Small clutch bags up to 4.5 x 6.5 inches are permitted and do not need to be clear. Larger or other types of bags are not allowed, and there is no storage or check-in for items that do not meet these guidelines. Concessions are cashless, accepting cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, with a reverse ATM available near section 126.

A relaxed and welcoming community gathering centers on kirtan, chanting, music, and meaningful connection, with a focus on good energy, inner peace, and well-being. The evening starts with a casual meet-and-greet, then flows into group chanting, singing, and shared music in a respectful and supportive atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to bring a cushion, yoga mat, or blanket for comfortable seating, wear comfortable clothing, and, if desired, bring instruments such as drums, harmonium, guitar, or shakers. Everyone is asked to be considerate of others to help create a peaceful environment, and to arrive with an open heart and genuine spirit. Weather permitting, some gatherings may take place outdoors in a park setting. All experience levels are welcome to chant, sing, relax, connect, and enjoy the shared energy.

The focus is Magic: The Gathering in Pauper and Commander formats. Admission is $10 and includes a pack plus a small tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Settle in for an afternoon of casual Magic: The Gathering Commander with open play that continues until closing. Entry is $8 and includes one set booster upon entry. Play as many pods as you like. Pod winners receive a random set of cards to share with the other players at the table. Players can use the Magic Companion app and the Wizards Event Locator to stay updated on events.

This Barnes & Noble bookfair in Colonie Center brings together ballet and books with free performances by SABB's Junior Company and Academies. Shoppers can support ABB's production of The Nutcracker with their purchases.

MVP Arena hosts Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire, a stop on the 2026 tour that brings fan favorites to life. Expect mega-sized machines like Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot and Skelesaurus, plus freestyle motocross riders launching into high-flying tricks. A fire-breathing, car-crushing robot dinosaur powers up the excitement, and the lineup introduces Rhinomite, a new rhino themed truck charging horn first into the competition. The show delivers fast paced thrills for all ages. Plan ahead for venue policies. Only clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches are allowed. Small clutch bags up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches are permitted and do not have to be clear. Larger or other bag types are not allowed inside, and there is no storage or check in for prohibited items. Concessions operate without cash. Cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted, and a reverse ATM is available near section 126.

Doors open before the first game, giving you time to get settled. Handheld computer devices are available for play, and all participants and attendees must be 18 or older.

Texas Hippie Coalition takes the stage at Empire Live Albany. Admission is open to guests 16 and older with a valid photo ID. Everyone will be asked to show a valid photo ID to enter, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is 21 or older.

Make Mondays easy with a $20 combo that includes two 12-ounce pours of cider and a pizza.

Break a sweat in a more challenging session centered on building strength while still leaving you stretched and relaxed. Depending on the focus, the class may feature a peak pose, time to workshop a more advanced posture, a barre-based workout with deep stretching at the end, or a more demanding yoga practice.

A new jazz jam is taking shape at The Lark St Tavern in Albany, led by internationally recognized bassist Tarik Shah. He has shared the stage with jazz greats including Betty Carter, Abbey Lincoln, Pharoah Sanders, Ahmad Jamal, Gregory Porter, and the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and brings that experience to an open session for the community. Musicians at any level can sit in, pick up new ideas, and take part in the music. Listeners can enjoy an authentic jam along with food, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Enjoy an evening at the Hive of Hope Sober Community Center focused on friendly competition, laughter, and connection within the recovery community. Attendees help choose what to play, and featured titles rotate with options such as spades, billiards, cornhole, and dominoes. Expect a welcoming, substance-free setting centered on building community and having fun. A minimum of 48 hours of sobriety is required to participate. The Hive of Hope supports people recovering from substance use disorder by encouraging contribution, easing loneliness and boredom, and nurturing meaningful personal connections. Through fellowship, recreation, exercise, nutrition, and service, participants find fulfillment and support one another in resisting the urge to use.

A weekly meetup that offers a welcoming space for transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary people to spend time together, connect, and build community.

Players compete in a Legacy format tournament using constructed decks. Standings determine the prizes, and top finishers earn store credit, with the amount based on attendance.

Enjoy a YuGiOh TCG tournament night featuring the Advanced Constructed format played across three rounds. All participants receive two OTS packs for attending, and additional prizes are awarded to top finishers based on rank and overall attendance. It is presented as a night of dueling at its best, so trust in the heart of the cards as you play.

An open mic for musicians at Black Bear Inn in Watervliet offers a ready-to-play setup. A house band is on hand to support performers, and a complete backline is available. Participants add their names to a sign-up sheet to manage the order of performances.