Free events in Amsterdam, NY

Produce Pantry offers fresh fruits and vegetables to help community members supplement their meals. Distribution uses a lottery system, so there is no need to arrive early. Due to the lapse in SNAP benefits, potatoes and additional items are also available.

Mike O’Donnell, a singer-songwriter with legendary acoustic guitar chops, performs at The Cock 'n Bull Restaurant. There is no cover charge, and advance reservations are encouraged at (518) 882-6962.

A free monthly book club for local mothers, presented with Bulk Book Warehouse, offers a welcoming space to connect over books and share recommendations. The group gathers one Friday each month in the evening. Attendees may bring books to swap with fellow readers and can browse the store’s wide selection. A dedicated book wall will be available for Instagram-ready photos.

Free, 15 minute improv shows light up the Little Italy Street Fest on a recurring schedule. Theatresports will not be presented.

Now in its 21st year, this Schenectady tradition fills Little Italy with live music, interactive entertainment, shopping, and family fun. The main stage features The Rogues, Anthony LaBarbera, and Ed Clifford, also known as The Human Jukebox, with special announcements between sets. Guests are greeted at the entrance by DJ Gru, and the MopCo Improv Theater presents free A Taste of Improv sessions in the Improv Theater throughout the event. The official merchandise tent offers the first edition community cookbook From Our Kitchens to Yours, official T-shirts, and a basket raffle. Families can head to the Bambini Corner for bounce houses and other children’s activities, with a $10 bracelet that allows play all day. More than 30 vendors are on site, including Renaissance Pesto, Zeppoli Daddy, New Scotland Spirits, Essence Therapy, Parker’s Perfect Soaps, Trixies Treasures, Book Boyfriend Club, CS Wooden Home Decor, Old Curiosity Shop, The Frisky Fork, 518 Romantasy, K&K’s Curio Cave, Luna’s Cove Designs, Gallagher’s Catering Sweets, Captain Kernel, Dog Den Bake Shop, Face Painting By Sobia, Funtastic Plastics, Christopher’s Rings N Things, Kona Ice of Clifton Park, Bella Bling Sterling Silver, Mighty Sweet Baking Co., Cooper’s Daughter Spirits, Sippin Sucio, Coles Toy Shop, Crafty Kitty Crochet, Mary Kay Skin Care & Cosmetics, Indulge In A Scent, Simply Rogue, Life In The Fass Lane, Equitable Advisors, University at Albany, and Dawn’s Art & Soul. Vendor registration is closed for this year. Attendees can find multiple public parking lots around downtown, including accessible spaces, along with some street parking. The festival notes reports of scammers posing as representatives and requesting payments through Facebook Messenger. This celebration is brought to you by Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, The MopCo Improv Theatre, Perreca’s Bakery, Cornells in Little Italy, Civitello’s Italian Pastry Shoppe, Hunter’s on Jay, and Schenectady Trading Company, with special thanks to sponsors County Waste, Latham Ford, and Batz.

Enjoy a no-cost community screening of Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, featuring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. This PG-13 film will be presented in an ADA accessible theater with surround sound, and concessions will be available for purchase.