This weekend in Amsterdam, NY

Nik Parr & The Selfless Lovers bring piano-forward roots rock from Austin, Texas, fusing the blue-collar fire of Springsteen with the show-stopping piano flair of Jerry Lee Lewis. The sound leans into after-hours New Orleans swagger, rich Southern soul, and a rolling Texas Gulf Coast groove. Nik Parr often ups the ante by tackling saxophone and piano at the same time, turning the performance into a full-tilt display of musicianship. Known for punchy, dynamic shows, the group has shared bills with Marc Broussard, Rebirth Brass Band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Black Joe Lewis, The Soul Rebels, Dumpstaphunk, The Heavy Heavy, Shinyribs, The Damn Quails, Eddie 9 Volt, and Two Tons of Steel, and their rigorous national tour schedule has helped grow a dedicated audience. Their forthcoming EP, American Lover Boy, produced by Low Cut Connie, is slated for spring 2026, signaling more new music on the horizon.

Set off from the Amsterdam Exit 27 Park & Ride for an all-ages bus trip to Salem, Massachusetts and the citywide Haunted Happenings. Take in Halloween favorites like the Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair, ghost tours, haunted houses, live music, a parade, costume contests, and plenty of food, with time to explore the historic Salem Waterfront and the Nathaniel Hawthorne House. The trip includes round trip travel on a luxury motor coach with a restroom, onboard movies, and Salem tour books and a map. Raffles and bingo with prizes return, along with a photo contest that awards a free bus ticket on a future trip for Best Selfie, Best Group Photo, Spookiest Photo, and Best Overall Photo. Seats are $90 for standard and $95 for reserved, with a limited number of reserved spots available to help you sit with your party. Seats are first come, first served and are not held without payment. There are no refunds unless refund protection is added through the online payment processor, and purchasers may transfer their seat to another person by notifying the organizer for check in. This trip tends to sell out quickly, so early purchase is recommended.

Enjoy a free, gentle yoga class next to the Governor Spring pavilion at High Rock Park, offered by the Saratoga Farmers’ Market and Yoga Mandali. Certified instructor Himanee Gupta leads an all-levels practice that combines smooth movement, breathwork, and mindful awareness, with influences from Kripalu yoga, restorative elements, chakra work, and reiki. Set amid fresh food, nature, and community, the session aims to leave participants feeling grounded, refreshed, and energized. Participation is free, and donations are welcome. Register through Yoga Mandali or on-site. Classes run weather permitting and are canceled in case of rain or other inclement conditions.

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.

Created for moms and local businesses, this wellness and fitness series gathers at Collins Park for movement and connection. The sponsor and special guest for this month is Emily with Healthier span. The flow includes arrival and check-in, a stroller walk around the park, a community circle with Q&A, and time to mingle at the playground. Attendees can enjoy exercise, sunshine, and opportunities to connect with other moms and babies while hearing from professionals in health, wellness, and fitness. Goodie bags are available for the first 15 guests.

Take part in a recurring Community Crew that supports the community farm. Volunteers pitch in out in the fields and around the garden, helping with harvesting produce, planting new crops, weeding beds, and mulching paths. No prior experience is necessary, and guidance is provided throughout each session. Come as often as you like, whether for a single visit or many. Participants under 16 should attend with an adult. It is a friendly way to learn by doing, meet good people, and help keep the farm thriving.

Celebrate the Grow Amsterdam Farmers Market season with a lively community market in Amsterdam, NY. Browse locally sourced goods such as seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked treats, meats, honey, maple favorites, handmade crafts, and fresh flowers from area farmers and small businesses. Enjoy a welcoming setting with live music, family friendly activities, and a mix of community vendors. Look for weekly specials and new sellers, and meet the people who grow and make your food while supporting local producers.

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.

Hosted at Saratoga Springs City Center, this free-admission expo celebrates the start of winter with 150 exhibitors, sales, activities, food and drink, $10,000 in prizes, and plenty of free parking. With a New York focus, the showcase spans alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other winter and summer sports, along with health, fitness, and travel. Past participants have ranged from ski areas and clubs, Nordic centers and gear outfitters, to race organizers, conservation and tourism groups, wellness providers, and regional destinations.

This free family day, hosted by the LEAPS After School Program of the Mental Health Association in Fulton and Montgomery Counties, takes place at Hales Mills Country Club. It is designed for elementary families in Johnstown and Gloversville, welcoming children in grades K through 6 from Johnstown and grades K through 5 from Gloversville. Expect food, creative crafts, games, STEM activities, baking, LEGO fun, and door prizes, all focused on learning, play, and community building at no cost to families.

The 62nd Northeast Winter Expo brings a regional celebration of alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, winter sports, fitness, travel, and adventure to the Saratoga Springs City Center. Featuring 200 exhibitors and resorts and an expected turnout of 10,000 active attendees, it sets the stage for the coming season with opportunities to discover destinations, clubs, gear, and services. Explore sales on equipment and apparel, try interactive demos, enter prize drawings, catch inspiring film segments, hear from motivational speakers, and enjoy après ski food and drinks. Admission is $5, and entry is free for ages 15 and under. Past exhibitors have included mountain destinations like Killington Resort, Gore Mountain, Whiteface Mountain, Smugglers’ Notch Resort, and Stratton Mountain Resort, along with clubs and organizations such as Albany Ski Club, O.C. Ski Club, and the New York Ski Educational Foundation, plus outdoor and wellness names like REI and Lapland Lake XC Ski & Vacation Center.

Compete in the third 9-ball doubles Vegas qualifier at Towne Bowling Academy in Schenectady. Online registration is required, and the entry fee is $50 per team, which includes $10 in greens fees. The top two teams will advance to the finals. Organized by Capital Region APA. For details, call (518) 618-8384 or email capitalregion@apaleagues.com.

Powerhouse Motorsports presents a Halloween themed gathering with live performances by Stephen Smith with an acoustic set and by Active Ingredient. Enjoy complimentary chili and hot dogs, explore the tent event, and take part in trunk or treat. The celebration welcomes powersports enthusiasts of all kinds, including fans of ATVs, side by sides, and two wheels, and offers a friendly outing for families and riding crews. Expect music, food, and seasonal treats throughout the event.

Krystal leads a gentle, supportive EFT tapping circle focused on easing stress, calming the nervous system, and reconnecting with emotions in a welcoming setting. The gathering features guided tapping rounds on common themes such as overwhelm, self-doubt, accumulated emotions, and everyday stress. There is unhurried time to slow down, check in, and simply be. Participants may bring something specific to tap on and share only if it feels comfortable. The space is grounded in radical acceptance, where nothing has to be fixed and every feeling is honored. No prior experience is needed, with clear guidance offered throughout. Attendees leave with a straightforward, effective tapping practice they can use in daily life. Show up exactly as you are.

A free autumn celebration fills downtown Saratoga Springs, presented by the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Alliance. Most activities take place on Caroline Street, with additional happenings along Broadway. A highlight is the Pumpkin Roll, held near the upper end of Caroline Street and on Broadway. After the last pumpkin makes its run, Witch Walk SOSA concludes the festival with an energetic dance on Caroline Street. Donations connected to the Witch Walk benefit local animal shelters. The schedule is subject to change.

Celebrate the colors of fall in a cozy, beginner-friendly watercolor workshop that highlights the medium’s fluid beauty. Participants receive step-by-step guidance to create calming autumn scenes, with instruction suited to first-time painters and those looking to refresh their skills. All supplies are provided, and experienced artists may bring their favorite tools. A $5 charge is included in the class fee to provide professional grade 140 lb 100% cotton paper for your painting. Guest instructor Mary Frances Millet, a third-generation Schenectadian whose watercolor work has been widely exhibited across the capital district, also teaches watercolor at Mohawk Valley Art Shoppe in Schenectady when she is not in her studio.

Plunder Gaming hosts a Commander League centered on pod play and a rolling raffle. A $5 entry fee includes entry into the event and a ticket for an end-of-month drawing, where the winner selects from a range of sealed booster boxes. Pods are organized by deck strength to keep games balanced, and staff can assess a deck and provide a rating if needed. The winner of each pod receives an additional raffle entry and may choose either 100 Loyalty Points or a booster pack. After the first round of pods, additional rounds are available for those who want to continue. Players may enter any round, allowing flexible participation throughout the event.

The 11th Annual NYS History Month lecture series at Schoharie Crossing debuts a refreshed format, offering Saturday afternoon programs that align with key America 250 themes. Each talk highlights local connections to the era that shaped the American nation. This installment features Jeff O’Connor with a presentation titled “On Penalty of Death.” The broader series also includes Susan Brewer on relations between Native communities and settlers in Oneida territory, Kayla Whitehouse on landscape and transportation in the Northern Department, and Peter Farquharson on the Helderberg Anti-Rent movement. Themes explored throughout include Indigenous History, Taking Sides, Power of Place, We the People, Unfinished Revolutions, and Changing Interpretations of the Revolution.

Classic rock pairs with food and spirits at Mayfield Grill. Enjoy the music with a bite to eat and a drink.

Experience tea, intuition, and a touch of mystery at The Whistling Kettle. Intuitive guides Chrissy Manolakis and Melissa Neely share clairvoyant readings, spiritual insights, and messages for attendees. Guests may be randomly selected for a personal reading, so bringing a question or simple curiosity is encouraged. The experience includes a choice of appetizer, a scone, and a beverage, along with a two hour group medium reading. Raffle drawings offer chances for private tarot readings, and staff gratuity is included. Space is limited, and advance registration is recommended.

Celebrate Halloween in an aircraft hangar as you weave among the aircraft to collect treats and uncover fun surprises. Snacks will be available for purchase, and adults can enjoy free coffee. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes for the best looks. Admission is $1 per person, and children under one are free.

Varin Enterprises presents a family-friendly trunk-or-treat filled with Halloween fun. Families can make their way past a row of themed car trunks while children collect candy and other treats. Costumes are encouraged to add to the festive spirit, and the event is designed for all ages. Bring a treat bag and enjoy playful frights, sweet surprises, and plenty of seasonal cheer.

Kisstory returns to The Glove Theatre for a Halloween celebration. This event brings the Halloween spirit back to the theater with Kisstory once again taking the spotlight at this venue.

Dedicated in 1857, Vale Rural Cemetery was created by the city of Schenectady as a place of remembrance that also welcomed quiet recreation. This presentation explores the site’s past and its scenic character, offering a thoughtful look at the beauty and heritage of this historic burial ground.

Haunted-themed tours are available in Saratoga.

Tret Fure brings an evening of finely crafted songwriting, clear vocals and expressive guitar, with music that lets the words take center stage. A prolific presence among contemporary singer songwriters, she began in Midwestern coffeehouses as a teenager, moved to Los Angeles at 19 in search of a record deal, and soon joined Spencer Davis as guitarist and vocalist, also writing a single for his album Mousetrap. Within two years she released a first album with help from Bonnie Raitt, then recorded the self-titled Tret Fure for MCA/UNI in 1973 with producer Lowell George of Little Feat, which led to opening appearances with Yes, Poco and the J. Geils Band. In the early 1980s she embraced the Women’s Music movement and shifted to the independent scene, earning recognition for studio and live sound work, including engineering the Meg and Cris concert at Carnegie Hall in 1983. She spent much of the 1990s performing as a duo with Cris Williamson while producing and engineering three joint releases before returning to solo projects. Her catalog now includes 18 acoustic solo albums on her Tomboy Girl Records label, and recent tours have featured main stage sets and workshops at the Old Songs Festival with artists such as Holly Near, Reggie Harris, Connie Kaldor and Joe Jencks. Her repertoire spans family memories, life and loss, and broader themes, with songs like Lessons From Home Plate, Roses in November and the folk rock hit Gravity.

Two teams of skilled improvisers go head to head in a fast paced showdown where points, glory, and plenty of laughs are up for grabs. The show blends the buzz of a sports match with the unpredictability and humor of live improv, keeping the energy high from start to finish. Audience reactions help decide the winner, so every laugh matters. Quick thinking, big energy, and a playful comedy competition keep the crowd smiling from scene to scene.

Rooted in early days at Caffè Lena, where he worked behind the scenes and helped lead a monthly songwriting club, Reese Fulmer has grown into one of the Capital Region’s standout songwriters and bandleaders. His lyrics favor vivid storytelling, poetic detail, and a wry sense of irony, and his partnership with The Carriage House Band has cultivated a devoted audience through fearless writing, memorable shows, and constant musical curiosity. Recognized as Americana Artist of the Year at the Thomas Edison Music Awards in 2023, 2024, and 2026, the group has rapidly risen within Upstate New York’s roots scene while performing widely along the East Coast. Every performance feels distinct, a quality mirrored on their expansive albums. With a rotating lineup and a sound that freely draws from folk, Americana, jazz, rock, and bluegrass, the band prizes spontaneity and discovery. Some sets lean into muscular, uptempo grooves powered by drums, keyboard, and saxophone, opening space for free flowing solos. Others spotlight a more reflective palette with smooth textures, bowed bass, and rich harmonies, balancing heart-on-sleeve moments with flashes of unpredictability. This engagement marks a fifth annual return to Caffè Lena and a second consecutive year featuring two headlining shows. Longtime listeners often treat it like welcoming family back to the stage, while first-time attendees meet a modern Americana voice that is joyful, adventurous, and unmistakably its own.

This community 5K and 3K benefits COTA in honor of Addi’s Journey. The first ever Miles for Addi celebrates Addi’s one year liver transplant anniversary and the community that continues to support her. The course starts and finishes at the Orenda Pavilion. Participants can run or walk, and supporters can cheer while enjoying coffee and bake sale treats. An Add a Mile for Addi thermometer board will invite extra miles dedicated to her, and event merchandise will be available for purchase. Registration is open. Adult entry is $35 and includes a free T-shirt while supplies last. Kids 12 and under are $11. Organizers thank Albany Running Exchange for assistance with the inaugural race and are seeking sponsors and volunteers.

The Spa City Farmers’ Market is heading back outside on the Warming Hut field at Saratoga Spa State Park with farm-fresh goods, work from local artisans, a variety of food, and live music. The market also shares heartfelt appreciation for its vendors, loyal shoppers, supporters, and the park staff whose ongoing support helps it thrive. Explore the open-air market, browse the stalls, and enjoy the season on the new field.

A curated marketplace on Jay Street showcases makers, artists, and designers. It takes place within the Jay Street Marketplace and runs alongside the Schenectady Green Market, bringing handcrafted creations and farmers market offerings together in one spot. Visitors can browse a range of creative goods and meet the people behind them as two complementary markets share the same space.

Centered on the idea that every mom needs a village, this monthly market at Ecco Co-Work in downtown Schenectady creates a space for moms to connect and support one another. It features small women- and mama-run businesses, giving shoppers a chance to browse and show support for local entrepreneurs.

Arrive with an appetite and a playful spirit for a mix of tasty offerings from local food trucks and a self-guided Aquarium Bingo scavenger hunt. Participants can pick up a Scavenger Hunt Bingo sheet at Admissions, explore the exhibits, and check off squares as they uncover the wonders of the aquarium. Completing a winning line earns a prize at the Gift Shop while supplies last. Purchases from food trucks are separate, and Aquarium Scavenger Hunt Bingo is included with general admission. It turns a visit into a game of discovery.

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.

Students from Union College clubs, teams, and organizations host an afternoon of Halloween crafts, games, and candy at Union College in Schenectady on the Library Lawn next to the Nott Memorial. Costumes are encouraged, and a limited-supply costume giveaway will be available. This event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in a campus lot and on nearby streets. There is no charge for any part of the event, and any solicitations for vendor fees, admission, parking, or other costs are fraudulent.

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.