This weekend in Schenectady, NY

Pick up a weekly selection of fresh baked goods at the Niskayuna Farmers Market. Pre-ordering is encouraged.

The second annual City Mission Steps for Sustainability 5K, presented by Highmark, is a run that turns every mile into support for the community. Participation helps provide food, shelter, clothing, and other life-changing resources for men, women, and children. It also promotes personal health while furthering a mission of help, hope, and healing. All participants receive a commemorative finisher medal and can enjoy refreshments after the race. Sponsorship opportunities are available. The event is managed by ARE Event Productions, the Albany Running Exchange.

Settle in for a cozy autumn creative retreat hosted by The Craft Ladies at the Russian Orthodox Community Center. This all-day crop offers 12 hours devoted to crafting, scrapbooking, card making, album planning, and new projects. Each attendee has a roomy personal workspace measuring six feet, along with breakfast to kick things off, a late lunch, dessert, and snacks available throughout the day. Door prize drawings add a little extra excitement. The fee is $55 for a full day. Expect a friendly atmosphere with plenty of time and space to create, plus a playful nod from Fred the Flamingo.

Ease into the close of the work week with a yoga practice centered on mobility work, deep stretches, and steady breathing. Come as you are. Props will be provided, and a limited number of mats will be available to borrow.

Explore dot painting and create a personalized mandala bookmark in a relaxed, hands-on workshop. Guided by straightforward techniques, participants paint a wooden bookmark that is both decorative and practical, perfect for marking pages or gifting. All materials are provided, and no prior painting experience is needed. Finished pieces will be sealed with varnish, and participants will come back the following week to collect their completed bookmark.

At the Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department, the Ladies Auxiliary hosts a community flea market where attendees can browse for one-of-a-kind items and connect with neighbors. After the market, the firemen present a chicken BBQ so guests can enjoy a meal while supporting local firefighters. Vendor spaces are available and spots are limited. For questions or vendor information, contact the organizers.

New York’s next generation of high school esports talent steps into the spotlight as students, educators, families, community leaders, and gaming fans from across the state come together to celebrate competitive play, technology, education, and innovation. The event is free for players, schools, spectators, and community members through the Innovation Partnership between Albany County and MVP Health Care. Attendees can experience how esports opens doors to STEM learning, career exploration, digital literacy, and workforce development. Presented by Claim to Fame Entertainment, in partnership with VDO Gaming & Esports Education, the showcase brings industry leaders and educators together with students and the wider community. It goes beyond competition, serving as an investment in the future of New York’s students. Organizations that value innovation, education, workforce development, and community engagement are invited to support the event as sponsors. Benefits include demonstrating a commitment to youth and technology, building connections with families and decision makers from across the Capital Region, and aligning with a fast-growing industry while helping keep the experience free and accessible. Leading global gaming and technology brands have already recognized the potential of esports to inspire, educate, and connect the next generation, and this showcase focuses that momentum in Albany, New York.

The 60th edition of the Stockade Walkabout brings a fall open house to Schenectady’s Historic Stockade neighborhood, offering an uncommon opportunity to tour distinctive private interiors within New York State’s first designated historic district. Throughout the neighborhood there will be music, characters, and exhibits at the Schenectady County Historical Society, including an archaeological dig and displays featuring artifacts from the area’s earliest residents. Homeowners share architectural highlights and family histories, with additional stops that include the Schenectady County Historical Society, the Stockade Inn, neighborhood churches, and more. Presented in partnership with the Stockade StreetFest. Tickets are available online and at select retailers.

Towne Bowling Academy hosts the second 8-ball doubles Vegas qualifier, where teams compete for a spot in the finals. Registration is required online. The cost is $50 per team, which includes a $10 greens fee. Presented by Capital Region APA. For more information, call 518-618-8384 or email capitalregion@apaleagues.com.

Admission is $10 and includes a pack along with a small tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

An evening of live jazz unfolds in the elegant lobby of The Landing Hotel, where smooth melodies fill a refined setting. Enjoy a carefully crafted cocktail as the music sets a relaxed backdrop for conversation and unwinding.

Enjoy an entire evening dedicated to Rush as The Goldman Boys guide the audience through music from every era of the band. This tribute traces the evolution of their sound across their career for a full night that celebrates their catalog.

Two teams of skilled improvisers go head to head in a high-energy showdown, racking up points and chasing glory while keeping the laughs coming. The atmosphere blends the excitement of a sports match with the spontaneity of live improv, and audience laughter helps determine who comes out on top. Expect a fast-paced, funny experience full of surprises in this competitive comedy face-off.

Experience a thoughtfully curated gathering of makers, artists, and designers on the Jay Street Marketplace each Sunday. This seasonal market runs April through October and takes place alongside the Schenectady Greenmarket and Farmers Market.

This monthly marketplace brings moms together to support one another and highlights small businesses run by women and mothers. It takes place inside i7 Events in Rotterdam, offering a space to browse, connect, and build community.

Casual Magic Commander games take center stage, with players settling into pods and enjoying free-form matches. The entry fee is $8 and includes one set booster for each participant. Play as much as you like until closing. Win a pod and receive a random set of cards to share among the players. For details and event check-in, the Magic Companion app and the Wizards Event Locator can be used.

Bingo takes center stage at Celtic Hall for an evening of games, with handheld electronic devices available to make playing simple. Attendance and participation are limited to adults, and everyone must be 18 or older.