Events in Schenectady today

Compete in a Legacy format constructed tournament. Top players by rank receive in-store credit, with prize amounts determined by attendance.

Participants face off in a YuGiOh trading card game tournament that follows the Advanced Constructed format and consists of three rounds. Each attendee receives two OTS packs, with additional rewards granted to the top-ranked players based on overall attendance. A friendly atmosphere of strategy and dueling brings the community together for competitive play.

A weekly gathering that offers a welcoming space for transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary people to connect, relax, and build community in a casual social setting.

Connect with other adults living with type 1 diabetes at a relaxed meetup centered on coffee and conversation. Whether you were recently diagnosed or have managed T1D for years, this gathering is open to you. RSVP by emailing Nikki at nikkitdefruscio@gmail.com.

A lively trivia night fills Centre Street Pub with seven rounds of brainy fun. The lineup includes general knowledge, a picture round that tests observation, a rotating themed miscellaneous segment, a music portion with a playful karaoke vibe, history and geography, and an entertainment category focused on showbiz favorites. It all culminates in a timed finale built around a single multi answer question worth big points, where speed can decide the champions. The format allows teams or solo players, and larger groups offer more brainpower for the toughest puzzles. Top performers receive prizes that commonly include gift cards, drinks, or branded swag from distributors.

A casual drop-in gathering for anyone who enjoys crochet, embroidery, knitting, hand stitching, and other needlecrafts. Bring a work in progress to make steady headway, or start something new and let those unfinished piles wait for another day. The focus is simply stitching in a friendly, judgment-free space. Registration is not required.

Quilters of every experience level are welcome, from beginners to those looking to build new skills. Please bring a dependable sewing machine, machine needles, and a spool of cotton thread, and be comfortable with the basics of operating your machine. If you can sew a straight seam, you are ready to try quilting. This gathering is for adults 18 and older. For questions or to express interest, contact Lisa Wend at LPiseczny@nycap.rr.com or 518-852-0584.

Suit up for casual Battletech gaming centered on armored combat. Choose between Classic play or Alpha Strike, depending on available space, and newcomers can jump in with a learn to play option. Participants set the era and point totals, keeping matchups flexible and player directed. Admission is $5, or it is waived with a purchase of $5 or more.

Experience a calming yoga session that emphasizes gentle movement and mindful breath. Each class begins with centering, moves through easy stretches and asana practice with simple poses and flowing sequences, and concludes with shavasana for deep relaxation. Participants may notice benefits such as increased flexibility and strength, improved focus, healthier breathing habits, better sleep, and an enhanced sense of well-being. Each session costs $15. RSVP is requested by emailing Jean Marie at yoginijean@yahoo.com.

This free community yoga session in Albany welcomes all experience levels and focuses on gentle movement, mindful breathing, and relaxation to support stress relief and a sense of calm. Participants can bring a yoga mat or borrow one, and bringing water is encouraged. The program is sponsored by the YMCA, and off-street parking is available. For updates about future classes, workshops, and wellness events, information is shared by Ms. Noir Wellness Studio.

Casual Commander open play invites players to enjoy as many games as they like. Entry is $8 and includes one set booster per participant. Win a pod to receive a random set of cards to share among all players at your table. The Magic Companion app and Wizards Event Locator can be used to keep up with events.

Rainbow Runners Group brings LGBTQ+ folks and allies together for a friendly, weekly run that starts and finishes at Mr Bumbles Cafe. Participants typically cover about 3 to 4 miles at a comfortable pace, with route options that let each person choose the distance that feels right while always looping back to the cafe. All experience levels take part, from first-timers to seasoned runners. Brandon, the cafe owner, helps coordinate and provides a spot to stash personal items during the outing. It is a welcoming way to connect with others, enjoy the neighborhood on foot, and build community through fitness and friendship.

Lavender Social Hour, formerly Women's Pride, is a gathering for women and for anyone across the spectrum who is comfortable in women-led spaces to meet and build community. The focus is on connection within a women-led setting.

This session offers an hour devoted to deep rest in a fully supported setting. Reiki Yoga blends gentle restorative movement with Reiki energy work that can be offered with light touch or no touch. Kelley Apple and guest Reiki Masters create a calm environment where participants simply rest and receive while soothing energy helps settle what feels frayed and restores balance. This is not a class to push through. It invites surrender, nervous system ease, and a return to a steadier version of yourself. Wednesdays, $60 per session. Preregistration is required because space is limited.

Pat Metheny brings his newest ensemble, Side-Eye III+, to The Egg for an evening centered on the release of their self-titled album on his label, Uniquity Music. A trailblazer for more than five decades, Metheny started on trumpet as a child, moved to guitar in his early teens, and by fifteen was already performing with leading Kansas City jazz artists. After joining Gary Burton’s band in 1974, he developed a singing, horn-inspired approach to the guitar with lyrical touch and rhythmic ease. His debut, Bright Size Life (1975), expanded what jazz guitar could sound like and influenced countless players. With more than 20 million albums sold and 20 Grammy Awards across ten categories, his reach spans collaborations with Steve Reich, Ornette Coleman, Herbie Hancock, Jim Hall, Milton Nascimento, and David Bowie. His writing ranges from intimate solo pieces and orchestral scores to the technology-driven Orchestrion project. As an educator, Metheny became the youngest faculty member at the University of Miami and later at Berklee College of Music, where he received an honorary doctorate. His honors include the DownBeat Hall of Fame, NEA Jazz Master, and induction into the Royal Swedish Academy of Music and the Missouri Hall of Fame. Side-Eye III+ appears in support of the new album and the broader launch of Uniquity Music, which will encompass Metheny’s recordings from 1984 onward as well as future projects.

At Lark Street Tavern, open mic night welcomes performers to step up and share their songs. The night features live sets from local singers and songwriters in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Attendees can sip a drink and take in an evening of music, guitars, and friendly company.

Discover hands-on ceramics with plaster of paris molds in a class that walks participants through pouring, cleaning, firing, and painting their pieces. Instruction covers each step of the process, the tools and mediums to use, and how to prepare creations for firing. The pace and topics adjust to the creativity and interests of the group, and meetings are held twice per month. Participants pay only for the materials needed. For questions, contact Pete Jones at jonesp714@gmail.com.

Step up to the mic at an open session created for musicians. A house band is on hand and a full backline is provided, so you can plug in and play without extra gear. Add your name to the signup sheet to get on stage. On-site parking makes arrival simple. Grab a deal with 10 wings for $10, and unwind between sets at one of the two pool tables.

Waterworks hosts a weekly drag show with a changing lineup of hosts and performers. Enjoy music, drinks, and drag entertainment in a welcoming setting that highlights Albany nightlife and the local drag scene. Each week offers a fresh mix of talent on stage.

Every Thursday, Nine Pin offers a special featuring a Bavarian pretzel served with mustard and cheese, paired with a 12 oz cider for $15.

Enjoy an energetic Zumba class led by Annie Grzywaczewski that blends cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, and flexibility. The workout is set to lively Latin and global music for a fun, high-energy session. Pricing options include $10 for a single visit or a five-class punch card for $40. Annie has eight years of experience teaching Zumba in the local community. For questions, email annieg39@aol.com.

Open play for Star Wars: Legion is available at The Fortress of Gaming. Enjoy casual tabletop battles in the Star Wars universe. Entry costs $5, or the fee is waived with a purchase of $5 or more.

Back to school energy sets the tone as all 007s are invited to make their mark on the floor. OTA runs all night at this kiki, with house mothers and fathers encouraged to come watch the next wave shine. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded throughout. Presale entry is $10, or $5 with a student ID or with a school supply donation. Categories include Runway, Female Figure, Male Figure, Face, Best Dressed Spectator, and Up-and-Coming Kiki House, with more to be announced. The event is supported by The Free School, Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition, and Queer Blox. Free admission is available when you register to volunteer with one of the partner organizations.

Magic: The Gathering Commander play at The Lost Gnome features a $10 entry that includes a booster of your choosing and a small hot drink such as tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Additional beverages, food, and retail items are available for purchase.

This weekly Star Wars Unlimited league offers open play with the newest Star Wars collectible card game. Players can earn free prize packs for playing, trading, or teaching the game. Depending on attendance, drafts or other competitive events may be organized. Entry is $5.00, or covered by a purchase of $5.00 or more.

An inviting Yu-Gi-Oh dueling night centered on the Advanced Constructed format and limited to three rounds. All participants receive two OTS packs for attending, and additional prizes are awarded to top placements, with payouts adjusted according to overall attendance. It is a focused, friendly competition that highlights strategy and rivalry, with a cheerful nod to believing in the heart of the cards.

Experience a monthly drag showcase hosted by Typhoid Mary, featuring a rotating lineup of queens who bring glamour, attitude, and standout stage presence. Admission is free and guests of all ages are welcome. Seats are claimed on a first-come basis, and arriving early improves the odds of finding a great spot.

Pokemon Club and League is back with plenty of ways to earn prizes. It welcomes fans of both the video games and the trading card game. The entry fee is 6.00, and each player receives one booster pack of their choice from the available selection upon entry. Completing a League Task sheet can earn exclusive prize packs, stickers, and more.

Liz Phair takes the stage at The Egg with support from Frankie Cosmos. Rising to fame with Exile in Guyville, she has since carved out a wide-ranging career, releasing five albums, selling more than five million records, writing music for television, and earning two Grammy nominations. Her 2019 memoir, Horror Stories from Random House, was noted for its frank reflections on fame, motherhood, and aging. In 2021 she reunited with Exile in Guyville producer Brad Wood for Soberish, a release praised by outlets such as Variety and The New Yorker for its power and the spark that echoes her early work. Matador revisited Exile in Guyville in 2018 with a deluxe set that included a remaster and the first officially restored versions of her 1991 Girly-Sound cassette recordings, a collection that received a perfect score from Pitchfork. Over the years she has appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone, led SPIN’s year-end list, and topped the Village Voice Pazz and Jop Critics Poll. She also headlined the main stage of Lilith Fair in 1998 and 1999 alongside artists including Sarah McLachlan, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow, and Missy Elliott. More than three decades after her debut, her influence on contemporary music, especially among women, remains strong.

This show is phone-free from start to finish. When you arrive, phones, smartwatches, and similar accessories are secured in individual Yondr pouches that stay with you and are unlocked at the end. If you need to access a device during the event, you may do so only in designated areas inside the venue, and it will be re-secured before you return to the performance space. Guests who use a device during the performance will be escorted out. Ticketing includes a public onsale as well as artist and Palace member presales.

Open studio hours welcome creators of any age to engage in art-making at their own pace. Participants can focus on a personal piece or try the project of the day, which shifts from week to week to encourage learning new crafts and sharing personal techniques. The environment emphasizes self-expression and working together as a community, rather than aiming for a perfect final result.

Albany LGBTQIA+ Youth Group welcomes ages 13 to 18. This is a drop-in gathering, and food and drinks are provided by community volunteers.

A bingo night at Celtic Hall offers optional handheld electronic devices for gameplay. Attendance and participation are restricted to those 18 and older.

The Produce Pantry provides fresh fruits and vegetables to help supplement household meals. Distribution follows a lottery-based system for fairness, so there is no need to arrive early. In response to the lapse in SNAP benefits, potatoes and additional items are also available.

Settle in at The Gateway Diner for a Halloween decor pottery event where you can create a seasonal keepsake to enjoy year after year. Choose from festive pieces like lighted pumpkins, lanterns, gourds, ghosts, skulls, and mummies. Items noted as light up include a bulb and cord. Register in advance to select your piece, and enjoy a beverage that comes with registration.

Jazz Evenings brings live jazz to the stylish lobby at The Landing Hotel. Settle in for a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy the music with a thoughtfully made cocktail.

Settle in for a friendly board game night where you can bring your own favorites or jump into whatever is already on the table. A $5 fee or a stamped purchase receipt from Zombie Planet provides access to the gaming library and table space at the Fortress.

This Magic: The Gathering tournament spotlights the Modern Constructed format and features three to four rounds of Swiss. Top finishers receive store credit, with amounts determined by total attendance, and the top two also earn promotional packs while supplies last. Event information is available through the Magic Companion App and the Wizards Event Locator.

This concert at The Egg features múm, pronounced moom, an Icelandic group whose exploratory sound blends electronic experimentation, gentle vocals, glitchy rhythms, inventive sampling, and haunting textures shaped by both traditional and unconventional instruments. Formed in 1997 by Gunnar Örn Tynes and Örvar Smárason, the band has released six studio albums along with numerous singles, EPs, collaborations, and works for theater and film. Notable milestones include Whistle, a 2013 single with Kylie Minogue from the film Jack & Diane, for which they had composed the original score the year before. In 2015 they created Drowning with German pianist and composer Hauschka, a commission from the MDR Sinfonieorchester in Leipzig that was performed that summer. Their projects also span a semi improvised electronic score for the silent film Menschen am Sonntag and a special Iceland Airwaves 2016 collaboration with the Kronos Quartet at Harpa, revisiting songs from their back catalog. In 2019 they released a 20th anniversary edition of their 1999 debut Yesterday Was Dramatic, Today Is OK and toured Europe and China to mark the occasion, with a planned US leg in spring 2020 postponed due to the global pandemic.

Lark St Tavern hosts karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring six large screens that display lyrics and a sound system that supports every performance. Sign-up takes place before the singing starts, and arriving early helps secure a spot on the list.

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.