May 27-28
Hudson Berkshire Wine & Food Festival
Columbia County Fairgrounds
What better way to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend than with two days of supporting local businesses by eating and drinking? Featuring wineries, distilleries, cideries and craft breweries from the Hudson Valley and Massachusetts’ Berkshire Region, as well as locally made cheese, olives, jams, maple syrup and baked goods, the Hudson Berkshire Wine & Food Festival is not to be missed. Bring the whole family—there will be kid-friendly activities including a petting zoo. hbwinefest.ticketspice.com
May 30
Noah Kahan: The Stick Season Tour
Palace Theatre
If you’ve ridden the wave of Noah Kahan mania ever since his new album, Stick Season, came out in October 2022, you already know the indie/folk/pop singer is heading to the Palace this May 30. If you haven’t heard of the up-and-coming star, give his album, which hit #14 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, a listen—or at least its insanely catchy title track. If you like what you hear, nab one of the last available tickets to see him at the Palace, or sit tight until he returns to the area for a show at SPAC on September 2. palacealbany.org
June 2-4
Flurry Festival Spring Bloom
Schaghticoke Fairgrounds
If the thought of summertime makes you want to dance, you won’t want to miss the Flurry Festival Spring Bloom event coming to the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds. From the creators of Saratoga Flurry Fest comes an even bigger folk music event featuring dances and workshops covering genres from contra and swing to hip-hop, zydeco and clogging. If dancing’s not your jam, there are other programs in which attendees can learn instruments, play instruments and sing. flurryfestival.org
June 8-23
Mostly Modern Festival
Arthur Zankel Music Center
The annual Mostly Modern Festival, a celebration of living composers from around the world with an occasional foray into the past, returns to Saratoga Springs for an 11-show run this June. The festival will be highlighted by three orchestral concerts featuring Adam Demirjian, JoAnne Falletta and David Amado, as well as a night of songs that features In Real Life, a new opera by Mostly Modern Artistic Director Robert Paterson. After a kick-off event at Caffè Lena June 8, the rest of the festival performances will be held at Skidmore College’s Arthur Zankel Music Center. mostlymodernfestival.org
June 11
Capital Pride Parade & Festival
Washington Park
Whether you’re a member of the Capital Region’s LGBTQ community or an ally, you’re invited to celebrate all things pride at the annual Capital Pride Parade and Festival. The parade kicks off at 11:45am and travels down State Street, onto Lark Street and then onto Madison Avenue. Afterwards, keep the fun times rolling in Washington Park for an afternoon of food, entertainment and activities for the entire family. 518capitalpride.com
June 18
Dad Fest
Washington Park
Dad won’t be the only one who enjoys this celebration of all things fathers. Bring the whole fam out to Washington Park for Albany’s annual Dad Fest, which will feature a classic car show, food, vendors, live music and more fun for all ages. Afterwards, stick around the Capital City for dinner at nearby Savoy Taproom, Umana Yana or Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen. albanyevents.org
June 19
Veteran’s Time to Thrive Golf Tournament
Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course
Fore! Amsterdam-based fundraising committee Veterans’ Time to Thrive vt-3.org is hosting its first annual charity golf tournament to raise money for a unique 18-unit housing project that will provide safe and affordable housing to military veterans and their families as well as active military personnel serving in the National Guard and Reserves. Sign up as a solo player or foursome by June 1.
Search “Golf Tournament Fundraiser to benefit Veteran’s Time to Thrive” on Facebook
June 24-25
Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Don’t miss the official start to the SPAC season. The beloved Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Fest returns for another year of world-class jazz, funk, roots and blues this June 24 and 25, and will feature a total of 21 electrifying artists, both local and from afar. In addition to the music going on all day on two stages, guests can check out the craft tent for artisan-made items or feed their bellies (as well as their soul!) at an oyster and seafood bar. Be sure to get your festival poster signed by your favorite Jazz Fest artist before you go. spac.org
July 4
Fourth of July Celebration
Roger’s Park
There are plenty of Independence Day festivities going on in the Capital Region this July 4, but there’s just something special about celebrating America on the Queen of American Lakes. Head north for Bolton Landing’s annual bonanza, where a DJ will be playing in the Roger’s Park bandstand from 1-9:30pm, and magician Jim Snack will be providing entertainment! Then, go down to the beach to catch the fireworks, which are shot from a barge just off the shore. boltonchamber.com
