The Palace Theatre opened its doors to ghosts, goblins, and giggling trick-or-treaters on October 31 for its 4th annual Trick or Treat at the Palace—a Halloween tradition that has quickly become one of downtown Albany’s most spirited community events.
Sean Allen, the theater’s director of marketing, said the event first took shape in the wake of the pandemic as a safe place for families to celebrate the holiday.
“We started it just post-reopening from COVID because a lot of the families in the area had mentioned to us that they didn’t know where they could trick or treat afterwards,” Allen said. “So we said let’s do this. And it’s been a huge hit.”
This year’s festivities filled the historic lobby with costumed volunteers, local partners, and plenty of music courtesy of DJ TGIF. Children darted between treat stations as characters like Pumpkinhead made their rounds, embodying the event’s lighthearted energy.
Allen said the Palace’s commitment extends far beyond Halloween.
“In addition to this, we have our arts and education programming, free holiday movies, and our Summer in the City and Family Fun Days,” he said, highlighting events designed to make the Palace not just a venue, but a gathering place for all.
With its blend of nostalgia and neighborhood connection, Trick or Treat at the Palace stands as a reminder that the region’s grandest stage belongs to the community it serves.
