
Major Events & Festivals in Albany, New York, United States
1. Tulip Festival
Celebration of spring with a million tulips blooming at Washington Park. Enjoy food vendors, live music, and family activities.
- Seasonal Event: Held annually in May.
- Unique Attraction: A million tulips create a breathtaking sight.
- Family-Friendly: Lots of activities for both kids and adults.
2. Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival
Three-day jazz festival along the Hudson River featuring local and international artists.
- Music Event: Focuses on jazz music, with blues and R&B acts as well.
- Outdoor Venue: Held at Jennings Landing, a beautiful waterfront location.
- Community Gathering: Brings together jazz enthusiasts and the local community.
3. Parade of Lights
Holiday tradition where boats are decorated with lights and parade down the Hudson River.
- Holiday Event: Held during the holiday season.
- Nighttime Attraction: A unique and magical experience under the stars.
- Community Involvement: Local boat owners decorate their boats to participate.
4. Albany Barn Burners Festival
Annual event showcasing Albany's history of barn burning competitions.
- Historical Event: Reenacts the tradition that was popular in early Albany.
- Community Event: Brings together locals and visitors to participate or watch.
- Unique Tradition: Features a competitive, friendly atmosphere.
5. Capital Pride Festival
Celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with parades, concerts, and family-friendly events.
- Community Event: Brings together local and regional LGBTQ+ communities.
- Cultural Event: Provides education and raises awareness about LGBTQ+ issues.
- Family-Friendly: Includes events suitable for all ages.
6. Albany International Airport Air Show
Annual air show featuring military and civilian aircraft demonstrations.
- Military Event: Includes performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
- Outdoor Venue: Held at the Albany International Airport.
- Educational Event: Provides opportunities to learn about aviation history and technology.
7. Albany Irish Festival
Celebration of Irish culture with music, dance, food, and drink.
- Cultural Event: Highlights the rich Irish heritage in Albany.
- Music and Dance Focus: Features traditional Irish music and dance performances.
- Food and Drink Focus: Offers authentic Irish food and drink, including Guinness.
8. Earth Day Festival
Celebration of the environment with educational activities, live music, and vendors.
- Environmental Event: Promotes sustainability and environmental awareness.
- Outdoor Venue: Held at Washington Park.
- Family-Friendly: Includes activities suitable for all ages.
9. Albany Peach Festival
Annual festival celebrating Albany's famous peaches with food, music, and a parade.
- Food Event: Focuses on peach-themed foods.
- Community Event: Brings together locals and visitors to celebrate Albany's history.
- Historical Event: Celebrates the city's long-standing relationship with peaches.
10. Capital District Irish American Festival
Three-day festival showcasing Irish music, dance, food, and drink.
- Cultural Event: Highlights the rich Irish heritage in Albany.
- Music and Dance Focus: Features traditional Irish music and dance performances.
- Food and Drink Focus: Offers authentic Irish food and drink, including Guinness.
11. Albany River Rats Weekend
Weekend-long celebration of the Albany River Rats baseball team with games and community events.
- Sports Event: Focuses on baseball games played by the Albany River Rats.
- Community Event: Brings together locals and visitors to support the team.
- Family-Friendly: Includes activities suitable for all ages.
12. Albany Carnival & Festival of Lights
Holiday tradition featuring carnival rides, food vendors, and a parade of lights.
- Holiday Event: Held during the holiday season.
- Outdoor Venue: Held at Washington Park.
- Family-Friendly: Includes activities suitable for all ages.
13. Albany Wine & Food Festival
Celebration of New York wines and foods with tastings, seminars, and vendors.
- Food Event: Focuses on New York's wine and food offerings.
- Educational Event: Offers seminars to learn about wine tasting, pairing, and regional cuisines.
- Adult-Oriented: Primarily caters to adults with wine tastings and educational sessions.
14. Capital Pride Parade
Annual pride parade showcasing the LGBTQ+ community in Albany.
- Community Event: Brings together local and regional LGBTQ+ communities.
- Cultural Event: Provides education and raises awareness about LGBTQ+ issues.
- Family-Friendly: Includes events suitable for all ages.
15. Hudson Mohawk Athletic Club Track & Field Meet
Annual track and field meet featuring high school, college, and professional athletes.
- Sports Event: Focuses on track and field events.
- Competitive Event: Includes high school, college, and professional athletes.
- Community Event: Brings together locals and sports enthusiasts to watch the competition.