Major Events & Festivals in Albany, New York, United States

Albany, United States, Albany, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

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.