The College Experience

Wellness Series: Meditation Workshop at the Pine Hills Branch Library
2025-05-21 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
????‍♀️ Wellness Series: Meditation Workshop with Elissa Kane – How to uncover peace in these uncertain times
WHEN: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
WHERE: Pine Hills Branch – Small Meeting Room, Albany, NY
COST: Free (Registration required)
BUS:
DETAILS:
Wellness Series: Meditation Workshop with Elissa Kane – Learn how to uncover moments of peace in these uncertain times.
We’ll practice a simple but effective meditation technique to quiet busy minds, increase present moment awareness, and promote peace of mind. Each session includes meditation, group reflection, and insights from Pema Chödrön’s Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change.
Elissa Kane is a longtime meditator and teacher.
The Wellness Series at the Pine Hills Branch gives library patrons the chance to try out a variety of wellness practices like meditation, tai chi, and yoga, while also exploring the core dimensions of wellness: physical, social, creative, coping, and essential.
WEBSITE: https://albany.librarycalendar.com/event/wellness-series-tbd-managing-stress-times-uncertainty-40493

Friends Book Club Virtual Event through Albany Pine Bush
2025-05-21 19:00 - 20:00
???? Friends Book Club
WHEN: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 7:00 PM
WHERE: Virtual Online Event (Zoom – link provided upon RSVP)
COST: Free (Reservation required via Meetup)
BUS:
DETAILS: Join the Friends of the Pine Bush Community for a quarterly online book discussion on Ignition: Lighting Fires in a Burning World by Maura O’Connor.
This event is open to everyone and features titles of special interest to the Pine Bush Community. A moderator guides the discussion, and participants can engage freely via Zoom after making a reservation.
This event is part of the 2025 Lupine Fest passport program, where you can earn prizes by participating in events throughout the month of May. To join the passport challenge, visit www.AlbanyLupineFest.org or download the Goosechase app and search for “Albany Lupine Fest.”
For questions, contact info@PineBushFriends.org or call 518-690-2764.
WEBSITE: https://albanypinebush.org/index.php?section=visit-calendar&evtid=1923

Karaoke at Stella Pasta Bar and Bistro in Schenectady
2025-05-23 20:00 - 23:00
???? Money Where Your Mic Is! KARAOKE
WHEN: Friday, May 23, 2025, 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
WHERE: Van Dyck Music Club @ Stella Pasta Bar & Bistro, 237 Union Street, Schenectady, NY
COST: Not listed
BUS: 905
DETAILS: Think you’ve got the best voice in the Capital Region? Prove it at Money Where Your Mic Is!, a high-energy karaoke showdown at Van Dyck Music Club. Come ready to compete for bragging rights as the area’s top singer—or just enjoy a night of fun and music with friends.
Presented in collaboration with Stella Pasta Bar & Bistro.
WEBSITE: https://discoverschenectady.com/event/money-where-your-mic-is%21-karaoke/7268/

Troy Waterfront Farmers Market
2025-05-24 09:00 - 14:00, 2025-05-31 09:00 - 14:00
WHEN: Every Saturday, 9am – 2pm
WHERE: Nov- April Inside the Troy Atrium. May- Oct, the market is all along River St and around Monument Square, flowing onto 1st, 2nd, and Broadway. You can use Monument Square, Troy, NY 12180 as your destination on Google Maps.
COST: Free to attend, but bring $10 – $20 to purchase anything
BUS: take bus #10 downtown to catch bus #22, #922, or #923
Bus Stop to get off at: 4th and Fulton St. in Troy
Held every Saturday, year-round, the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market is one of the most popular attractions in New York’s Capital Region.
November to April the market is held within the Troy AtriMay through October, the market transforms the heart of downtown Troy into an open-air street festival that could easily pass for a scene in Europe. On the busiest Saturdays, as many as 15,000 people visit the market to shop for fresh local produce, meats, seafood, prepared foods and handmade crafts. Couples, families, college students and neighborhood regulars all mingle in Monument Square and on the surrounding streets, milling around between the tents, sidewalk tables and music stages.
Many stay to socialize and explore the charming shops and vibrant eateries in one of the most perfectly preserved 19th-century downtowns in the United States.
Today, the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market routinely receives “Best of” accolades by regional media and in reader polls. In 2019, the market earned the American Farmland Trust’s People’s Choice award for Number 1 farmers market in the nation.
We now have more than 100 local, producer-only vendors. Check out our Vendors page to find out more or Contact Us if you’re looking for a specific item!

Free Family Art, Garden & History Programs at Ten Broeck
2025-05-24 10:30 - 11:30
???? Living History: Free Family Art, Garden & History Programs at Ten Broeck
WHEN: Saturday, May 24, 2025, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
WHERE: Ten Broeck Mansion, 9 Ten Broeck Place, Albany, NY 12210
COST: Free
BUS: 910/10 to 100,
DETAILS: Explore four acres of gardens with hands-on art, history programs, and tastings from around the world. This session’s theme is “Let’s Plant!” Family Garden and Planting Day, featuring edible plant education, flower pressing, take-home seed kits, and an upcycled mosaic planter activity.
Special guests: Wild Ones and Capital Roots.
Programs run rain or shine under a tent, with all supplies included. Perfect for all ages. Attend at least two sessions this summer to join the Ten Broeck Kids’ Club, which includes priority access to seasonal family events.
May 24: Let’s Plant! Family Garden and Planting Day. Explore edible plants in the Ten Broeck Mansion gardens, and make your own flower press to take home. Free take home seed kits (one per family while supplies last) and create an upcycled mosaic planter. Special Guest: Wild Ones and Capital Roots
WEBSITE: https://timesunion.com/preview/events/?evDiscoveryPath=/event/3010790-living-history-free-family-art-garden-history-programs-at-ten-broeck

Family Tours at the Albany Institute of History & Art
2025-05-24 11:00 - 11:45
Family Tour
WHEN: Saturday, May 24, 2025, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
WHERE: Albany Institute of History & Art, Albany, NY
COST: Free with museum admission ($10 with Student ID)
BUS: 10, 114
DETAILS: Enrich your visit with a docent-led tour through the museum’s current exhibitions. These guided tours are a great way to learn about the artworks and artifacts on display, as well as the fascinating stories behind them.
The tour is interactive and questions are encouraged—perfect for all ages. No registration required. Please meet in the museum atrium (main level) near the front desk before the tour begins.
WEBSITE: https://albanyinstitute.org/event/family-tour-10

Exhibit Opening at MiSci: Science Fiction Science Future
2025-05-24 11:00 - 17:00
???? Science Fiction: Science Future OPENING
WHEN: Saturday, May 24, 2025, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
WHERE: miSci | Museum of Innovation & Science, 15 Museum Drive, Schenectady, NY 12308
COST: $15.00
BUS: 905
DETAILS: Get ready to explore the future in this interactive summer exhibit at miSci! Science Fiction: Science Future lets you teleport, turn invisible, move objects with your mind, and meet a mimicking robot.
If you thought these ideas were only for sci-fi films, think again—this hands-on experience invites you to imagine the incredible future of science and technology.
WEBSITE: https://timesunion.com/preview/events/?evDiscoveryPath=/event/3021651-science-fiction-science-future-opening

Art for All – Watercolor Paper Flowers at the Albany Institute of History & Art
2025-05-24 12:00 - 16:00
???? Art for All – Watercolor Paper Flowers Inspired by Tulip Festival
WHEN: Saturday, May 24, 2025, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
WHERE: Albany Institute of History & Art, Albany, NY
COST: Free with museum admission
BUS: 10, 114
DETAILS: Drop in and get creative at the museum! Explore your artistic side by crafting watercolor paper flowers inspired by the Albany Tulip Festival and the museum’s exhibitions and collections.
This is part of the museum’s ongoing Art for All series, which offers drop-in art-making on select Saturdays each month from September 2024 through May 2025.
No registration required. All ages welcome.
WEBSITE: https://albanyinstitute.org/event/art-for-all-18

Mesmerica at MiSci in Schenectady
2025-05-24 17:00 - 21:00
???? Mesmerica
WHEN: Saturday, May 24, 2025, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
WHERE: miSci | Museum of Innovation & Science, 15 Museum Drive, Schenectady, NY 12308
COST: $15.00–$75.00 ($18.50 General Admission with Student ID)
BUS: 905
DETAILS: Mesmerica is a family-friendly immersive 3D music and art show combining the mesmerizing compositions of Grammy-nominated James Hood with stunning animated visuals. Designed to relax and stimulate the senses, it’s suitable for ages 6 and up.
WEBSITE: https://discoverschenectady.com/event/mesmerica/6399/

Crafting Chinese Lantern at the New York State Museum
2025-05-25 13:00 - 15:00
???? Lanterns of Chinatown: A Family Crafting Experience
WHEN: Sunday, May 25, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
WHERE: New York Metropolis Hall
COST: Free
BUS: 114, 910/10
DETAILS: Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by exploring the legacy of Tuck High Co., a beloved Chinatown store that supported generations of Chinese immigrants.
Families will enjoy an interactive lantern-making workshop where participants can design and craft their own lanterns to take home. Whether for good luck, prosperity, or simply for fun, this experience is a meaningful way to connect with Chinese American history and culture.
Perfect for families of all ages!
WEBSITE: https://nysm.nysed.gov/programs/lanterns-of-chinatown-craft

Tour the Albany Institute of History & Art
2025-05-25 14:00 - 15:00
Docent Tour
WHEN: Sunday, May 25, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
WHERE: Albany Institute of History & Art
COST: Free with museum admission ($10 with Student ID)
BUS: 10, 114
DETAILS: Join an insightful docent-led tour to explore the current exhibitions at the Albany Institute. Learn more about the artworks, the stories they tell, and enjoy an interactive experience. No registration required. Meet in the museum atrium, main level, near the admission desk before the tour begins.
WEBSITE: https://albanyinstitute.org/event/docent-tour-5

MeetUp Hike with the Friends of the Pine Bush Community
2025-05-26 11:00 - 13:00
???? MeetUp Hike with the Friends of the Pine Bush Community
WHEN: Monday, May 26, 2025, 11:00 AM
WHERE: Trailhead #1 Karner Barrens
???? 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY (trailhead is at the rear of the Discovery Center)
COST: Free (Registration Required)
BUS: 905
DETAILS: Join the Friends of the Pine Bush Community for a group hike—perfect for participants in the 20 Mile Challenge! Learn more about local conservation efforts and enjoy exploring the preserve with others.
WEBSITE: albanypinebush.org/index.php?section=visit-calendar&evtid=1911

Accessible and Inclusive Walk and Roll at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
2025-05-26 13:00 - 15:00
???? Accessible and Inclusive Walk and Roll
WHEN: Sunday, May 25, 2025, 1:00 PM
WHERE: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
???? 195 New Karner Road Suite 1, Albany, NY
COST: Suggested donation $5
BUS: 905, 10 to 355
DETAILS: Explore wild blue lupine flowers and learn about the endangered Karner blue butterfly in this all-ages inclusive nature walk. The walk discusses conservation efforts and the butterfly’s natural history. Meet inside the Discovery Center.
WEBSITE: https://albanypinebush.org/index.php?section=visit-calendar&evtid=1928

Planetarium Sound Bath Experience at MiSci Museum
2025-05-27 18:00 - 19:00
???? Planetarium Sound Bath Experience
WHEN: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
WHERE: miSci | Museum of Innovation & Science, 15 Museum Drive, Schenectady, NY 12308
COST: $20.00
BUS: 905, 370
DETAILS: Listen to the soothing vibrations of live singing bowls and gongs beneath the stars in miSci’s immersive planetarium. Let go of stress as the sounds gently guide you into relaxation and peace.
WEBSITE: https://timesunion.com/preview/events/?_evDiscoveryPath=/event/3021606-planetarium-sound-bath-experience

What Did I Find in the Local History Room? at Washington Branch Library
2025-05-27 18:30 - 19:30
???? What Did I Find in the Local History Room?
WHEN: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
WHERE: Washington Branch – Local History Room, Albany, NY
COST: Free (Registration required)
BUS: 910/10
DETAILS: Join Albany City Historian and author Tony Opalka for a fascinating discussion about the hidden gems in the Albany Public Library’s Local History Room. Explore collections such as historic photographs, Albany Common Council Minutes, city directories, and rare works by Joel Munsell. These materials were instrumental in the writing of Opalka’s book, The Firehouses of Albany.
WEBSITE: https://albany.librarycalendar.com/event/what-did-i-find-local-history-room-40001

History & Hops: Lichens, Legends, and Living on the Edge at Common Roots Albany Outpost
2025-05-28 18:00 - 19:00
???? History & Hops: Lichens, Legends, and Living on the Edge
WHEN: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
WHERE: Common Roots Albany Outpost, 19 Quackenbush Square, Albany, NY 12207
COST: Free
BUS: 910/10, 114, 106, 12
DETAILS: Join Dr. James Lendemer, NYSM Curator of Botany, for an engaging talk about lichens—resilient symbiotic organisms with a lot to teach us. Learn how they survive in extreme environments, their role in ecosystems, and why they’re vital indicators of environmental change. Science, legends, and storytelling collide in this community-friendly event. Food and drinks available for purchase.
WEBSITE: https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/programs/history-and-hops-lichens-and-legends

Teen and Adult Anime Club at Howe
2025-05-28 18:00 - 19:00
???? Teen and Adult Anime Club at Howe
WHEN: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
WHERE: Howe Branch – Large Meeting Room, Albany Public Library
COST: Free
BUS: 106, 114
DETAILS: Love anime or manga? Come hang out with other fans at the Howe Branch! Watch anime, draw, read manga, and geek out with fellow enthusiasts in a welcoming space for teens and adults alike.
WEBSITE: https://albany.librarycalendar.com/event/teen-and-adult-anime-club-howe-33976

Health and Fitness Expo at the Armory!
2025-05-29 - 2025-05-30
Health and Fitness Expo at the Armory!

WHEN: Thursday, May 29, 2025 – 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM & Friday, May 30, 2025 – 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

WHERE: Armory at Russell Sage College, 130 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY
COST: Varies by event
Travel: Discuss in Class
DETAILS:
More than 10,000 people will attend our annual free Health and Fitness Expo event located at The Armory at Sage College on New Scotland Road. The Expo offers family-friendly health & fitness activities & information. Access into the facility is open to the public. Parking is plentiful and free!
Runners : browse and learn from our numerous great businesses and non profit partners. You will pick up your bib, t-shirt, cookies and bread at the Expo.
All Expo attendees will be able enter to win great raffle items which will be announced here! In 2023 some of the raffle items were:

PowerSurge Nut Butters
Arbonne gift certificate
Saratoga Oils Gift Basket
Advocare Spark and Blender Bottle
BondiBands
Mary Kay Gift Sets
AND MORE!!!

WEBSITE: https://freihofersrun.com/events/health-fitness-expo

2025 Saint Basil Troy Greek Festival
2025-05-30 - 2025-06-01
2025 Saint Basil Troy Greek Festival
WHEN: Friday, May 30 – Sunday, June 1, 2025
???? Festival Hours:
• Friday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

WHERE: St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church
???? 909 River Street, Troy, NY 12180

COST: Free admission and parking
BUS: 922/923

DETAILS: Celebrate Greek culture with homemade food and pastries, live music by Prometheus, youth dance performances, crafts, and more! Bring the whole family for a weekend of cultural fun and flavor.
WEBSITE: https://www.albany.com/event/st-basil-greek-festival-126733/

Noah's Ice cream event
2025-05-30 16:00 - 18:00
When: Friday May 30 4pm- 6pm
Where: 531 Western Ave
Cost: Free but bring a snack to share
Travel: Walk or Bus
Noah says “I am hosting pizza and ice cream party and a movie. there will be pizza from the pizza Lab and there will be ice cream, cookies and cupcakes to celebrate the seniors from their graduation. Please bring something to share. The movie we are watching the slideshow for the seniors.”

Pride 2025 Kick-Off BBQ
2025-05-30 17:00 - 20:30
????️‍???? Pride 2025 Kick-Off BBQ
WHEN: Friday, May 30, 2025
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
WHERE: Waterwork Pub at Rock City Parking Lot 2, 76 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206 33
COST: Free
BUS: 1
DETAILS: Kick off Pride season with a BBQ featuring music, complimentary food, and drag performances. 33
WEBSITE:https://ioov.org/show-event/1854/

Drop-In Bird Banding Observation at the Pine Bush Preserve
2025-05-31 06:30 - 12:00
???? Drop-In Bird Banding Observation
WHEN: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM
WHERE: Trailhead #1 Karner Barrens, Albany Pine Bush Preserve
???? 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 (trailhead at rear of Discovery Center)
COST: Free
BUS: 905, 355
DETAILS: Watch Albany Pine Bush scientists band wild birds for research. Learn how bird banding helps track migration, breeding, and habitat health, and see birds up close as experts collect vital data. Drop in anytime during the session—fun and educational for all ages.
WEBSITE: https://albanypinebush.org/index.php?section=visit-calendar&evtid=1907

Freihofers Run for Women
2025-05-31 09:00 - 12:00
???? 47th Delightful® Run for Women

WHEN: Saturday, May 31, 2025 – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Register by May 27)

WHERE: NY State Capitol and City Hall
COST: $40 to register
BUS:
DETAILS: Join over 3,000 participants for one of the region’s most scenic and celebrated all-women 5Ks. The race starts near the NY State Capitol with a downhill finish through downtown parks. The venue features great spectator viewing, easy and plentiful parking, a spacious start and a gradual downhill finish surrounded by beautiful urban parks making it one of the most picturesque in the region.
Packet pickup available May 29–30 at Russell Sage College or on race day from 6:30–8:20 AM. Awards ceremony follows the 5K, and youth events begin at 11:00 AM.

WEBSITE: https://freihofersrun.com/ https://www.albany.com/event/freihofers-run-for-women-33864/

2025 Spring Auto Show in Saratoga
2025-05-31 09:00 - 14:00
???? 2025 Spring Auto Show
WHEN: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
WHERE: Saratoga Spa State Park
???? 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
COST: $10 parking for spectators | $20 pre-registration per car | $25 day-of registration
BUS: 905 to 450
DETAILS: Support the Saratoga Automobile Museum and enjoy a day of stunning cars, food, music, and family fun! Open to all car types. Judging takes place from 9:30–11:30 AM with awards at 1:00 PM. Categories include Best in Show, People’s Choice, EV, Barn Find, Super Car, and more.
WEBSITE: https://www.albany.com/event/spring-auto-show-20162/

Learn to Fish Clinic at Six Mile Waterworks
2025-05-31 10:00 - 15:00
???? Free! Learn to Fish Clinic at Six Mile Waterworks
WHEN: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
WHERE: Six Mile Waterworks (Trailhead #3), Rensselaer Lake Preserve and Park
???? Fuller Road, Albany, NY 12205
COST: Free
BUS: 910, 114 to 117
DETAILS: Join the NYS DEC, Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, and local partners for a free hands-on fishing clinic! Learn to cast, identify fish, and explore aquatic ecology with all equipment provided. No license or experience needed—just come ready to fish and learn!
WEBSITE: https://albanypinebush.org/index.php?section=visit-calendar&evtid=1937

Sammie, Gabby and Billy's Lilo and Stitch Event
2025-05-31 11:00 - 14:30
When: Sunday, May 31- Movie starts at 12:30 pm but meet for the bus at 11:00 am
Where: Regal Cinema Theater at Crossgates
Cost: ~ Bring $ 20
Travel: We will meet at 531 at 11:00 and take the 910 if you are not certified for this bus you can take a different bus and just meet us there the movie starts at 12:30 pm 🙂
Sammie, Gabby and Billy say “We wanted to host this event is because we love Stitch and we thought it would be fun to go see the new movie with everyone so come and have some fun with all your friends!!!! ”

Upper Union Street Summer Kickoff
2025-05-31 13:30 - 16:30
???? Upper Union Street Summer Kickoff
WHEN: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
WHERE: Upper Union Street, Schenectady, NY
COST: Free
BUS: 370
DETAILS: Celebrate the start of summer with live music by Grand Central Station, pony rides, face painting, a bounce house, and more! Fun for all ages as you explore Upper Union Street and enjoy the festivities.
WEBSITE: https://www.discoverschenectady.com/event/upper-union-street-summer-kickoff-event/7219/

Star Wars Cantina: Movie and Mocktails at the Howe Branch Library
2025-05-31 14:00 - 16:00
???? Star Wars Cantina: Movie and Mocktails
WHEN: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
WHERE: Howe Branch – Large Meeting Room, Albany Public Library
COST: Free (Registration required)
BUS: 910/10 to 100, 106
DETAILS: [All Ages] Enjoy a screening of the very first Star Wars movie with themed mocktails for an out-of-this-galaxy experience! Great for families, kids, and fans of all ages. Caregivers must attend with children—no drop-offs allowed.
WEBSITE: https://albany.librarycalendar.com/event/star-wars-cantina-movie-and-mocktails-43388
