Albany - Rich with History, Culture & Festivals!

When Henry Hudson first discovered Albany while seeking a shorter route to the far-east in 1609, he surely didn’t believe it would become New York State’s Capital or a cultural Mecca, matching larger outposts in the New Americas.

Since the Dutch first settled the area to gather furs for shipment to Europe, Albany continued to grow in size as it became the gateway to the Northeast Passage.  The Industrial Revolution and the birth of the Erie Canal insured Albany’s major role in arts, cultural, ethnic diversity and the countless festivals found here today.

TOP EVENTS FOR ALBANY IN 2008:

Named one of 2008's top 100 events in North America by the American Bus Association, the Albany Tulip Festival celebrates its 60th anniversary as over 200,000 tulip bulbs blossom into a sea of colors just in time for Mothers Day. Held May 9, 10 and 11, this year's festivities include art, craft and food vendors, music on three stages, the famous Tulip Queen coronation and "Night Fire", a unique art installation in Washington Lake.

Alive At Five is a free "hot" summer concert series, featuring diverse music, food and beverage vendors. Events are held on Thursdays at Albany Riverfront Park, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm; June 5, 12, 19, 26; July 10, 17, 24, 31; and August 7, 14. Opening bands begin at 5:00 pm. Headline bands hit the stage at 6:30 pm.

The Carillon Concert Series is a free event held at Academy Park (across from City Hall) on Sundays, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27 and Thursday, July 4 (all dates start at 1:00 pm). The 49 bell carillon is an exciting and extraordinary musical instrument with a history as rich as it is long.

Freihofer's Run for Women is an internationally recognized event hosting more than 7,000 participants in three separate events: the 5k Fitness Run, Kids' Run and the Community Walk, plus the two day CapitalCare Health and Fitness Expo. Held Friday, May 30, from noon to 9:00p m; Health and Fitness Expo Saturday, May 31, 7:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Empire State Plaza.

The 9th annual Lobster Palooza is held on Saturday, June 7 from 12:00 to 8:00 pm at Washington Park. Enjoy a delicious lobster or steak dinner, music, children's activities and the 4th annual Microbrewery Competition from 1 - 6 pm. Proceeds benefit the Albany Rotary Foundation projects and Albany High School Booster Club. Reservations and tickets are required for lobster/steak dinners. Call 867-4100 for more information.

Art On Lark is a free outdoor sidewalk gallery featuring art exhibits and demonstrations of original works, musicians and the Creative Chaos Zone for kids (and adults who are kids-at-heart!). Saturday, June 21, 10 am to 5:00 pm along Lark Street. Call (518) 434-3861 for additional information.

The Father's Day Pops Concert features the Albany Symphony Orchestra coupled with the wonderful sounds of notable vocalists. Fireworks set to music complete this extraordinary event. Sunday, June 15, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Albany Riverfront Park. Rain site is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Admission is free (food and beverages are available for purchase).

Senior Sundays feature tranquil settings, lunches and entertainment along the Hudson Riverfront for Albany's senior citizens. Sundays, July 6, 20, August 10, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Corning Preserve. Reservations and transportation required through Senior Services of Albany Call (518) 456-3325 for additional information.

Pinebush Triathlon is a swim, bike & run event through the Capital District's Pinebush Preserve. Athletes ages 10 and up, as well as teams, are eligible to register. Sunday, July 13, 8:00 am at Six Mile Park/Rennselaer Lake. Fee required.

Albany's Latin Festival features a full day of fun family festivities celebrating Hispanic cultural influences and infusions. Expect the best in Latin music, food, crafters and children's amusements. Saturday, August 23, from 11:00am to 6:00pm at the Washington Park Parade Grounds. Free admission.

M & T Bank's Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival is a signature festival that presents a dazzling line-up of some of the industry's best! Great food & beverages, fireworks and of course, cool Jazz, during this Fall-scheduled, day-long happening! Saturday, September 8, 12:00 to 7:30 pm at Albany Riverfront Park. Free admission.

September In The City Art Fair combines an eclectic array of artists exhibiting and selling their work with wonderful acoustic music for a perfect lunch-time diversion. Wednesdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24 from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm in Tricentennial Park. Free admission.

Larkfest, held in Albany's "village in the city," is one of the Capital Region's best and biggest street festivals. There are four separate music/entertainment stages, an expanded family activity area and a myriad of craft and food vendors, offering dishes from local-landmark restaurants. Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm along Lark Street. For information, call (518) 434-3861. Free admission.

Columbus Parade & Italian Festival celebrates the vibrant Italian heritage of our region with a living parade beginning at 1:00 pm on Western Avenue. Then spend the afternoon feasting on delicious Italian food, dancing to authentic Italian music and enjoying the many children's activities. Festival runs from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Washington Park. Free admission.

Albany Winter Festival transforms the city into a magical celebration of fun with indoor and outdoor festivities, including interactive games, music, live animals and a variety of family-friendly performances. The Kid's Jingle Jog, Last Run 5K and fabulous fireworks will round out the day. Saturday, December 27, noon to 5:30 pm in downtown Albany. Free admission (registration fees required for the Jog and 5K Run).

Capital Holiday Lights in the Park transform Washington Park into a winter wonderland of lights. Drive through the weaving roadways of beautiful lights and end at the Lake House, where you'll find crafts, refreshments and, before Christmas, Santa Claus! November 28, 2008 - January 1, 2009. Fee required. Call 465-5973.