The Beat

Saratoga Springs, NY – (February 25, 2026) – The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library, is pleased to announce the Spring 2026 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series. This popular community lecture series highlights the rich history, culture, and traditions of Saratoga Springs through engaging presentations led by local historians, authors, and subject matter experts.

Destiny USA to Host 28th Annual Mission Steps Walk & MS Awareness Day on Sunday, March 1st

Syracuse, NY (February 25, 2026) - Destiny USA is proud to host the 28th Annual Mission Steps Walk & MS Awareness Day presented by Multiple Sclerosis Resources of Central New York, Inc. on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in the Canyon on Level 1 at 9:00AM. The Mission Steps Walk will take participants on an indoor route through Destiny USA, creating an accessible and inclusive environment for walkers of all abilities.

February 27 – March 1, 2026

NEW YORK, NY (February 24, 2026) — As Black History Month unfolds during the centennial year of organized Black history commemorations, the African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) presents its 2026 Black History Month Film Series, February 27–March 1 at Teachers College, Columbia University. This year’s edition highlights Afro-Latino historical memory, cultural influence, and continuity, situating films from Latin America and Spain within a broader global dialogue around Black History Month.

Free Events Will Expand Access to 2026 World Cup and Support Long-Term Youth Soccer Investment Across New York State

Additional Details To Be Announced Soon; Information Will be Available Here 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced two free, large-scale community viewing events on Long Island and in the Mid-Hudson Region as part of New York State’s coordinated effort to maximize the statewide and economic impact of the 2026 World Cup into communities across the state. Led by New York State and Empire State Development (ESD), the family-friendly viewing events will ensure that New Yorkers across regions can participate in this historic global moment, while reinforcing long-term investments in youth sports and community infrastructure. The free events will take place on June 12 at Stony Brook University on Long Island and July 19 at Kensico Dam Plaza in Westchester County, timed to coincide with key tournament matches.

A feminist spin on Sophocles’ tragedy written by Barbara Barclay and directed by Ralph Lewis

Last Chance to Enjoy Frontiers of Impressionism, Rashid Johnson: The Hikers, and more

Rochester, NY, February 24, 2026— Visitors to the Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) will experience dynamic moments across its galleries this winter, from an intimate examination of Picasso’s prints, a new video unveiling a beautiful, stirring story, to a landmark Impressionist exhibition entering its final days.

Wednesday, March 18, 6pm

Saratoga Springs, NY (February 24, 2026) — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College announces the ninth-annual Winter/Miller Lecture will be delivered by the acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Christopher Myers on Wednesday, March 18, at 6 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Utica, N.Y. - Long before Utica officially earned its "Tree City" designation, the city was renowned for its picturesque, elm-lined streets. In fact, planners named entire neighborhoods after the trees that provided shade. However, the 1930s and '40s brought significant challenges as Dutch elm disease and pests severely reduced the city's tree cover. Join Arborist Michael Mahanna for “The Journey of a Canopy,” an engaging presentation that explores the evolution of Utica’s urban forest from the 1800s to the present, and what the future may hold for our local environment. This program will take place on Saturday, March 7, at 2:00 p.m. at the Oneida County History Center.

Lewiston, NY –  Artpark announces that Ziggy Marley: Brightside Tour 2026 is coming to Artpark’s Outdoor Amphitheater in Lewiston NY, on Saturday, July 11 at 7:00PM with special guest J Boog.

Annual spring event brings anglers, sponsors, and community together along Cattaraugus Creek

Arcade, NY – Carrying-on a popular and successful event, the Arcade Area Chamber of Commerce will once again be hosting the Annual Tri-County Trout Derby on April 18 and 19, 2026. The event, now in its 11^th year, brings fishing enthusiasts from across New York State and Pennsylvania to try their luck at catching 400 tagged trout swimming the Cattaraugus Creek in the nine-mile area between the corner of Route 98 and East Arcade Road (Old  Cattaraugus Road) in Arcade, and 200 yards south of the bridge on Savage Road in Chaffee.