The Beat

Niagara Falls, N.Y. (January 30, 2026) – The newest member of the Aquarium of Niagara’s penguin colony is making his public debut in honor of Penguin Awareness Day, and his arrival also brings a budding bird romance to Western New York.

Local Restaurants Serve Up Winter Flavor on Saturday, January 24

Lake George, NY — The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB is pleased to help promote the return of Stews & Brews Lake George, taking place Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 12:00–3:00 PM. This winter tasting promotion invites residents and visitors to enjoy an afternoon of sampling signature stews and seasonal drink specials at participating restaurants throughout the Lake George Region.

Followed by Catalogue Launch

Thursday, March 12, 4:30pm, University Art Museum, University at Albany

Albany, NY (January 21, 2026) — The University Art Museum (UAM) at the University at Albany announces a conversation between exhibiting artist Noel W Anderson and Cara Manes, Associate Curator, Department of Painting and Sculpture, Museum of Modern Art, New York. In addition, we will be launching the exhibition catalogue for Noel W Anderson: Black Excellence. The catalogue will be available for purchase and signing at the event. The event is free and open to the public.

Beacon, NY – The Bannerman Castle Trust (BCT) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $27,450 matching grant from the Environmental Protection Fund’s Parks and Trails Partnership Grants program.The funding will support a transformative project on Pollepel Island, connecting the existing "Red Trail" to "The Grotto," a previously hidden architectural feature.

A sustainable lakeside retreat and residences set in the foothills of the Catskills

Rosendale, N.Y. (Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire) -- Starwood Hotels, the sustainable hotel management company founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, is thrilled to announce plans for 1 Hotel & Homes Hudson Valley, set on the pristine shores of Fifth Lake in New York's Ulster County. This upcoming development will be a significant addition to 1 Hotels, the mission-driven, nature-inspired luxury lifestyle brand.

Albany, NY — Albany Center Gallery (ACG) hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, January 16, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at its new location at 48 N Pearl Street.

“Hello! My Name is Blotto: The Movie” returns for a special screening as part of LIMEHOF’s Local Filmmaker Series

Stony Brook, NY — The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will feature East Islip film director Robert Lichter (a.k.a. Bert Blotto) as part of its Local Filmmaker Series at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 13^th. The event will take place at LIMEHOF’s Stony Brook location (97 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY). LIMEHOF will screen Hello! My Name is Blotto: The Movie, followed by a Q&A with Lichter and band member Broadway Blotto. The event is free to members and $10 for non-members.

Conde Nast Traveler, Your 2026 Sports Travel Bucket List, From Milan to Mexico, Jan. 10, 2026 

Travel + Leisure, Discover the 15 Best Lake Towns in America, Jan. 12, 2026 

National Geographic, 9 spectacular state parks to visit this winter, Jan. 14, 2026…

New York, N.Y. (January 15, 2026) – The Public Theater (Artistic Director, Oskar Eustis; Executive Director, Patrick Willingham) announced today complete casting for the world premiere of PUBLIC CHARGE, a bracing new play based on true events written by former United States Ambassador Julissa Reynoso and award-winning playwright Michael J. Chepiga and directed by Tony Award winner Doug Hughes. PUBLIC CHARGE begins performances in The Public’s Newman Theater with a Joseph Papp Free Performance on Thursday, March 12. The production officially opens on Wednesday, March 25 and runs through Sunday, April 5.