Annual Events in Albany, NY
Fun Things To Do in Albany Every Year
On top of being the capital of New York, the city of Albany is also a popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors every year. The city’s top attractions include internationally recognized museums, unique architectural attractions, beautiful parks, well-established shopping centers, and scenic lakes. The city also hosts a number of annual events which are often overlooked as more and more people tend to favor New York City-based events. Below is a rundown of Albany’s most popular annual events and festivals:
Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival
Hosted by the Albany Capital Center, the annual Food & Wine Festival in Albany is a three-day mid-January event that is dedicated to promoting the local restaurant industry. The event features some very tantalizing cuisines prepared by the city’s most talented chefs. There is also plenty of wine to wash down the food. The Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival is one of the leading foodie events in New York.
Albany Tulip Festival
For over seven decades, Albany has been celebrating the tulip as the official flower of the city. The festival takes place at Washington Park and features a giant showcase of different varieties of tulip flowers in full blossom. The mid-May festival is accompanied by arts and crafts vendors, live music, and street scrubbing among other fun activities.
4th of July Extravaganza
In the month of July, the Empire State Plaza hosts this patriotic event to celebrate America’s independence. The event is headlined by live music, games, food trucks, craft vendors, and a wide selection of family-friendly activities. When the sun goes down, the attendees are treated to pyrotechnics shows and what is definitely one of the region’s biggest fireworks shows. According to the vent organizers, Albany’s 4th of July celebrations attract over 20,000 people every year.
Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival
The critically acclaimed Albany Jazz Festival is a real treat for music lovers in the city of Albany, NY. In the past, the event has featured some of the most successful jazz musicians as well as popular up-and-coming talents from all over the country and beyond. Nothing really compares to the sound of music in a beautiful outdoor setting with a scenic river view in the background. And that’s exactly what the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival offers.
Other notable annual events and festivals in this historic gem of New York State include LarkFEST, Alive at Five, PearlPalooza, Albany Last Run 5K, and Capital Pride Festival.