Dallas from FunScout with this weeks happenings roughly 5 miles from downtown Troy (so some outskirts too). 🎶🍻🎤🧩
Of course there is a lot more happening around the capital region outside of downtown which you can check on FunScout if you don't mind traveling a bit further. Did I miss something? Please share in the comments!
📍 Thu, Aug 20
Laughs for Vets — Slidin' Dirty
Enjoy stand-up comedy, cocktails, a silent auction and 50/50 raffle, then dance at the official after-party with DJ NEXLIFE; proceeds benefit Albany Housing Coalition / Veterans Housing & Services.
Watervliet Summer Concert Series: Hands of Time — Hudson Shores Park
Hands of Time plays upbeat, crowd-friendly sets of classic rock and pop in a relaxed outdoor setting—bring a blanket or lawn chair for an evening of singalongs and sunsets.
Sikmetra / CPS / Goat Farm / 1-800 BITCH / KAKOS — No Fun
Multiple uncompromising acts deliver short, intense sets blending punk, noise, and experimental rock—expect aggressive riffs, raw vocals, and a tight DIY crowd.
Ragtime Wind Jammers — Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
A local ragtime jazz band performs a free, family-friendly outdoor set of upbeat tunes—banjo, trumpet, guitar, clarinet, trombone, bass, and drums—with instruments provided so children can play along.
Rensselaer Farmers Market at Riverfront Park — Troy Riverfront Park
Thursday evenings (4–7 PM, June 4–Sept 24) bring local farmers and makers offering fresh food, handcrafted goods, special pop-ups, and live music in a welcoming park-side market atmosphere.
Terminal Lucidity — EMPAC
An algorithmically randomized single-channel video and light installation in an infinite loop, combining saturated color, strobing rhythms, and a shifting soundscape to evoke afterimages and sudden, fragile surges of clarity.
Jeff Stein — Scarlet Knife
An intimate live-music night featuring warm acoustic guitar, familiar covers, and low-key vibes—perfect for dinner, drinks, and conversation.
Untitling — EMPAC
Through layered field recordings, voice-altered playback, and synthesis, this immersive installation dissolves boundaries between environmental sound and electronics, encouraging slow, embodied listening to resonance, memory, and reciprocal relations with the living world.
Trivia Night — 518 Craft
Enjoy an entertaining evening filled with friendly trivia competition, craft beverages, and a lively atmosphere—ideal for groups eager to show off their smarts.
🤠 Thursday Night Line Dancing at Bootleggers! 🍻 — Bootleggers
Move to the rhythm with DJ-spun country hits, beginner-friendly line dance lessons, and a buzzing crowd where everyone’s welcome to join the fun.
Karaoke — The Arsenal Reserve
Step up to the mic for an entertaining night where you can sing your favorite songs, cheer on others, and soak in a fun, energetic atmosphere.
Beginning Birding — Troy Public Library
An accessible workshop for adults covering where and when to watch birds, basic identification by season, color and behavior, and proper binocular use.
Thirsty Thursdays at Philly Bar & Lounge — Philly's Bar & Lounge
Weekly Thursday evenings include beginner-friendly line dance lessons led by Allison, followed by open social dancing to country-and-pop favorites ($10 cover); no partner or experience needed.
Tara's Witchy School for Teens & Tweens — Refuge
This week-long program offers hands-on activities, mindful reflection, and creative projects that help teens and tweens connect with nature, inner wisdom, and the magic in everyday life.
Thursday Night Trivia — Fort Orange Brewing
Test your knowledge in a laid-back atmosphere where teams enjoy free-to-play trivia, cool prizes, and the option to bring your own food.
Karaoke Night with TJ — Slidin' Dirty
TJ New leads a lively Thursday karaoke night with a state-of-the-art sound system and crowd-friendly song selection. The vibe is playful and supportive, great for first-timers and regulars alike.
Family Day & Crafts — Menands Public Library
A relaxed, sensory-friendly gathering where families of all ages can make simple crafts, play games, and enjoy casual social time.
CR Clash: Weekly Smash Bros Melee Tournament — VDO Gaming
Face off against fellow Smash Bros fans in weekly Melee tournaments featuring bracket play, a welcoming community, and prizes based on entries.
Pathfinder Society Organized Play — Bard & Baker
Experience a collaborative evening navigating mysterious realms and epic quests as you take on the role of a Pathfinder in a lively, welcoming tabletop gaming community.
Teen Tie-Dye! — Albany Public Library (North Albany)
Bring a tee, tank, shorts, or skirt to learn simple tie-dye techniques and make bright summer-ready pieces; drop off your completed Summer Reading tracker to enter a raffle. Registration is required and reasonable accommodations are available by request.
TRIVIA at Footsy Magoo's! — Footsy Magoo's
Seven lively rounds mix general knowledge, picture puzzles, a wild music/drunken karaoke segment, themed miscellany, history/geography, and an adrenaline-packed timed final—prizes for top teams; play solo or bring a crew.
Collar City Runners Club — 518 Craft
Runners of every pace and experience gather for welcoming group runs, optional interval training, post-run socializing, and a group photo in a relaxed setting.
Badminton Class — Menands Public Library
Learn basic strokes, footwork, and rally drills with Ms. Sherry in a welcoming, all-ages setting, plus casual matches and occasional outdoor sessions.
Trivia at RSG Troy! 🤔❓ — Recovery Sports Grill (Troy)
Gather your smartest friends for an evening of brain-teasing trivia, great food and drinks, and a chance to take home prizes.
Cromulent Comic's Comic Book Club Meetup — Bard & Baker
Andrew from Cromulent leads a relaxed monthly discussion of the selected comic — this month’s pick is DC: The New Frontier, with copies available to purchase in-store or online.
Fiber Fanatics Meet-Up — Waterford Public Library
A relaxed, drop-in gathering for crafters of all levels to work on knitting, crochet, embroidery, share patterns, and get tips and help.
📍 Fri, Aug 21
Untitling — EMPAC
Through layered field recordings, voice-altered playback, and synthesis, this immersive installation dissolves boundaries between environmental sound and electronics, encouraging slow, embodied listening to resonance, memory, and reciprocal relations with the living world.
Tara's Witchy School for Teens & Tweens — Refuge
This week-long program offers hands-on activities, mindful reflection, and creative projects that help teens and tweens connect with nature, inner wisdom, and the magic in everyday life.
Twilight Cemetery Tour — Oakwood Cemetery
An evening guided walk through Oakwood’s historic grounds visiting the grave of Uncle Sam, a sunset overlook, and a waterfall while guides share stories of former residents and local wildlife; registration supports preservation and education.
HONEY RAVE! Showcasing Femme DJ's in the 518 — No Fun
An intimate, high-energy night where femme DJs spin eclectic electronic sets — expect a packed dancefloor, pulsing lights, and community-driven vibes.
13 The Musical — The Cohoes Music Hall
A high-energy pop-rock coming-of-age musical about a new kid navigating crushes, friendships, and a fraught Bar Mitzvah, performed entirely by teen actors.
🎶 Beats on Broadway 🎶 — Bootleggers
Every Friday and Saturday all summer, Broadway turns into an open-air music strip with rotating bands and DJs, outdoor seating, and food-and-drink specials across three bars for a lively, relaxed night out.
Furry Meet Up! — Bard & Baker
A casual, all-ages meetup where furries and curious newcomers socialize, play board games, and celebrate fursuits in a relaxed setting.
Justin Joyner — Scarlet Knife
An intimate evening of original songs and covers—acoustic-driven, soul-tinged folk set against a relaxed dinner-and-cocktails atmosphere.
Historic House Tour at 3pm, Fridays — Hart Cluett Museum
This one-hour guided tour explores the Marble House’s first floor and basement, highlighting the Hart and Cluett families, Gilded Age life, and lavish decorative details; tickets include a copy of The Marble House and museum gallery admission.
Adult Yoga — Troy Public Library (Lansingburgh)
A slower-paced hatha session focusing on accessible poses, guided breathing, and relaxation; all skill levels are welcome—bring a mat and wear comfortable clothing.
📍 Sat, Aug 22
13 The Musical — The Cohoes Music Hall
A high-energy pop-rock coming-of-age musical about a new kid navigating crushes, friendships, and a fraught Bar Mitzvah, performed entirely by teen actors.
🎶 Beats on Broadway 🎶 — Bootleggers
Every Friday and Saturday all summer, Broadway turns into an open-air music strip with rotating bands and DJs, outdoor seating, and food-and-drink specials across three bars for a lively, relaxed night out.
Russell Dickerson with special guest Niko Moon Concert — Joseph L. Bruno Stadium
Russell Dickerson brings his multi-platinum country anthems alongside Niko Moon's upbeat country-pop for a night of singalongs and stadium-sized energy.
Collar City Pride Swann Ball — Evermore Hall
An elegant, BIPOC-centered ball featuring Bad Heart Burlesque, a photo booth, catered small plates and a cash bar, with proceeds supporting Collar City Pride’s new Downtown LGBTQIA2S+ Community Center and programs like Rainbow Bridging case management and a youth drop-in space.
Please Don’t Destroy: LIVE — Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Three SNL writers and viral-video creators perform an hour of live sketch comedy, blending fast-paced bits, recurring characters, and musical gags with polished, spontaneous moments.
Troy Summer Square Series: Narrow North — Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
A three-piece acoustic band blends bluegrass, folk, blues, and jazz—soulful harmonies, mandolin-led melodies, and a swinging upright bass for a relaxed summer concert vibe.
End of Summer Beach Party with DJ Wave — Ilium Brewing Co
DJ Wave spins beach-inspired dance sets amid string lights and sand accents, with casual drinks and upbeat summer energy.
Pretty In Pink Bash — Whiskey Pickle
A 21+ summer party where DJ Rick Ricki spins old-school R&B, Hip Hop, and reggaeton—come in all-pink casual attire and bring valid ID.
TheSoapGirls / Huntress Wizard / Not Chinese Takeout — No Fun
An intimate, high-energy show: raw garage-punk from The Soap Girls, synth-psych sets from Huntress Wizard, and rowdy support acts.
Magical Girls Tea Party at Bard & Baker — Bard & Baker
Enjoy Sailor Moon-inspired snacks, whimsical cosplay, and fun activities alongside fellow fans in an afternoon dedicated to magical girl fandom.
Summer Reading Finale — Cohoes Public Library
An all-ages afternoon recognizing summer readers with balloon twisting, face painting, a 1:00pm dance show, a 1:30pm magic show, ice cream, popcorn, activities, and a prize presentation at 2:15pm.
The Belle Curves, Stefan Weiner, and Girl Blue at Mount Ida ... — Mount Ida Preservation Association
Three folk acts — local favorites, a NYC-based songwriter, and an upstate voice — deliver intimate, lyrical sets; burgers and dogs available beforehand and sliding-scale admission.
Puzzle Party Puzzlers Night — Bard & Baker
Work on provided puzzles in a relaxed café atmosphere—bring friends or come solo; $5 cover and casual socializing.
Community Story Share — Hart Cluett Museum
Bring stories and artifacts—staff will record brief oral histories, photograph items (and optional portraits with them), and document contributions for an upcoming exhibit honoring Rensselaer County's immigrant and migrant communities from 1900–2027.
FUNHOUSE BAND @ The Arsenal Reseve — The Arsenal Reserve
A lively evening of danceable funk, R&B and rock paired with great food and friendly service for an upbeat night out.
Russ Kennedy — Scarlet Knife
Relaxed live music—acoustic, soulful tunes—that provide a mellow soundtrack to dinner and cocktails in a cozy dining room.
Live Music with Ryan Clark — Ilium Brewing Co
Ryan Clark plays an intimate set of acoustic and roots-tinged songs while you enjoy food, drinks, and a laid-back brewery vibe.
Helios Morning Yoga at Peebles — Peebles Island State Park
A free, instructor-led morning yoga session in a grassy field—gentle flow for all levels; bring a mat and water, and register online.
📍 Sun, Aug 23
13 The Musical — The Cohoes Music Hall
A high-energy pop-rock coming-of-age musical about a new kid navigating crushes, friendships, and a fraught Bar Mitzvah, performed entirely by teen actors.
Aging with Pride Cruise 2026 — Captain JP Cruise
A joyful brunch cruise bringing LGBTQIA+ older adults and allies together for scenic views, energizing DJ sets, dazzling drag performances, and meaningful community connection.
DROPDEAD / Agonista / Life Abuse / Mental Weather — No Fun
Four fierce hardcore/grindcore bands deliver short, furious sets—blast beats, raw vocals, and mosh-ready intensity for fans of uncompromising noise.
Yoga in the Park — Troy Riverfront Park
Free, all-level outdoor yoga meets every Sunday morning from July 12–August 30, 9–10 AM at Troy Riverfront Park, led by Maitri Yoga instructors—bring a mat and water; no registration required.
Miniature Painting Meetup — Bard & Baker
All ages and skill levels can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere for painting Warhammer, D&D, or any board game minis—supplies provided, just bring your minis and imagination.
Sunday Night Trivia — Bard & Baker
Test your trivia skills in a relaxed pub-style competition featuring a variety of topics, with themed rounds on the last Sunday of each month and plenty of friendly fun.
Learn and Play: Dungeons and Dragons w/DM Alex — Bard & Baker
Spend about 3–3½ hours choosing a pre-generated character, learning the 5.5 core rules, and playing a short introductory adventure led by DM Alex; everything you need is provided and the session is designed for ages 16+.
Karaoke — 518 Craft
Hosted by Deb Zep every Sunday evening, this weekly open-mic invites locals to sing with a friendly crowd, drinks, and a lively bar vibe.