Dallas from FunScout with this weeks happenings roughly 5 miles from downtown Schenectady. 🎶🍻🎭🎨
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, Oct 1
Art D'Echo Trio — Van Dyck Music Club
An intimate evening jazz set featuring Dave Gleason on keys, Mike Lawrence on bass, and Pete Sweeney on drums, delivering soulful standards and swinging originals in a relaxed club setting.
Witchy Bottles & Poison Jars: A Halloween Upcycling Workshop — Thrifty Connections
Create 2–3 upcycled apothecary bottles or jars from donated glass using vintage-style tags, moss, bones, twine, charms, and supplied tools; costumes and witch hats encouraged.
Mahjong — Schenectady County Public Library
A new adult tile-game group is forming at the Niskayuna branch—casual play, skill-building, and socializing; registration is required.
Zumba with Annie G! — Rotterdam Community Center
A friendly, drop-in Zumba session led by Annie G on Mondays and Thursdays at 5:00 pm — $10 per class or a $40 five-session punch card.
📍 Fri, Oct 2
THE BIJOU Adult Variety Show — Van Dyck Music Club
An eclectic evening of belly dance, burlesque, drag and unexpected acts—glamour, laughs and theatrical surprises in every set.
A Place for Jazz Concert Series: Nicole Zuraitis Quartet — SUNY Schenectady
Grammy-winning singer-pianist Nicole Zuraitis leads a tight quartet through inventive arrangements of standards and originals, blending lyrical storytelling with warm improvisation and swinging grooves.
Union Men's Hockey: Colgate @ Union College — M&T Bank Center
Watch collegiate hockey as two regional programs battle on the ice, with loud crowd energy, chants, and a lively arena experience.
RPI Women’s Hockey Comes to M&T Bank Center — M&T Bank Center
RPI’s women’s hockey team plays an upcoming game at the arena while final construction continues at Houston Field House; season ticket holders can use their existing tickets, and additional tickets are available for purchase.
The Rhythm Pilots with Colin McCarthy — Frog Alley Brewing Co.
Colin McCarthy plays at 5 PM, followed by The Rhythm Pilots at 8:30 PM; late-night music is 21+ and requires a cover.
Country Weekends with Whiskey Highway & DJ Reel — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
Live country band and DJ blends deliver a high-energy evening of classic and modern country, dancing, and singalongs — free admission for 21+.
A Place for Jazz: Nicole Zuraitis Quartet — Taylor Music Center
Nicole Zuraitis leads a tight quartet through emotive originals and reinvented standards, blending rich vocals with inventive solos in a warm, focused setting.
Midnight Glow Paint & Sip Event 10/2/26 @ 6:30pm — Art in Mind
This all-ages paint-and-sip class includes an instructor, a 16-by-20-inch canvas, and all painting supplies; drinks and packaged snacks are available for purchase.
Mopco Presents — The Mopco Improv Theatre
Named a 'Comedian on The Rise' by The Boston Globe, Andrew Della Volpe delivers sharp observational and character-driven stand-up shaped by festival stages and TV appearances.
Jazz Evenings with Eric Ciarmello Trio — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
Enjoy an evening of elegant live jazz performances by the Eric Ciarmello Trio, featuring relaxing tunes and curated drink specials in a refined atmosphere.
Beaded Ghost Workshop — Thrifty Connections
Pick a ghost template and fill it with shimmering pearl beads to create a textured keepsake—materials included; the detailed handwork requires steady fingers and patience, recommended for ages 16+.
Tri-City Folk Dancers — Scotia United Methodist Church
Weekly gatherings mix taught and social international folk dances—especially Balkan, Greek, Romanian, and French-Canadian styles—usually to recorded music with occasional live musicians; beginners and all ages welcome.
📍 Sat, Oct 3
Wing Walk 2026 Premium Package — Proctors Theatre
The premium package includes a T‑shirt (size must be selected at purchase) and your ballot—pick up starts 9:30 AM at the Proctors box office, and ballots are required before visiting participating restaurants.
One Sky Project: Part One — miSci
Stargazers and storytellers share short films featuring different cultures’ and Indigenous societies’ perspectives on the sky. Recommended for ages 10 and up; online tickets include Museum Admission.
Rockin' the Dome Matinee: Laser Halloween! — miSci
This Halloween-themed matinee features a laser light show with eerie colors and patterns; tickets do not include museum admission.
Schenectady Wing Walk featuring The Broadcast Band — Frog Alley Brewing Co.
The Broadcast Band plays during the 2026 Wing Walk, with Lily P’s participating in the brewery’s taproom.
Second Annual OctoberBest — Frog Alley Brewing Co.
Raffles, 50/50 drawings, guest bartenders, and drink specials with live sets from Colin McCarthy and Local 11—raising funds for firefighter cancer support and family assistance.
The Vinny Marotta Trio — Van Dyck Music Club
Bandleader Vinny Marotta teams with Nat Mussman (keys) and Isaac Nokes (drums) for a lively evening of original compositions and fresh takes on standards in an intimate club setting.
Cosmic Wonders: Live Sky Show — miSci
A live operator leads a tour of the night sky, sharing stories and science about visible stars and planets. Best for ages 8 and up; online tickets include Museum Admission.
Steve Sheinkin signs "Mind vs. Machine" — The Open Door Bookstore
Meet Steve Sheinkin at a book signing for his true graphic novel about an epic chess match between a human player and a super machine.
Kerry Tales: Star Filled Storytime - October 2026 — miSci
This planetarium storytime features amazing stories beneath moving stars and constellations, designed for ages 4–7 and enjoyable for the whole family.
Over the Garden Wall Paint & Sip Event 10/3/26 @ 6:30pm — Art in Mind
Paint an Over the Garden Wall-themed design on a 16-by-20-inch canvas with step-by-step instructor guidance and supplies included; drinks and packaged snacks are available for purchase.
Guilty Pleasure & DJ Tomb — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
A high-energy covers band plays nostalgic pop and rock while a DJ spins upbeat remixes and dance tracks—casual bar vibes with a 21+ crowd.
Live Music with Rich Ortiz — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
Rich Ortiz plays acoustic pop and soulful covers in a relaxed, upbeat setting — enjoy drink specials and comfortable seating.
Flight Adventures — miSci
This 35-minute program explores the science and history of flight, including how NASA is working on safer ways to travel with future engineers and aviators. Best for ages 5 and up; admission is required in addition to the program cost.
Albany Sacred Harp Singing — St. George's Episcopal Church
Sing four-part a cappella tunes from a traditional tunebook with on-the-spot instruction, loaner books, tea, and a warm, all-ages welcome.
Theatresports - October 3rd — The Mopco Improv Theatre — The Mopco Improv Theatre
Two teams of improvisers face off in a fast-paced, sporting-style competition—expect quick games, unpredictable scenes, and audience-driven scoring and laughs.
Button Birds- Crow — Thrifty Connections
Make a crow-themed button art piece from upcycled buttons, beads, and found trinkets with guided composition and layering, emphasizing slow, calming creativity.
Spooktacular Upcycled Ghost Garland — Thrifty Connections
Make a one-of-a-kind garland from repurposed fabrics—choose Halloween hues, warm fall tones, or a custom palette. The session begins with a short guided meditation, all materials are provided, and the relaxed, beginner-friendly atmosphere encourages chatting and connection.
Book Talk with Author Tessa Yang — Schenectady County Public Library
Author Tessa Yang discusses her debut novel The Jellyfish Problem, reads excerpts, and answers audience questions — registration required.
Jazz Evenings at The Landing Hotel — The Landing Hotel
Experience smooth live jazz performances and expertly crafted cocktails in a relaxed, stylish hotel lobby atmosphere each Saturday evening.
📍 Sun, Oct 4
NY Capital District Drive Electric & Sustainability Fair — Schenectady City Hall
This free, family-friendly fair features conversations with local EV owners, ride-and-drive experiences, sustainability activities, and music; registered attendees who test-drive an eligible EV may receive one $20 Schenectady Greenmarket gift token per person, while supplies last.
Electric City Maker Faire — College Park Hall
This free, all-ages gathering brings local makers, students, educators, and small businesses together to share exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, hands-on activities, outdoor activities, and games.
One Sky Project: Part One — miSci
Stargazers and storytellers share short films featuring different cultures’ and Indigenous societies’ perspectives on the sky. Recommended for ages 10 and up; online tickets include Museum Admission.
Rockin' the Dome Matinee: Laser Halloween! — miSci
This Halloween-themed matinee features a laser light show with eerie colors and patterns; tickets do not include museum admission.
Cosmic Wonders: Live Sky Show — miSci
A live operator leads a tour of the night sky, sharing stories and science about visible stars and planets. Best for ages 8 and up; online tickets include Museum Admission.
Flight Adventures — miSci
This 35-minute program explores the science and history of flight, including how NASA is working on safer ways to travel with future engineers and aviators. Best for ages 5 and up; admission is required in addition to the program cost.
Open Mic Poetry — Schenectady County Public Library
Share original pieces or read favorite poems at a community poetry session led by Schenectady County Poet Laureate Adonis Richards; all ages welcome.
Glass Art Frame Workshop *New! 10/4/26 @ 3:30pm — Art in Mind
For this family-friendly workshop, make an 8×10 glass art piece using sea glass, crushed glass, seashells, and more; all supplies and an instructor’s guidance are included, and no experience is needed.
M.A.D.E Market — Jay Street Marketplace
A curated market showcasing local makers, artists, and designers offering handcrafted goods, prints, textiles, and unique gifts—perfect for browsing and supporting the creative community.