All Over Albany

Stuff to do this weekend

Time for tulips. And funnel cake.

Here at the AOA office we're already getting excited about tulip festival funnel cake. But if eating your way from one end of Washington Park to the other isn't quite what you had in mind for this weekend, there are plenty of other things going on around the Capital Region.

Just bring your umbrella, cuz weather-wise, it's anybody's guess.

Here's the end of the week round-up of things that look like fun to us. Got something else in mind? Share with the rest of the group, please.

Tip toe near the tulips
Tulip festival weekend is underway. There's the ball and the crowning of the tulip queen and all, but the best part for us (aside from the funnel cake) is just wandering around the park with lots of other people, checking out the tulips and listening to music. This year the schedule includes Railbird , Bourbon Renwal, The Takeover U.K. and Third Eye Blind. Here's the complete schedule.

Post-free jazz electronic music at EMPAC
Yeah, we don't know exactly what it is either, but it sounds cool. The info from EMPAC says Rafael Toral "explores the relationship between gestural control and the sonic palette." But this is a much better way to understand his work. Or check it out for yourself here. He'll be at EMPAC tonight at 8. $15.

Two Wheels Good
The Sanctuary for Independent Media celebrates Bike Month with "Two Wheels Good" an evening of short, bicycle-themed movies curated by the Troy Bike Rescue.
$10 suggested donation. $5 for students, seniors and low income.

Canalfest
The tulips aren't the only things being celebrated this weekend. Waterford is holding it's annual Canal Fest. There will be music, vendors, crafts and activities for kids along lock 2 in Button Park and Battery Park, in Waterford on Saturday from 10 to 6.

No more wire hangers
Nothing says, "See Mom, you weren't so bad," like watching Mommie Dearest. Schenectady's Bow Tie Cinema is serving up this heaping helping of Joan Crawford crazy along with champagne and orange juice on Saturday morning. It's part of their Movies and Mimosa series. Bring mom. $5 for the movie, $2 mimosa. Doors open at 10, the movie starts at 11.

Scavenger Hunt
The Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network is hosting it's first Scavenger Hunt. You can hunt for items on foot, by bus or by bike. Registration at 10AM Saturday behind St. Peter's High School on Broadway. Bring: pocket change, a phone or camera to take pictures, and a city map. $10 for adults, $5 for kids.

Roller Derby
The Hellions of Troy open their new season on Saturday night. Saturday's bout will be in their new location at Frear Park in Troy. Doors open at 6. Whistle is at . $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

Tour Troy
Whether or not you think it's "The New Brooklyn" there's some cool stuff to see and learn about in Troy. On Saturday morning The Rensselaer County Historical Society is offering a walking tour of the city. It leaves from the Troy Farmer's Market in Riverfront Park at 10:30.

Pine Bush Hike
A guided one mile hike through Albany's Pine Bush Preserve. Sunday from 1-2PM.
Wear walking shoes and long pants and bring drinking water. The hike leaves from
The Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany $2 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs free. Registration required..

Wurlitzer Concert at Proctor's
Goldie, Proctor's "mighty Wurlitzer" gets a workout on Sunday. Organists John Wiesner and Robert Frederick are performing a free concert on the historic organ at noon. You can take a tour of this really cool theater and learn more about the organ in a free tour the day before. The tours are on Saturday morning at 10.

Make a macaroni necklace
Moms love home made presents. There's still time to make something cool at The Albany Art Room.

Ice Cream
Looks like a good weekend to try one of the stops on the AOA ice cream tour. Oh, who are we kidding...every weekend's a good weekend for that. Hmmm... did someone say Apple Throwdown Sundae?