Stuff to do this weekend

Art Omi sculpture

Giant sculpture in the field garden at Omi

Well, according to the forecast -- at least the one we're looking at-- things are all set to dry up for the weekend. Either way there's plenty of fun stuff going on, so check out our weekend menu and take your pick.

Got other plans? Tell us what they are. Everything's more fun when you share.

Arts Fest
The four day Saratoga Arts Festival is already underway. There are about 100 concerts, art shows, films, dance and theatrical performances scattered all over town. Tickets range from $5 to $30. Here's the full schedule with pricing details.

Yes, Reading!
Tonight's "Yes, Reading" event is the last of the season. Featured poets are Laura Sims and Deborah Poe. The evening kicks off at 7 at the Social Justice Center at 33 Central Ave. And "Yes, Reading" promises Yum, refreshments.

Big Gay Skate
Skate with The Hellions of Troy tonight in The Big Gay Skate at Rollarama in Schenectady. Skating goes from 7 to 11 pm at the Rollarama skate rink in Schenectady. $10, but there's a two dollars off coupon here.

Remix
Carrie Haddad Photographs in Hudson is screening the open culture documentary RiP: A remix manifesto tonight (Friday) at 7 pm. Local attorney Paul Rapp -- who specializing in intellectual property law -- will be talking afterward. The screening starts at 7 pm -- it's free. If you show up a little early, you can check out the gallery's David Halliday show.

Troy Parade/Block Party
Troy's annual block party kicks off with the Flag Day Parade on Saturday. The parade starts at 1:00 and goes down 4th St. from Main to Federal. The party's on Broadway between 4th and 5th Avenue. From 1-8 they'll have bands, food, craft vendors and all kinds of other good stuff.

Naked bike ride
Yep, you read that right. The Capital District Chapter of the World Naked Bike Ride will be cycling through Washington Park and along Lark Street on Saturday afternoon at 1:00. Riders will decorate their bodies with paint, feathers, jewelery and ...other stuff and ride through the park to protest oil dependency and negative body image. Body decorating starts at the Moses statue around noon, the ride starts at 2:00. And yes, we had the same questions you have.

River Day
Head down to the banks of the Hudson tomorrow to check out the replica of the ship in which Henry Hudson made his famed voyage. All week long a flotilla of replicas of vintage Dutch ships has been making its way up the Hudson, following the route of the man the river was named for. The ships are expected to reach the Capital Region tomorrow. Looking for a location with a good view? Check out this map Karen made.

Garage Sale-ing
If you like garage sales but don't like driving around looking for them, check out Ballston Spa's village wide garage sale this weekend. Lawns and garages all over the village will be filled with bargains and The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association is holding a Perennial Sale at The Brookside Museum. Sales begin Saturday and Sunday at 9AM.

Take a hike
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is holding a one mile guided hike this weekend. It's $2 per person/$5 per family. You need to register ahead of time at 518-456-0655. The hike starts at 195 New Karner Road and goes from 1-2PM Come dressed in long pants and bring drinking water.

Opera Museum
Take a day trip out to the Marcella Sembrich Opera Museum in Bolton Landing. If you go on Saturday, you might want to actually try a little opera. The Young Performers Showcase starts at 2 PM. Oh, and it's free.

Albany All Stars Roller Derby!
Saturday night at 7 the Department of Public Hurts takes on the Skyland Roller Derby at the Washington Avenue Armory. Music from Mirk and The New Familiars. $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

Music
If you don't want to brave the crowds at SPAC for a weekend of Dave Matthews, here are
a couple of other options.

The Ashley Pond Band is at Valentine's on Saturday night.

Super 400 is bringing their 1970's Led Zeplin/Van Halen influenced sound to Revolution Hall. Doors open at 7:30. $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

See a show
It's opening weekend for Capital Rep's Shear Madness. It's a mystery/comedy where the audience solves the crime and decides the ending.

Freud's Last Session seems a little heavier. OK, a lot heavier. It's a meeting between Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis on the day England entered WWII where they tackle subjects like God, love, sex and the meaning of life. It's at Barrington Stage. Tonight is pay what you will night (a $5 minimum) for people under 35. Saturday and Sunday tickets tickets are $25.

Dad Style Comedy
The Wit & Will Theater is making stuff up at Zuzu's Wonderful Life on Saturday. The Theme? Dads. The show is called "If You're Not Laughing, I'll Turn This Car Around."
Wit&Will Theatre presents improvised comedy. 8PM $12, adults; $8, students/seniors. If you mak a reservation online, you'll get a $2 discount coupon.

Go out to a ball game
Check out a Saratoga Phillies baseball game. The New York Collegiate Baseball League makes it's summer home at the East Side Recreation Field in the Spa City. Free.

Take your dog to lunch
Sunday from 1 to 3 the patio at The Backstretch Tap Room and Terrace (38 Caroline St) in Saratoga goes to the dogs -- and their owners. The Backstretch is hosting a YAPPY HOUR where dogs and their owners can come have drinks and treats on the patio and get to know each other. Heads up-- there's a costume theme. Dogs and their owners will come dressed as famous dog/owner duos. No, you don't have to do that part if it freaks you out, but if you do, they'll enter you into a drawing for a gift certificate to pet boutique Sloppy Kisses. It's free, but make sure you and your pup have to play well with others.

Giant sculpture!
The Fields Sculpture at Omi International Arts Center opens this weekend. The sculptures are fascinating and the setting is beautiful. Here's a preview courtesy of Sebastien. Free.

Changing New York
Photographer Bernice Abbott's images of New York's move from the 19th to 20th Century.
Crossroads Gallery of the New York State Museum.

Carillon Concert
Hey, did you know there's an old carillon in Albany City Hall? Well, there is. And you can hear it on Sunday afternoon, so grab a picnic blanket and head for a nearby park.

Dine Al Fresco
The fabulous weather will make it perfect for patio dining, so check out the AOA outdoor dining guide and decide where you're going to go.

If all else fails...
There's always ice cream. You can't go wrong with that. Where should you go? Try the ice cream tour.


Photo: Sebastien Barre


Comments

Capital Pride 2009 is this Sunday. It started already (34 events over 11 days), but the parade and the fun in the park is Sunday.

Parade: Downtown Albany (State St, Lark St, & Madison Ave), 12:00 Noon! Free! Come celebrate the Capital District’s great LGBTQ community! The parade steps off at noon in Washington Park

Annual Capital Pride Festival- Washington Park, Albany
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Free! The festivities on the stage kick off immediately following the Pride Parade. Join us as Erin Harkes, DJ Dave Barna, Taina Asili y la Banda Rebelde, Frenchie Davis and AMBER take the main stage this year. The stage festivities will be hosted this year by Penny Larceny and Fly 92 DJs Chrissy Cavotta and Shawn Gillie.

We're looking forward to the Delmar Farmer's Market; successful debut last weekend, runs Saturday mornings through October. Music, local vendors, activities for kids, etc.

If not tomorrow, check it out another week!

>>Capital Pride 2009 is this Sunday.

crap. so i guess my champagne picnic/birthday bbq scheduled for sunday in the park is going to have to be postponed.

If you're still looking for more after all that...Sea of Trees will be at Red Square Sunday night with locals Cats Don't Have Souls and the ever-touring Finding Fiction (www.myspace.com/findingfiction).

the fields sculpture park is always a great time.. i may check that out this weekend!

Indian Ladder Farms is hosting a local foods festival Sunday from 10:00am - 4:00 p.m.

According to their Web site, "Beekeepers, farmers, brewers, vintners, chocolatiers, cheese makers, cooking demonstrations, maple sugar cotton candy, potters, weavers, alpacas and llamas, horse-drawn carriage rides, pony-rides, farm animals, and pick-your-own apples will all be part of the fun!

@Ian Will you then be forming a coalition government and holding a Senate session on the lawn of the capitol? Cuz that's the sort of thing that happens at Red Square, right?

Those looking for something to do tonight should check out Murder in the Marble House at the Rensselaer County Historical Society tonight, Friday, June 12 in Troy from 8-10pm. Explore the 1st and 2nd floors of the historic Hart-Cluett House and interact with actors in the setting of Beatrice Cluett's 1904 debutante party. When a murder occurs, it's your turn to solve the crime. $35/person supports the preservation of Rensselaer County's history and includes dessert and beverages. 57 Second Street, Troy.

@Slacker We'll be on the look out for rogue Senators at this one. I'm guessing we won't have much trouble picking them out.

And a Soap Box Derby on Madison (by the Plaza) from tonight through Sunday!

This Saturday, June 13th is also WWKIP Day.
Translation: World Wide Knit In Public Day

A gathering of knitters will be staging a Knit-Out in Congress Park in Saratoga Springs tomorrow from 11AM-2PM. They're meeting by the carousel.

Bring chairs and your WIP's (works in progress).

See ya there!

Jay Fest Roots of Music in downtown Schenectady during Schenectady Greenmarket.

June 14th 2009
at Jay Street Marketplace
Nisky Dixie Cats from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Sponsored by Schenectady County Initiative Program

3rd Annual Sheep and Wool Gathering at Thatcher Park

John Boyd Thacher State Park
Saturday, June 13, 2009

From the NYS Parks website:

"Come visit alpacas, leaping lamas and angora goats. Learn the fine arts of spindle and wheel spinning, yarn dying, weaving, needle felting, knitting and crocheting. Watch a sheep to shawl demonstration, crochet a pouch or make an herbal dream pillow.

Enjoy live music by the Knox Traditional Strings.

Vendors will have homespun wools and yarns, alpaca shawls, scarves and hats, hand knit clothing and much more.

Refreshments will be available.

Parking fee is $6 per vehicle. 10am - 4pm"

Sounds like fun!

Also at Valentine's Saturday night, local roots rocker Rob Jonas will be celebrating his new CD, "Take Me Anywhere," with special guests Sumac and Jo Henley. The show starts at 9 p.m. on the downstairs stage (Ashley Pond's CD release party starts at 8 p.m. on the upstairs stage).

How does Indian ladder have pick your own apples in June?

With it this nice, there's no excuse to not enjoy the state parks! Peebles Island is so much fun this time of year.

I hauled my ass through the heat all the way to the Moses statue in Washington Park to witness the naked bike riders. Not only was I disappointed, but it was dumb. It was a waste of 25 minutes of my life. I felt like people were protesting oil dependancy, but not body image. The only cool part about it was some guy who brought an iguana to the park. The name "Naked Bike Ride" was misleading. It should have been called "Underwear Bike Ride". Possibly "Dirty Underwear Bike Ride". I didn't get close enough to find out.

@disappointed: and I assumed you showed up naked to support the cause? :) I was there too, took a few shots, it was good spirited.

@-S - Yea the naked bike ride wasn't very naked, mostly just a bike ride. I must have missed you -S, i was taking photos around too. Wasn't a total disappointment, it was a great day for the park anyway. And I also met the iguana.

@disappointed, @Patrick:
- Naked Bike Ride photos (http://tinyurl.com/lstb5k)
- River Day photos (http://tinyurl.com/kood5s)

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