All Over Albany

Stuff to do this weekend

Snow?

What snow?

We don't see any snow.

This weekend will make you forget all about our wet snowy week. It's like the extra french fry at the bottom of the bag -- a little unexpected autumnal deliciousness. So, you know-- don't waste it!

And the good weather will help, 'cuz it's kind of a "make your own fun" weekend. After the jump, a few ideas for things you might like to try. Got some other thoughts? Share with the group. And have a great weekend!

Eat your way through New York State
The Pride of New York Harvest Festival is this Saturday and Sunday. You can sample some great food from all over the state along with NY State wines and beers. They're also holding cooking demonstrations with NY chefs (including New World'sRic Orlando) and food seminars. $25.

Lebanese Festival
The 1st Lebanese festival on Remsen Street in Cohoes marks the opening of the new Al Baraki. They'll have traditional Lebanese food, drink, music and dancing. 1:30 Sunday. Free.

Music
+ On Saturday night, $7 gets you a whole night of great music at Valentine's. Ben Karis-Nix, Pony in the Pancake and El Duke welcome Car on the Moon. 8-midnight.

+ The Brian Patneaude Quartet and EQ are planing Jack's Place at The College of Saint Rose tonight. The show is $7 for the general public and $3 with a Saint Rose I.D

+ Dryer is at Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs Saturday night with Scientific Maps, and Hank & Cupcakes. Starts 10 pm. $7 at the door.

+ Country legend Emmylou Harris is at The Egg on Sunday at 7:30. $74.50, $59.50, $54.50

Listening in the dark
Large portions of the 75 minute chamber music concert at EMPAC tonight will be performed in the dark, so musicians have to have the work memorized and use their senses to stay together. Georg Friedrich Haas: In Vain examines harmony, dissonance, light and dark. $5-$15.

Super Smash Bros Brawl
The Upstate Artist Guild host what Lark Streets first Official Super Smash Bros Brawl fighting tournament. 7-9PM Saturday at Upstate Artists Guild.

Burlesque
Charmed and Dangerous is doing two shows this weekend. You can catch the burlesque troupe upstairs at Dale Miller tonight at 9 and Saturday night at 8.

Riot Grrl and Mountain Man
Indie folk trio Mountain Man plays The Sanctuary for Independent Media following a talk by author Sara Marcus. Marcus wrote Girls to the Front: The True Story of the Riot Grrrl Revolution with rock journalist Will Hermes (NPR, Rolling Stone, Spin). $10

Comedy
Mop & Bucket will make up a Spontaneous Broadway show using audience suggestions tonight at 8 Underground at Proctor's.

Shoe show
Wander over to the Albany Institute for History and Art and check out The Perfect Fit exhibit. 120 pairs of imaginative shoes, each with its own story.

Hockey
The Albany Devils play the Syracuse Crunch tonight at the TU Center.

Brave the Dinosaur
Check out opening weekend at The Dinosaur BBQ. Get a preview first. Maybe not the best idea if your in a rush. Otherwise, knock yourself out.

Take a walk!
As we mentioned earlier, it's kind of a stolen weekend for weather. Sure, the leaves are past peak, but there's plenty of sunshine ahead. Get outside and take a walk. Here are a few of our favorite autumn walks.

Holiday menu planning
It's about time to start thinking about Thanksgiving --whether you're hosting or looking to bring something to a gathering. If you're looking for local delicacies to bring to the holiday table, you may have to order them early. Do it this weekend and avoid some holiday hassle.

Mass MoCA
Take a drive out to Mass MoCA. Check out the Material World and Sol LeWitt exhibits and Leonard Nimoy's Secret Selves show.

12 Hours in Columbia County
Spend 12 hours in Columbia County . While you're in Hudson, you might want to wander over to BCB Gallery for the Thunder Bunny Buddha Shrine exhibit. The new and recent work by Musho Rodney Alan Greenblat look fun. They're a colorful combination of Buddhist imagery and Japanese mass-market character and product designs.

More road trips
You can also try Ulster or Schoharie county. Or head over to Bennington. Or you could do a little fall shopping in Northampton or Woodstock. And if you're up near Glens Falls, swing through town.

Holiday Shopping
Yeahhhh, they're closer than you think. You can take some of the sting out of holiday shopping this weekend by checking out the shop at The Arts Center of the Capital Region,
the Tight Knit Market at the Troy Farmer's Market,

Make some comfort food
Then share it. Here are a whole bunch of ideas!

Have a donut
Not just any donut -- a cider donut. Heck, have a bunch. There's still time to try Daniel B.'s Tour de Donut. Don't forget to pace yourself.

Or a burger
Craving a good burger? Here are some spots to try.

Go chasing waterfalls
All the rain we've had recently should mean pretty good flows for local waterfalls. Here are a few good ones to check out.

Rake leaves
Sure, this doesn't sound like fun at first -- but if you haven't gotten to it yet, get some friends to help. Rake the leaves into a big giant pile. Then jump in. Your inner 5 year old will thank you.