All Over Albany

Stuff to do this weekend

Memorial Day weekend -- the three day kick-off to the unofficial start of summer. If you're still looking for a plan, you'll find some weekend fodder after the jump.

Got something else in mind? Share with the group.

Whatever you're up too this weekend, have fun!

TNO
It's the last Friday of the month, which means it's Troy Night Out. Shops and galleries will be open late all over the Collar City. There's a collective show at The Fulton Street Art Gallery, short story readings by Elizabeth McCracken at Carmen's Cafe, a free tour of the historic Troy Music Hall(leaves at 6 pm, space is limited), food tasting at Pioneer Market from 5-7 and lots of other fun stuff. And as always, Daisy Baker's hosts the TNO official-unofficial after party with dancing from 9 pm to 2 am.

Troy Bike Rescue's Bike Party
The Troy Bike Rescue celebrates 10 years with a fundraiser at The Sanctuary for Independent Media on Saturday. There's a bike rodeo, music, homemade Indian food, desserts, trivia, raffles and a silent auction. Suggested donations of $10-$25. 2 - 7:30 pm.

Walk-in/Drive-in Double feature
The It Came From Schenectady folks have another event this weekend. On Saturday night at Proctors they're screening a double feature of some of the best of the worst camp-schlock drive-in films: Greydon Clark's It Came Without Warning and Satan's Cheerleaders. The evening will also include a Skype address from Cashiers du Cinemart publisher Mike White. $9, $6 students.

Music

+ Friday at Valentine's: pop rock group Gracie's Paris, with The Spanish Channel and The Blisterz. 8 pm

+ The Snoop Dog show at Northern Lights on Saturday is sold out.

+ Roseanne Cash is playing MASS MoCA Saturday evening. 8 pm - $35 and $39

+ The Brooklyn/Philly-based ensemble Cuddle Magic plays work for strings, percussion, vibraphone, clarinet, keyboards, guitars and other fun stuff. It's at Caffe Lena Saturday night with Phyllis Chen on the toy piano. 8 pm - $12 in advance / $14 at the door

+The GottaGetGone Folk Festival is at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds all weekend with performers, workshops and informal jam sessions.

Rolling along
+ Hubbard Hall's run of Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along continues this weekend. $25

Parades
There are Memorial Day parades throughout the CR this weekend. Here are a few:
+ Ballston Spa: Saturday morning at 9 am.
+ Albany: Monday at 9:30 am. Starts at Partridge and Central and heads down Central to Washington with a reviewing stand at the State Ed. building.
+ Lansingburgh: Monday at 11 am. It runs from 123rd Street and 5th Avenue, South to 115th Street and 5th Avenue and over to 2nd Avenue and wraps up at 121st street.

Remember what Memorial Day is really about
Sure, enjoy a barbecue or a good sale, but if you want to spend a little bit of Memorial Day -- you know -- remembering (and seeing something interesting), check out the The USS Slater. The destroyer escort is anchored at The Port of Albany and it's open for tours. $7 for adults, $5 for kids. There's a special Memorial Day observance on Monday morning from 9 to 9:30.

Swimming
No, the pools aren't open yet, but it's beach season in the Capital Region. Beaches at Grafton and Moreau lakes open on Sunday. There's a sand sculpture contest for all ages at Grafton on Monday.

Cruisin'
Dutch Apple Cruises is giving a Memorial Day site seeing cruise from Albany to Castleton and back. Board at 12:30, cruise from 1-3 -- $18.

Chase Waterfalls
With all the rain we've been having, we're thinking that the areas waterfalls must be looking pretty good right now. Looking for some? Here's a place to start.

BBQ
There should be plenty of barbecue weather this weekend. A stop at Rolf's may be required.

Drive-in
It's the unofficial start of summer, so a drive-in seems appropriate. The Hollywood and the Jericho are screening Pirates of the Caribbean and Thor. The Malta Drive-in has that same double feature on one screen. On the other screen Malta is showing Hangover II and Bridesmaids.

Road Trip
Three day weekends are a great excuse for a road trip. Take a shopping trip to Northampton or spend 12 hours here, here or here.

Grant Cottage
The cottage where President Ulysses S. Grant spent his last days is up on McGregor Mountain, just north of Saratoga. The cottage opens to visitors for the season this weekend. In addition to the history, there are some great views from the mountain. $5/$4 (under 6 free)

Farmers' Markets
Check out the markets in Troy or Saratoga on Saturday, or the Schenectady Greenmarket on Sunday. Pick up something delicious and local and have a Memorial Day picnic.

Brunch
Spend a lazy morning/afternoon lingering over brunch and a Bloody Mary or enjoy a great diner breakfast.

Ice Cream
Have you picked a favorite summer ice cream joint yet? If not, you can try to narrow down the selections with the Tour de Soft Serve or AOA's Ice Cream Tour.

Photo:Sebastien Barre