All Over Albany

Stuff to do this weekend

The weekend forecast is playing into our denial just perfectly. As far as we're concerned, there's plenty of summer still remaining We're choosing not to count off the days until Labor Day closes the pools and the ice cream stands start to disappear and...

No. We are not giving in.

Instead, we've compiled our list of stuff to do this weekend with an eye toward enjoying what the season has left -- summer foods, drive-in movies, trips to the Track, swimming pools and more.

After the jump, a few things you might want to try this weekend.

Got something else in mind? Tell us about it.

And whatever you do, have a fantastic weekend.

The Travers
The biggest race of the Saratoga season -- The Travers Stakes -- is Saturday. Post time for the first race that day is earlier than usual: 11:35 am.

Travers celebrations and special events are going on all weekend at The Track and in Saratoga:

+ Friday: Battle of the Brews, a tasting of beers from regional and national brewers ($30). A benefit for the American Red Cross.

+ Friday: Travers Eve Festival in downtown Saratoga with "strolling entertainment" and giveaways (Saratoga will be packed with all the crowds in town for the race the next day).

Washington County Fair
The Washington County Fair continues through Sunday, at the Washington County fairgrounds in Greenwich. All the usual fair fare: rides, exhibits, entertainment, food. $10 adults / under 14 free / all week $30 / ride tickets are extra

Theater
The packed summer theater festival season continues. A few highlights for this week:

+ The Theater Barn in New Lebanon presents Stephen Sondheim's A Funny thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 4 pm & 8 pm $24, Sunday at 2 pm $22.

+ Berkshire Theater Festival presents Brace Yourself, a new play starting Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker. Friday at 8 pm and Saturday at 2 pm & 8pm. $37 & $57.

+ The Local Actors Guild of Saratoga is doing Chicago at The Arts Center of Saratoga (320 Broadway). Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday afternoon at 2 pm. $20

Latinfest
LatinFest is a celebration of Latin music, food and arts and culture on Saturday in Albany's Washington Park. Music includes Tito Rojas, Tony Swing, Brenda K. Starr and more. Craft vendors, food vendors bands and kids activities. 11am to 6pm. Free admission.

Pass It On
The bi-annual Pass It On consignment sale for kids stuff is this Saturday and Sunday, at a new location -- the SportsPlex in Halfmoon (previous sales have been at the Albany Academy field house). Pass It On is big and very popular. There are usually good deals on gently-used kids stuff. Your best bet is probably to go first thing Saturday morning -- Sunday is half-price day (for whatever's left over from Saturday). (The sale technically starts on Friday, but it's only open to volunteers, consignors and new parents (new parent registration is closed).) Saturday 8 am-9 pm, Sunday 9 am-4 pm - free entry

Chefs Consortium farm-to-table event
The Chefs Consortium is hosting a farm-to-table dinner on Sunday to benefit the Carey Center for Global Good in Rensselarvile. Local food, craft brews, and music by Black Mountain Symphony. 6pm to 9 pm $40 per person. Tickets are available online.here.

Olana Dog Fair
Bring your dog to Olana State Historic Site for a dog fair on Saturday afternoon. There will be trainers and veterinarians on-hand to give advice plus vendors, prizes, and a dog parade. After the fair there's a free outdoor screening of Lady and the Tramp. Be sure to bring the leash though -- tt's required. 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm. $5 per car. Movie at 7:30 pm Suggested donation $5 per person

Music

Friday: MaryLeigh and the Fauves at Putnam Den
With: Lunic. 9 pm - free

Friday: Wilhelm McKay at Hudson River Coffee House
Indie folk/country rock from Asheville, North Carolina.

Saturday: Eastbound Jesus at Putnam Den
With: The Mallett Brothers, Blind Owl Band. 9 pm - $5

Saturday: Red Baraat at Helsinki Hudson
A nine-piece band that plays a fusion of bhangra and funk -- it works. 9 pm - $15

Sunday: Chick Corea and Gary Burton at Tanglewood
"Exploring their unique takes on 'standards'." 8 pm - $19 and up

Comedy
Ethan Ullman hosts a comedy showcase Friday night at The Mine in Saratoga, with Kevin Marshall and a host of other local stand-up acts. 8 pm - 11 pm. Free.

Corn Maze
Fort Ticonderoga has opened one of the first corn mazes of the season. It's a six-acre maze with clues and a scavenger hunt. Open 9:30-4:30. $17.50 for adults, Seniors $14, kids $8. Under 5 free.

Ghost Walk
Historian and author of Supernatural Saratoga, Mason Winfield, leads a ghost walk around the Spa City. Saturday night 7pm-9pm. $10 adults, $5 for ages 7-11.

Bacon
On Sunday at the Arts Center of the Capital Region there's a class on how to make home-cured bacon with Erika Tebbens (from the From Scratch Club).

Farmers' markets
The abundance of great farmers' markets is one of the best things about living in the Capital Region, and this is the best time of year to check them out. Among the markets open this weekend: Troy (Saturday), Delmar (Saturday), Saratoga (Saturday), and Schenectady (Sunday).

Troy Flea
Troy Flea, the TightKnit Saturday market that includes "handmade, vintage and antique art and goods," continues its season. It's on the block of River Street in Troy south of the farmers' market. Saturday 9 am-2 pm

Swimming
Pool season will be over before you know it. Check the forecast and find the right time to hit up a local pool or a beach while you can.

Ice Cream
Seasonal ice cream stands are winding down their season, so get to your favorite while you still can. Check out one of the 12 staples at The Ice Cream Man, or the winners of Daniel B's Tour de Hard Cream or one of these stops on the AOA Ice Cream Tour.

Baseball
The Tri-City ValleyCats play a three game series against the Vermont Lake Monsters this weekend at The Joe. Friday and Saturday games are at 7pm. Sunday at 5 pm $5.50 - $11.50

Road trip
One of the best things about the anticipated change in season? New Clothes. Try a shopping trip to Northampton . But who needs new clothes when you have good beer and cheese -- maybe a visit to a brewery or cheese farm. Or take a trip out to Western Mass and take in the flowers while you still can at the Berkshire Botanical Garden.

Brunch
It's one of the best ways to spend a lazy weekend morning. Here are a few fun brunch options and some great diner breakfast stops.

The Saratoga Race Course and the Arts Center advertise on AOA

photo courtesy of NYRA