All Over Albany

Stuff to do this weekend

Alright, put that turkey leg back in the fridge. Before you polish off the rest of the leftovers, it's time to shake off that food coma and get out and do something.

Got plans? You'll find a few ideas we pulled together after the jump. Pick your favorites, grab the guests and get out and have some fun.

Got something planned that's not on our list? Share it with the group. And whatever you're doing, this holiday weekend, we hope you're enjoying it with great people.

Ice Skating
The Empire State Plaza ice skating rink opens on Friday. The rink will be open all weekend from 11a.m. to 8p.m. Skating is free. Skate rental is free every Friday. The rest of the week it's $4 for adults and $3 for kids.

Theater

Wicked
The multi-week run at Proctors for the touring company of Wicked ends on Sunday. Friday at 2p.m. and 8p.m., Saturday at 2p.m. and 8p.m., Sunday at 1p.m. and 6:30p.m.

This Wonderful Life
This Wonderful Life is a one man show based on the classic holiday film "It's a Wonderful Life." The show opens in previews this weekend at Capital Rep. Friday at 8p.m., Saturday at 3p.m. & 8p.m., Sunday at 3p.m. $20-$60.

You Can't Take It With You
Kaufman & Hart's classic comedy "You Can't Take It With You" continues this weekend at Hubbard Hall in Cambridge. Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. $25. $15 for students/children.

Comedy

MopCoTheaterSports -- The finals
TheaterSports is kind of like em>Whose Line is it Anyway -- teams of improvisors create scenes and songs based on audience suggestions. Tonight,Mop & Bucket Company TheaterSports tournament winners Funmergency face off against the MopCo. alumni team -- veteran improvisors, some of whom are working with NYC based improv groups. Underground at Proctors on Friday at 8 pm - $14, $6 students and seniors

Movies

+ Holiday movie season is underway. On the list of new and well reviewed films: Spielberg's Lincoln, Flight with Denzel, Argo, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Skyfall (a bit different for a Bond pic, but good), Ang Lee's The Life of Pi (based on the book) and Silver Linings Playbook.

+ The Crandell Theater in Chatham is screening a 35mm print of Raiders of the Lost Ark on Saturday afternoon at 4 pm. Not only are the screening a great 1981 movie -- they're charging 1981 prices. Tickets are only $2.50. If you want to go this far, there may be some folks dressed as their favorite characters -- so if you have a leather jacket big hat and a bull whip you've been wanting to wear, here's your chance. Leave the snakes at home.

Take them to a museum
If you feel the need to take relatives and friends visiting for the holiday somewhere -- or if you just need to get away from them -- many museums around the region are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The State Museum (close, free, new Civil War exhibit), the Albany Institute (close, half-price, holiday gift fair), miSci (close, kids) MASS MoCA (unusual, big spaces, good for kids), The Clark (good for art lovers, darling), and the Baseball Hall of Fame (a whole day trip with Cooperstown) are all open.

Sean Rowe
A high-quality show Friday night at Putnam Den: Sean Rowe, with Matthew Carefully. Rowe's been on tour around the US lately, getting good reviews (and, you know, becoming famous). This is a good time to catch him back home in the Capital Region. And Mr. Carefully always puts on an interesting show. 9 pm - $8 at door

Music

Friday: De La Soul at Upstate Concert Hall
Old school hip hop. Rescheduled from November 9. With: Mirk, DJ Playground.8:30 pm - $22.50 ahead / $25 day of

Friday: Who's Who at Valentine's
(At least) 7 acts playing songs by The Who. 8 pm - $10

Saturday: The Felice Brothers at Helsinki Hudson
With: The Hunger Mountain Boys. 9 pm - $20 ahead / $22 day of

Saturday: Katie Haverly at The Foundry
She's back! (For a night.) With: Rosary Beard. 7:30 pm - $5

Saturday: Thanksgiving Soul Jam at the Palace
Multiple helpings of soul, 70s style. 8 pm - $39

Local Shopping
If you want to get your holiday shopping started here are a few local shopping options:

Albany Institute Holiday Gift Fair
Stop in and visit the museum and you can get some shopping done while you're there. The gift shop is open and local vendors will have art, jewelry and all sorts of gifts and crafts for sale. Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10a.m. to 5p.m. $5 admission.

Small Business Saturday, Saratoga
There's a craft marketplace in the Saratoga City Center on Saturday from 10a.m. to 4:30p.m. $4 admission

Holiday Lights
The Capital Holiday Lights in Washington Park open on Friday night starting at 6p.m. $15 per car.

Dickens Holiday Festival
Longfellows in Saratoga is hosting a Dickens Holiday Festival with carolers, food and craft vendors. Sunday from 11a.m. to 4p.m. $8 admission. Under 8 years old, free.

Trees
Get some decorating ideas or just get into the spirit of the season at Schenectady's Festival of Trees at the Schenectady County Historical Society. Friday from noon to 8p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m to 8p.m.

Hockey
The Albany Devils are at home on Saturday night against Syracuse (5p.m.) and Sunday against Wilkes Barre Scranton (4p.m). Tickets $13.50 to $25.

Albany Sports Card & Memorabilia Show
This might be a place to do a little holiday shopping for sports fans, or just relive a baseball card collecting childhood. More than 35 vendors will be part of The Albany Sports Card Memorabilia Show, with vintage and modern cards, autographs and other collectables. Sunday from 9a.m. to 3p.m. at the Best Western on Wolf Road. Free admission.

Spend time with your family and friends
That's what the holidays are for.

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