Things To Do This Spring – Rensselaer County

Erin - Rensselaer County - Blog

This is the last blog in my 4-blog series. Make sure to check out the things to do in Albany County, Saratoga County, and Schenectady County too! There are lots of events to choose from this spring in the Capital Region.

Maple Sugar Weekend at Kent’s Sugar House
When: March 17th & 18th and March 24th & 25th – 10a – 4p
Where: Kent’s Sugar House, 2529 Plank Road, Berlin, NY 12022
Admission: Breakfast: Adults – $7, Kids 3-10 – $4, Under 3 are free
Further Info: https://mapleweekend.nysmaple.com/places/united-states/new-york/berlin/nys-sugarmaker/kents-sugar-house/

Starting off with a delicious pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 17th and March 24th, it’s Maple Sugar Weekend! All weekend you can learn about the syrup making process at Kent’s Sugar House. Find out how the sap is taken from trees and then boiled to a finished product. Plus, see the wood-fired evaporator with steam away in action at this working sugar house. Sample syrup and delicious maple popcorn; purchase all sorts of maple items including maple sugar, candy, cream and syrup! Make sure to stop by the pancake breakfast, being held on Saturday of each weekend, at the Berlin United Methodist Church, from 7:30am – 1pm. Grab a hearty breakfast featuring Kent’s syrup!

 

27th Annual Hoosick Falls St. Patricks Day Parade and Irish Fest
When: Saturday, March 17th – 12pm
Where: Wood Park, Hoosick Falls, NY
Admission: Free
Further Info: http://www.renscotourism.com/events/27th-annual-hoosick-falls-st-patricks-parade-and-irish-fest/

Enjoy a day full of Irish fun for the whole family! Start off with the annual parade featuring floats, firetrucks, and five bands! Once the parade has wrapped up the Irish Fest will begin. Stop over to Wood Park to grab some food, drinks and browse a variety of vendors, while enjoying live music from Hellcat Maggie and Kevin McKrell. Have some fun with Celctic Games at the Sand Bar Restaurant or stop by the Polish Hall for some corned beef sandwiches and music from Together Again and The Original Express Band. Looking for something more traditional? Enjoy a corned beef dinner over at the Eagle’s Club with music from the Snake House Band. Enjoy Irish beer and food at Man of Kent. No matter what you are in for great a great time celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Hoosick Falls!

 

One Giant Try It!
When: Sunday, March 18th – 12pm – 3pm
Where: The Arts Center of the Capital Region – 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180
Admission: Free for all ages
Further Info: https://www.artscenteronline.org/one-giant-try-it/

Get your creativity on! Join talented instructors at The Arts Center of the Capital Region and find your inner crafter. Spend your day learning how to make one-of-a-kind pieces including pottery, digital arts, painting, stained glass, and more. Plus it is free and open to all ages, so bring the kids!

 

Capital District Garden and Flower Show
When: Friday, March 23rd – 10a – 8p
Saturday, March 24th – 9a – 7p
Sunday, March 25th – 10a – 5p
Where: Hudson Valley Community College – McDonough Physical Education Complex
80 Vandenburgh Ave, Troy, NY 12180
Admission: Adults – $14    Kids under 12 – Free    2-day Pass – $20    3-day Pass – $30
Further Info: http://gardenandflowershow.com

Never come across a sports complex with a pleasant smell? There is a first time for everything! Taking over 60,00 square feet at the McDonough Physical Education Complex at Hudson Valley Community College, the Capital District Garden and Flower show is a premier gardening event for everyone! Catch lectures, demonstrations and classes from professionals and experts and learn some tips that you can apply to your own floral masterpieces. Take in the enchanting, full-size garden exhibits from local landscaping artists including WM Design Scapes, Inc. of Malta, Weathered Wood of Troy, Martin Dodge Designs of Petersburgh, and more! You will be amazed by the beauty of floral creations from professional floral designers, garden club members, amateurs, and students. This juried floral art show will include 12 categories to be judged by an expert panel. Cast your vote for People’s Choice winner and don’t miss the 2018 classes, they’re filling up fast. The marketplace will be open with everything you could need for your home. Products and services will include plants and seeds, supplied and equipment, tools, hardscapes, outdoor furniture, outdoor decor, shed, patios, decks, pools, and spas. Vendors will include Home Advisor, Emerich’s Sales and Service, Saratoga Sod Farm, Tomato Snaps, Eddie’s Aquarium Center, Hewitts Garden Center, Green Scapes, L. Browe Asphalt, and many more. Plus, grab some food and drinks, or enjoy a wine tasting. See the above link for complete details and to order your tickets online.

 

HVCC Kids On Campus Summer Programs
When: Saturday, March 24th
Where: Hudson Valley Community College – Siek Campus Center
80 Vandenburgh Ave, Troy, NY 12180
Admission: Free
Further Info: http://www.hvcc.edu/kidscamps/

Looking for some activities for your kids this summer? HVCC is hosting a free summer camp fair to help kids and families find the perfect camp program for a memorable summer. There will be dozens of local camp programs and of course summer camps at HVCC. Stop by and enjoy lots of fun activities, raffles, face painting, and more. Plus you can meet summer camp staff! When you are finished signing up for summer activities, make sure to stop over at the McDonough Physical Education Complex and check out the Capital District Garden and Flower Show.

 

A Taste of Troy
When: Tuesday, April 17th – 6p – 8:30p
Where: Franklin Terrace Ballroom – 126 Campbell Ave, Troy, NY 12180
Admission: $25 in advance, $30 at the door
Further Info: https://www.hopeseven.com/a-taste-of-troy

This a fantastic fundraising event to benefit Hope 7’s Community Center’s Youth Programs and Food Pantry. Enjoy delicious food from wonderful Troy area restaurants including Big Dave’s BBQ Catering, Brown’s Brewing Co., Franklin Terrace Ballroom, O’Brien’s Public House, Slidin’ Dirty and many more. The 8th Annual “A Taste of Troy” event will also feature a special brook signing With John Gray; journalist, writer, and author of “God Needed A Puppy.” Purchase your copy at the event and have it signed by John from 7p – 8:30p. This year’s event will also have live music, a DJ, raffles and auctions. Remember to Like the Hope 7 Community Center or Taste of Troy Facebook pages and keep up with added restaurants, vendors, and info.

 

Earth Day Block Party
When: Saturday, April 21st – 2p – 5p
Where: Fulton Street, Troy, NY
Admission: Adult – $30    Kids- $10.00
Further Info: http://www.downtowntroy.org/raise-plant-grow/

A fun, spring fundraiser for the Troy BID’s Raise. Plant. Grow. Tree Initiative, bringing green to the cityscape. The Earth Day Block Party is a chance to join the local community in celebrating with Earth Day themed events and activities, live music by Oobleck, and lots of stuff for the kids to do. Admission includes foods from local Troy eateries and 2 drink tickets with beverages provided by Hudson-Chatham Winery. Prior to Earth Day, the Downtown Troy BID will begin planting weather permitting. This year they will focus on empty tree wells along Fulton Street, expanding Troy’s urban canopy. Enjoy Earth Day and support a good cause!

6th Annual Collar City Craft Fest
When: Friday, April 27th and Saturday, April 28th – 12p – 5p
Where: The Arts Center of the Capital Region – 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180
Admission: $5
Further Info: https://www.artscenteronline.org/collar-city-craft-fest/

The 6th Annual Collar City Craft Fest is a juried art show featuring the best of the best of local artists and crafters in a fun exhibition event. This event continues to grow and get bigger; this year attendees can expect to see an expanded marketplace. Chat with the creators and learn about their process. See something you like? It just might be for sale! Stop by for one-of-a-kind finds, perfect for a gift for a friend or for yourself.

 

ToLife! 20th Annual Gala – “A Toast ToLife!”
When: Tuesday, May 1st – 5:30p – 8:30p
Where: Franklin Plaza Ballroom – 4 4th Street, Troy, NY 12180
Admission: N/A
Further Info: http://www.tolife.org/breast-cancer-events/gala/  or Call: (518) 439-5975

This annual spring fundraiser for educational programs, support services, and wellness programs of ToLife!, an organization dedicated to educating and supporting those battling breast cancer. The annual gala, held at the Franklin Plaza Ballroom, will feature tasty treats from local area restaurants and a silent auction. There will also be a short program of celebration, where awards will be given and attendees will be presented with a film, highlighting all of the exciting activities and events from the past year. Check out the link above to keep up with all of the info including participating restaurants.

 

Raptor Fest
When: Saturday, May 19th – 10a – 4p
Where: Schodack Island State Park
Admission: Free
Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2030748753847593/

Enjoy the mid-spring weather with a lesson in nature. This family-friendly event is perfect for all the animal lovers out there. Join the Audobon Society of the Capital Region and learn all about birds of prey. This annual event is held at Schodack Island State Park and will feature magnificent birds of prey, educational commentary, live music, food, and drinks. Make a day of it in the park and come and see some amazing raptors.

There is lots of things to do this spring, all over the Capital Region. Get out into your local community and take advantage of exciting programs!

Erin Miller is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with HUNT Real Estate ERA in Clifton Park, NY. Erin can help you find the perfect house in the Capital Region. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, Erin can help. Visit her website and find her reviews on Zillow.