Good morning, Albany.

Today, Washington Park hosts the 77th annual Albany Tulip Festival as part of the Mother's Day weekend celebrations, featuring over 140,000 tulips in 150 varieties, artisan stalls, a fine arts show, and a kid zone for family fun.

The event offers live entertainment and free parking with a complimentary shuttle service from several lots—providing an easy way for locals to join in the spring festivities.

Jennie Erin Smith will talk about and sign her new book Valley of Forgetting: Alzheimer's Families and the Search for a Cure today at 3 p.m. at The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza in Albany, and the book tells the story of a Colombian community with a rare genetic mutation that is offering clues to fight Alzheimer’s disease.

College students across the Capital Region are set to graduate in May and June at schools including Siena College, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and RPI today—with ceremonies featuring keynote speakers like Al Roker and Mayor Kathy Sheehan as families gather to celebrate their achievements.

The hazardous waste incinerator at Norlite in Cohoes was shut down last March amid legal challenges — and the facility remains inactive as the company evaluates whether to switch to a cleaner fuel option while supporting local development and job opportunities.

Gray and Vicki Watkins donated 54 acres along Alplaus Kill to the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy for a nature preserve that will open in July.

The couple—longtime residents of Alplaus—hope the new trails and creek area will let future generations enjoy this natural space.

State lawmakers from the Capital Region have sent a letter to the Department of Health after a report found hundreds of violations at Albany Medical Center, where unionized nurses have worked without a contract since August 1.

They hope the hospital will address unsafe staffing levels — a change that could protect both patients and staff.

State lawmakers approved a law that will lower New York's minimum hiring age for prison guards from 21 to 18 to help fix a shortage—new officers cannot use firearms or transport inmates and must be supervised for their first 18 months.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to sign the law soon.

Tamara Starr tried circus arts at Good Karma Studio in Albany as she ditched her sneakers and got airborne using aerial silks and bungee workouts — showing that fitness can be exciting and different.

Fontaines D.C. Concert

7:00 – 9:30 PM — Empire Live — $65 — Experience the energy of Fontaines D.C. live in Albany, NY.

Albany Job Fair

2-6 p.m. — Holiday Inn Express & Suites Albany Airport Area — Free admission — Connect with 90+ companies hiring and find the job of your dreams.

Kane Brown's High Road Tour Featuring Ashley Cooke

7-11 p.m. — MVP Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of country hits with Kane Brown and special guests Mitchell Tenpenny and Ashley Cooke.

World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby

7-8:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the jazz-filled world of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic in a stunning ballet premiere.

The Uncle Louie Variety Show

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Italian American Community Center — Ticket required — A night filled with laughter, music, and entertainment awaits at this dinner-show event.

Capital District Reptile Expo - Spring 2025

10 AM – 4 PM — Albany Capital Center — $12 adults, $6 children — Explore 82,000 sq. feet of reptiles, exotic pets, and family-friendly fun.

Wilderado Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Empire Live — $15 — Gametime is offering last-minute tickets for an exciting concert by Wilderado in Albany.

Spring Dinner at Grappa '72

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Grappa '72 — Cash preferred — Enjoy a delightful casual Italian dining experience with a well-respected menu.

Alive at Five Summer Concert Series - Classic Rock Night

4:30-9 p.m. — Tricentennial Park — Free entry — Experience a night of classic rock with Queensryche and Gozer during Albany’s signature summer concert series.

Raymour & Flanigan Paint & Save

1-3 p.m. — Raymour & Flanigan — $1.50 ticket service fee — Paint a mug to support mental health therapy for service members and veterans.