Good morning, Albany.

Barbara’s School of The Dance in Delmar celebrated 50 years teaching dance styles—founded in the 1970s by former NYC Rockettes dancer Barbara Gallager—and is now led by her former student Caley Dalpe who expanded classes to include new dance genres, adult classes and a competition team.

Crowds visited Washington Park yesterday for Albany's annual Tulip Festival, where over 100,000 tulips bloomed and the new Tulip Queen was crowned—live music filled the park despite heavy rainfall earlier.

The festival will continue today.

State and Capital Region law enforcement agencies warned parents on May 10 about the dangerous Chromebook Challenge — a trend encouraging students to insert metal items in school-issued Chromebooks that can short circuit batteries and provoke fires — and advised families to follow emergency protocols if a device is damaged.

Rensselaer County deputies arrested Jeffrey Shaw after a search on Classic Street in Hoosick Falls that found crack cocaine, digital scales, packaging materials and over $1,300 in cash—while a separate search on 4th Avenue in Troy led to the detention of Asjmere Powell, who was found with heroin laced with fentanyl, cocaine, cash and a loaded handgun.

Albany's 77th Annual Tulip Festival is underway this weekend with record vendors and new Tulip Queen Abigail Williams crowned Saturday.

Mayor Kathy Sheehan said the tulips look the best in years—the festival will continue until Sunday with the Capital Region's Best Mom event planned.

Beverly Schwartz started a program linking her third grade class with RPI in 1987 and was honored Friday in Albany for her work in hands-on learning—U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko and the New York State Assembly recognized her breakthrough.

Lawmakers approved the $254 billion budget late Thursday and Governor Hochul said it includes investments in childcare, housing, banning cellphones during school, and tax relief checks—Assemblyman Scott Bendett stated the budget now addresses challenges like lagging population growth in his district.

Fifteen-year-old Alexis McCarthy, a freshman at South Glens Falls High, made progress after surgery to remove a large tumor from her liver at Boston Children's Hospital on Tuesday.

She walked on Friday and had visitors on Saturday — her family said she donated part of her healthy liver to research, will return home next week, and a fundraiser is scheduled for June 22 at the American Legion in Hudson Falls on 72 Pearl Street from 1-5 p.m.

A new guidebook—Biking the Empire State Trail: A Guided Tour from Buffalo to Albany—was released last month by Jennifer Hillman and William McKevver to help cyclists explore New York’s scenic beauty, rich history, and local cuisine.

It details route options for quick family rides or longer trips along the trail—complete with dining and shopping stops.

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.