Good morning, Albany.

June celebrates Pride Month in Albany as ALBANYBIPOC Pride will be held on June 7 in Washington Park from 12 to 5 p.m. and the Capital PRIDE Parade and Festival, featuring international pop artists DEV and Mila Jam, will take place on June 8 with a parade beginning at 11:30 a.m. along State St — both events benefit the Pride Center of the Capital Region.

On September 19, the 18th Albany Ride for Missing Children will roll through Saratoga County on a 100-mile route to raise awareness and honor missing children and their families.

The event is now held as an official 501(c)(3) non-profit — organizers Fred Alber and Kari Bennett have shared details about summer training events and ways to get involved.

Albany Symphony will celebrate the Erie Canal bicentennial with the Water Music New York: More Voices festival, which will run from July 2 to 6 in Medina, Utica, Seneca Falls, Fort Plain and Schuylerville this summer.

The festival will present world premiere compositions—by artists like Clarice Assad and Daniel Bernard Roumain—and community events that highlight the canal’s history and cultural impact.

On Saturday, Governor Hochul joined the 100th anniversary celebration at the Museum of Firefighting in Hudson—she announced plans to expand a volunteer firefighting stipend program to lower training costs.

She said her administration invested $10 million in the program and earmarked $25 million in the budget while wildfires burn 1.7 million acres in Canada.

New York’s Brianna’s Law requires all boaters to have a boating safety certificate, a rule that started on January 1; the mandate takes effect as warmer temps bring summer boating into focus.

Nicholas Scialdone, CEO of Vivi E Basta Boat Rentals, said the law aims to boost safety—especially as many locals plan days at the lake and beach.

Health officials noted a 32 percent drop in overdose deaths last year and credited expanded treatment programs—such as the one that helped Richard Messina recover after years of opioid struggles—with the progress made so far.

State leaders aim to keep the decline going while federal uncertainty over border security and funding may challenge future efforts.

On Saturday, 1,700 women participated in Albany's 47th Delightful Run for Women and braved rainy conditions.

Molly Born from Kansas won the race and set a new record with a time of 15 minutes and 31 seconds—marking a standout achievement for the event.

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.

Albany Comic Con

10 AM – 4 PM — Polonaise Ballroom at PCC — Free for kids 12 and under with a paying adult — Enjoy the premiere comic book and collectibles show in Upstate New York.

The Native Howl Concert

7-9 p.m. — Empire Underground — $39+ — Enjoy last-minute concert tickets for a thrilling performance by The Native Howl in Albany.

Neal Francis Concert at Tricentennial Park

4:30-8:00 p.m. — Tricentennial Park — Free entry — Experience Albany’s vibrant concert series featuring diverse live performances under the summer sky.

Albany Contra Dance

7:45-11 p.m. — Elks Lodge #49 — $8 – $25 — Dance the night away with the Capital District Megaband and caller Julian Blechner in a lively contra dance experience.

Annual Summer Market

11 AM – 3 PM — Stuyvesant Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy shopping, food tastings, and live music in a vibrant summer atmosphere.

Green's Blues Jam

7:30-11:30 p.m. — McGeary's — No cover charge — Experience an exciting evening of blues music led by jam master Richard Green.

Albany Water Lantern Festival

6-10 p.m. — Empire State Plaza — $28.99 - $55.99 — Experience a magical evening of food, music, and thousands of lanterns illuminating the night with love and hope.

Make Music Albany

12 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. — Albany City Hall — Free entry — Celebrate the joy of music across Albany with performances by local talents and community participation.