Good morning, Albany.

This weekend the Capital Region hosts many events including live music, film screenings, and book festivals from today through October 5 (with concerts in downtown Albany and food fests like Albany VegFest on Sunday).

Residents can plan to attend shows at venues in Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Schenectady, with ticket details available on event websites.

Twenty years ago on October 2, the 40-foot Ethan Allen boat flipped on Lake George, trapping 47 passengers and killing 20 tourists while tour guide Margie Kidon survived by swimming free—safety rules have since been tightened with stricter capacity limits and required safety videos.

Pad Thai Noodle, a family restaurant in Colonie that was reduced to rubble in April 2024 by a gas explosion, is holding its soft reopening today at 11 a.m.—the business was rebuilt with family effort and community support.

It will host a grand reopening on October 16 with a refreshed menu including sushi, burritos, and bubble tea.

Neighbors on Crestwood Court in Albany are holding a vigil tonight at 7 p.m. to honor Franz and Theresia Kraus — the elderly couple allegedly killed by their son Lorenz, who admitted the crime on camera.

Albany Barn will host its annual FUSION Anti-Gala on Oct.

17 at its Arbor Hill campus—interactive art installations, live performances and makerspace demos will offer attendees a hands-on creative experience. Tickets close at noon on Oct. 17 and must be purchased in advance for entry.

Landscapes for Landsake Art Sale and Exhibition will be held at Maple Ridge Barn in Cambridge from October 11 to 12 (about 300 art pieces will be shown in the barn and over 400 works will be available online) as artists gather to discuss their work.

The event, ASA’s largest fundraiser since 1990 (helping to conserve farms and forests in Washington and Rensselaer counties), will offer a major art-buying opportunity for the region.

The DEC announced new hunting rules that let hunters use the HuntFishNY app for licenses and to report harvests immediately — the app works without cell service and removes the need for a physical tag when the animal is kept by the hunter.

The agency also shortened the reporting time for paper tags to 48 hours and allowed crossbows for deer and bear hunts to improve wildlife management.

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan proposed her final budget and urged the Council to revert to an older zoning rule that set lower affordable housing requirements to help banks finance new builds.

Her plan includes a $500k Youth Support Hub Pilot Program plus new police positions like crisis caseworkers and a Director of Wellness, while city data shows a steep drop in market rate apartment proposals since the zoning change.

New York State is under a temporary burn ban after Governor Hochul announced it on Thursday, October 2 due to dry conditions that have raised fire risks in many counties—fires for brush and debris disposal and uncontained campfires are not allowed until at least October 15.

Officials will reevaluate the situation before deciding if the ban needs to be extended.

City officials in Albany and Schenectady have released their 2026 proposed budgets that include increased tax levies and funding for public safety, park improvements, and other key projects.

Albany’s plan proposes a 3% tax levy in a $228.7 million budget for police upgrades, playground repairs and youth support—while Schenectady’s $120.4 million plan features a raised tax rate with increased fees for garbage collection and healthcare costs.

Governor Kathy Hochul sent a letter to Homeland Security asking why New York lost $187M that cuts aid to police and fire services — the state joined 11 others in a lawsuit and a judge issued a temporary restraining order.

This action comes as concerns grow over counterterrorism and emergency efforts across New York.

Sen. Jim Tedisco honored U.S. Army veteran David W.

Lockhart during a ceremony on America’s 250th birthday by awarding him the New York State Senate Commendation Award for his appointment as National Historian for the American Legion — he was appointed on Aug. 28 and his service brings pride to Saratoga County.

Albany Skelly Run

12:00 AM — 123 S Main Ave, Albany, NY — Tickets on sale now — Get ready for a spooky fun run filled with Halloween surprises and an after-party extravaganza.

Sir Chloe Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Empire Live — Ticket pricing available — Experience the energetic pop sounds of Sir Chloe live in Albany.

TV Doctors Live at Lark Hall

6-9 p.m. — Lark Hall — Free entry — Experience a psychedelic jazz trio blending funk, reggae, and contemporary jazz with improvisational flair.

Albany Midnight Mile Vampire Run

10 PM – 3 AM — Albany, NY — Tickets on sale now — Experience a thrilling vampire-themed fun run under the moonlight.

Psychedelic Furs Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Palace Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Catch the iconic Psychedelic Furs live in a great local venue.

The EBlock Featuring Glass Pony and Victory Soul Orchestra

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Lark Hall — Ticket info not provided — Experience an electrifying night of soul, funk, and rock with some of Albany's best local bands.

Drake White Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Empire Live — Tickets from $39 — Experience the energetic performance of Drake White at a local favorite venue.

Nate's Playlist Live Performance

6-8 p.m. — The Eleven — Free entry — Experience the debut performance of Nate's Playlist in an inviting local venue.

Stardew Valley - Symphony of Seasons

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Cost not specified — Experience a musical journey through the beloved world of Stardew Valley with a live orchestra performance.

Hilltop Halloween Bash

8-9:30 p.m. — Lark Hall — Free entry for early show — Enjoy a night of funk rock with Hilltop and Red Meat Conspiracy at Lark Hall's festive Halloween event.