Park News Article
Ten Must-Do’s This Winter in Albany, NY
December 21, 2024
Welcome to winter in Albany! It’s a brand-new season here in New York’s Capital City, and there’s so many amazing events and activities to enjoy this winter. From incredible live music and exhilarating sports to beloved annual events, there’s no shortage of fun to be had this season in Albany. Whether you’re coming in for a show or braving the cold for some world-class sightseeing, ParkAlbany’s garages and lots are always located a quick walk away from all the fun! To stay up to date with these and other must-do upcoming events, be sure to explore our extensive events calendar!
Take a Scenic Stroll through Washington Park
Explore over 80 acres of striking winter beauty in the heart of the city with a journey through Washington Park! Located between the Pine Hills and Center Square neighborhoods, this iconic park has been a fixture of Albany’s landscape since the 1870s. Unwinding in this park has been a favorite pastime for residents and visitors for over 100 years, and a fresh blanket of snow transforms the park into a dazzling winter wonderland! Make the most of your visit by grabbing a coffee from a nearby shop to warm up and enjoy a relaxing stroll around the lake and through fields of picturesque winter landscape!
Laugh Along with Chevy Chase at the Palace Theatre
Enjoy a memorable evening of holiday cheer and laughter with Chevy Chase at the Palace Theatre on December 27th! Since 1967, Chase has been a fixture of the entertainment industry, becoming a household name thanks to his roles in Saturday Night Live, Community, Caddyshack, and countless other films and TV shows. This iconic actor/comedian is coming to town to celebrate the 35th anniversary of his role in the holiday classic film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. This special event features both a screening of the film and a live conversation with Chase and his wife Jayni afterwards! Learn about Chevy Chase’s behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes from filming and even ask him a question yourself during the Q&A session!
Whether you’re looking to experience unmatched holiday vibes or hear from one of Hollywood’s most legendary personalities, you won’t want to miss this unforgettable evening in Downtown Albany! Be sure to park early at the Quackenbush Garage and grab a bite to eat from an amazing nearby eatery to start the fun early!
Cheer for the Albany FireWolves at the MVP Arena
The PACK is BACK for another year of high-octane professional lacrosse in Downtown Albany, and you won’t want to miss any of the action! The Albany FireWolves are Albany’s official box lacrosse team, playing in the National Lacrosse League with 13 other teams. Since 2021, the FireWolves have called the MVP Arena their home, playing 9 of their 18 games in Downtown Albany for adoring fans from throughout the Capital Region. This year, the FireWolves are looking to continue their strong play from last season and keep the fun going both on and off the field. For hometown fans, the team has rolled out several can’t-miss theme nights like Star Wars Night and Superhero Night! They’re set to play 5 electrifying games at home this winter, and whether you’re a seasoned lacrosse fan or new to the sport, their games are always a blast and make for a perfect outing for the whole family! Parking for each of these must-see games is available at our Green-Hudson Garage, located just a 4-minute walk from all the action.
Enjoy an Evening of Ice Skating at the Empire “Skate” Plaza
Soak up those winter vibes with a trip to the Empire State Plaza’s ice rink! Located in the foreground of the New York State Capitol and The Egg Performing Arts Center, the plaza’s ice rink offers a one-of-a-kind skating experience for all ages. Each winter, visitors bundle up and skate around the striking grounds of the plaza enjoying incredible views, music, and beautiful lights wrapped around the trees and those illuminating the iconic buildings of the plaza. New to ice skating? There are three Learn to Skate Clinics this season, one on the first Saturday of each month. Be sure to reserve your space early, as slots fill up quickly! The Empire “Skate” Plaza is open Tuesday – Sundays (subject to weather conditions & time changes), skating is free, and rentals are available for $5.00 every day except Saturday, when rentals are free! Don’t miss out on an evening of amazing views and fun for all ages at the plaza this season and enjoy a beloved winter activity in the heart of Albany, and remember that on-street parking around the plaza (and throughout Albany) is free after 5:00pm on weekdays and all-day on Saturdays & Sundays!
Experience the 2025 Extreme Music Awards at Empire Live/Empire Underground
Fans of heavy music are in for a treat this winter when the 2nd Annual Extreme Music Awards kick off at Empire Live and Empire Underground! Running between January 10th – January 12th, this event celebrates all things metal, punk, and hardcore in the greater Capital Region and Upstate New York. For the second year in a row, fans have voted on their favorite local heavy music acts for categories like “Best Death Metal Band”, “Album of the Year”, “Best New Band”, and countless other categories. In celebration of local musicians, the organizations arranging the Extreme Music Awards have lined up a full weekend of fun, starting with the pre-party show at Empire Underground on Friday featuring 7 nominated acts, the main awards show on Saturday at Empire Live, and an after-party show on Sunday at Empire Underground featuring 5 more nominated bands! This year’s award presenters feature members of legendary rock and metal bands both in-person and virtually from bands like Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax, Hatebreed, Fury of Five, and many more! Be sure to attend this incredible celebration of local talent in Downtown Albany for some hard-hitting music, praise for the area’s top acts, and surprise drop-ins from members of the biggest bands in rock and metal!
Tour the Incredible Murals & Sculptures of Quackenbush Square
Bundle up, grab your camera, and experience ParkAlbany’s amazing public art collection located throughout Quackenbush Square this winter! Public art is blossoming in Downtown Albany, and this vibrant space adjacent to the Quackenbush Garage is brimming with eclectic art from both local and international artists. Between the square and nearby garage/parking lot, there’s over 20 pieces of art to stop and admire, ranging from abstract sculptures to painted parking meters and massive murals! From the iconic “Bluebirds” by Michael Conlin and “Belonging” by Adam Fujita to the mind-bending sculpture “The Meeting of Houses” by Jeremy Entwistle, this must-visit space has so much to see and experience! After you’ve gotten your steps in checking out all the incredible art, pop into the incredible Olde English Pub and Common Roots Brewing Company for some bites and pints to close out your wintertime sightseeing journey!
Attend the 2025 Albany Chef’s Food & Wine Festival at the Albany Capital Center
Support the local arts scene while you enjoy world-class food and wine this winter during the annual Albany Chef’s Food & Wine Festival! Between January 23rd – January 25th, Downtown Albany flourishes with activity as hundreds of attendees visit for 3 days of highly anticipated wine and dine events. This year, the festival kicks off at the New York State Museum for the Mayor’s Reception, which features a toast from Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, hors d’oeuvres paired with various wines and ciders, and a chance for attendees to meet and mingle with arts beneficiaries and festival supporters. Day 2 moves to the Albany Capital Center, where attendees are treated to Grand Tastings & Seminars, featuring over 100 food, wine, and spirit vendors from across the Capital Region showcasing their very best offerings! In conjunction with the Grand Tastings, Friday is also the highly anticipated Slider Slam, where 10 of the region’s best slider makers battle it out to be crowned the judge’s & people’s choice winners for the Best Slider of 2025! Day 3 features more Grand Tastings & Seminars as well as the final Grand Gala Reception and 5 Course Dinner, all happening during live art performances and a silent auction to benefit local art organizations. From incredible food and wine to amazing art, this 3-day festival is a must-visit event this winter for foodies, wine lovers, and art enthusiasts!
Sing Along with Blake Shelton at the MVP Arena
One of the biggest names in country music is headed to the MVP Arena this winter! Blake Shelton has been a household name in the country music scene since 2001 and has received 9 Grammy nominations, 10 CMA Awards, and 6 Academy of Country Music Awards! Known for his chart-topping music and role as a judge on The Voice, Shelton has been described as “the most important and visible ambassador from Nashville to the American mainstream”. From his 12 studio albums to his 10 headlining world tours, renowned philanthropic efforts, and membership in the coveted Grand Ole Opry, Blake is bringing his “Friends & Heroes 2025” Tour to Downtown Albany with a stacked lineup of talent, including Emily Ann Roberts, Trace Adkins, Deana Carter, and Craig Morgan! The MVP Arena is the place to be on March 8th for a lively evening of country, and ParkAlbany has the event parking covered at the nearby Green-Hudson & Riverfront Garages!
Catch the Legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band at The Egg Performing Arts Center
Since 1963, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band has been one of the world’s premier jazz collectives, and they’re stopping by The Egg Performing Arts Center for a can’t-miss show on March 8th! This group has held the torch of New Orleans’ jazz scene aloft for more than 60 years, serving as the city’s premier jazz ensemble and holding down their residency at Preservation Hall ever since. While the hall was initially an art gallery in the 1950s, an art dealer invited local jazz musicians to come play to attract customers, and the rest is history! Preservation Hall in New Orleans remains a premier destination for jazz aficionados from all over the world, and their house band is embarking on a tour to bring their world-class music to fans outside of New Orleans! Led by director Ben Jaffe, the son of original managers Allan and Sandra Jaffe, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band currently consists of 7 musicians and has produced 20 albums of jazz since their inception. Whether you love jazz or want to witness history in action, the incredible acoustics of The Egg make for the perfect place to experience this storied ensemble this winter in Albany!
Enjoy the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Albany
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Albany during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15th! The 74th annual parade brings a sea of green and fun to the streets of New York’s Capital City, featuring an action-packed morning of local organizations, first responders, and community members coming together for a spirited stroll through the city’s streets. With music, floats, nods to Irish culture, and plenty of fun, the parade kicks off on Central Avenue at Lexington Avenue and continues to Downtown Albany along State Street all the way to Green Street. Along the way, spectators line the sidewalks and cheer on the parade during a day where “everyone’s a little Irish”! This parade kicks off St. Patrick’s Day weekend in the city, as visitors celebrate the luck of the Irish and enjoy specials at downtown bars and restaurants. If you’re looking for an excuse to wear that green shirt and get outside during the colder months, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a great way to enjoy a day of high spirits and festive cheer in Downtown Albany!
From music to sightseeing and plenty in between, you’re sure to have a blast this winter in Albany! Not a fan of the cold weather? Our conveniently located garages & lots are always located a short walk from your destination, so you don’t have to brave the cold for too long! Be sure to browse our events calendar for the latest details on these and other events and enjoy all there is to see and do this season in Albany, NY!
