Downtown News

State, city, and local officials announce “Deck the Hall-bany: Holiday Market and Festival”
The Albany Parking Authority and the Downtown Albany BID, along with the City of Albany, and Assemblymember Gabriella Romero, today announced the upcoming Deck the Hall-bany: Holiday Market and Festival. The festival will take place at the Clinton Market Collective and Quackenbush Square on November 22nd, 29th, and December 6th and 13th, just in time for the holiday season.
Costumed canines, a Puppy Parade, and a Haunted Spelling Bee(r) bring Halloween fun to Downtown
Costumed canines, a Puppy Parade, and a Haunted Spelling Bee(r) bring Halloween fun to Downtown
Your Downtown Albany Fall Calendar
Downtown Albany is your fall destination for seasonal dining, shopping deals, and family-friendly fun. Celebrate autumn with Capital Region events like Hounds of Halloween, Trick-or-Treat at the Palace, and Oktoberfest, while enjoying everything from pumpkin spice treats to local shopping in the heart of Upstate NY.
PearlPalooza T-shirts are now available for pre-order
PearlPalooza is on Saturday, September 13, on Pearl Street in downtown Albany. Order this limited-edition T-shirt for PearlPalooza today.
Audit Services Request for Proposals
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District is seeking an RFP for a contracted auditor.
Downtown Albany BID Announces New Slate of Officers, Board Members at 2025 Annual Meeting
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) announced a new slate of officers for its Board of Directors during the 2025 Annual Meeting held on Thursday, August 7, at the Country Inn & Suites located at 300 Broadway
Mayor Kathy Sheehan and The Hollow Bar + Kitchen Owners Honored for Exceptional Contributions to Downtown Albany
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2025 Annual Awards. Honorees include Mayor Kathy Sheehan, who received the James M. DiNapoli Award, and Dora and Mike Philip, co-owners of The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, who received the Downtown Luminary Award.
PearlPalooza & YogaPalooza return Saturday, September 13
PearlPalooza returns on Saturday, September 13, 2025, in downtown Albany, featuring Rubblebucket and more.
Free things to do in Albany this summer: in and around Downtown
Whether you’re into health and wellness, history and art, music and culture, or just love a good free event, we’ve got you covered! 🌟 Downtown Albany is at the core of dozens of free events this summer, and this list is just the beginning.
We’ll keep it updated as more free happenings pop up in the Downtown District and surrounding areas, so check back often!
Something is Cooking on Madison Avenue in Downtown
Downtown's Madison Avenue is quietly thriving as longtime favorites and new restaurants come together to strengthen the neighborhood’s identity. Highlights include Hattie’s Restaurant, powered by Business for Good and launching a workforce training program; Café Capriccio, recently honored with the NYS Senate Empire Award for 43 years of service; and The Excelsior Pub, named 2025 Retailer of the Year. Local staples like Hill Street Café and newcomers like Suga Foots Soul Kitchen round out a food scene that’s as rooted in tradition as it is in community growth.