Calling all pet parents! While you've been home, your pets have surely been operating under New York on PAWS (you know, climbing all over your desk, making not so subtle appearances on your Zoom calls, etc.). And now, we want to see those photos of your pets at home!

The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District is working to collect community feedback information as the businesses within our District continue to re-open or expand services under New York Forward. We will use this data to inform our retail and retail-related businesses and restaurants about consumer insights and habits as we work toward Phase IV re-opening and beyond.

The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) has announced $250,000 in grants available to brick and mortar businesses within the District to support re-opening and repairing following significant economic impact related to COVID-19 and vandalization during recent demonstrations.

We invite you to support - today and every day - the Black-owned businesses and organizations in downtown Albany. These leaders of their industries offer a wide array of services and through them you can master a new yoga pose, enjoy an incredible meal, experience meaningful exhibits and programs, and sport new clothes, accessories, and hairdos.

As officials begin preparations to re-open the Capital Region under the State’s four-phased, regional plan, the Downtown Albany BID is compiling information to assist Stakeholders as they plan to, once able, welcome employees, customers, and clients back. Resource in

Please note the following list will be updated as more information becomes available. Many businesses offer the ability to order gift certificates over the phone as well. For a full list of Downtown eateries, click here, and for a full list of retailers, click here. 

Thank you to all who helped support Downtown businesses through a gift card purchase. This program ended on June 30, 2020. To find a full list of open businesses in Downtown, click here.

Celebrating First Responders & Frontliners is a program launched by the City of Albany’s three Business Improvement Districts: Central Avenue, Downtown Albany, and Lark Street (BID), to thank the first responders and frontline workers whose dedication through the COVID-19 pandemic keeps the community safe, mobile, and fed.

Mother's Day will look a little different this year, but that won't keep us from celebrating mom! Downtown restaurants and retailers are here to help you honor these wonderful women with options for those quarantined together and those physically separated (anyone else calling for a socially distant spa day? Gift card today for a later bouquet? Brunch over zoom?).

As the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in limited gatherings and increased working from home, multiple downtown Albany businesses are ensuring you're still able to get your exercise routine in through online classes. From personal training sessions to POUND and several varieties of yoga to tarot readings, these sessions are here to ensure your mind and body are well cared for.

At a time of distress, we’ve seen an incredible amount of generosity from individuals, businesses, and organizations within Downtown. If you're looking for some good news to boost your spirits, or are looking for ways to give back yourself, look no further. Know of a good great deed that’s happening as a result of COVID-19 not listed here?

Through drive-in or online services and to-go meals and treats, Downtown churches and restaurants are working to ensure your souls and stomachs are well nourished this Holy Week. 

The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act recently passed by Congress includes funding for businesses and nonprofits. The following information was provided by Assemblymember Patricia Fahy and Congressman Paul Tonko.

Looking to level up your meals while cooking at home? We partnering with Downtown restaurants on Quarantine Cuisine! See below for the recipes they came up with based on submitted photos. 

April 1:

Who's up for some social interaction while we social distance? The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District has come up with a variety of ways for you to stay engaged with Downtown - and each other! Scroll down to see a list of Downtown businesses and organizations that are hosting virtual events. Looking for ways to support Downtown businesses amid COVID-19?

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak and related challenges, the website Support smAlbany has been launched as a go-to resource for businesses, and particularly small businesses, in the City of Albany.

Governor Cuomo has issued an executive order expanding the tax commissioner's authority to abate late filing and payment penalties, allowing the abatement of interest on quarterly and annual sales and use tax filings due March 20, 2020 for those unable to file and pay as a result of the COVID-19 virus. 

Downtown Albany hosts a wide variety of accessible, free public art by local, regional, and internationally renowned creators.

Whether you're stuck at your desk or just don't feel like leaving your couch, you can still enjoy a delicious meal from Downtown! With over two dozen restaurants offering delivery options, you can do everything from enjoy breakfast to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The Road to the Final Four stops in Albany on March 19 & 21, 2020 at Times Union Center when the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference & Siena College host the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA March Madness Tournament (game times and teams will be announced on March 15)!

May the road rise up to meet you... especially as you head to Downtown in celebration of all things St. Patrick's Day! As you're making your plans, remember that you can find information on parking in Downtown right here, and a full list of restaurants and bars right here. 

Do you or someone you know want to get involved in shaping the development of our Capital City? The Downtown Albany BID Board of Directors shapes strategy, advocacy, priorities, and initiatives in Downtown.

POSTPONED: Due to health and safety concerns surrounding COVID-19, and the New York on PAUSE order from Governor Cuomo limiting non-essential gatherings, Downtown Albany Restaurant Week has been postponed. When it is safe to celebrate the world-class cuisine available in Downtown with this event, we will do so. Stay tuned for new dates! 

While the NCAA Men's Basketball sessions are in Downtown, there will be just as much excitement outside the Times Union Center as there will be at the games.

For over three decades the Business Review has been releasing the Book of Lists, a go-to publication in doing business for anything from job-seekers to CEOs looking for bids on an upcoming project.

The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District is seeking a firm to perform a District Demographic Study with submissions due at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 (please note this is an extension of the previous due date).

Voting is open for the Times Union's 2020 Best Of following nearly 160,000 nominations in 100 categories. People will be able to vote once a day through Thursday, March 5 in Dining Out, Goods and Services, Arts and Entertainment, and Best of the Rest categories.

'Tis the season for affection, and with dining, gift, and entertainment options for every love language, Downtown is the place to be this Valentine's Day.

Chicago-based company Novel Coworking is expanding into New York following the purchase of 69 State Street. Plans for the 17-story building include renovations to provide modern and affordable workspace, with pre-leasing already underway for private offices, SmartSuites, and coworking memberships which start at $129 per month.

Compete with your Downtown neighbors as trivia maestro Jeff Morad of WEQX pits teams of downtown Albany residents against each other in a battle of the brains! Will Liberty Lofts reclaim their title? Can the Downtown BID team make a comeback? Or will a new champ reign supreme?

Significant development in downtown Albany has attracted new restaurateur Jeffrey Via, with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for The Paper Dragon held January 9. 

Does the start of a new decade have you even more motivated to stick to your resolutions? As 2020 begins, Downtown businesses are here to help you with some of the most common New Year's Resolutions: lose weight/exercise and improve your finances.

Ridesharing services Uber and Lyft have released the most popular destinations in and around Albany for 2019, with Downtown locations placing on both companies lists. 

For Lyft, which presents the Lyftie Award to the most popular U.S. ride destinations for more than 50 cities, the most celebrated restaurant/bar in the Albany area was: 

Ready to ring in 2020?

A formerly vacant building that has been transformed into 132 apartments and commercial space was officially welcomed to Downtown in early December, following a grand opening announcement made by Gov.

The Cobblestone Lunch Shoppe, located at 37 Maiden Lane, the eatery features meats prepared in-house and brings to fruition a forty-year dream for owners and brothers Ed and Chris Richards.

The heart of Downtown will be aglow as our new holiday span lights up State Street at North and South Pearl Streets.

The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) will host a Scavenger Hunt on Small Business Saturday, November 30, starting at 12:30 PM and running until all prizes have been found. The event encourages people to walk the streets and discover the many locally-owned restaurants, retail, and retail-related businesses within the District. Sponsored by B.

From the second annual Downtown Decorating Contest to classic tales brought to the stage and screen, there are lots of ways to enjoy the holiday season in downtown Albany, NY this year.

Baby it's cold outside - but don't worry, because hot chocolate is on the way!

Who's ready to Shop Small this holiday season?! By doing so, you'll make a big difference to entrepreneurs and the local community, and downtown Albany's locally-owned businesses are gearing up for Small Business Saturday (November 30).

Update: The winner has been announced! Over 20 businesses participated, and 1,800 ballots were cast, and in the end it was Dawn's Victory Sports Cafe that took home the trophy!

Albany Center Gallery, which has provided a platform for the work of contemporary artists for over 40 years, has received a $10,000 Stand for the Arts award.

A monthly arts and culture event, 1st Friday takes place the first Friday of each month from 5:00 - 9:00 PM, bringing you the best in dining, shopping, and entertainment throughout Downtown and Lark Street. Bonus: it's all easily accessible by riding the FREE Capital City Trol

From Albany-centric finds to the truly one of a kind, you're sure to snag the perfect present for friends and family (and yourself... no judgment here) this holiday season. Read on to discover where to purchase something unique – and be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to go inside these shops and get even more gift giving inspiration.

Nationally-recognized law firm Rivkin Radler has moved their regional office to Downtown, an event celebrated on November 7 as partners and staff were joined by the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, and Assemblymember John T.

Skip the hassle of preparing the Thanksgiving meal and focus more on family time this year, with multiple Downtown restaurants offering dine-in or to-go options.

Highlighting the regional companies with the most engaged and committed employees, each year the Albany Business Review announces their Best Places to Work award winners, encompassing businesses of all sizes from 10 to 150+ employees.

Whether you’re a visitor, employee, or resident, experiencing all that Downtown has to offer just got a little easier.

Tickets | $5 | Purchase tickets

Happy Howl-o-ween! On Saturday, October 19, ghostly Great Danes, creepy Collies, and terrifying Terriers will return to roam the streets of downtown Albany for the BID's third annual puppy trick-or-treating event: Hounds of Halloween!