Where to shop, eat, and play in downtown Albany this Fall
Fall in love with Downtown this season
Whether you’re looking to score a few deals or searching for the perfect seasonal dish or beverage, downtown Albany is your fall destination. From pumpkin-spice lattes and warm winter salads to discounts on health and wellness services to keep you motivated through the colder months, Downtown establishments are prime to meet your needs or scratch that itch you’ve been feeling ever since the leaves started to turn golden brown.
Looking for a fall event or activity to entertain you, your friends, and your family? Between Hounds of Halloween, Trick-or-Treat at the Palace, and Oktoberfest celebrations – there's so much to do Downtown.
Eat, drink, explore, and experience Downtown this Fall. Check out the list below and keep up with the latest events, deals, and happenings in our District by signing up for our Newsletter here.
Deals and promotions:
Bombshell Hair and Beauty Studio (488 Broadway): This hair and beauty studio recently expanded its services to facials, full-body waxing, and spray tans, and is offering discounted rates on many of their spa services, such as $99 facials.
Phone: 518.621.7459
Website: https://bombshell-hair.com/
Castle Island Montessori (602 Broadway): This downtown Montessori school is offering 10% off tuition for October.
Phone: 518.533.9839
Website: castleislandmontessori.org
Skinny Pancake (1 Steuben Street): Every Thursday is half-price price burger night, starting at 3:00 PM until close. Plus $5 select drafts all day.
Phone: 518.512.0182
Website: https://skinnypancake.com/locations/albany/
The Vandy (412 Broadway): 50% off all Halloween and Fall decor for the month of October.
Phone: 518.650.6770
Website: The Vandy Thrift Shoppe - Vanderheyden
New menus and fall-inspired beverages:
The City Beer Hall (42 Howard Street): Say hello to fall flavors with its new martini, Drunken Pumpkin Somethin', at The City Beer Hall! This seasonal sipper is the perfect blend of autumn spice and a little something nice. Come get cozy with a glass and taste the essence of the season!
Phone: 518.443.2337
Website: http://thecitybeerhall.com/
Downtown Nutrition (27 N Pearl Street): Offering new shakes like Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecake and Cider Donut, teas such as Fall Punch and Sangria, coffees such as Pumpkin Spice, and more! Check it out.
Phone: 518.650.6013
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553737652002
Motor Oil Coffee (136 State Street): Introducing fall coffee specials such as the Harvest Latte, Cinnamon Blazer, Fireside Mocha Latte, and of course, Pumpkin Spice and Apple Pie. Try one today!
Phone: 518.706.3385
Website: https://motoroilcoffee.com/
- BONUS: The Bull and Bee (140 Hamilton Street): Partnering up with Motor Oil Coffee on a new mead, Hemes Bully-Brew Coffee Mead, incorporating a robust taste of espresso, perfectly balanced by the smooth, honeyed essence of traditional mead. Also new to its menu is the Joy Mulled Spice Mead, a full-bodied mead with a rich full palette of warm mulled spice flavor.
Olde English Pub & Pantry (683 Broadway): Offering seasonal dishes such as a Warm Winter Salad and Baked Mac and Cheese and cocktails such as the Fireside Chat (vespertino, cream tequila, chai liquor, and cinnamon stick) and Matcha Hot Toddy (bourbon, matcha, honey simple syrup, lemon juice, hot water and star anise).
Phone: 518.434.6533
Website: http://www.theoldeenglish.com
Stacks Espresso Bar (488 Broadway): Check out its new fall menu stacked with delicious sandwiches, soups, and salads (check out the combo deals) as well as a slew of new coffee drinks, including a Sapsucker Latte, which would pair perfectly with one of its fall cream cheeses, such as pumpkin spice and cranberry apple cobbler. View the new menu.
Phone: 518.915.1000
Website: https://www.stacksespresso.com/
Fall activities and events:
Pink Party: Kicking off Jaime Ortiz's Men Wear Pink campaign, 677 Prime is hosting a Pink Party on Saturday, October 5th from 7:00-11:00 PM. This event is part of the incredible Men Wear Pink campaign in the Capital Region, which has raised over $2,493,000 since 2016 for the American Cancer Society's fight against breast cancer. Join Prime for signature drinks, passed hors d'oeuvres, food stations, a photo booth, and music by DJ Ketchup — all while supporting a cause that saves lives.
Phone: 518.427.7463
Website: https://www.677prime.com/
Albany Capital Center (55 Eagle Street):
Dead Man Hand’s Tattoo Expo: On October 25-27, the Capital Center will transform into a hub for tattoo artistry, entertainment, and Halloween-themed festivities, bringing together tattoo enthusiasts, artists, horror fans, and live performances for an unforgettable weekend. Learn more here.
Phone: 518.487.2155
Website: https://www.albanycapitalcenter.com/
Confetti State (67 Corning Pl):
Confetti Stage hosts Confetti Fest XX: Starting October 4-6 and 10-13, Confetti Stage is celebrating 20 years of Confetti Fest, the Capital Region's longest-running festival of locally written one acts!
Phone: 518.334.9132
Website: https://confettistage.org/
Discover Albany (25 Quackenbush Square):
City Seance Ghost Tour: Discover Albany hosts a theatrical walking Ghost Tour that weaves a tale of some noted historical figures of Albany on October 8-30, from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Crossing the veil in search of historic Albany specters like Legs Diamond, the young Herman Melville Spouting Tales about a Whale in the Hudson and the cursed couple who shared Lincoln’s ill-fated theatre box—Henry and Clara Rathbone.
Eerie Albany Historic Ghost Tour: Join Discover Albany for a 90-minute ghost tour, as we unearth the capital city's storied past on October 6-27, every Sunday from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Who is the ghostly figure who lingers past closing time at the historic Olde English Pub? What mysteries lie within the beautiful homes lining Ten Broeck Triangle? Can you explain the shadowy figures who roa:m the Capitol halls at night? Uncover this and more - if you DARE!
Phone: 518.434.1217
Website: https://www.albany.org/things-to-do/albanys-all-hallow-een-festival/
Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (21 Lodge Street):
Hounds of Halloween: A Canine-Costume Contest and Dog Trick-or-Treating event on Saturday, October 19 starting at 11:00 AM at Quackenbush Square. Pre-register for $20 or purchase tickets at the door for $25. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Mohawk Humane Society.
Phone: 518.465.2143
Website: https://www.downtownalbany.org/houndsofhalloween
Upstate Punk Rock Flea Market (spooky edition): On October 27 from 11:00 AM-5:00 PM, explore a fantastic collection of talented artists, makers, and vendors, hailing from Massachusetts, New Jersey, Downstate New York, Vermont, and the Capital Region, offering an impressive selection of T-shirts, vinyl, vintage items, original art, antiques, baked goods, beard care, natural soaps, witchy stuff, jewelry, taxidermy, bone art, and much more!
Phone: 518.900.5900
Website: https://empirelivealbany.com/
Empire State Plaza (265 Madison Ave):
Oktoberfest: Celebrate Oktoberfest on September 25 at the Empire State Plaza with traditional German food, authentic music, vendors, and a special Steinholding Contest! The winner will receive a gift basket with goodies from the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center & Gift Shop!
Phone: 518.474.4759
Website: https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/
Historic Cherry Hill (523 S Pearl Street):
Mulled Wine & Murder: A Tasting Event with the Siena Beverage Institute: On October 9 at 5:30 PM, Historic Cherry Hill hosts an evening of "mulled wine and murder" by the glow of jack-o'-lantern light with food and beverage tastings from circa 1827-the year of Cherry Hill's infamous murder. A collaboration with the Siena Beverage Institute. Be among the first to view the pumpkin art show--carved and painted pumpkins by local artists inspired by Cherry Hill and is murder-- and cast a vote for your favorite.
Pumpkin Party on The Hill: Historic Cherry Hill hosts Pumpkin Party on the Hill on October 12 from noon to 3:00 PM. Enjoy free Stewart’s ice cream, watch a pumpkin carving demonstration, and do some pumpkin decorating of your own! View an array of creepy jack-o’-lanterns created by Albany artists and vote for your favorite! Winners will be announced at 2PM!
Phone: 518.434.4791
Website: https://historiccherryhill.org
Cigar Night: Patio Cigar Night with Albany Distilling Co and Habana Premium Cigar Shoppe on Saturday, October 10 at 5:00 PM.
Loch-toberfest: A fun-filled Octoberfest celebration including giveaways, prizes, and a Stein host competition on Saturday, October 5 from 12:00 PM-5:00 PM.
Phone: 518.389.7201
Website: https://loch-quay.com/
New York State Capitol (State Street and Washington Ave):
Capitol Hauntings Tours: Which two United States Presidents visited the Capitol after they died? What happened to the "lost" Capitol murals and their eccentric artist? Does the secret demon carved in stone hold a Capitol curse? Does the night watchman who died in the Capitol Fire of 1911 still make his rounds? Explore these questions and other tales of sightings and strange things on our Special New York State Capitol Hauntings Tour. The tour lasts about an hour, but the chilling tales might haunt you forever.
Dates: 10/2/2024, 10/3/2024, 10/4/2024, 10/9/2024, 10/10/2024, 10/11/2024, 10/16/2024, 10/17/2024, 10/18/2024, 10/23/2024, 10/24/2024, 10/25/2024, 10/28/2024, 10/29/2024, 10/30/2024, 10/31/2024, 11/1/2024
Phone: 518.474.2418
Website: https://www.albany.org/event/capitol-hauntings-tours/51788/
Palace Theatre (19 Clinton Ave):
Rocky Horror Picture Show: On October 21 at 7:00 PM, The Kids of Albany are BACK for their Annual Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Palace Theatre! Come and see that toast and toilet paper fly as we celebrate 15 years of Rocky Horror at the Palace Theatre with The Kids of Albany!
Trick-Or-Treat At The Palace!: The Palace Performing Arts Center is pleased to present a Happy and Safe Halloween Trick-or-Treat event at the Palace Theatre on Thursday, October 31, 2024, from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM. When you’re out trick-or-treating with the family, be sure to stop by the Palace Theatre for special treats, activities, spooks & scares and music by DJ TGIF!
Phone: 518.465.3335
Website: https://www.palacealbany.org/
Ten Broeck Mansion (9 Ten Broeck Palace):
Fall Finds Family Scavenger Hunt: Ten Broeck Mansion hosts Fall Finds Family Scavenger Hunt: 5th annual Fall Scavenger Hunt on October 19 from 10:30 AM-11:30 AM. Learn about trees and how they prepare for winter. Free school supplies and books giveaway.
Phone: 518.436.9826
Website:https://tenbroeckmansion.org/
The City Beer Hall (42 Howard Street):
Oktoberfest: Get ready to raise your steins and celebrate Oktoberfest at The City Beer Hall from September 23-29! Join the CBH for a week filled with authentic German food, drink specials, music, and all the festive vibes you need!
Specials Menu: Bavarian Pretzel stick, Beer Brat Sandwich. Pan Fried Pork Chop, Pumpkin Lava Cake, and Pumpkin Cheesecake.
Beer Stein Holding Competition: Featuring Jack’s Abby Craft Brewery on Friday, October 4.
National Vodka Day: Celebrate at Charlie’s Loft, the CBH’s club, with $5 well-shot special on Friday, October 4.
Phone: 518.443.2337
Website: http://thecitybeerhall.com/
10th Annual HOLLOWeen Party: On Saturday, October 26 at 10:00 PM, join The Hollow Bar + Kitchen for the 10th anniversary of its HOLLOWeen Party Night. Get your groove on while participating in a costume contest, prizes are available for the best couple, individual, and group! There is no cover charge. Prize details below.
- Best in Show: Think you have what it takes to wow the judges? Then you could win a $200 American Express Gift Card.
- Best Couple: You and your partner could win a Chef's Custom Three-Course Dinner with wine or craft beer pairing, a $300 value. Tax & gratuity are excluded.
- Best Group: They will celebrate your grand group effort with a Private Cocktail Party for up to 10 guests including an unlimited select wine, beer, and cocktail package for two hours complete with an appetizer spread! Valued at $600. Tax & gratuity are excluded.
Phone: 518.426.8550
Website: www.thehollowalbany.com
The Kenmore Ballroom (76 N Pearl St):
Candlelight Concerts: Halloween Classics: The Kenmore Ballroom hosts Candlelight Concerts: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics on October 25 and 26 with 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM performances. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Albany. Get your tickets now to discover Halloween-inspired music at The Kenmore Ballroom under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Phone: 518.469.6102
Website: https://www.thekenmoreballroom.com/
Wizard Burger (74 North Pearl Street):
Tofu and Tease Brunchlesque: Wizard Burger is back with a very special Halloween edition of Tofu and Tease, featuring a costume contest, raffle prizes, drag, burlesque and gogo on Sunday, October 27 at 11:00 AM. Must be over 18 years old to attend.
Website: https://www.wizardburger.com/
