News Article

10 Free Things to do this November in Albany NY

November 2, 2024

November is here and ParkAlbany is back with another list of fantastic free events for you and your loved ones to enjoy this month! From karaoke nights to flannel fests and job fairs, there are never a lack of free things to do in New York’s Capital City!

10/3: The Albany Lantern Parade

It’s time for the 9th annual Albany Lantern Parade! Sponsored by the Washington Park Conservancy this event is a celebration of light and community in the City of Albany. Visitors will be treated to fun-filled lantern making workshops, followed by an illuminated sunset walk through the historic Washington Park. This family-friendly event is open to the public and will be held at the Washington Park Lake House on November 3rd from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

Large outdoor amphitheater with a terracotta roof, arched stage, and surrounding green landscape under a clear blue sky.
Entrance to Empire Live with a marquee sign, metal barricades, and brick building in the background.

10/03: Metal Music Mixer at Empire Live

Are you a fan of Metal Music? If so, this event is for you! On November 3rd you have the chance to sell, buy, and trade all your favorite band merch!  Even if you don’t want to get any new items to add to your collection, you can meet and network with metal music lovers alike! This free event begins at 1:00pm at Empire Live and is open to public. On-street parking is also free every weekend in Downtown Albany, so be sure to check out this head bangingly fun mixer.

10/06: The Healthy Living Expo

Interested in leading a healthier lifestyle? The Office of General Services has you covered! Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or if you’re a pro looking for more information, the Healthy Living Expo features health, wellness, financial services, and more! Stop by The Empire State Plaza Concourse on November 6th from 10:00am until 2:00pm to enjoy this free event.

People walking past market stalls with various goods in an indoor space decorated with colorful hanging lights and ornaments.
Entrance to the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza with a crosswalk and lit signage.

10/09: The Albany Job Fair at the CNYS Black Expo

Looking for your next job opportunity? Don’t miss the Albany Job Fair! Partnering with the CNYS Black Expo, the Albany Job Fair showcases recruiters from all over the state and is the perfect stop for anyone looking for a change in career. Interested in working with organizations like the City of Albany, the New York State Department of Civil Service, New York State Tax and Finance, or another city and state agency? This free event is the place to be! Job seekers are not required to register but resumes can be dropped off at registration to be distributed to all exhibitors. If you’re ready for an exciting new job position, stop by the Albany Job Fair on Saturday, November 9th from 10:00am until 2:00pm at the Empire State Plaza.

10/11: Family Free Day at the Albany Institute of History and Art

It’s time for a day of history, family, and art! On November 11th, the Albany Institute of History and Art will be offering free admission to all visitors, so they can explore this amazing Albany landmark. While there, visitors can learn about all the amazing exhibits at the museum including their 3,000-year-old mummy Ankhefenmut! Guests will even have the chance to create jewelry pieces inspired by Ancient Egypt and learn all about Ancient Egypt through storytelling and dance from 1:00pm to 3:30pm to enjoy this family-friendly event! Stop by the Albany Institute of History and Art on Monday November 11th from 1:00pm to 3:30pm to enjoy this family-friendly event!

Entrance to the Albany Institute of History & Art, featuring modern and historic architecture under a blue sky.
Historic brick building with arched windows and a central entrance, labeled "The City Beer Hall." Streetlights and crosswalk visible in the foreground.

Wednesday Nights: Trivia at the City Beer Hall

Are you a trivia lover? Think you have all the answers? Test your trivial knowledge at City Beer Hall. Featuring prizes, giveaways, drink specials, and some friendly (mostly) competition, City Beer Hall is the place to be every Wednesday night at 7:00pm. So get your team together and head over to the City Beer Hall for an energetic night of tantalizing trivia, delicious food, and spirited drinks!

11/16: Eugene Tyler Band at The Eleven

Hudson Valley’s favorite indie-bluegrass band, The Eugene Tyler Band, is making their Lark Hall debut on November 16th from 7:00pm until 9:00pm at The Eleven! Fresh off their latest record, The Eugene Tyler Brand is sure to bring the house down at the recently open Lark Street restaurant and music venue!

Street view of Lark Hall and Lark Street Tavern with red awnings, brick buildings, and a corner intersection with an orange traffic cone.
A row of plaid and solid-colored shirts hanging on wooden hangers in a closet.

11/20: Flannel Fest at the Empire State Plaza Concourse

This one is for the flannel lovers! Visit the Empire State Plaza Concourse on Wednesday November 20th from 10:00am until 2:00pm to show off your favorite flannel threads, compete in the facial hair competition, and check out the flannel themed vendors! And in case you need a reminder, don’t forget to wear your flannel! Metered parking is available along nearby State Street and Madison Avenue.

Wednesday Nights: Karaoke Nights at Ophelia’s

Belt out your favorite hit songs Wednesday nights at Ophelia’s! Take a trip down to Downtown Albany’s newest live music and event venue for Common Roots Karaoke! Sing your heart out while enjoying Ophelia’s delicious menu of tasty comfort food and handcrafted cocktails every Wednesday night at 8:00pm at Ophelia’s on Broadway.

Street view of Ophelia's restaurant in a red brick building on a clear day, with a tree and other buildings in the background.
Entrance of The Excelsior Pub with a small outdoor seating area containing a table and stools. A neon sign is displayed in the window.

Friday Nights: Pinball Wizard at The Excelsior Pub

Do you love to play pinball? Then have a ball at The Excelsior Pub every Friday night for a pinball spectacular! Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, this event is for you. From 6:00pm until 9:00pm on Fridays, you can play as much pinball as you would like and if you’re lucky, you can win a prize!


Albany, New York is overflowing with events this month and many of them don’t require you to spend a dime! Make sure you check out our events calendar to stay up to date on everything happening in the Capital City and don’t forget that on street parking is always free in Downtown Albany on weekdays after 5:00pm and all day on weekends!