For those looking to unwind and slip into the season, there's lots of fun to be had this weekend in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, but also chances to pay respect to longtime Albany civil rights activist Alice Green. We've highlighted several activities as you map out what's expected to be a cloudy but mostly dry weekend.
Hudson Valley Garlic Fest
Eat fresh garlic. Shop fresh garlic. Attend chef demonstrations and lectures about garlic. Browse crafts, enjoy live music. Acquire fresh garlic. Take it home and cook with it.
The popular festival that celebrates the “stinking rose” takes place this year from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Cantine Field, Washington Avenue Extension, Saugerties.
The festival is a fundraiser sponsored by the Saugerties Kiwanis Club.
Discount ticket sales end at 5 p.m. Friday. The entrance fee at the gate is $15 for ages 12 and up. Kids under 12 are free.
Alice Green tribute
A tribute to Alice Green, the longtime civil rights champion who founded the Center for Law and Justice in Albany, will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Palace Theatre in Albany.
Green provided legal guidance, activism and education on civil rights and criminal justice issues for nearly 40 years. She died last month at the age of 84.
This weekend's tribute actually starts at 2 p.m. Saturday, when the Center for Law and Justice also hosts the Alice P. Green Community Day at the old McDonald’s parking lot at 106 S. Pearl St., Albany.
Capital Apple & Wine Festival
The two-day Capital Apple & Wine Festival returns for its 30th year with food, fun entertainment, wines and spirits. It will debut this year at a new location – the Columbia County Fairgrounds at 182 Hudson Ave., Chatham.
There will be dozens of vendors at the event, which features apple treats and family activities, including tethered hot air balloon rides and more.
The event is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Ticket prices and more can be found here.
Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest
The Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest helps usher in the fall season by celebrating local agriculture, specifically pumpkins – some over 1,000 pounds – grown by farmers in Saratoga County and around the Northeast.
The event starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Saratoga Springs City Center Parking Garage on High Rock Avenue. Pumpkin weigh-offs begin at 11 a.m.
Visitors can enjoy live music and shop area vendors. The event is free. Parking in the upper levels of the parking garage is free for the first hour; $2 for each additional hour; and a per day maximum of $15.
18th Century Autumnfest
This autumnfest features demonstrations of blacksmithing, meat smoking, candle dipping, pressing apples and more. There will be juggling, fire spitting, unicycling and other free activities to enjoy from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Senate House State Historic Site, 296 Fair St., Kingston.
Admission to the Senate House and Museum is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for children 12 and under.
Crossings 5K Challenge and Kids Runs
The Colonie Youth Center’s 21st Crossings 5K Challenge and Kids Runs takes place starting at 8 a.m. Sunday starting with the packet pickup and day-of-registrations at the Ciccotti Center, 30 Aviation Road, Colonie.
Billed as a family-friendly event filled with fitness, fun and community spirit, runners of all levels are invited to participate in the 5K Run/Walk ($35) at 9 a.m., and the Kids Competitive 1 Mile ($15) and Kids 1/4 Mile Fun Run (FREE) at 10 a.m.
The events raise funds for the Colonie Youth Center’s Scholarship Programs.
