Here are some suggestions for events and activities happening this weekend in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, and the weather report to help with planning.
Albany Cup
The Siena College and UAlbany men's basketball teams will throw down for the Albany Cup game at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at UAlbany's Broadview Center.
The Capital Region derby is a battle for local supremacy and bragging rights. (Game preview is here)
The Great Danes dominated the Saints last year at MVP Arena, 86-51. This is the first Albany Cup for Siena head coach Gerry McNamara.
The crosstown rivals meet in a game that will be aired on ESPN+.
Dutchman Shoes Trophy Game
RPI and Union battle it out for the Dutchman Shoes Trophy starting at noon Saturday at the East Campus Athletic Village Stadium in Troy.
It’s the 121st meeting between the two, making it New York state’s oldest college football rivalry and the third oldest in Division III football.
The Garnet Chargers are holders of the trophy thanks to a 13-7 win last year. Three of the last five matchups have been won by Union, while RPI is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
RPI head coach Ralph Isernia is in his 12th season leading the Engineers, while this is Jon Drach's first season as Union coach, according to Spectrum News 1 reporter Jackson Wang, who has more on the rivalry here.
TrueSongs
Caffè Lena’s “TrueSongs,” which brings true stories to the stage through storytelling and music, moves to the Spa Little Theater for its fifth annual program at 7 p.m. Saturday.
This year’s performance spotlights six people from Saratoga County who have overcome significant life challenges, paired with a Caffè Lena songwriter.
This year’s stories include:
- A mother’s journey from Brazil to America to support her family, supported by TriCounty Literacy Volunteers
- A daughter’s experience caring for her mother with Alzheimer's, with the support of the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern NY
- A couple’s determination to remain in their home after one became wheelchair-bound, aided by Rebuilding Together Saratoga County
- A military veteran’s recovery from life-threatening PTSD, facilitated by Alliance 180
- A teen mother’s path to achieving her dream of becoming a nurse, supported by WAIT House
- A refugee from El Salvador who now empowers others through Capital District Latinos
Artists Ellis Paul, Carolyn Shapiro, Hayley Reardon, Joe Jencks, Mark Erelli, and Judy Kass will share new songs the stories inspired.
The Spa Little Theater is located at 19 Roosevelt Drive in Saratoga Springs. For artist Information, visit here. For tickets, go here.
Hudson-Mohawk Weavers' Guild 46th Show & Sale
The Hudson-Mohawk Weavers’ Guild holds its 46th Annual Show & Sale, one of the largest exhibits of handweaving in the country, this weekend at Pat’s Barn, 110 Defreest Drive in Troy.
More than 40 handweavers exhibit and sell their work across two floors of exhibits, including housewares, décor, garments, accessories and holiday gifts.
Visitors can try their hand at a loom, or enjoy watching others. This year’s show highlights the doubleweave technique, in which two or more layers of cloth are woven simultaneously.
Admission and parking are free. Event hours are 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Fashion shows featuring handwoven clothing are 6 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For a preview of the event, check out the Hudson-Mohawk Weavers’ Guild Facebook page.
Mind, Body & Soul: Youth & Parent Expo
The second Mind, Body & Soul: Youth & Parent Expo, which aims to foster open conversations on mental health and wellness, takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Ellenville Elementary School, 28 Maple Ave., Ellenville.
All are invited to the free event, which offers activities across three main areas of the school: the cafeteria, gymnasium and library. It’s organized by the Ulster County Department of Mental Health and Ulster County Youth Bureau.
Parental supervision is required at all times.
Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze
It’s the last weekend of the year to experience The Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor, an 18th-century estate on the banks of the Croton River in Westchester.
Visitors can meander through gardens filled with thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns, past the brick ferry house, where they can catch a glimpse of the Headless Horseman, and see the light show at the manor house.
The event is 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Proceeds from ticket purchases support the education and preservation efforts of Historic Hudson Valley.
Check here for more information.
As You Like It
Chatham High School and the Shakespeare & Company present As You Like It.
Celebrating its 25th year at Chatham High School, the Fall Festival of Shakespeare's “As You Like It” will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the high school auditorium.
One of Shakespeare’s romantic comedies, As You Like It is a romp through the magical Forest of Arden. Shepherds, sheep, and exiled nobles mingle in the Forest. Hilarity and love ensue.
Tickets are $5 at the door.
