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.
Holiday Parade & Winter Village
Presented by the county and city of Schenectady, revelers are invited to usher in the holiday season with the Holiday Parade, starting at 5 p.m. Saturday.
The parade features floats, marching bands, dance troupes, fire trucks and Santa Claus. This year, the parade grand marshals are the City Mission's downtown ambassadors.
Also, the Schenectady Winter Village opens this weekend at Frog Alley Brewing Co. The holiday marketplace is new to the Capital Region, produced by Danny Pigliavento of Capital Sweat Productions with support from Discover Schenectady and the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority.
The Schenectady Winter Village runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays, noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays from Nov. 22 to Dec. 22.
Several local vendors will be showcased in decorated and heated greenhouses featuring unique gifts, crafts and holiday-inspired products.
For highlights and events, check here.
Get Zep Performs The Song Remains the Same
As part of the Cohoes Music Hall’s 150th anniversary, Get Zep will perform all 15 songs off the legendary Led Zeppelin album "The Song Remains the Same.”
The performance is set for 8-10:30 p.m. Saturday in Cohoes Music Hall, 58 Remsen St., Cohoes.
Get Zep! has performed to sold-out crowds at the venue during their last three engagements.
When these musicians’ forces combine, the very essence of Led Zeppelin comes to life in all its electric glory. The band has enjoyed having the historic Cohoes Music Hall as its home base, each show a loving tribute to a different Zep album, cover to cover. They’ve delivered I, II, IV and Houses of the Holy.
For more information, check here.
Musicians on a Mission
(518) Musicians on a Mission hosts its annual fundraiser for the Capital City Rescue Mission from 2-9 p.m. Sunday in the Capital District Irish American Center, 375 Ontario Street, Albany.
The community-driven directly supports the mission’s goal to provide essential services and assistance to those in need.
The lineup of artists includes Kevin McKrell, the Erin Harkes Band, Little Jack, The Refrigerators, Steve Gray and Shannon, Harmonic Duo, The Lustre Kings, Tim Wechgelaer and Geo.
Admission is $25.
Find additional information and tickets here.
Trouble in Mind
“Trouble in Mind,” written by the late playwright Alice Childress and first performed off-Broadway in 1955, opens this weekend at SUNY New Paltz.
The Department of Theatre Arts presents the play-within-a-play about a middle-aged Black actress in her first starring role. The production is directed by actor, director and former New Paltz faculty member Jammie Patton.
Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 5-8 in Parker Theatre. A gala will be held after this Friday’s opening night performance.
The event is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French. It tackles themes of racism and sexism, and includes the use of profanity and racially offensive terms. It's recommended for ages 13 and up.
It tells the story of Wiletta Mayer, an African-American actress who has spent her career playing stereotypical characters trapped on a merry-go-round of mammies, maids and other menials.
For additional information and tickets, check here.
Hudson Valley Hullabaloo Holiday Market
The Hudson Valley Hullabaloo Holiday Market opens this weekend with handcrafted goods from over 70 makers, holiday gifts, live music, food and more.
The event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Andy Murphy Midtown Neighborhood Center, 467 Broadway, Kingston.
Check here for more information.
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive Thru
The drive thru Holiday Light Extravaganza, presented by Westchester Medical Center Health Network, returns to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla for its 11th season starting Saturday.
The event is open from 5-9 p.m. through Dec. 31.
For more information, check here.
Pottery Market
The Collar City Clay Guild hosts the 10th Annual Pottery Market from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in Pat’s Barn, 110 Defreest Drive, Troy.
The market showcases the work of nearly 30 regional artists, featuring functional, decorative pottery and ceramic art.
Admission is free.
For more information, click here.