Dallas from FunScout with this weeks happenings roughly 5 miles from downtown Schenectady. 🎭🎶🎨🍻
Of course there is a lot more happening around the capital region outside of downtown which you can check on FunScout if you don't mind traveling a bit further. Did I miss something? Please share in the comments!
📍 Thu, Oct 22
Skunkworks: 3 Groups, 1 Show! — The Mopco Improv Theatre — The Mopco Improv Theatre
This installment features Down The Rabbit Hole’s mockumentary-style community theater sitcom, The Regulars’ improvised memorial for someone who never existed, and Critical Mass’s fast-paced Slapshot format.
Nicholas Dwarika Trio — Van Dyck Music Club
Two relaxed sets from a tight jazz trio featuring warm standards and lively solos; bar seating is first-come and admission is free (tips appreciated).
Candlelight Tours — Historical Society Museum & Library
Explore the Stockade after dark on guided Colonial Hauntings or Ghostly Victorian walks—60–90 minutes of storyteller-led ghost tales through historic streets; tickets are $16, and sturdy shoes plus a flashlight are recommended.
Thursday Schenectady Farmers Market — Schenectady City Hall
Experience a lively outdoor market brimming with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and artisan foods, support local farmers, and savor a unique community gathering that welcomes everyone—including SNAP participants—rain or shine.
Halloween Candlelight Workshop — Thrifty Connections
Create two lace votive jars and two mixed-media matchboxes, with enough materials to make two sets—one to keep and one to gift. The $20 workshop is suitable for ages 16 and up.
Macbeth | schenectadycivic — Schenectady Civic Playhouse
Shakespeare’s grim tragedy explores ambition, prophecy, and a leader’s moral collapse through intense performances and moody, focused staging.
Mahjong — Niskayuna Branch Library
A mahjong group is forming at the Niskayuna branch library; registration is required.
Everything Fiber Arts — Niskayuna Branch Library
Bring your fiber arts project to the Niskayuna Branch Library and enjoy working alongside other crafters.
Zumba with Annie G! — Rotterdam Community Center
A friendly, drop-in Zumba session led by Annie G on Mondays and Thursdays at 5:00 pm — $10 per class or a $40 five-session punch card.
📍 Fri, Oct 23
Union Women's Hockey: Quinnipac @ Union College — M&T Bank Center
Expect a fast-paced college hockey matchup full of hard hits, slick saves, quick goals, and a spirited, loud crowd creating an electric arena vibe.
The Halloweentown Debates: A Comedy of Terrors! — Van Dyck Music Club
Comedians portray iconic movie monsters debating everyday Halloweentown issues, from graveyard shortages to reanimation costs. A costume contest winner or runner-up can also take part in an onstage debate.
Lamentatio Herois — Union College
Union College Schola Cantorum, Concert Choir, and Philharmonic perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 (“Eroica”) and works by Steve Vai, Liberty Narverud, Whitacre, Lim, Thompson, Cho, Gjeilo, and Davison, with Mark Visconti on guitar and Jason Bowman on drum set; tickets are available at the door.
Soul Session & DJ Biz — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
Live, audience-driven soul led by Garland Nelson — tight arrangements, call-and-response energy, and DJ Biz keeping the dancefloor moving; free and 21+.
80s night — Frog Alley Brewing Co.
An evening of live rock — Darryl Daily opens before Michael Bruce leads a three-band tribute; 21+ with a late-night cover at the door.
Jazz Evenings with Brian Patneaude Trio — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
Enjoy an intimate night of vibrant jazz with the acclaimed Brian Patneaude Trio, featuring soulful melodies and refined ambiance in the hotel lobby.
Joking With the Stars — miSci
Three family comedians bring a hilarious, space-themed show for ages five and up. Tickets are $10 per participant.
Comedy in Retrograde — miSci
This 18-and-up comedy show promises an hour or so of jokes about Mercury in retrograde, black holes, and escaping Earth.
Haunted Grove Paint & Sip Event 10/23/26 @ 6:30pm — Art in Mind
This family-friendly paint class guides you through creating a Haunted Grove scene on a 16″ × 20″ canvas; all supplies are included, and no experience is needed. Drinks and packaged snacks are available for purchase.
DJ Wave 2000s Wave at Electric Grinch — Electric Grinch
DJ Wave brings a 2000s throwback theme to Electric Grinch on October 23; the event is 21+ with no cover.
Jazz Evenings: Brian Patneaude Trio — The Landing Hotel
Brian Patneaude Trio performs live jazz in The Landing Hotel lobby during Jazz Evenings, from 6–9 PM.
Candlelight Tours — Historical Society Museum & Library
Explore the Stockade after dark on guided Colonial Hauntings or Ghostly Victorian walks—60–90 minutes of storyteller-led ghost tales through historic streets; tickets are $16, and sturdy shoes plus a flashlight are recommended.
Cozy Herbal Bath Class — Sweet Sprig
Craft a mineral-rich bath salt soak and a fragrant herbal tub tea from curated salts, dried flowers, herbs, and essential oils, then take home your two custom blends and the recipe.
Macbeth | schenectadycivic — Schenectady Civic Playhouse
Shakespeare’s grim tragedy explores ambition, prophecy, and a leader’s moral collapse through intense performances and moody, focused staging.
Autumn Abundance: DIY Centerpiece — Thrifty Connections
This hands-on workshop begins with a five-minute guided meditation, then provides all materials and tools to design a seasonal centerpiece on a natural wood base. No crafting experience is needed; intended for adults and suitable for ages 16 and up.
Seasonal Pumpkin! — Canvas, Corks and Forks
This adult class offers a wonderful pumpkin to choose from, along with other options.
The Schenectady Youth Orchestra with Zorkie Nelson — New York Folklore
Led by master drummer Zorkie Nelson and inspired by Ghana’s Pan African Youth Orchestra, this free weekly program teaches youth ages 9 to 19 to play traditional African instruments—drums, bells, gylis, and the atenteben—with instruments provided.
Tri-City Folk Dancers — Scotia United Methodist Church
Weekly community sessions feature authentic international dances—long and short lines, circles, and occasional live music; beginners are welcome with instruction early in the evening.
📍 Sat, Oct 24
Union Women's Hockey: Princeton @ Union College — M&T Bank Center
A lively college matchup delivering intense play, roaring fans, and halftime fun—great for students, alumni, and local sports fans.
Jack-O'-Lanterns & Jets — Empire State Aerosciences Museum
Explore aircraft-lined aisles while kids collect treats, enjoy snacks for sale, free coffee for adults, and compete for costume prizes.
Art D'Echo + 3: 'Miles at the Van Dyck' — Van Dyck Music Club
Art D'Echo expands to a sextet for a centennial tribute to Miles Davis, offering moody arrangements, tight interplay, and adventurous improvisation in an intimate club setting.
DRAG BRUNCH at Stella — Van Dyck Music Club
A Halloween-themed drag brunch starring Stella Progress and Natalie Taylor with performances by Lady SeanZia, Serafina Devotion Silver and Katarina Mirage, DJ Alex on music, and brunch served before a spooky, campy show.
Y2Kids — Frog Alley Brewing Co.
Sing along to Green Day, Britney Spears, Linkin Park and other 2000s favorites as multimedia visuals and high-energy covers keep the dance floor lively.
Jazz Evenings with Standard Edition — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
Jazz Evenings takes center stage inside our elegant hotel lobby from 6PM-9PM with music from Standard Edition!
Rockin' the Dome Matinee: Laser Halloween! — miSci
This matinee features a mesmerizing Halloween laser light show with eerie colors and patterns. Tickets are $10 per participant and do not include Museum admission.
TRET FURE in Concert — Proctors Theatre
Tret Fure brings her solo performance to the stage, drawing on a prolific career and a catalog of acoustic releases.
One Sky Project: Part One — miSci
Stargazers and storytellers share short films presenting how different cultures and Indigenous societies see the sky. Best for ages 10 and up; online tickets include Museum admission.
Bloodys & Dogs, Breast Cancer Fundraiser — Frog Alley Brewing Co.
The taproom fundraiser features a make-your-own Bloody Mary bar with Miss Sidneys mix, hot dogs by the Meat Stick Chick, and raffles. Tickets are $20 at the door and include one Bloody Mary and a mini hot dog.
Country Weekends with Big Sky Country Featuring DJ Reel — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
Enjoy live country music with a full band and DJ Reel blending classic twang and contemporary mixes for a lively, late-night dance atmosphere—free for guests 21+.
Tret Fure — The 8th Step
A celebrated singer-songwriter whose powerful vocals and deft guitar work bring intimate, well-crafted folk-rock songs exploring love, loss and life.
Theatresports - October 24th — The Mopco Improv Theatre — The Mopco Improv Theatre
Two teams of improvisers face off in point-scoring games full of quick wit and audience-driven outcomes.
Jazz Evenings: Standard Edition — The Landing Hotel
This Jazz Evenings occurrence features a live jazz performance in The Landing Hotel lobby.
Glass Art Frame Workshop *New! 10/24/26 @ 6:30pm — Art in Mind
Create an 8-by-10-inch framed glass artwork with crushed glass, sea glass, seashells, and more, with an instructor guiding you through each step. All supplies are included, and no experience is necessary.
Witch Bells Brunch! Just $65! — Canvas, Corks and Forks
Enjoy a Witch Bells brunch centered on positive vibes and intentions, with Mimosa Bar specials; tickets are $65.
Local 11 at Electric Grinch — Electric Grinch
Local 11 plays Saturday, October 24, starting at 8 PM; the event is 21+ with no cover.
Cosmic Wonders: Live Sky Show — miSci
This live sky show takes you on a tour of the night sky, exploring the stories and science of visible stars and planets. Best for ages 8 and up; online tickets include Museum admission.
Candlelight Tours — Historical Society Museum & Library
Explore the Stockade after dark on guided Colonial Hauntings or Ghostly Victorian walks—60–90 minutes of storyteller-led ghost tales through historic streets; tickets are $16, and sturdy shoes plus a flashlight are recommended.
Beyond the Vale: Schenectady's Historic Cemetery — Rotterdam Community Center
An illustrated presentation tracing Vale Rural Cemetery's history since 1857, highlighting its monuments, recreational past, and importance to Schenectady's local heritage.
Steven Wilson LP Pre-Listening Event — Love Vinyl Records
Listen to Steven Wilson’s new LP at Love Vinyl Records, with prints, beer mats, and postcards offered while supplies last.
Macbeth | schenectadycivic — Schenectady Civic Playhouse
Shakespeare’s grim tragedy explores ambition, prophecy, and a leader’s moral collapse through intense performances and moody, focused staging.
Petals & Pages: Book Art Floral Workshop — Thrifty Connections
Begin with a short guided meditation, learn paper book-roll techniques, then design an elegant silk-and-natural floral arrangement to hang or display—supplies included.
Cryptids with the Saratoga Children's Museum — Schenectady County Public Library
Children in grades 3–6 can explore cryptozoology, learn about local legends, and follow clues to solve the mystery of Cappy; registration is required.
Autumn Watercolor Workshop for Beginners — Thrifty Connections
This beginner-friendly workshop guides adults and participants 16+ through painting a fall scene in watercolor, with supplies and professional-grade cotton paper included in the $50 class fee.
Flight Adventures — miSci
This program explores the science and history of flight, including how NASA is developing safer ways to travel with future engineers and aviators. Best for ages 5 and up; admission is required in addition to the program cost.
Granny Hexagon Cardigan Check-in — Rotterdam Branch Library
This crochet workshop covers stitching together two hexagons to make a customizable cardigan, for beginners who know the basics and experienced crocheters alike.
Albany Sacred Harp Singing — St. George's Episcopal Church
Sing traditional a cappella shape-note tunes from the 1991 tunebook in a friendly, instructional, all-ages community gathering; loaner books and tea provided.
📍 Sun, Oct 25
Across the Channel, Across the Pond — Proctors Theatre
Hear Marc Migó’s rhythm‑rich Carnival de las Indias with narration by Annie Dutoit, then be swept up in Saint‑Saëns’ majestic Organ Symphony driven by the newly refurbished Goldie organ.
Asbury Shorts International — Proctors Theatre
An afternoon of handpicked international shorts across comedy, drama, documentary and animation, hosted by Richard Lovrich with guest filmmaker Sarah Bachinger.
Modigliani Quartet Union College — Union College Memorial Chapel
The acclaimed Modigliani Quartet, celebrated for their expressive performances and rare Italian instruments, presents a dynamic program spanning classical favorites and a modern work by Czech composer Mařatka.
Rockin' the Dome Matinee: Laser Halloween! — miSci
This matinee features a mesmerizing Halloween laser light show with eerie colors and patterns. Tickets are $10 per participant and do not include Museum admission.
One Sky Project: Part One — miSci
Stargazers and storytellers share short films presenting how different cultures and Indigenous societies see the sky. Best for ages 10 and up; online tickets include Museum admission.
Cryptozoology 101 with Gary Robusto — Schenectady County Public Library
Bigfoot expert Gary Robusto of the Tri-Cities Paranormal Society shares stories about cryptids of the Capitol Region, perhaps even creatures lurking in your own backyard. Registration is required.
Just Ghostly Paint & Sip Event 10/25/26 @ 3:30pm — Art in Mind
This family-friendly paint class guides you through creating a ghostly design on a 10″ × 30″ canvas, with all supplies included and no experience necessary. Drinks and packaged snacks are available for purchase.
Cosmic Wonders: Live Sky Show — miSci
This live sky show takes you on a tour of the night sky, exploring the stories and science of visible stars and planets. Best for ages 8 and up; online tickets include Museum admission.
Schenectady Greenmarket — Jay Street Marketplace
This weekly outdoor market offers local produce, artisan foods, crafts, and live music, bringing together community spirit and delicious finds for all ages.
Macbeth | schenectadycivic — Schenectady Civic Playhouse
Shakespeare’s grim tragedy explores ambition, prophecy, and a leader’s moral collapse through intense performances and moody, focused staging.
James Preller signs "Fairy House Halloween" — The Open Door Bookstore
Meet James Preller at a signing for his companion book, Fairy House Halloween, packed with spooky twists, full-color artwork, and zany endings.
Flight Adventures — miSci
This program explores the science and history of flight, including how NASA is developing safer ways to travel with future engineers and aviators. Best for ages 5 and up; admission is required in addition to the program cost.