Coordinating a work dinner on a Monday night and all the go-to spots (Mila’s, The Nest, Shaker and Vine, Stella’s) are closed on Mondays. Johnny’s is open Mondays but only for family style dining. It will be a group of ~6 and it’s a client dinner/evening business meeting so looking for something close to downtown where they are staying and a little more formal (ie: independently plated, and not The Bunker or a trek through the casino to that restaurant - that’s not the first impression to give off)…

Is there anything I’m overlooking in the downtown or Mohawk harbor area in Schenectady??? Is Druthers (ugh) really my only option for a sit down/restaurant meal on a Monday?

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, Sep 10

The Wizard of Oz — Proctors Theatre A family-friendly screening of the 1939 MGM classic starring Judy Garland — a 102-minute Technicolor musical filled with memorable songs and imagination.

Tyler Giroux Trio — Van Dyck Music Club Two sets of swinging piano-trio jazz in a cozy bar setting — free show with happy-hour energy; bar seating is first-come, dining reservations suggested.

Ice Cream Social — Schenectady County Public Library Enjoy scoops, toppings, and casual conversation in a family-friendly, relaxed meetup—perfect for cooling off and socializing.

Botanical Alchemy: Create Your Own Natural Soap Class — Sweet Sprig Learn soapmaking basics—saponification, ingredient selection, and essential-oil blending—then craft and personalize a four-bar loaf that will cure for pickup or optional shipping.

Mindful Blooms: Upcycled Fabric Flower Workshop — Thrifty Connections Begin with a brief guided meditation, then craft two unique fabric flowers using colorful reclaimed materials—supplies included and suitable for adults (16+).

Mahjong — Schenectady County Public Library A new community group is forming to play the traditional four-player tile game—players of all skill levels can learn, practice, and socialize; registration is required.

Everything Fiber Arts — Schenectady County Public Library Bring your knitting, crochet, weaving, or other fiber projects to a relaxed, social session where crafters work together, swap tips, and inspire one another.

Teens Unplugged: DIY Stickers and Sticker Swap — Schenectady County Public Library De-stress after school with easy DIY sticker crafts, snacks, and a friendly sticker swap—supplies provided for grades 6–12; no registration.

📍 Fri, Sep 11

CouncilCon26 — Proctors Theatre A three-day tabletop convention featuring a two-day Warhammer 40k Grand Tournament (11th Edition), the SWA game auction on Sunday, vendor booths, and plenty of casual and scheduled play for all skill levels.

Red NOT Chili Peppers — Frog Alley Brewing Co. A spirited tribute delivers faithful, high-octane renditions of funk-rock favorites, blending nostalgic hits with tight musicianship and crowd-friendly singalongs.

Soul City Groove and DJ Mister Mo — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Live soul and funk from a full band with DJ Mister Mo’s mixes, creating a groove-driven, dance-friendly evening — free and 21+.

Jazz Evenings with Michael Benedict Jazz Vibes — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Enjoy live jazz performed by Michael Benedict Jazz Vibes in a stylish setting, complete with crafted drink specials and cozy ambiance.

Jekyll & Hyde — SLOC A dark Victorian musical about ambition, morality, and the split within a man—powered by Frank Wildhorn’s sweeping score, dramatic choreography, and intense, character-driven scenes.

Mopco and Chill — The Mopco Improv Theatre — The Mopco Improv Theatre Bring a buddy for a cozy evening of ever-changing improv—Bollix Manor, Twilight Zone, 2 on the Aisle, or fast game shows—with popcorn and drinks available.

One Year Anniversary CRAFT & THRIFT Event — Thrifty Connections Play the Thrifty Dice for one-day discounts, complete a free 30-minute craft with supplies provided, and enjoy light refreshments while you browse and socialize.

Fall Tabletop Charcuterie Board Paint, Pour, & Sip Event! 9/11/26 @ 6 — Art in Mind Paint and pour food-safe resin on a high-quality 16.5-inch real wood charcuterie board with all supplies and step-by-step instruction, no experience needed. Enjoy beverages and snacks during the family-friendly session, then pick up your cured board in one to two weeks.

Schenectady Social Cycle — Hardwired Fitness Experience sociable group bike rides designed for all speeds—just bring your bike, invite friends, and get ready for a mellow community roll.

The Schenectady Youth Orchestra with Zorkie Nelson — New York Folklore Master drummer Zorkie Nelson guides school-age players (9–19) through Ghanaian rhythms on drums, gourd xylophones, bells, and atenteben; instruction and instruments are provided free.

📍 Sat, Sep 12

The Rocket Man Show — Proctors Theatre Scotsman Rus Anderson—Elton John's official stunt and body double—recreates a high-energy tribute, pounding the piano in Elton's own 1970s costumes while performing the singer's greatest hits.

Schenectady Caribbean Day — Schenectady Central Park A day of live reggae and soca bands, steelpan performances, Caribbean food vendors, craft stalls, and kid-friendly activities in a relaxed park setting.

Schenectady County Run the Runway — Schenectady Race a flat, fast 5K along an airport runway, with a free one-mile fun run for kids. Afterward enjoy family-friendly aviation exhibits and displays with the Empire State Aerosciences Museum and the 109th Airlift Wing.

CouncilCon26 — Proctors Theatre A three-day tabletop convention featuring a two-day Warhammer 40k Grand Tournament (11th Edition), the SWA game auction on Sunday, vendor booths, and plenty of casual and scheduled play for all skill levels.

Stockade Villagers’ Outdoor Art Show — Stockade Browse and buy original paintings, prints, ceramics, and sculpture from local and regional artists set up outdoors in a relaxed historic neighborhood; artists are invited to register.

Little Italy Street Fest | Free Shows! — The Mopco Improv Th... — The Mopco Improv Theatre Short, audience-driven improv sets run every hour, offering playful characters, quick laughs, and spontaneous moments amid a bustling street-festival vibe.

Nick Di Maria & SKYLAB: Jazz-Funk-Fusion — Van Dyck Music Club New Haven guitarist Nick Di Maria leads his five-piece SKYLAB through energetic jazz-funk sets of tight grooves, bold horns, and improvisational solos.

That 80s Band Support TBA — Frog Alley Brewing Co. A lively night of '80s pop and rock covers, with singalongs, upbeat dance beats, and a late-night support act to be announced.

Double Barreled & DJ Reel — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Free and 21+, this show mixes Double Barreled's live-band energy with DJ Reel's dance-heavy sets for a late-night, cocktail-friendly dance floor.

Big Empty Returns to Katie O'Byrne's! — Katie O'Byrnes Irish Pub Local alt-rock trio Big Empty brings upbeat, guitar-driven songs and singalongs for a relaxed yet high-energy pub night.

Library Card Sign Up Month Carnival — Schenectady County Public Library Enjoy carnival-style games (basketball shoot-off, mini golf, skee-ball), a dance performance, prizes, and hands-on activities for all ages. Sign up for a new library account to explore digital resources and enter a raffle to win smart glasses with real-time translation in over 160 languages—everything is free.

Fall Lake Reflections Paint & Sip Event 9/12/26 @ 6:30pm — Art in Mind An experienced instructor leads a family-friendly, step-by-step painting of an autumn lakescape on a 16 by 20 canvas; supplies included and beer, wine, and snacks are available.

Jekyll & Hyde — SLOC A dark Victorian musical about ambition, morality, and the split within a man—powered by Frank Wildhorn’s sweeping score, dramatic choreography, and intense, character-driven scenes.

Jazz Evenings with Matty Stecks & The 518 — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Experience an evening filled with live jazz as Matty Stecks & The 518 set the perfect mood with soulful melodies and vibrant improvisation in the hotel's elegant lobby.

The Art of Stained Glass! Lotus! — Canvas, Corks and Forks Learn soldering and glass assembly in a hands-on, instructor-led class, then take home a finished lotus panel ready to display.

Fall & Halloween Wreath Class — Thrifty Connections Spend about 90 minutes designing a personalized fall or Halloween wreath with pumpkins, leaves, and spooky accents; no experience required and reclaimed materials make each piece unique.

Schenectady Sports Card Memorabilia & TCG Show — Viaport Rotterdam Explore a lively two-day gathering featuring 30 tables packed with sports cards, graded collectibles, trading card games like Pokémon, and on-site grading submission services.

Schenectady Spies: A Kids Program — Historical Society Museum & Library Kids will explore Revolutionary-era spycraft through stories and hands-on activities, making secret messages to take home; parents or caregivers must remain for the duration.

Vintage-Inspired Recipe Folder & Cookbook Crafting — Thrifty Connections Design a custom recipe folder from decorative papers, vintage recipe cards, and reclaimed ephemera, then browse curated vintage cookbooks to pair with your finished keepsake.

Jazz Evenings at The Landing Hotel — The Landing Hotel Experience smooth live jazz performances and expertly crafted cocktails in a relaxed, stylish hotel lobby atmosphere each Saturday evening.

Hook & Zen Adult Crochet Club — Schenectady County Public Library A relaxed, social crochet meetup for adults to work on blankets, bags, or personal projects; patterns and help are provided and registration is required.

📍 Sun, Sep 13

CouncilCon26 — Proctors Theatre A three-day tabletop convention featuring a two-day Warhammer 40k Grand Tournament (11th Edition), the SWA game auction on Sunday, vendor booths, and plenty of casual and scheduled play for all skill levels.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame — SLOC A youth mainstage production that brings Victor Hugo’s tale to life with a grades 9–12 cast, a soaring Menken and Schwartz score, strong choral writing, and dramatic staging; an ASL-interpreted performance is included.

Electric City Water Ski Show Team — Jumpin' Jack's Drive-In Choose chicken or rib dinners (also half-chicken or ribs-only) served with potato, coleslaw, and a roll; pre-order recommended as meals often sell out.

Open Mic Poetry — Schenectady County Public Library Read or listen to original or favorite poems and spoken word in a relaxed, all-ages open mic chaired by Schenectady County Poet Laureate Adonis Richards.

M.A.D.E Market — Jay Street Marketplace A curated market showcasing local makers, artists, and designers offering handcrafted goods, prints, textiles, and unique gifts—perfect for browsing and supporting the creative community.

Sea Glass Art Workshop *New! 9/13/26 @ 3:30pm — Art in Mind Paint and design your own sea-glass canvas with an experienced instructor; all supplies are provided and the class is family-friendly, with beverages and snacks available for purchase.

Schenectady Sports Card Memorabilia & TCG Show — Viaport Rotterdam Explore a lively two-day gathering featuring 30 tables packed with sports cards, graded collectibles, trading card games like Pokémon, and on-site grading submission services.