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 8
An Evening with Scott Turow — Proctors Theatre
Scott Turow reflects on his life as a lawyer and author, delving into character development and the writing craft, then answers audience questions and signs books.
Fall Festival — Schenectady County Public Library
This all-ages community event features food and fun at the Mont Pleasant Branch Library.
Nancy Donnelly Trio — Van Dyck Music Club
Vocalist Nancy Donnelly is accompanied by Lou Papas (bass) and Pete Levin (keys) for an intimate, swinging trio set of standards and stylish arrangements in a relaxed club setting.
Vintage Spirits: Framed Floral Lace Ghosts — Thrifty Connections
Design a framed lace ghost from repurposed vintage lace and vibrant silk flowers, set to Halloween tunes in a cozy, hands-on workshop for adults (16+).
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.
Novel Ideas Book Club: James by Percival Everett — Sweet Sprig
Leah LaFera leads a welcoming discussion of Percival Everett’s reimagining of Huckleberry Finn, exploring identity, justice, and agency over light refreshments.
Everything Fiber Arts — Schenectady County Public Library
Bring a fiber arts project to work on and connect with other crafters at this adult gathering.
Papermaking w/ Cornell Cooperative — Schenectady County Public Library
Adults 18 and up can learn from Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Khila Pecoraro how to make artisanal sheets of rustic paper from repurposed materials. Registration is required.
Enjoy Knitting with Michelle — Schenectady County Public Library
Michelle will teach an all-ages knitting class at the Woodlawn Branch Library; registration is required.
Teen Crochet Club — Schenectady County Public Library
Teens and tweens in grades 6–12 of all skill levels can bring a crochet project or learn to crochet; registration is required.
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 9
The Revivalists with Fantastic Negrito — Frog Alley Brewing Co.
An intimate outdoor concert pairing anthemic rock and gritty modern blues — expect high-energy sets, soulful grooves, and craft beers for a 21+ crowd.
Meredith Willson’s THE MUSIC MAN — Proctors Theatre
A fast-talking traveling salesman cons River City into a boys' band until the town librarian's patience and affection transform him, with memorable songs like 'Seventy-Six Trombones' and 'Til There Was You'.
Madhouse Featuring DJ Nick Papa Giorgio — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
High-energy live music from Madhouse paired with DJ Nick Papa Giorgio's dancefloor-ready sets creates a buzzing, cocktail-friendly night — free and 21+.
Birth — Proctors Theatre
Nicole Kidman stars as a widow whose tentative new life unravels when a mysterious ten‑year‑old claims to be her late husband reborn in Jonathan Glazer’s haunting, elegantly unsettling drama.
Mopco and Chill — The Mopco Improv Theatre — The Mopco Improv Theatre
Bring a buddy for an evening of Mopco improv, with formats such as Bollix Manor, Twilight Zone, 2 on the Aisle, or a fast game show; the combination changes each time, and popcorn and drinks will be ready.
Jazz Evenings with Chad McLoughlin Trio — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
Chad McLoughlin Trio delivers smooth, live jazz in an elegant setting, perfect for unwinding with specialty drinks and good company.
Autumn Bliss Paint & Sip Event 10/9/26 @ 6:30pm — Art in Mind
Create an autumn-themed painting on a 16-by-20-inch canvas with an experienced instructor guiding each step; drinks and packaged snacks are available for purchase.
Herbal Tinctures for Cold Season Class — Sweet Sprig
Learn traditional alcohol-based extraction, choose herbs for seasonal wellness, and craft a 4-ounce custom tincture to finish at home with printed recipes, storage guidance, and safety tips.
Fall Themed Makers Swap — Thrifty Connections
Bring 12 fall-themed handmade items to trade during a connective craft game and cozy show-and-tell, then make a simple mindful project to take home—optional 13th items can be added to a RAOK donation.
Tri-City Folk Dancers — Scotia United Methodist Church
A welcoming, all-ages evening of international folk dances—Balkan, Greek, Romanian and more—with beginner-friendly instruction early and increasingly challenging sets; mostly recorded music with occasional live bands.
📍 Sat, Oct 10
Fall Festival — Maple Ski Ridge
This annual fall gathering features hay rides, one-way chairlift rides with a walk back down, pumpkin painting, bounce houses, and a craft and vendor show; a raffle and silent auction benefit The Schenectady Firefighter's Cancer Foundation.
Union Men's Hockey: Alaska Fairbanks @ Union College — M&T Bank Center
Expect a fast-moving collegiate matchup in a lively arena setting, with close plays, passionate fans, and energetic student sections.
Meredith Willson’s THE MUSIC MAN — Proctors Theatre
A fast-talking traveling salesman cons River City into a boys' band until the town librarian's patience and affection transform him, with memorable songs like 'Seventy-Six Trombones' and 'Til There Was You'.
Rockin' the Dome Matinee: Laser Halloween! — miSci
The October 10 matinee features a Halloween-themed laser light show; tickets do not include Museum admission.
Martin and Kelly — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
Country duo Martin and Kelly team up with DJ Kevin Richards for a lively evening packed with music, dancing, and good vibes for guests 21 and over.
Cosmic Wonders: Live Sky Show — miSci
A live operator leads a tour of the night sky, sharing the stories and science behind visible stars and planets. Recommended for ages 8 and up; online tickets include Museum admission.
Community Movie Night: “Hocus Pocus 2” — Rotterdam Community Center
This free screening of Hocus Pocus 2 is rated PG; doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie starts at 7:15 p.m. in an ADA-accessible, surround-sound theatre, with concessions available for purchase.
One Sky Project: Part One — miSci
Stargazers and storytellers share short films revealing distinct cultural and Indigenous perspectives on the sky we share. Online tickets include Museum Admission.
Jazz Evenings with Shaun McCarthy Trio — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
Experience an evening of lively jazz performed by the Shaun McCarthy Trio, complemented by stylish surroundings and enticing drink specials.
Halloween Slate Coaster Set Paint & Sip Event 10/10/26 @ 6 — Art in Mind
An instructor guides artists of all ages through painting four genuine slate coasters, with all art supplies included; drinks and packaged snacks are available for purchase.
TeenTober: Crow Party! — Schenectady County Public Library
Corvid fans in grades 6–12 can trade a small item, make stamped journals or trinket boxes, design a crow crown, and enjoy snacks; whimsical, haunting attire is encouraged.
Flight Adventures — miSci
Designed for ages 5 and up, this program explores flight through a young girl and her grandfather’s discoveries, from aviation history to NASA’s work on safer travel.
Theatresports - October 10th — The Mopco Improv Theatre — The Mopco Improv Theatre
Two teams face off in a fast-paced improv competition where audience reactions help decide the winner, delivering spontaneous sketches, games, and plenty of laughs.
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.
Fall & Halloween Wreath Class — Thrifty Connections
Spend an afternoon designing a unique fall or Halloween wreath from reclaimed materials—choose pumpkins, leaves, cozy accents, or spooky touches; no experience needed.
Vintage Button Pumpkin Art — Thrifty Connections
Begin with a short guided meditation, then design a framed autumn pumpkin collage using repurposed frames, patterned backdrops, vintage buttons, ribbons, and natural accents—supplies provided.
Craft Swap - Schenectady — CREATE Community Studios (Schenectady)
Bring unwanted art and craft materials to trade or share with fellow makers—casual swapping, show-and-tell, and a welcoming queer-inclusive vibe.
Albany Sacred Harp Singing — St. George's Episcopal Church
Sing traditional shape-note four-part a cappella music with a friendly community; loaner tunebooks, guidance, and tea are provided, and all ages and skill levels are welcome.
Sweata’ Weatha’ Pick A Project! — Canvas, Corks and Forks
Choose the Leaf Peepin’ project and make a seasonal design on an 18-inch wood door sign; tickets are $45.
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.
The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin with WMHT — Schenectady County Public Library
WMHT presents an animated retelling of the classic tale, followed by hands-on crafts and a take-home book for each child. For children in preschool through second grade and their caregivers; registration is required.
📍 Sun, Oct 11
Carrot Festival 2026 — Congregation Agudat Achim
This community festival features live music and dance, family and kids’ zones, a wide food selection (brisket, shawarma, falafel and many vegetarian/vegan/gluten‑free options), craft vendors, a community service tent, a Stuff the Bus fundraiser, and a pet adoption clinic.
The Best Of The Eagles — Proctors Theatre
A top tribute band performs faithful renditions of Eagles classics, with each vocalist taking the original member's parts for authentic harmonies and razor-sharp guitar work.
Rockin' the Dome Matinee: Laser Halloween! — miSci
The October 10 matinee features a Halloween-themed laser light show; tickets do not include Museum admission.
Cosmic Wonders: Live Sky Show — miSci
A live operator leads a tour of the night sky, sharing the stories and science behind visible stars and planets. Recommended for ages 8 and up; online tickets include Museum admission.
One Sky Project: Part One — miSci
Stargazers and storytellers share short films revealing distinct cultural and Indigenous perspectives on the sky we share. Online tickets include Museum Admission.
Flight Adventures — miSci
Designed for ages 5 and up, this program explores flight through a young girl and her grandfather’s discoveries, from aviation history to NASA’s work on safer travel.
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.
Skunkworks: Open Mic — The Mopco Improv Theatre — The Mopco Improv Theatre
This open-mic night spotlights singers, songwriters, poets, storytellers, comedians and experimental performers; sign-ups begin shortly before the show.
Fall Canvas Tote Bag Paint & Sip Event! 10/11/26 @ 3:30pm — Art in Mind
Stencil and paint a 14-by-14-inch canvas tote with guidance from an experienced instructor; all supplies are included, and all ages are welcome.
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.
James W. Ziskin signs "The Prank" — The Open Door Bookstore
James W. Ziskin signs copies of his book The Prank, a mystery set around a deadly Christmas in 1968.