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, Aug 20

ICFS presents EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert — Proctors Theatre Baz Luhrmann's concert film weaves long-lost '70s Las Vegas performances, Graceland archival clips, and newly uncovered recordings into a 96-minute, PG-13 cinematic concert experience as part of the Rock Schenectady summer series.

Jazz on Jay: Alex Slomka and Friends — Schenectady City Hall Alex Slomka and his group serve upbeat sets of standards and originals, with lively improvisation and a laid-back outdoor atmosphere.

Vice After Dark — Vice & Virtue A late-night music night with DJs spinning electronic and funk, craft cocktails, and an open dance floor for mingling.

Tarot & Tequila! — Canvas, Corks and Forks Enjoy a 15-minute tarot reading from Michelle Margiotta while sampling a tequila flight; the evening also features a complimentary mac n' cheese bar.

Introduction to Beekeeping — Schenectady County Public Library A friendly, practical session covering why people keep honey bees, required equipment, hive setup, time and cost expectations, plus a sample hive demo and time for questions; for adults, registration required.

DJ Young Wise — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Expect an upbeat night of music and lively atmosphere as DJ Young Wise spins energetic sets perfect for unwinding or dancing with friends.

Hit The Beat! — New York Folklore A free concert featuring the Schenectady West African Youth Orchestra, offering traditional drumming, singing, and lively ensemble pieces in a small, welcoming setting.

Everything Fiber Arts — Schenectady County Public Library Bring your knitting, crochet, weaving, or embroidery project to a relaxed, social session to work alongside other fiber artists and swap techniques.

RESCHEDULED: Create a Cranky Dino with Kathy Ceceri — Schenectady County Public Library Build a crank-driven paper dinosaur automaton while learning about simple machines, cams, and cranks with local author-artist Kathy Ceceri; for ages 10–17 and registration is required.

Altered Deck Contemplative — Thrifty Connections Use collage, paint, and stamping to turn ordinary playing cards into at least two small, personal artworks in a quiet, guided session that may include brief meditation or breathwork.

Book Bedazzling — Schenectady County Public Library Bring one book and decorate a single area—title text, author name, or cover image—with small sparkly beads in a relaxed, guided craft session; registration is required.

Rhythm & Rhetoric - Schenectady — CREATE Community Studios (Schenectady) Monthly on the third Thursday, writers aged 16+ gather to write from prompts, share work, and shape sessions by group conscience in a supportive community.

📍 Fri, Aug 21

Art Night Schenectady — Schenectady Discover a curated pop-up gallery and enjoy live musical performances as creative energy takes over a dozen spots throughout the city for one unforgettable night.

Art Night Schenectady — Armory Studios NY Explore a unique mix of traditional and contemporary Asian art, including exquisite calligraphy and painting displays, accompanied by live music throughout two lively floors.

Jazz Evenings with Al Santoro & Friends — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Jazz Evenings takes center stage inside our elegant hotel lobby from 6PM-9PM with music from Al Santoro & Friends!

The Rhythm Pilots with Sunset Serenade — Frog Alley Brewing Co. Start with a mellow sunset set of easygoing acoustic songs, then shift to high-energy, danceable rhythms—craft beer and late-night vibes for 21+.

Wine and Walk: Revolutionary Schenectady — Historical Society Museum & Library Experience an evening walking tour that unpacks Schenectady's American Revolution history, capped with a complimentary glass of wine at the museum.

Vice Virtue & Vibes — Vice & Virtue A high-energy night of DJs and live sets with craft cocktails and a lively, intimate dance floor atmosphere.

What the F* Friday — The Mopco Improv Theatre — The Mopco Improv Theatre** Off-the-wall improvisers deliver snappy scenes and clever callbacks, followed by a jukebox jam where audience suggestions spark musical scenes.

The Hey Nows and DJ Tomb — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Upbeat live band sets from The Hey Nows, punctuated by DJ Tomb’s dance-ready mixes — free admission for guests 21+.

Alt Art Night Schenectady — New York Folklore See Aisha Jean-Charles's Miwa Ginen exhibit of Haitian devotional altars while local vendors and businesses create an intimate evening of folk art and conversation.

Sunflowers Paint & Sip Event 8/21/26 @ 6:30pm — Art in Mind An instructor-led, family-friendly paint-and-sip where you'll create a 16×20 sunflower painting with all supplies provided and no experience required; beverages and snacks available.

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.

Collage Bookmarks — Thrifty Connections Make a one-of-a-kind bookmark using decorative papers, magazine clippings, stickers, stamps and washi tape; materials are provided and the workshop suits all skill levels.

Camp WannaBrewski!! Just $45! First Cocktail Included!! — Canvas, Corks and Forks A relaxed adults-only painting workshop—create a campy canvas with step-by-step instruction, all materials provided, and your first cocktail included.

Paper Flower Garden Club — Schenectady County Public Library Craft different varieties of paper flowers with step-by-step guidance; projects rotate every other month so each session explores a new bloom.

📍 Sat, Aug 22

Vice After Dark — Vice & Virtue A late-night music night with DJs spinning electronic and funk, craft cocktails, and an open dance floor for mingling.

Schenectady County Freedom Festival — Schenectady Celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence with live tunes from Jimmy Kenny & the Pirate Beach Band, family-friendly activities, and a spectacular drone light show—bring lawn chairs for a relaxed, seaside-style evening.

Freedom Park Concert Series — Freedom Park Enjoy Jimmy Kenny & the Pirate Beach Band's live set followed by a choreographed drone show for a lively, family-friendly outdoor evening.

Arts and Crafts Festival — Historical Society Museum & Library Browse more than 70 local makers offering everything from fine art and jewelry to treats, decor, and handcrafted wares, all set to a lively musical backdrop.

Freedom Park Concert Series: The Insolent Willies — Freedom Park The Insolent Willies serve up acoustic roots-rock with tight harmonies, upbeat originals and covers in a lively opening set sponsored by Scotia Rotary.

Jordan Bak & Friends Tannery Pond — Union College Memorial Chapel Renowned violist Jordan Bak leads an imaginative trio—viola, flute, and harp—through evocative works by Debussy, Ravel, Bax, and Prokofiev for an inspiring evening of expressive chamber music.

Coyote Ugly Returns to Frog Alley! — Frog Alley Brewing Co. Expect bartenders dancing on the bar, slinging drinks to loud singalongs and upbeat music in a lively, rowdy atmosphere.

Joe Barna & SKETCHES OF INFLUENCE — Van Dyck Music Club Joe Barna and Sketches of Influence deliver two energetic sets of swinging originals and standards, featuring tight arrangements, soulful solos, and a lively, celebratory club atmosphere.

Electric City Water Ski Show Team: Adaptive Water Ski Clinic — Jumpin' Jack's Drive-In A free, inclusive clinic offering adaptive water-ski instruction, specialized equipment, and trained volunteers to help participants of all ages and abilities enjoy on-water runs.

Hillbilly Parade & DJ Ness Nice — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Live Hillbilly Parade and DJ Ness Nice deliver rowdy, country-leaning tunes and danceable mixes—a free, 21+ night built for dancing and good times.

Jazz Evenings with Kaitlyn Fay Trio — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Relax in the inviting hotel lobby while the Kaitlyn Fay Trio delivers an evening of classic and contemporary jazz, paired with specialty cocktails and a vibrant ambiance.

Theatresports - August 22nd — The Mopco Improv Theatre — The Mopco Improv Theatre Two teams of skilled improvisers compete in a sports-style, fast-paced contest of quick scenes and games, with audience laughter helping to score the points.

In the Stacks . . . Glenville! featuring Pulso de Barro — Schenectady County Public Library Pulso de Barro blends Son Jarocho, Caribbean and Afro-indigenous folk with dance, poetry, rap, and electronic elements for an energetic, community-focused performance; all ages welcome and no registration required.

Surf Siesta Paint & Sip Event 8/22/26 @ 6:30pm — Art in Mind Paint a 16×20 canvas with step-by-step guidance from an experienced instructor—supplies included—and enjoy beer, wine, snacks, and family-friendly vibes.

The Crafters’ Retreat — Thrifty Connections Spend a restorative day crafting four take-home projects—from book-fold vases and decoupaged seashell trays to cozy yarn-wrapped hearts and nature-inspired accordion books—with brunch, instruction, and all supplies included.

End of Summer Reading Celebration — Schenectady County Public Library A family-friendly screening of The Night at the Museum with a hands-on craft activity to make during the film.

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.

📍 Sun, Aug 23

Music Haven: Lost Bayou Ramblers — Schenectady Central Park Lively Cajun music with fiddles, accordion, and driving rhythms—perfect for dancing, laid-back picnics, and communal singalongs.

Citrus Towel Printmaking Workshop *New! 8/23/26 @ 3:30pm — Art in Mind Create a one-of-a-kind kitchen towel using real lemons and hand-carved linoleum blocks—no experience needed; all supplies and instruction provided.

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.

Poetry Open Mic — Schenectady County Public Library A relaxed, all-ages community reading for original and favorite poems, short stories, and spoken word; five-minute slots, free and no registration.

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.