First Weekend in October

It’s J’s birthday!  She turns 6 on October 1st.  Our schedules are so busy that the kid party isn’t until next weekend, but we’ll be up bright and early with her Special Birthday Breakfast (pancakes, sausage, strawberries) and some present opening.  I actually put all of the presents up high, high, high because we re-use gift bags and it’s just too tempting.  As it is, the other day she had stacked about 4 sofa cushions on top of a dining room chair and climbed on top of it in an attempt to reach them.  I don’t even allow shaking.  I’m mean like that.  Anyway, it’s a wonder the kid didn’t break her neck.

Anyway, here’s what else is happening this weekend.  And is anyone else wishing that some people would try Sunday instead of Saturday for a change of pace?

All Weekend:

• The Albany Curling Club is having an open house on Saturday & Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.  Thanks to Albany Kid for spreading the word on this one.
• The New York State Theatre Institute is performing The Miracle Worker.  $22/adult, $12/kids 12 and younger.
• On Saturday and Sunday, the Homestead Farm is having Corn Harvest on Saturday from 10:30 am to 4 pm and on Sunday from 10:30 am to 2 pm.  This is a private family farm, but they open it up to visitors, who can see the different draft horses and help gather up the cut corn.  This is free, but there will be refreshments for sale.  The farm is located at 321 Ice Cave Road in Carlisle, NY, about 40 minutes west of Schenectady.  I read about this in the Daily Gazette, but they make you pay for access, which is why this is a long listing with all the most relevant information!
• It’s Confetti Fest 6, which means short plays and films by local writers, directors, producers, and actors.
• At Russell Sage College in Troy, they’re showing Peter Pan the Musical on Friday and Saturday night at 8 pm and at 2 pm on Sunday.  $10/person, $8/students & seniors.

Evening of Friday, October 1st:

• It’s First Friday in Albany.
• It’s First Friday in Ballston Spa.
• At 7 pm, there’s A Special Night for Special Needs at The Linda Auditorium.  $30/person, and it’s a concert by Matt Savage, a young jazz musician who was diagnosed with autism at age 3.

Saturday, October 2nd:

• From 7:30 to 9 am, observe Migratory Birds at the Albany Pine Bush. Pre-register; $2/person, $5/family.
• Or, from 8:30 to 10 am, take an Artist’s Hike at the Albany Pine Bush and inspire some creativity.  Pre-register; $2/person, $5/family.
• At 9 am, take a Fall Hike at Thacher.
• There’s a Festival of Literacy and Creative Arts at the College of St. Rose from 9 am ’til 1 pm.  This is designed to be inter-generational, and it’s $5/family.
• From 10 am to 3 pm, the Guilderland Fire Department is having an open house.  Thanks to a reader who saw this flyer and passed me the info.
• There’s a Shaker Doll Show from 10 am to 3:30 pm at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Albany.  $5/adult, 12 and under free, plus a Greek cafe.
• The New York Vegetarian Expo is at the Empire State Plaza from 10 am until 5 pm.  $5 suggested donation.
• From 10 am to 7 pm, there’s an African American Culture and History Fest in Kingston, NY.  Yes, that’s quite a drive (about an hour south), but I’m linking to this one, also, because if you’re generally interested in New York history, you should know about this blog, anyway.  Plus, the event is free.
• From 11 am to 2 pm, the Bethlehem Public Library is having their annual Technology Fair.
• Woodland Hill Montessori School has a Fall Family Fun Day from 11 am to 3 pm.  Andy the Music Man, bouncy bounce, fire truck, more.  $7/big kid, no charge for parents or kids under 3.
• From 11 am to 4 pm, there’s going to be a Hoopla at the Victoria Pool Promenade in Saratoga Spa State Park. It’s designed to be about community building and “celebrating healthy choices”.
• It’s the Esperance Elks Oktoberfest, with German food and beer, live entertainment, pony rides, petting zoo and more.  It’s located at 111 US Rte. 20, Esperance, NY, half an hour west of Schenectady, and there’s a phone number for information: 895-2631.  I’m not linking here because I had to cobble together the address and other information in separate places.
• Kids 5 and up can learn about Paper Capers at 1 pm at the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology.  Pre-register; $2/non-member.
• It’s Kids Country Play Day at Goold Orchard from 1-3 pm.  With Radio Disney and theme is Beauty and the Beast–come dressed as a princess or a monster.
• The Town of Halfmoon is having a Fall Festival from 1 to 5 pm.  Hayrides, music, laser tag, and more.
• From 2 to 10 pm, it’s the First Annual Glenville Oktoberfest.  More information on the Visit Scotia blog.
• [I missed getting this in time, but for future reference, there was a Family Fun Day at the Malta Drive-in on Oct. 2–annual event.]

Sunday, October 3rd:

• At 1 pm, learn about Beginning Birding at Thacher Nature Center.  This is an indoor activity, and if you have binoculars, you should bring them.