PREVIEW: Metroland’s Monthly Mentionables with WNYT’s Capital Region Lifestyle
Capital Region Lifestyle and Metroland are teaming up to spotlight some mentionable events happening in our area each month. Here’s a handy list, with additional information, from this morning’s segment on WNYT:
Friday, September 4 - Sova’s Album Release Party - Alight!
Saturday, September 5 - Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival
Saturday, September 5 - Capital District Scottish Games
Wednesday, September 9 - Hops and Harvest in the Empire State Plaza
Saturday, September 12 - Pearlpalooza - Pearl St. Albany
Saturday, September 19 - Lark Out Loud
Saturday, September 19 - Porchfest in Schenectady
Saturday, September 26 - Love. Joy. Festival.
MORE INFO:
Friday, September 4
Sova’s Album Release Party - Alight!
7:30 PM, Troy Music Hall
Alight! is Sophia Vastek’s first full-length release under the moniker Sova, featuring a blend of neoclassical composition and indie electronic sound design.
Saturday, September 5
Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival
12:00 PM, Jennings Landing
For 24 years, the City of Albany Jazz Festival has featured a wealth of jazz greats, critically acclaimed up-and-coming artists and local favorites at the area’s most spectacular venues. This all-day concert features world-class music, vendors, great food & beverages. The Jazz Festival is an event for all ages - and admission is still free!
Headliners Ghost Note and fireworks.
Saturday, September 5
Capital District Scottish Games
9:00 AM, Altamont Fairgrounds
One of the largest cultural festivals in New York State, this Celtic festival of arts is an annual Labor Day tradition. Grab your bagpipes and head to the Altamont Fairgrounds for Highland Dancing, a Scottish Breed Dog Show, Pipe Bands, Highland Athletics, vendors, kids activities and more.
Wednesday, September 9
Hops and Harvest Festival
5:00 PM, Empire State Plaza
First launched in 2018, the Hops and Harvest Festival bursts with energy, blending the best of American music, the vibrant spirit of upstate New York’s harvest season, and an incredible selection of bold, flavorful beers from the state’s most innovative breweries. The excitement continues with lively activities like giant Jenga, competitive cornhole, and the fan-favorite pie-eating contest hosted by none other than Steve Barnes, Times Union’s restaurant columnist and acclaimed theater critic.
Live performances by bluegrass and jam band legends Leftover Salmon, featuring Bronwyn Keith-Hynes and Wyatt Ellis, alongside local craft beverages and seasonal harvest celebrations.
Saturday, September 12
Pearlpalooza
12:00 PM, Pearl Street, Albany
Downtown Albany’s free, all-ages music festival, PearlPalooza, returns for its 17th year on September 12 from 12:00 PM–7:00 PM. The fest is presented by Albany Mechanical and Common Roots Brewing and co-produced by 102.7 FM WEQX, Sugar Productions, and the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID).
PearlPalooza 2026 will feature performances by King Tuff, Robber Robber, The Parlor, Bruiser and Bicycle, and the Albany Rock Pit.
Saturday, September 19
Lark Out Loud - Lark Tavern Parking Lot (435 Madison Ave)
1:30 PM
Lark Out Loud is a FREE TRIBUTE BAND MUSIC FESTIVAL bringing live music, food, drinks, local vendors, and an incredible day of entertainment back to Lark Street.
This year’s festival features four great tribute acts celebrating Neil Young, R&B & Soul, ’90s Country, and Aerosmith. The lineup includes Tonight’s The Night (A Neil Young Tribute), Saturday Soul (R&B & Soul Tribute), Electric Rodeo (’90s Country Tribute) and Toys In The Attic (Aerosmith Tribute).
The concert kicks off at 1:30pm in the Lark Tavern Parking Lot at 435 Madison Avenue and this free event is 21+ only and will feature an outdoor beer garden.
Saturday, September 19
Porchfest in Schenectady
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Free Community Concerts on Porches in Schenectady's Historic GE Realty Plot
Featuring: Alex Torres Latin Orchestra, Keith Pray Ortet, and the Veena & Devesh Chandra Duo.
Saturday, September 26
Love. Joy. Festival - Indian Ladder Farms, Altamont
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
A free, family-friendly music event to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
With September marking National Suicide Prevention Month, Love.Joy.Festival hopes to bring the community together to celebrate mental wellness and raise both funds and awareness for an important cause. Ten acts will perform across two stages:
ELECTRIC: ACOUSTIC:
The E-Block Hayley Stafford
Sydney Worthley Will Lawrence
E.R.I.E. A Day Without Love
Reality Distortion Amanda Case
Zeffler Stellar Young (Duo)
