Friday 

‘If we touch our eyes will never meet’ performance and pop-up beer garden

A one night only in-gallery performance, with Carol Durant and Paul Richer, that approaches race, economic inequity and the establishment of contemporary class and caste systems in America as well as the historic omission of details related to the establishment of the African slave trade in the colonies and the glancing over of events leading up to, and following, Bacon’s Rebellion. Plus, while onsite, enjoy the neighborhood Pop-Up Beer Garden featuring Singlecut Beersmiths, music from Five Kill Records bands, food from Merv’s Meatless and Quang’s Vietnamese Bistro, and lawn games.

@ Opalka Gallery, Albany | 6 PM | Free

Girl Blue, Laura Wolf, Diana Jones, Elizabeth Wyld

Your favorite local songwriter with your favorite local coffee. Good deal. 

@ Superior Merchandise Co., Troy | 7 PM | $5 suggested donation

First Screening: ‘Danseur’

NuArts Productions presents a film following the ongoing struggle of bullying and homophobic attacks male ballet dancers face, particularly from a parental perception of the profession. In the midst of the turmoil, Director Scott Gormley explores the athleticism and vitality of the art form through performance, creation, preservation and education.

@ The Riggi Theater at the National Museum of Dance & Hall of Fame, Saratoga Springs | 7 PM | $15

Robert Boyers Book Release 

Celebrating the release of his new book,  “Tyranny of Virtue,” Robert Boyers will offer signings, readings, and discussion at the Northshire Bookstore.  This new essay collection offers thought-provoking, engaging, and impactful ideas on the state of academia and culture around virtue shaming.  Boyers is the editor of Salmagundi, professor of English at Skidmore College, and director of the New York State Summer Writers Institute.  

@ Northshire Bookstore, Saratoga Springs | 7 PM | Free 

‘Whitewashed: The Racism Project’

Creative Action Unlimited presents this original documentary theater performance based on black history, current events and the personal experiences of the cast: Shirey Archie, Royal Brown, Danielle Colin, Diaka Kaba Hill, Aaron Moore, Tim Martin and Sakea Martin, directed by Michael Kennedy.

 @ Arts Center of the Capital Region, Troy | 7:30 PM | $10-$12

Super Dark TNO

Featuring Sisterhood of Sleep, Doomsday Virus and Blood Blood Blood this is the Troy Night Out event for all the goths, punks and rivet heads out there. 

@ Arts Center of the Capital Region, Troy | 8 PM | Free

Flat Files launch

Check out the launch of this exhibition featuring Yura Adams Fern T. Apfel, Michael Bach, Caroline Blum, Saskia Fleishman . 

@Collar Works, Troy | 5 -8 PM | Free 

‘Uncanny Melodies’

This exhibition features  6 artists “whose work is made from a surprising juxtaposition of materials, uncanny relationships, dialogues and associations.” Also any reason to visit HiLo is a good one. 

@HiLo, Castskill | 6-9 PM | Free 

The Blind Owl with Useless Cans

Get your dose of “freight train string music” from these Saranac boys. 

@The Hollow, Albany | 8 PM | $13 

Service Industry/This Strange Paradise/Galene

Innovative and interesting post-rock and dream wave served up right. 

@ Parish Public House, Albany | 9 PM | 

Film Screening: “Man on Wire” 

Enjoy the classic film often called the “artistic crime of the century.” The harrowing, illegal, tightrope walk made in 1974 by Philipe Petit between the Twin Towers in New York City, will be sponsored by the NYS Writers Institute Classic Film Series.  Accompanying the 94 minute documentary by James Marsh will be testimonials from Petite and the accomplices that aided him in his high rise, high risk, feat.  

@ New York State Writers Institute, UAlbany | 7:30 PM | Free 

Saturday 

Saratoga Record Riot

Over 40 tables of LPs, 45s & CDs! Dealers will hail from all over upstate New York, New England and the New York area. General admission price covers door prizes for lucky winners at the event. 

@ Saratoga Springs City Center | 10 AM | $3 general admission

Gravedigger’s Tale 

“ . . .  a fellow of infinite jest.”  Spoke Hamlet to the fabled Gravediggers in Act V of the Shakespeare masterpiece; yet how well informed were the two comic characters? Explored in this comedic and fan interactive retelling are elements of intense humor and melancholy, as the Gravedigger answers questions from the audience using script from the original play.  

@ Janet Kinghorn Bernhard Theater, Skidmore College | 2 PM | $15 General Admission, $12 Military and Seniors, $8 Children and Skidmore Students 

Stitched Fashion Show

Sixteen designers–including locals like Ekologic, Made in Truth Clothing, Elona Hope Mitchell-Strong, and Vaceia Designs–take the 120-foot runway at the TU this Saturday in the largest fashion show in the Capital Region. 

@ Times Union Center, Albany | 4:30 PM | $35-$105

Art Omi: Writers Fall Reading & BBQ

Literary conversation and BBQ combine to offer a fun and unique event at Art Omi.  Acclaimed, international writers from the Art Omi writers-in-residence, will offer new and coming soon writing pieces from their time spent in residence.  

@ Art Omi, Ghent NY | 5 PM | Free 

‘The Work Project’

Luis Macia and the Coxsackie-Athens Teachers’ Association present this collection of portraits of local, working class people accompanied by a live readings of their oral histories. The exhibit will be on display in the theatre lobby through Nov. 30.

@ Bridge Street Theatre, Catskill | 6:30 PM | Free

Shostakovich Series: Parker Quartet 

Performing Shostakovich Quartet no. 9 and no. 11, the Parker Quartet will display their Grammy-award winning prowess in E-flat major and F minor.  

@ Arthur Zankel Music Center, Saratoga Springs | 7 PM | $8 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and Skidmore Community, Free for students and children  

Reading and Discussion with Robert Haller

“Another Life” brings readers to a summer of discontent; several characters of different ages and genders who are resolved to win their respective battles as their lives collide with each other against the backdrop of Upstate New York.  Robert Haller will read and discuss his new novel that takes place in our own backyard.  

@ Northshire Bookstore, Saratoga Springs | 7 PM | Free 

Sunday 

Saratoga Giant Pumpkin Fest

Located inside the Saratoga State Park on the big lawn just before the reflecting pond near SPAC, come walk among the region’s largest pumpkins to kick off the first weekend of fall. Growers interested in submitting their pumpkin for the weigh-off must drop off their gourds by 10 AM for an entry fee of $15 per item (max 2 pumpkins). 

@ Saratoga Spa State Park | 9 AM | Free

‘Taos Journey: High Desert Portraits of Time’

Meet artist George Nicholson and check out his collection of photographs in this exhibit, which includes a book signing of Nicholson’s work and a selection of refreshments.

@ The Artists’ Space at The National Bottle Museum, Ballston Spa | 2 PM

Hudson Valley Writers Guild Prose Reading 

The Hudson Valley Writers Guild presents four of its esteemed writers in prose at the Albany Public Library to read and discuss their work.  Each writer represents a distinct genre, ranging from flash fiction to gothic mystery and suspense; and they will be allotted 15 to 20 minutes each. 

@ Albany Public Library, Washington Ave, Main Branch | 2 PM | Free  

Music in the Stacks: Miho Hatori

Hosted by teens from Kite’s Nest Space 2.0, the singer, songwriter, musician and producer formerly of the NYC trio Cibo Matto performs her latest project “Salon Mondialité,” inspired by Martinique-born poet and thinker Édouard Glissant. In the performance, Hatori will create sound stories through improvisation and ambient chanting. 

@ Hudson Area Library | 4 PM | Free

Sinbad

Actor and comedian Sinbad has had audiences laughing for over 30 years. Don’t miss your chance to see the stand-up legend right here in the 518. He’ll be here all weekend.

@ Albany Funny Bone | 6:45 PM & 8:45 PM | $30-$40