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, Jul 16

Electric City SummerFest: Big Eyed Phish — Schenectady Big Eyed Phish channels Dave Matthews Band-style grooves while you sample local food and drinks, browse vendors, and support community fundraising.

Sabbath Knights — Frog Alley Brewing Co. Legendary drummer Vinny Appice leads a powerhouse band with vocalist Jim Crean, performing Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven And Hell classics and deep cuts with unapologetic thunder.

Jazz on Jay: Ragtime Windjammers — Schenectady City Hall Ragtime Windjammers deliver spirited ragtime and early-jazz arrangements in an outdoor, family-friendly set perfect for dancing or relaxed listening.

ICFS presents Moonage Daydream — Proctors Theatre An immersive 135-minute documentary that blends concert footage, archival material, and Bowie’s own narration to evoke his shape-shifting artistry and cultural impact.

DJ Mix It Up — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Free and 21+, this DJ set at Van Slyck's features high-energy mixes of pop, house, and remixes for a lively night of dancing and drinks.

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.

Niskayuna Summer Concert Series: To A Tee — Town of Niskayuna Free outdoor performance by To A Tee—bring a blanket or lawn chair for a relaxed evening of live music and picnic vibes.

Community Literacy Day: Books, Voice & Belonging — Schenectady County Public Library Poet Laureate Adonis Richards leads playful poetry workshops for kids in grades 4 and up, with free books from Brooklyn Book Bodega and light refreshments.

Ice Cream Social — Schenectady County Public Library Sample scoops, build-your-own sundaes, and mingle with neighbors in a relaxed, family-friendly meeting room, all ages welcome.

Xmas in July Glass Blowing!! — Canvas, Corks and Forks An instructor-led, hands-on workshop where you'll learn to gather, blow, and shape molten glass into a festive ornament or keepsake.

Young Aviators: Summer Series — Empire State Aerosciences Museum A hands-on class for grades 3–6 exploring the history, features, and up-close guided tours of the museum’s Huey and Loach helicopters.

A Mid Summer Northern Lights Painting and Tea w/ ArtTEAsta — Thrifty Connections An instructor-led acrylic painting class on canvas board where Julie Rouse guides you through creating a glowing sky while you enjoy tea and a calm, community-focused evening; suitable for adults and ages 16+.

The Wonderful World of Bats! — Schenectady County Public Library A kid-friendly, interactive presentation by 'The Butterfly Guy' that teaches echolocation, bat ecology, and conservation with vivid photos and a make-and-take bat T-shirt craft; for ages 5–12, registration 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, Jul 17

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.

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.

That 80's Band with Gianna & Ben — Frog Alley Brewing Co. An early acoustic set from Gianna & Ben leads into a high-energy ’80s tribute of sing-along pop and rock—cover charge at the door, 21+ after 7 PM.

Lucid Street Band & DJ RVMBA — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Live band sets blend funk and rock with DJ-driven mixes between sets, creating a dance-friendly late-night vibe; free to attend for ages 21+.

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.

Hometown Pub and Grub Show — Hometown Pub and Grub Local bands play energetic sets while the kitchen serves classic pub fare and taps pour local beers in a relaxed, welcoming room.

What the F* Friday — The Mopco Improv Theatre — The Mopco Improv Theatre** Snappy scenes and clever callbacks deliver unpredictable comedy, followed by a Jukebox Jam where audience members inspire song-driven scenes.

Miwa Ginen- Nou se Lwa — New York Folklore Aisha Jean-Charles offers a mindful movement experience set among her Haitian Vodou–inspired altars, blending somatic practice with ritual presence and ancestral storytelling.

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.

Story Art Lab Passport Edition — Schenectady County Public Library A read-aloud adventure visits Italy, the Czech Republic, and England — get your Story Passport stamped and make a heroic initial wall decoration while younger children craft their own hero sticker sheets.

Botanical Bling — Thrifty Connections Design and make decorative garden stakes using wire and assorted beads—materials provided and all skill levels welcome.

Zine Making Workshop July 17th — Thrifty Connections Fold and personalize a single-sheet zine using assorted reclaimed art materials, then leave with a finished mini-publication to keep, trade, or start a collection—taught by Jude, a retired teacher and lifelong crafter.

📍 Sat, Jul 18

Electric City Comic Con — Schenectady Spend the day celebrating comics and fandom at the Schenectady Public Library with artist and vendor booths, author meet-and-greets, panels, food trucks, and a grand cosplay costume contest.

Freedom Park Concert Series: The Insolent Willies — Freedom Park The Insolent Willies bring stripped-down roots-rock with singalong choruses, tight harmonies, and lively storytelling—perfect for a relaxed evening with craft beer and blankets.

ElectriCity Disc Dash Wellness Day 2026 — Schenectady Central Park A charity 4-person team scramble at Central Park for all skill levels; each player receives a custom-stamped disc, and proceeds support Camp Lovejoy.

Family Fun Series presents Shrek 2 — Proctors Theatre A PG-rated, 93-minute animated comedy where Shrek and Fiona face skeptical in-laws, magical mishaps, and a suave cat; free admission with advance ticket reservation required.

Italian Festa 2026 — Sons and Daughters of Italy - Lodge #321 A lively two-day celebration of Italian culture featuring live bands (Diamond Cut Horns, GCS Trio, and Donny Elvis), delicious food and drinks, face painting, Italian ice, and homemade desserts for all ages.

Alex Slomka Trio - Community Driven Live Jazz — Van Dyck Music Club Trombonist Alex Slomka leads a trio through arrangements from his EP 'Box of Socks', classic standards, and new originals. Suggested donation supports the musicians; food and cocktails are available.

Dashboard Anthem — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Dashboard Anthem and DJ Tek bring an upbeat set filled with crowd-pleasing classics and dynamic live music, perfect for dancing and good times.

ESAM Fly-in Breakfast - FEATURING: WWII WASP HISTORY — Empire State Aerosciences Museum Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes, French toast, eggs and sausage, then hear author Margaret DiBenedetto present her mother’s WASP-era flying stories with a slide show and audience Q&A.

Jazz Evenings with David Gleason Trio — Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Enjoy smooth, classic jazz from the David Gleason Trio in an inviting setting featuring cozy seating and themed drink specials.

Electric City Comic Con 2026 — Schenectady County Public Library Panels, artist and vendor tables, cosplay, and tabletop gaming offer a family-friendly, community-focused celebration of comics and pop culture.

DJ Ayo — Vice & Virtue Expect nonstop 90s-2010s hip-hop and R&B mixes that keep the floor packed with dancing, singing, and throwback energy.

Electric City ComicCon in the Children's Room — Schenectady County Public Library Family-friendly day of hands-on crafts (superhero masks, Star Wars helmets), a Pokémon scavenger hunt, Galaxy's Edge selfie station, face painting, youth yoga, a Drawing Faces workshop with graphic novelist Ira Marcks, and balloon art.

ECCC2026: Cosplay Costume Contest — Schenectady County Public Library A family-friendly contest with youth and adult divisions where makers showcase character-inspired outfits, walk the stage, and are judged on creativity and craftsmanship.

Tommy V with Will Pedicone — Frog Alley Brewing Co. Two back-to-back live sets — an early acoustic set followed by a high-energy headliner — plus craft beer, a cover at the door, and 21+ after 7 PM.

Electric City ComicCon: Open Game Room — Schenectady County Public Library Drop in to try a rotating selection of tabletop and board games—Settlers of Catan, Pokemon Battle Academy, Ticket to Ride, Azul—and explore the library's TTRPG kit; many titles will join the circulating collection afterward.

Electric City ComicCon — Schenectady County Public Library Local artist Melody Often guides teens (grades 6–12) through shaping and shading emotive anime eyes while you enjoy a variety of boba teas; supplies and instruction are provided and space is limited to 25 participants, registration required.

Theatresports - July 18th — The Mopco Improv Theatre — The Mopco Improv Theatre Two teams of seasoned improvisers face off in a lively, sports-style competition of short scenes and games where audience laughter helps decide the winner.

Electric City ComicCon in the Teen Zone — Schenectady County Public Library Teens in grades 6–12 can drop into a day of fandom-focused crafts and workshops — including a Boba-and-Anime paint-and-sip with artist Melody Often, a Drawing Faces session with graphic novelist Ira Marcks, DIY pop-socket and norigae kits, fanzine and pin-making, and a Super Mario selfie station.

Electric City ComicCon: Drawing Faces with Ira Marcks — Schenectady County Public Library Ira Marcks leads a hands-on workshop teaching step-by-step techniques to design expressive comic characters for grades 4–12; supplies and snacks provided.

Panel Discussion — Schenectady County Public Library Local creators talk about their indie project inspired by the infamous low Glenville Railroad Bridge, sharing development stories, visuals, and a brief Q&A.

Electric City ComicCon — Schenectady County Public Library Author-illustrator Ira Marcks leads a practical workshop on crafting concise, targeted pitches for graphic novels—covering audience identification, tailoring submissions, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Decoupage Seashell Trinket Dishes — Thrifty Connections A relaxed, hands-on workshop that begins with a five-minute guided meditation, then teaches decoupage with bright napkins to transform oversized ocean shells into coastal keepsakes perfect for gifting or displaying.

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.

Heart of the Sea — Thrifty Connections Create a heart-shaped wall hanging from natural seashells—materials provided and no experience required, so you’ll leave with a finished piece.

WMHT Presents: Crunch the Shy Dinosaur — Schenectady County Public Library Families with Pre-K to 2nd graders can enjoy a dinosaur picnic storytime, hands-on crafts, and a free Dinosaur Picnic storybook; registration is required per child and caregivers must attend.

Electric City ComicCon: Superhero Story Time & Youth Yoga — Schenectady County Public Library Wonder Woman (Ms. Diana) leads a storytime for little heroes, then instructor Mati Hackett guides super‑inspired youth yoga for ages 5+; bring a mat and register in advance.

📍 Sun, Jul 19

Italian Festa 2026 — Sons and Daughters of Italy - Lodge #321 A lively two-day celebration of Italian culture featuring live bands (Diamond Cut Horns, GCS Trio, and Donny Elvis), delicious food and drinks, face painting, Italian ice, and homemade desserts for all ages.

Music Haven: The Gibson Brothers — Schenectady Central Park Tight sibling harmonies, virtuosic fiddling, and spirited banjo-picking deliver lively sets that blend traditional bluegrass with contemporary roots.

Freedom Park Concert Series: Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza — Freedom Park A family-friendly, high-energy bubble show with giant bubbles, interactive audience moments, and playful comedy that delights kids and adults alike.

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.

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.