Mayor Kathy Sheehan and The Hollow Bar + Kitchen Owners Honored for Exceptional Contributions to Downtown Albany
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2025 Annual Awards. Honorees include Mayor Kathy Sheehan, who received the James M. DiNapoli Award, and Dora and Mike Philip, co-owners of The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, who received the Downtown Luminary Award.
PearlPalooza & YogaPalooza return Saturday, September 13
PearlPalooza returns on Saturday, September 13, 2025, in downtown Albany, featuring Rubblebucket and more.
Free things to do in Albany this summer: in and around Downtown
Whether you’re into health and wellness, history and art, music and culture, or just love a good free event, we’ve got you covered! 🌟 Downtown Albany is at the core of dozens of free events this summer, and this list is just the beginning.
We’ll keep it updated as more free happenings pop up in the Downtown District and surrounding areas, so check back often!
Something is Cooking on Madison Avenue in Downtown
Downtown's Madison Avenue is quietly thriving as longtime favorites and new restaurants come together to strengthen the neighborhood’s identity. Highlights include Hattie’s Restaurant, powered by Business for Good and launching a workforce training program; Café Capriccio, recently honored with the NYS Senate Empire Award for 43 years of service; and The Excelsior Pub, named 2025 Retailer of the Year. Local staples like Hill Street Café and newcomers like Suga Foots Soul Kitchen round out a food scene that’s as rooted in tradition as it is in community growth.
Your Downtown guide to Father’s Day gifts
Father's Day (June 15, 2025) is just around the corner, and downtown Albany restaurants and retailers are here to help you celebrate the amazing dads and father figures in your life. Check out these local businesses and get the perfect gift for the father or father figure in your life!
Statement from Executive Director Georgette Steffens regarding the celebration with Governor Kathy Hochul about the investment in our state capital
Statement from Executive Director Georgette Steffens regarding the celebration with Governor Kathy Hochul about the investment in our state capital
New Wayfinding Signage System Launches Downtown
On Wednesday, May 14, the Downtown Albany BID officially launched the Capital Wayfinding Program, a major initiative designed to make navigating our city easier and more intuitive. The event brought together BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens, Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Albany Parking Authority Executive Director Sean Palladino, and other federal, state, and city leaders to celebrate the milestone.
Call for BID Board nominations
The Downtown Albany BID is seeking nominations for candidates to join the Board of Directors beginning August 2025 and serve three-year terms.
You Downtown guide to Mother's Day gifts
Mother's Day (May 11, 2025, for those who are unsure) is coming up quickly, and Downtown restaurants and retailers are here to help you honor these wonderful women. You'll find a complete shopping directory here, complete dining directory here, and complete event calendar here.
Lineup announced for free Downtown concert series: Alive @ Five
Presented by the City of Albany, Alive at Five returns for its 36th season to a brand new location in Downtown Albany at Tricentennial Park on Broadway, running from June 5 to July 17
