ALBANY, NY: The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) announces the return of State Street Yoga, Bites Camera Action, and Tunesday this spring and summer. These free outdoor event series will provide all-levels yoga classes, family-friendly movie nights, and lunchtime live music for the enjoyment of residents, workers, and visitors of downtown Albany.
Georgette Steffens, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany BID said: "We couldn't be more excited to once again kick off these popular, free event series in downtown Albany! We love seeing residents, families, workers, and visitors from all over the region come out and discover even more reasons to spend time in Albany's Central Social District. All members of the community are invited to enjoy and benefit from the recreational opportunities, socializing, and memorable experiences these events provide."
Bites Camera Action will take place in SUNY Plaza at State Street and Broadway, kicking off June 2 and running monthly through September in conjunction with Albany’s First Friday arts celebration. Music and activities start at 7:30 PM, with the movies showing at dusk (approximately 8:30 PM).
This year’s schedule is as follows:
- June 2: The Lion King (1993) Before the movie, Jordan Taylor Hill & Friends Present: Diaspora, A collection of rhythms and dance from West Africa, The Caribbean, and America.
- July 7: The Iron Giant (1999) Featuring a live musical score by apostrophebeats and Blue Ranger.
- August 4: Space Jam (1996) Before the movie, lace up your sneakers with Albany Patroons players as they lead fun youth basketball activities and give away four season tickets to lucky audience members.
- September 1: Akeelah and The Bee (2006) Before the movie, guests of all ages are invited to participate in a spelling bee competition! Spell words right, win great prizes. Follow the Downtown Albany BID social media channels for sign-up information.
Events are weather dependent, and guests are encouraged to register in advance to be notified in the event of a cancellation and receive updates ahead of each event. Guests should also bring their own lawn chairs and blankets, as these items will not be provided by the event organizers.
Bites are available from a wide variety of nearby restaurants. Visit downtownalbany.org/dining for more information.
On street parking is free starting at 5:00 PM throughout downtown Albany. Additional paid parking is available at the nearby Green-Hudson and Riverfront Garages. Visit downtownalbany.org/parking for more information.
In response to the overwhelmingly positive reception of last year's series, State Street Yoga is expanding to include an additional month of free yoga classes this year, running every Saturday from June 3 through August 26, 10:00 AM-11:00 AM. Certified instructors from The Hot Yoga Spot will lead classes appropriate for all levels on the scenic lawn of SUNY Plaza at State Street and Broadway.
Jessica Fuller, owner and founder of The Hot Yoga Spot said: “The Hot Yoga Spot is proud to be leading all classes at State Street Yoga this year, bringing free, all-levels yoga to the beautiful lawn at SUNY Plaza in downtown Albany. Promoting healthy activities in an environment that is open and accessible for all is in complete alignment with our values as a team. Whether our guests are trying yoga for the first time, or more advanced in their practice, our instructors look forward to building connections and helping members of the community improve their health and well-being.”
Participants should bring their own mat, water, and sunscreen. Events are weather dependent, and guests are encouraged to register in advance to be notified in the event of a cancellation and receive updates.
Tunesday lunchtime concerts will run each Tuesday from July 11 through August 29 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM in Jim DiNapoli Park, bordered by Pine Street, Broadway, Maiden Lane and James Street. Each week, a different musician or group will perform a free concert in the park. Singer-songwriter Ryan Leddick will kick off the series on July 11. Other featured performers will include "Soulist" Garland Nelson, DJ RVMBA, DJ Intell Hayesfield, singer-songwriter Caity Gallagher, experimental guitarist Tim Houston, and more to be announced.
For updates on the performer lineup, follow the Downtown Albany BID's social channels and check downtownalbany.org/tunesday. Announcements regarding event postponements or cancellations will be made via the Downtown Albany BID social media channels and at downtownalbany.org.
More events in downtown Albany:
Additional major events in Downtown this spring and summer include Juneteenth on Saturday, June 17, the Albany County Farmers Market on the third Sunday of each month, July through October (July 16, August 20, September 17, and October 15), and PearlPalooza on Saturday, September 16. Visit downtownalbany.org/events to explore more events and happenings throughout downtown Albany.
Since 1996, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) has worked to restore, promote and maintain the character and vitality of downtown Albany and improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for those who work in, live in and visit New York’s Capital City. The BID is a private, not-for profit 501(c) (3) organization. For more information about Downtown Albany BID please visit downtownalbany.org or call 518.465.2143.
