NYS Writers Institute unveils star-packed fall season

Happy Thursday, Capital Region! Today, we’re spotlighting one of the brightest cultural gems in Albany that somehow still kinda goes under the radar—the New York State Writers Institute. UAlbany’s literary powerhouse continues to punch well above its weight, bringing world-class talent right to the Capital Region’s doorstep. As book nerds, we can’t give them enough love.

Also, we’ll be writing about this soon, but here’s a sneak peek at Phat’s new Vietnamese cooking class at Honest Weight Co-op. The cost is just $5. Hurry, it’s nearly sold out!

—Phat X. Chiem & Karley Sullivan

Still lit at 42: NYS Writers Institute unveils star-packed fall season

In its 42nd year, the New York State Writers Institute continues to be a magnetic force for writers, thinkers, and curious minds.

If the new fall season is any indication, the literary powerhouse based out of UAlbany is still one of the very best things the Capital Region has to offer.

Who else can attract this caliber of speakers to Albany in the space of a few months?

• André Aciman, celebrated author of Call Me by Your Name

• Scott Turow, bestselling legal thriller author

• Former New York Times dining critic and Gourmet editor Ruth Reichl and bestselling food writer Mark Kurlansky 

• Valeria Luiselli, MacArthur Fellow and Booker Prize-nominated author of Lost Children Archive

• Peter Wolf, lead singer of The J. Geils Band

• Ken Auletta, well-known journalist and New Yorker staff writer

• Loretta Ross, MacArthur Prize-winning activist

“We keep thinking: How are we going to top ourselves?” says Paul Grondahl, the Opalka-endowed director of the Institute since 2017. “Forty-two is a great milestone, but I feel like we're just hitting our stride. We’re trying new things. It’s an incredible team effort.”

The Fall 2025 lineup includes more than two dozen events, anchored by two growing traditions: the 8th Annual Albany Book Festival (Sept. 27) and Telling the Truth (Nov. 14), a daylong series of talks on American politics and moral leadership.

Paul describes the book fest as “more accessible” than the rest of the season; heavy on fiction, mystery, romance, and history. “We cast a wide net. It’s not just for the literary crowd.”

Still, there’s serious literary clout coming to town, including Albany’s hometown legend, William Kennedy. A marathon reading of Legs—his 1975 novel about the notorious gangster Jack “Legs” Diamond— is set for Nov. 5 at Albany Distilling Co. 

“We’ll have 80 or 90 people each reading a few pages. Bill will be there. And yes, we’ll drink Ironweed whiskey.”

Incredibly, Kennedy, now 97, is toiling away on his next novel.

“He showed me the binder of his new novel just last week,” Paul says. “It spans three centuries of Albany history—Native American, Dutch colonial, present day. It’s ambitious. But he’s chipping away every day on it.”

Off campus, the season includes a rare event inside the state’s highest court—the ornate Court of Appeals chamber—to celebrate architect H.H. Richardson, who designed the building. “That one’s been years in the making,” Paul says.

Forty-two years in, the Writers Institute still brings the literary heat. “Honestly, I feel like we’re just getting started.”

The deets: Check out the full schedule for the NYS Writers Institute’s Fall 2025 season, which kicks off Tuesday. There are many other worthwhile events not mentioned here. We’re also looking forward to the screening of “Three Seasons,” the first American film made in Vietnam after the lifting of the US embargo. Director Tony Bui will be in attendance to offer commentary and answer questions.

Calling all lads & lassies to the Capital District Scottish Games 🪵 

Dust off your kilts and get carried away to the misty highlands of Scotland as the Altamont Fairgrounds transforms into a Celtic playground for the Capital District Scottish Games.

From mighty feats of Highland athletics to toe‑tapping pipe bands, it’s tons of tartan‑soaked fun for the whole family. Did we mention the Scottish dog show? Whether you're there to rep your clan, admire the dancing, or watch a tree get tossed, be sure to get your tickets online to avoid long lines at the gate. Admission is just $25/person. The Games kick off bright and early at 8 am.

🥃 While you’re there, drop by the New Scotland Spirits booth where the kilt-clad gang will be pouring their award-winning whiskey, gin and vodka.

🚨 With school starting back up, be aware that the speed cameras in front of Albany schools are now back to their regular hours, from 7a to 6p, Mon-Fri. Here’s a list of all the school zones in the city. Any vehicle going 30 mph (10 mph over the limit) or more will be photographed and ticketed 😬 

🏢 Albany is building its first new office tower in two decades! Going up at 705 Broadway at Clinton Square, the nine-story, mixed-use project includes office space, apartments, a restaurant and a plaza. Hopefully, this is the first of many signs that downtown is back, baby. [WAMC]

🌮 The best taco in the 518 goes to… Meat & Company in Niskayuna. The eatery took top honors at Connect Center for Youth’s 5th annual Tacos for Life fundraiser. We’ve been a big fan of barbecue-forward Meat & Co. for awhile. Read our profile to understand why they have some of the best sandos in town. [Daily Gazette]

🎸 The 3rd annual Dromfest is happening down in the Catskills this weekend. The indie music festival is produced by Dromedary Records, a micro music label started by Al Crisafulli and his wife out of their home. The label leans toward avant-garde, aggressive pop, so expect to hear a lot of loud music at the fest, held in five venues centrally located around Avalon Lounge. [Times Union]

⭐️ 🪵 This Saturday, the Capital District Scottish Games transforms the Altamont Fairgrounds into a raucous celebration of Scottish culture. From the wail of bagpipes and the grace of Highland dancers to the spectacle of caber tossing and hammer throwing, the festival blends tradition with loads of family fun. Visitors can explore clan heritage, enjoy Celtic music, meet Scottish dog breeds, and even let the kids loose in a Fun Zone. Sat, 8a–6p, $25.

⭐️ 🎸 Powers House Revel kicks off what will hopefully become an annual tradition, as artist-curators Adam Frelin, Daniela Kostova, and Eun Young Choi bring together artists from the Capital Region and NYC for an evening of art, performance, and community on the Hudson. It’s a fantastic lineup, organized by some very savvy site-specific curators. You might remember Adam’s region-wide light installation, Breathing Lights. For this event, we’re talking large-scale inflatables, interactive performances, outdoor installations, and sound works; all set to the tune of a communal meal that sundowns into a summer night dance party. Sat, 4–10p, free.

⭐️ 🤘Mind Blown Festival: Get to Glens Falls’ loudest community-driven event of the year. This one-day punk and metal fest at the Shirt Factory / Rock Hill Parking Lot brings together local legends and fresh new acts for a full day of live music, along with a variety of vendors and art. Sat, 1–10p, free or low admission. (Apologies, we incorrectly listed this event on Wednesday in the previous newsletter 🤦‍♂️)

⭐️ 🖼️ Troy Night Out: Arts & Beats Edition: Highlights this month include Troy Art Block, with live painting, artist demos, backyard games, a live DJ, and giveaways. Muralist Alicia Lea will host a family-friendly painting session.

The Albany Barn is hosting a reception for its new group show, “Not for Paint Water,” featuring artwork done on reusable water bottles.

Stroll from there to the Arts Center of the Capital Region, where The Trojan Brass Horn Band lights up the evening with a high-energy mix of funk, jazz, and soul. Bring a friend or three, and get your groove on. Fri, 5–9p, mostly free.

⭐️ 🍕 Pizza and comedy go together like punchlines and perfect timing—often cheesy but guaranteed to hit the spot. Get to Sovrana Grocery in Albany for their Comedy Night featuring five talented comedians from across the Capital Region. A ticket gets you admission, a slice of pizza, and a coozie. Sat, 8:30-11p, $23.18.

🎟️ MORE NOTABLE EVENTS

ALL WEEKEND

🎡 The summer fair season is going, going… Celebrate the hottest season with a deep dive into Americana with all the sugar, animal performers, and Midway thrills you can handle. This week, choose from: the Fonda Fair, the Great Schaghticoke Fair or the Columbia County Fair. Through Labor Day.

🌻 The 5th annual Sunflower Festival returns to Empty Pockets Ranch in Cobleskill. $10 per car.

🎵 The Topos Experimental Music Festival is a gathering for listening, exploration, and discovery—a place where musical experimentalism becomes an experience open to all. Get to EMPAC for five extraordinary productions that invite inquiry and pleasure, provocation and dance.

🖼️ Now on view: FOR LIBERATION AND FOR LIFE: The Legacy of Black Dimensions in Art at the Albany Institute of History & Art features over 90 artists, shining a bold spotlight on BDA and its powerful impact in the Capital Region. Btw, this is the last weekend to get free admission for kids 12 and under, plus an adult chaperon.

FRIDAY

🎸 Head Sound is a dream pop/shoegaze band influenced by artists such as My Bloody Valentine, Sigur Ros, and Radiohead. Catch them at Wolf Hollow Brewing Co.

🧙‍♀️ The Music Haven in Schenectady hosts a sing-a-long to a screening of “Wicked.”

🎤 While you’re in the neighborhood for Troy Night Out, check out MoJo’s Cafe & Gallery. They’re having a Femme Songwriter’s Showcase featuring four queer songwriters.

SATURDAY

🥒 Pickelpalooza at Indian Ladder Farms is your chance to indulge in all things pickle, including pickle pizza from DeFazio’s, pickle beer, and picklebacks (pickle shots). Sat & Sun, noon-5p, free.

🎷Get to the Bethlehem YMCA for a free jazz concert featuring the Linda Brown Jazz Project.

🐖 Black Wind Farm invites you to a special farm-to-table butchery class and dinner. This immersive butchery workshop will focus on ethical, sustainable practices and butchering small homestead-sized animals.

SUNDAY

🍽️ Foodies + Friends: Double Date Edition is an opportunity for 4-6 strangers to meet over a good meal.

💘 Micropolitan Matchmakers invites you to volunteer at the Northeast Regional Food Bank—and possibly get a meet cute story out of it!

💼 Got any business-minded gals at home? Get them to Girls in Business Camp Albany NY 2025 to learn basic business principles and get an early start on entrepreneurship.

GET YOUR EVENT ON THE LIST 🎸

Our rolling deadline is the Saturday before your event!

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