Support the Capital Region’s most intimate art space

Happy Tuesday, Capital Region! Today, on this snowy Giving Tuesday, we’re humbly asking for your support of Kiddie Pool, our own popup art project and one of the Capital Region’s rare residential art spaces.

And don’t miss the invitation to The 518 x KOS sauna party this Sunday! 👇️ 

—Phat X. Chiem & Karley Sullivan

Help fund the Capital Region’s most intimate art space

Today is Giving Tuesday, the annual post-Thanksgiving tradition when people all over the world support the organizations that they love.

This year, we hope you’ll consider supporting Americana/ble, Kiddie Pool’s first BIG GROUP SHOW!

Kiddie Pool is one of the few residential art spaces in the Capital Region. In fact, it’s the very same historic Italianate rowhouse where we produce The 518 Newsletter. Since 2023, we’ve also been hosting small, speakeasy-style gatherings that bring together artists, writers, and curious folks from all over upstate NY. 

This spring, on May Day, May 1, 2026, we’re hosting our biggest event yet: Americana/ble, a pop-up salon and exhibition featuring work and performances from more than 10 phenomenal artists, musicians, and community organizers with ties to the Capital Region.

As Karley puts it: “We’re living in a time when a lot of people feel uncertain of the future, and unsure of how they fit into contemporary culture and society. Americana/ble asks a simple but powerful question, “What does it mean to be an American, here and now, together?”

You’ll see artwork by Capital Region standouts like Michael Oatman, Danny Goodwin, Jillian McDonald, and more. We’ll have “soapbox speeches” (on a real soapbox!) from the youth organizers at our nonprofit neighbor, We Are Revolutionary; live music from local Americana gem Julia Alsarraf; and a “Print with Purpose” table hosted by Circus Family Printshop.

It’s all happening during Albany First Friday, but don’t worry if you can’t make it to the big night — the exhibition of artworks will remain open by appointment for a month following the pop-up event.

In support of the exhibition, we’re launching a Kickstarter campaign on this Giving Tuesday. Why do we need your support? For several years now, we’ve been personally funding Kiddie Pool’s art and literary events, without raising a dime. 

However, earlier this year, our grand old home needed some very expensive repairs, hindering our ability to pay for events out of pocket. At the $2,000 level, the show can go on. If we meet our stretch goal of $5,000, we can offer stipends to the exhibiting artists.

So if you believe in the power of art, and you want to see more cultural gathering spots in the Capital Region, we would love your support. Even a $5 or $10 donation would make a big difference!

🙏 DONATE now to the Kiddie Pool Kickstarter!
📍Kiddie Pool, downtown Albany
📅 May 1, 2026

♨️ Join The 518 x KOS Meetup!

We first wrote about Kate Butchart’s dream to build the first public floating sauna in New York State back in February. KOS is now a real thing, floating on Saratoga Lake in the marina at Lago by Druthers—congrats Kate!

KOS recently celebrated its grand opening, and we want to invite 10 of our readers to a special sauna sesh this Sunday, Dec. 7, from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Check out KOS for free and meet other 518 subscribers, then we’ll head over to lunch at Lago. A bracing dip in the lake is optional, but do bring your swimsuits!

Here’s how to enter the ticket giveaway: Just reply to this email and let us know what KOS means in Norwegian! Contest closes on Thursday at noon.

❄️ Tuesday’s Nor’easter will bring the first major snowfall of the winter season to the Capital Region, dumping as much as 11 inches in some places. The snow is expected to start early in the day and last into the evening. Many schools are closed. The TU is tracking the snow fall and weather advisories. [Times Union]

🍺 The Gazette News Group’s Battle of the Brews has crowned a champion—and the winner might surprise you. After 4,575 votes, Gloversville’s Stump City Brewing beat out stalwarts like Wolf Hollow Brewing Co., Druthers, Frog Alley, and Fidens. One big takeaway from the contest: Our local brewery scene is thriving. [Daily Gazette]

🎸 The Downtown Troy Business Improvement District is raising the fees it charges property owners—at the same time, it’s cutting back on events, including the popular Rockin’ on the River concert series. Barring some kind of sponsorship, the concerts will be canceled next year, although other big events like Troy Pig Out and Chowderfest will stay. [Albany Business Review]

This beautifully built Cape rests on 6+ peaceful acres and feels fresh, bright, and modern throughout. The expansive great room is a true all-season space, wrapped in oversized windows that frame the surrounding landscape. Inside, brand-new solid oak floors run through the home, with tile in the 2.5 baths. The updated kitchen comes with white Shaker cabinets, quartz counters, stainless appliances, and island seating. The main-level primary suite includes a king-sized bedroom, five large windows, a spa-like bath, and a walk-in closet. Upstairs, two unusually spacious bedrooms share an updated full bath.

The full basement offers high ceilings, a poured concrete foundation, a high-efficiency furnace, and 200-amp service for future additions like an EV charger. Set in a quiet, scenic spot just 10 minutes from Jiminy Peak and about 35 minutes to Lenox, Williamstown, or Albany, this polished country home stands out for its quality materials and setting.

The deets: 6+ acres, 3 bd, 3 ba, 1637 sf. Asking: $495,000. Days on market: 5. See the full listing here.

Note: Our Top 5 Weekend roundup now publishes on Thursdays!

⛄️ This weekend will be the most holiday of holiday weekends with a bunch of big events colliding together… Check it out!

⛸️ Empire State Plaza Ice Rink Opening Day 
⏰ Friday, Dec. 5, 10a-6p

Twirl into the season at the Empire State Plaza Ice Rink. Our version of Rockefeller Center is quaint and charming. Plus, it’s free and skate rentals are only $5. Think you can find that in NYC?

🎩 Saratoga Springs Victorian Streetwalk 
⏰ Thursday, Dec. 5, 6-9p

Downtown Saratoga turns into a snow globe come to life at the Victorian Streetwalk. Picture twinkling lights, live music, and carolers in bonnets. It’s like time travel, but make it festive.

☕ Downtown Albany Hot Chocolate Stroll 
⏰ Saturday, Dec. 7, 11a-3p

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! The Hot Chocolate Stroll lets you sample cocoa from local businesses while shopping downtown. Vote for your favorite, then tell your friends you're a cocoa sommelier.

🕰️ Troy Victorian Stroll
⏰ Sunday, Dec. 7, 11a-5p

Now in its 41st year, the Troy Victorian Stroll is where New England charm meets holiday cheer. Think costumed characters, decorated shop windows, and all kinds of treats along the way. Charles Dickens would be proud.

🎄 New York State Tree Lighting + Fireworks Festival  
⏰ Sunday, Dec. 7, 12-8p (tree lighting at 5:15p)

The state’s biggest tree lights up with a literal bang at the Tree Lighting and Fireworks Festival. Expect fireworks 💥, music, skating, food, and a Santa sighting or two. Elf ears optional but encouraged.

MORE NOTABLE EVENTS:

TUESDAY

🏠️ Ten Broeck Mansion gets all decked out for the season. Get a peek at the Holiday House First Look: Candlelight Holiday Shop and Walk-Through.

Come for the Talk and Book Signing with Artist and Illustrator Elizabeth Zunon, and stay for the holiday house tour.

FRIDAY

🖼️ First Friday Albany returns for another monthly celebration of arts and culture. Check out the full list of events.

On First Friday, David Hinchen Gallery invites you for a festive evening of art, conversation, and refreshments.

At Opalka Gallery, the one-man band As Iz will perform and the gallery will be open late.

SATURDAY 

🪑 New Collar Goods is one of our favorite makers in the Capital Region. Their small-batch furniture is both beautiful and exquisitely handcrafted. This Saturday, the husband-and-wife team behind the brand is putting on their third annual Holiday Market, featuring wood-crafted home goods, fiber & knitwear, ceramics, forged iron goods, children's toys, and more. Plus, they’ll have a live vinyl set and other small businesses on hand.

🌶️ Get to Lost & Found Bar & Kitchen for a night of holiday mischief and tantalizing performances at The Krampus Cabaret: A Naughty Holiday Revue!

🎻 Music in the Mansion: A Holiday Concert at the Ten Broeck Mansion is a family-friendly affair. Donations accepted.

🎁 The Innovation Center at Saratoga hosts its first annual Holiday Makers Market.

SUNDAY

🏳️‍🌈 The Big Gay Market returns to Washington Park Lakehouse for a winter’s gathering.

🖼️ Get to the Storefront GalleryArtist in Troy for the opening reception for In the Toilet and Down the Drain.

ON VIEW

• Don’t miss the delightful Nina Katchadourian: Fake Plants and Other Curiosities at the Hyde Museum.

• Family Forms at the Tang Teaching Museum presents art and archival photographs from the Tang collection that highlight themes of kinship and care and offer an expansive vision of family. 

• Liberation and For Life celebrates 50 years of Black Dimensions in Art, showcasing 90+ artists and 100+ works that will blow your mind | Albany Institute of History & Art

• Noel W Anderson: Black Excellence and Romare Bearden & Ralph Ellison: From the Archive | UAlbany Art Museum

Our music listings are now published separately on The 518 website. Click here.

GET YOUR EVENT ON THE LIST 🎸

Our rolling deadline is the Saturday before your event!

 💌 GET IN TOUCH!

Got an awesome business, event or personality we should feature? Let us know! Contact: [email protected]