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The 518 Weekender: Albany Film Fest, Zine Fest, Flower & Garden Expo

March 26, 2026

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Hey Capital Region, we’re back with our super packed, super fun weekend guide, now called The 518 Weekender! We’ve got a mix of fan favorites (Albany Film Fest & the Capital Region Flower & Garden Expo), plus a couple of cool niche events (Zine Fest & the Empire State Fit Expo). Check it out!

🙃 Due to a cut-and-paste error, we goofed in Tuesday’s newsletter and incorrectly identified the Livingston Ave Bridge as the Lewis-Swain Ave Bridge, which doesn’t exist. Oops!

🗣️ The results of our reader poll from Tuesday are in… and you all kind of love us. Only 4 readers said they “hate” us. Boo. Who are these people?? Everyone else voted either “it’s awesome” or “digging it” with some feedback. And here are a few of your thoughts (with our responses):

“I love your newsletter and read it in its entirety. The only feedback I would like to give is about the grammar. Much of it is spoken English and too casual for a published item. Some of the language is better used in a text to a friend, not a newsletter intended for the public.”

But that’s exactly what we’re trying to do! We want it to be fun to read, like it’s coming from that one friend who’s totally in the know about the best events in the 518.

Joanne from Caffè Lena says: “Love Love Love you guys!!!!!”

Back at you, Joanne. We love Caffè Lena too.

“I always learn something new and interesting. I love knowing what is happening in the area and trying the restaurants. Cannot wait for the 518 Happy Hours!”

Yes! Save the date for The 518 Happy Hour, our inaugural subscriber meetup, taking place on April 15 at Nine Pin.

“A much needed addition to the Capital District culture!!”

That’s why we started The 518—there wasn’t something like this before.

And finally, this gem: “I don’t trust that Sheriff of Lark St guy. Your newsletter paints him as a great guy and fully endorses his views. Also, please use gender neutral terms such as firefighter instead of fireman (and women!). The latter comes off as patronizing. Otherwise, newsletter is informative and enjoyable.”

We think the bombastic Jesse Sommer is a net positive for Albany. But agree that we should use gender neutral language whenever possible.

—Phat X. Chiem & Karley Sullivan

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Spring has sprung at the Capital Region Flower & Garden Expo!

⭐️ 🎬️ The always-free Albany Film Festival at UAlbany is an annual gem. Among the highlights this year is a conversation with legendary filmmaker John Sayles; panel discussions on "Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen at the Movies," "On the Set of Forrest Gump" and "Trump and Television." Sat, 11a-7p, free.

⭐️ 🌷Explore immersive, large-scale garden displays, see imaginative floral-themed exhibits, and shop a huge indoor farmers marketplace at the Capital Region Flower & Garden Expo. There will be educational stations set up throughout the venue (Hudson Valley Community College), plus 50+ hours of expert-led demos and talks. Fri-Sun, $20 ($15 for seniors on Friday).

⭐️ 🏃‍♂️The 2026 Empire State Strength & Fitness Expo is bringing a fresh strength and fitness experience to the Albany Capital Center. The event will feature all-day competitions, including USA Powerlifting, CrossFit, and Strongman, along with health and wellness vendors showing off the latest fitness trends. Sat-Sun, $32 for one-day pass.

⭐️♦️Collar Works’ Annual MAD Collar Party at Troy’s No Fun doubles as a fundraiser for one of the best galleries in the Capital Region. Why MAD Collar? Guests are encouraged to dress up their shirt collars in the most imaginative ways. Knowing this hip art crowd, there should some whimsical creations! Sat, 7-11:30 pm, $25.

⭐️ 📎 Love a good zine? The 518 Zine Scene will host its 3rd annual Zine Festival at the South End Children’s Cafe in Albany, featuring nearly 30 vendors and free admission. Along with regional creatives buying, selling, and sharing zines, there will be hands-on space for attendees to collage, write, and make their own. Sat, 12-4p, free.

Honorable mentions this week…

🎖️ Revolutionary Crossroads: Albany’s Strategic Role in the Fight for Independence | Historian Liz Covart, host of Ben Franklin’s World, an award-winning podcast exploring early American history, will take you back to the time when Albany played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. Sun, 2p, free… Speaking of podcasts, Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds are hosting a live recording of their podcast, The Dollop, at The Egg on Friday.

🎪 The Spring Carnival at Via Aquarium promises a full day of family-friendly fun with carnival games, prizes, face painting, temporary tattoos, popcorn, and special guests. The folks from Albany Pine Bush Preserve and STEM-inspired Snapology of Saratoga Springs will be putting on interactive exhibits and LEGO-based activities. Sat, 11a-2 pm. Free with admission ($15 for children, $21 for adults).

🐇 The Easter Bunny is going to be a busy dude this weekend with numerous events happening around the CR:

FRIDAY

📚️ The Book Hive’s Grown-Up Book Fair is back at Wolf Hollow Brewing Company, and Butterfly Nook 518 brings their mobile bookstore to the Nine Pin Tasting Room. If you go, remember that subscribers to The 518 get 10% off all cider pours. Just show them the newsletter on your phone!

SATURDAY

🍵 Mucho Matcha, a new mobile matcha bar in the 518, will be popping up at Sur La Table in Stuyvesant Plaza.

🇪🇬 Yesfolk Tonics is putting out a full Egyptian breakfast spread this weekend for what they call “Baba’s Brunch.” Served until sold out!

🚣‍♂️ At the 15th Annual Ice Breaker Challenge 5K, joggers race against rowers on the Hudson. Fun to watch, and maybe even more fun to race!

👨‍🎨 Get your young Picassos to the Kids’ Art Workshop, led by RSC MAT Art Education students, at Opalka Gallery.

🤠 Outlaws for a Cause II: 2026 Big Give Gala! hosted by Schenectady’s Frog Alley Brewing is your chance to cosplay as a sexy cowboy—or cowgirl.

🪵 Take in classes and hands-on workshops for adults and kids, demonstrations, a woodworkers’ competition at the 33rd Woodworkers Showcase in Saratoga. Sat-Sun.

👱‍♀️ Get to the NYS Museum for a couple of engaging talks on the role of women during the Revolutionary War.

SUNDAY

👩‍🎨 Robert Bridges leads Curator Talk: Blanche Lazzell and the Advancement of American Modernism at the Albany Institute of History & Art. We saw this exhibition yesterday and it’s wonderful—highly recommend.

🏀 Did you know there’s a professional basketball team based in Schenectady? The NY Phoenix play their first home game at M&T Bank Center this Sunday.

MONDAY

🍏 The Nine Pin 26er Challenge kicks off with an Opening Pour event! Read all about this once-every-two-years cider-tasting challenge: 26 ciders. 52 weeks.

LOOKING AHEAD

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

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