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Want to make friends in the 518? Follow this power couple

January 27, 2026

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Happy Tuesday evening, folks. Apologies for the very late newsletter send tonight, but we encountered a host of issues today, including the 12V battery on our Subaru Crosstrek going completely kaput on this frigid morning.

A big 🙌 to John at the Midas shop in East Greenbush for outfitting us with a new battery and new set of all-weather tires. Thanks for the super friendly, knowledgeable customer service!

Today, we want you to meet Farah & Afnan Anwar, a Capital Region power couple in the making. We LOVE what they’re doing to create more community and connection among the under-40 set—even though we’ve technically aged out, at least if you’re going by calendar years!

—Phat X. Chiem & Karley Sullivan

Friends in the 518 gather for an end-of-summer picnic & potluck đŸ“·ïž Pics provided by Farah & Afnan Anwar

Making friends in the 518: How two Capital Region transplants are building the social scene they wish existed

When Farah Anwar relocated from NYC last spring to join her husband in the Capital Region, the couple ran into a familiar upstate dilemma: Where are all the young people?

“We went to a few meetups and realized pretty quickly—most of the crowd was 40-plus,” says Afnan Anwar, 26, a software developer who attended UAlbany. “They were great people, but we just didn’t see anyone our age.”

So, they decided to fix that. Last fall, the newlyweds launched Friends in Albany, a social group for 20- and 30-somethings looking to make real connections in a city struggling to keep its best nightlife spots open. The group has since been renamed Friends in the 518 to reflect its broader geographic reach.

“We thought, ‘Why not just create something for people like us?’” says Farah, a talent recruiter who’s also 26. “People who want community—not dating, not networking. Just friends.”

The couple started small: a picnic meetup posted on Reddit and Meetup.com. “We got like 30 RSVPs right away,” says Farah. “That’s when we realized—okay, we’re not the only ones feeling this need.”

Today, their Discord (a group messaging app) has nearly 600 members, and they’re hosting 8–12 events a month. These include bar nights at Lark Tavern, potluck picnics, dinner outings (they tried out Volcano Asian BBQ in Schenectady earlier this month), scrapbooking parties, karaoke, and men- and women-only meetups.

“We’ve done Friendsgiving with 30 people, karaoke nights, trivia, girls’ coffee meetups,” Farah says. “We try to keep it affordable—sometimes we’ll charge a small fee ($2–$15) if we need to buy materials or rent a space. But it’s not about making money. We’re building something people need.”

And clearly, it’s resonating. “Everyone has their little friend group now,” says Afnan. “That’s what we wanted—for people to find each other, just like we were trying to do.”

Let’s get social: Farah & Afnan Anwar are finding their tribe across the Capital Region

With warmer months ahead, the Anwars are planning even more events—picnics, hiking, outdoor games. They’re also looking to partner up with venues and brands as they grow their social following, online and offline.

If you’re in your 20s or 30s, new to the Capital Region (or not), and craving some IRL connection, Friends in the 518 might just be your new BFF. And although the focus is on the under-40 crowd, anyone more senior is more than welcome to join the Discord and organize events for their age group. 

The group has two big events coming up: A meetup at the 2000s Party at Empire Live this Friday; and Valentine’s Day-themed Cardmaking at the Albany Public Library (Delaware branch). Follow their Instagram and Linktree for more details.

As Farah puts it, “We’re just trying to create the community we wish existed when we got here.”

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đŸ“šïž The New York Writers Institute at UAlbany kicks off its spring 2026 season on Thursday afternoon with an appearance by Adam Aleksic, an Albany High School grad who will talk about his New York Times bestseller, Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language. Other author appearances this season include Tom Junod, Andrew Yang, Joe Manchin, David Guterson, Ani DiFranco, and Hisham Matar. Don’t miss these awesome conversations!

🧝 A restaurant veteran, her husband, and father-in-law have opened The Lost Gnome in the Slip 12 Warehouse District space formerly occupied by Motor Oil Coffee. The fantasy-themed cafe is inspired by the owners’ love of collecting comic books, trading card games and hospitality. [Albany Business Review]

🚚 New York State continues to lose more residents than it gains. Driven by high costs, retirement, and a desire to be closer to family, among other reasons, about 415,449 people left New York in 2024, but only 285,304 moved in. Find out where they all went
 [News10]

Welcome to this wonderful example of early American architecture c.1820, perfectly situated on the Hudson River. Sure, the location is great, but it’s the delicious textural interior design by Nick Spain and thoughtful restoration that really caught our eye. Before you say it’s all too much, check out the burnished surfaces, green soapstone island, custom concrete sinks, handmade Spanish tiles, clawfoot and soaking tubs, and overall yummy rich golden glow. The restoration was tender lovin’ care for the centuries-old wide plank floors, Chestnut rafters, and wall-to-wall windows. Did we mention the cozy wood-burning stove?

Everything has been updated behind the scenes as well, including two rebuilt chimneys, a new roof, 1,500-gallon concrete septic tank and leach field, new plumbing, oil tank, appliances, 400-amp electric (EV-ready), Generac backup power, and custom Marvin Signature Ultimate windows. Located in Stuyvesant, that sweet spot between lively Hudson and charming Kinderhook. Available fully and partially furnished.

The deets: 3 bd, 2 ba, 1722 sf, 4.9 acres. Asking: $850,000. Days on market: 4. See the full listing here.

Note: Our Top 5 Weekend roundup publishes on Thursdays. Watch your inboxes!

WEDNESDAY

✏ The Albany Institute of History & Art invites you to Sketch in the Galleries. Free with admission (supplies included), this month’s event focuses on the museum’s Sculpture Court.

âšȘ Wolf Hollow Brewing Co.’s Bingo Night is always a blast.

đŸƒâ€â™‚ïžEvery Wednesday, join Cap City Runners at Common Roots Albany Outpost for “Routes & Roots.”

đŸžïž Get the ultimate girl’s dinner at The Loft @ 205 during Ladies’ Night featuring Caesar salad, fries & select martinis for just $25. Can the dudes tag along for this one??

THURSDAY

đŸžïž Undrunk Club presents its first event of the year at Best Fitness in Schenectady. Choose your own adventure: Take a spin or dance class! Related: Undrunk Club is making sobriety the life of the party.

đŸ„ƒ Smiths Public House in Cohoes hosts a Customer Appreciation Night featuring an hour-long open bar for everyone!

FRIDAY

đŸ–Œïž Brave the cold for Troy Night Out. Don’t worry, you can always duck into the Arts Center of the Capital Region for the opening reception of Susan Hoffer’s “Conversations” exhibition.

🎹 While you’re there, don’t miss the artist reception for Kim Tateo at Troy’s Context Collective.

đŸŽ­ïž Schenectady Civic Playhouse presents “In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play,” a comedy about marriage, intimacy, and the dawn of electricity. Set in the 1880s, Dr. Givings, a scientist, unknowingly revolutionizes treatment for “hysteria” with his new invention—the vibrator. Through Feb. 8.

☠ Schism: Tool Tribute with Rush tribute The Goldman Boys at Putnum Place is touted as “the world’s first and longest national touring tribute to Tool”—now that’s saying something!

đŸŽ· Get to the Zankel Music Center for the Skidmore Jazz Faculty Concert—it’s free!

đŸȘŠ Audiences will experience the dramatic side of Scottish music, literature, and folklore with a special performance of Tam o’ Shanter: A Musical Tale in the historic Gardner Earl Chapel at Oakwood Cemetery.

đŸȘ© It’s a 2000’s Party is your chance to celebrate the early aughts at Empire Live.

SATURDAY

đŸ„Ł The 13th annual Chili Bowl fundraiser in Saratoga features some of the area’s best eateries, including Noah’s Restaurant, Thorn + Roots (last year’s winner), and Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro.

đŸ„„ The super popular Schenectady Soup Stroll will be competing for hungry visitors on the same day.

đŸ§¶ Troy, NY-based Canadian textile artist Barbara Todd’s first extensive regional solo exhibition, “Undoings,” is currently showing at Opalka Gallery. Join Terry Conrad & Barbara Todd in conversation.

đŸŽ” The rescheduled Albany Record Riot is taking place this evening at the Polish Community Center.

đŸș Flannels and winter fits are highly encouraged at the Cabin Fever Party at Troy’s Bootleggers.

đŸŸïž Sadly, this event is SOLD OUT: Ted’s Fish Fry hosts its first-ever Reel Love: A Daddy–Daughter Date Night.

SUNDAY

👰 Planning for the big day? Get to the Capital Region's Premier Wedding Show in Saratoga (free with registration).

MONDAY

đŸ“»ïž Join Community Radio Day for a behind-the-scenes look at the Hudson Mohawk Magazine radio show.

ART ON VIEW

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

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