October in Albany is a truly magical time, blending the city’s rich history, vibrant cultural events, and spooky seasonal fun into one unforgettable experience. This year, I had the chance to enjoy a Halloween-themed weekend in New York’s capital, where I immersed myself in ghost stories, festive celebrations, and delicious local cuisine. Here’s a full look at my adventure, which combined the perfect amount of thrill, discovery, and local warmth!
Day 1
After a scenic train ride, I arrived at the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station just before noon. From there, it was a quick six-minute rideshare to the Renaissance Albany Hotel, a beautiful and historic downtown gem. Located just steps from the New York State Capitol, the Renaissance was the perfect home base for the weekend. I dropped off my bags and immediately set off for the first adventure of the day!
Lunnch at the Olde English Pub and the Hounds of Halloween
At noon, I headed over to the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District’s Hounds of Halloween event, which was taking place near the iconic Olde English Pub. This annual event features local pups decked out in their Halloween best, competing for the title of cutest (and spookiest!) costume. It was heartwarming to see the Albany community come together for such a fun, festive event, and it made me feel immediately connected to the people who live here. As a dog lover, this may have been my favorite part of the weekend!
The Olde English Pub itself, housed in the historic Quackenbush House built in the 1730s, set the perfect spooky tone for the weekend. It’s rumored to have a few ghostly residents of its own, and as I enjoyed a delicious warm, seasonal salad, I could almost imagine the pub’s haunted past coming to life around me. A special thanks to the Downtown Business Improvement District team for organizing this event and for providing such a warm welcome! Before leaving the area, I stopped by the Albany Visitors Center next door, where Maeve and Dakota from the local team had put together a thoughtful goodie bag, complete with gift cards and all the info I needed for my weekend. Albany knows how to make visitors feel right at home!
Next up was a short rideshare over to Empire State Plaza for the Diwali Festival of Light, one of the most vibrant cultural celebrations Albany has to offer. The plaza was alive with performances, food vendors, and an incredible display of lanterns. I was lucky enough to catch the traditional Pooja and a series of local performances that highlighted the beauty of Diwali.
It was a wonderful contrast to my Halloween-themed activities—a chance to experience something entirely different yet equally enriching. I highly recommend checking this out if you’re in Albany during the festival season!
Following the festival, I returned to the Renaissance Albany Hotel to freshen up before dinner at their acclaimed restaurant, Wellington’s. The upscale, farm-to-table menu was a delicious showcase of locally sourced ingredients. Dining here was a real treat, especially with the stunning views of downtown Albany and the Capitol Building through the windows. I highly recommend their chicken dish! I may have to take a trip back up to Albany to experience it again.
After dinner, it was time for some spine-tingling fun—a City Séance Ghost Tour led by the
Capital Repertory Theatre and Discover Albany. The tour was a fascinating journey through the
haunted history of Albany, from the infamous gangster Legs Diamond to the tragic tale of Henry and Clara Rathbone, who shared President Lincoln’s ill-fated theatre box. As we wandered the darkened streets of Albany, I could feel the city’s layered past come alive. It was both eerie and enchanting, the perfect way to embrace the Halloween spirit.
To top it all off, the night concluded with a breathtaking fireworks display over Empire State Plaza, part of the ongoing Diwali Festival. The combination of ghostly stories and brilliant fireworks made for an unforgettable end to Day 1.
Day 2
I started Day 2 with breakfast at Iron Gate Café, a charming spot in Albany housed within a historic mansion. The café’s beautiful gated garden provided a peaceful retreat, and their menu offered a fantastic selection of American breakfast classics. As I enjoyed my meal, I couldn’t help but appreciate the blend of Albany’s rich history with its warm, welcoming atmosphere. Iron Gate Café is a must-visit!
Next, I made my way to Washington Park for A Big Gay Market, an incredible event celebrating the LGBTQI+ community and its artisans. The market was brimming with local vendors selling everything from handcrafted goods to homemade treats. This inclusive, joyful space was not only a great place to shop but also a wonderful way to support the community. If you’re in Albany, I highly recommend making time to visit local markets like this—you never know what unique treasures you’ll find!
After shopping, I took a short rideshare to the Dutch Apple Sightseeing Cruise for a relaxing tour of the historic Hudson River. As we sailed along the river, the guide shared fascinating facts about Albany’s history, architecture, and riverfront landmarks. The fall foliage was absolutely stunning, reflecting in the calm waters of the Hudson, and for the last portion of the cruise I simply soaked in the views with some light music in the background. It was the perfect way to unwind and see a different side of Albany’s beauty. I even got to drive the boat at the end of the cruise!
For lunch, I visited The Skinny Pancake, a Vermont-based creperie that recently opened in downtown Albany. Their menu offers a variety of savory and sweet crepes, made with fresh, local ingredients. I opted for the savory Cheesy Chicken Pesto crepe, followed by the indulgent Heartbreaker – filled with chocolate hazelnut spread, strawberries, and bananas. Both were incredible and felt like a perfect nod to the season’s flavors. It’s easy to see why The Skinny Pancake has quickly become a local favorite!
Final Thoughts
My Halloween-themed weekend in Albany was filled with exciting events, warm hospitality, and rich history. From exploring ghost stories and spooky local spots to celebrating Diwali’s joyful festivities and savoring local flavors, Albany truly has something for everyone during the fall season.
A huge thank you to Discover Albany, the Renaissance Albany Hotel, The Olde English Pub, Dutch Apple Cruises, and all the wonderful people I met along the way. Your kindness and enthusiasm made my visit extra special, and I’m already looking forward to my next trip back.
So, if you’re looking for a fall getaway that mixes Halloween fun with rich cultural experiences,
Albany should be at the top of your list! It’s the perfect blend of spooky, historic, and heartwarming.
Experience Halloween fun in the New York State Capital via Amtrak to the Albany-Rensselaer Station in Albany-Rensselaer. Don’t forget to use Amtrak’s See New York and Save 15% discount!
There are plenty of ways to get around from Albany-Rensselaer Station! Pick up your reserved rental #NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car at Albany-Rensselaer Station. Click here to reserve your car, or call Enterprise’s Albany office at 518-427-3893. Rideshare options are plentiful in Albany. Conveniently, the Albany-Rensselaer Station has a Lyft Pickup Zone right outside of the station. The CDTA bus service also runs to Albany-Rensselaer Station, making it a convenient way to get around Albany. Use the on-demand CDTA Flex+ Service available outside the train station through the “Ride Pingo” app or take a cab/rideshare for a quick trip to downtown Albany. Click here for more information.
