6 Best Performing Arts in Albany and Central New York, New York

The Capital Repertory Theatre is an intimate space for musicals, comedies, and dramas.

Though balanced on a platform that reaches six stories underground, the futuristic Empire State Performing Arts Center, known as the Egg, appears to float above the plaza like a UFO. Shows here include acts by big-name artists, touring pop and folk musicians, comedy routines, and modern dance performances.

During the daylong, early September street festival Larkfest, more than 100 crafts and food booths line the streets. A separate area for kids has games and rides. Local bands perform, in addition to area dancers and magicians.

The spectacular Palace Theatre, a restored movie-and-vaudeville house, hosts pop concerts and touring Broadway shows. It's the home of the Albany Symphony Orchestra.

National music acts, the circus, and wrestling all make stops at the 16,000-seat Times Union Center.

Hundreds of thousands of tulips are at their peak during the Tulip Festival, a three-day weekend festival in mid-May celebrating Albany's Dutch heritage. Traditions include scrubbing the streets and crowning a Tulip Queen. On Saturday and Sunday, Washington Park has music, concerts, and food vendors.