This Week IRL
Our top picks for Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, and midweek fun.
Tuesday, May 5: Cinco de Mayo
If you’re going to go out on a Tuesday, tonight’s the night to do it. Cinco de Mayo brings out drink specials, live music, and packed restaurants across the Capital Region.
A few spots worth checking out:
Don Tequila Mexican Cantina (Albany): A high-energy Wolf Road hotspot known for big crowds and strong margaritas!
Las Margaritas Mexican Cantina (Slingerlands): A festive, crowd-pleasing spot with a huge menu, colorful decorations, and amazing staff. (This is a weekly favorite for my group of friends—Cinco de Mayo just gives us another reason to show up.)
Viva Cinco De Mayo (Albany): A smaller, authentic Oaxacan-style restaurant with a more relaxed yet festive atmosphere.
Oaxaqueña Triqui (Albany): A local favorite serving traditional Mexican dishes with late hours and a steady Cinco de Mayo buzz.
Salsa Latina (Albany & East Greenbush): A lively bar-restaurant hybrid with music, dancing, and a nightlife feel.
Grand Margaritas (East Greenbush): A newer, trendy spot featuring modern décor and margarita-focused specials ideal for a stylish celebration. Same owners as Las Margs in Slingerlands. Think the same vibe, just bigger!
Al Punto Picante (Rensselaer): A casual, close-to-home option with affordable, flavorful food and a laid-back crowd.
Location: Across the Capital Region
Vibes: Lively & celebratory
Wednesday, May 6: Midweek Melissa
This Wednesday, Melissa Etheridge brings powerful vocals, recognizable hits, and a crowd that’s fully into it to Troy Savings Bank Music Hall at 8pm.Well-known for her confessional lyrics and raspy vocals, Etheridge always puts on a good show.
Location: Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy
Vibes: Nostalgic & electric
Thursday, May 7: Mechanicville Memories
Now for a quieter, more meaningful weeknight option: This year, the Mechanicville District Public Library is hosting a fundraising campaign to preserve a collection of more than 600 portraits of local World War II and Korean War veterans that were snapped by the owner of the bygone Siciliano’s Restaurant in the 1940s and early ’50s. As part of the effort, Mechanicville native and retired Associated Press reporter Chris Carola is presenting “Charlie’s Heroes,” a series of free talks on the collection, focusing on its history, the wartime service of more than a dozen of the veterans whose photos are in the collection, and the need to properly preserve such a vital and unique artifact. The first one is this Thursday at 7pm at The Arts Center on The Hudson. Reserve a seat here.
Location: The Arts Center on the Hudson, Mechanicville
Vibes: Reflective & impactful
Friday, May 8: Live Music, Two Ways
This Friday, beloved local bands Grand Central Station and 2096 Trio will team up for a two-act show that leans into classic covers and crowd-friendly energy. See 2096 Trio on the Frog Alley Brewing patio (weather permitting!) from 5–8pm, and Grand Central Station inside on the main stage from 8:30–11pm.
Location: Frog Alley Brewing, Schenectady
Vibes: Easygoing & upbeat
Another option: Kick off Tulip Fest a day early with a pre-party concert at The Eleven at Lark Hall. Nickopotamus, a four-piece band that blends rock, jam, funk, punk, groove, and zydeco into a sound that’s hard not to move to, will kick things off at 6pm, and The Deadbeats, not your average Grateful Dead tribute band, will take the stage at 8.
Location: The Eleven at Lark Hall
Vibes: Interactive & party-style
Saturday, May 9: Flower Power
Tulip Fest is one of Albany’s signature events, and for good reason! This yearly festival fills Washington Park with music, vendors, food, and, of course, thousands of tulips in bloom. Stop by to stroll through the flowers or spend the entire weekend celebrating spring; the festival runs 11am–6pm both Saturday and Sunday.
Location: Washington Park, Albany
Vibes: Spring has sprung!
Sunday, May 10: Born to Brunch
Mother’s Day and brunch go together like chicken and waffles…Here’s where to take Mom this Sunday for a meal to remember:
The Barnsider (Colonie): Steakhouse favorites and a relaxed, all-day menu
Mr. D’s Restaurant & Lounge (Albany): Buffet or à la carte options, plus optional mimosa packages (heck yeah!)
Max 410 at The Waters Edge (Glenville): Upscale riverside brunch with carving stations and dessert tables
Dutch Apple Cruises (Albany): Brunch on the Hudson with scenic views and a full breakfast spread
Johnny’s (Schenectady): Elevated brunch menu with both savory entrées and pastries
The Nest (Schenectady): Southern-inspired prix-fixe brunch with dishes like crab Benedict and lemon blueberry pancakes
Reservations are strongly recommended!
Location: Across the Capital Region
Vibes: Warm & celebratory
—Danni