Find Out What's Happening Locally In Our Albany NY News Roundup
From new business openings, to exciting updates about events, to major community announcements, our Albany NY news roundup has you covered. Check out what's going on in the city and Capital Region!
New Era Begins at Albany's New York State Museum
A bold new era has arrived at the New York State Museum. Backed by a historic $150 million investment from Governor Kathy Hochul, Phase One of a multi-year transformation is officially underway.
This project aims to create a more modern, family-friendly, and engaging destination in downtown Albany.
Initial updates include major new exhibitions, a dedicated Kids Zone, and the reopening of the museum gift shop and cafe. Such improvements are designed to reflect the vibrancy, inclusivity, and diversity of New York State.
The museum's exhibition schedule is also expanding, with four to six major installations planned annually. Following the December 2025 debut of a new Barbie-themed exhibition, the 2026 calendar will feature diverse programming centered on New York history and culture. Notable highlights include commemorations of the 200th anniversary of abolition in New York State and the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
A newly formed Visioning Task Force will guide future improvements, ensuring community voices remain at the heart of the renovation process. As these new experiences take flight and more projects emerge, the New York State Museum is reclaiming its place as a premier destination that honors the state's past while embracing its future.
Source: https://www.nysed.gov/news/2026/governor-hochul-and-commissioner-rosa-announce-bold-new-chapter-new-york-state-museum
Olive & Oregano: The New 24-Hour Spot for Post-Event Cravings at MVP Arena
Get ready for the newest late-night craving spot, Olive & Oregano! Located within walking distance of MVP Arena, this Dominican-Greek takeout spot will be open at any time of the night.
The owner, Flerida Santana Johnas, purposefully chose this location in downtown Albany to cater to the many residential and office buildings, as well as the arena.
She told News10 ABC that she wants to focus on "...how the city actually functions today, [and provide] reliable access to food throughout the day and night rather than focusing only on limited dining windows."
The signature eats include chicken, gyros, soups, breakfast sandwiches, traditional sides, and other takeout meal options. There will additionally be catering options for offices and events.
This new spot will be located on 51 South Pearl Street and is set to open in early 2026. See their Facebook page for the latest updates: https://www.instagram.com/olivenoreganoalbany/
Source: News10 ABC
Perfume De Lux Opens at Crossgates
A new fragrance destination has officially arrived at Crossgates Mall. Perfume De Lux is now open on the lower level near APEX Entertainment, bringing a fresh addition to the mall’s retail lineup and giving visitors something new to discover during their next trip.
Perfume De Lux is a specialty fragrance retailer offering a wide selection of designer-inspired perfumes and colognes for every style and occasion.
From everyday favorites to more elevated scents, the shop makes it easy to find something that fits your vibe or pick out a thoughtful gift. It’s the kind of place you didn’t know you needed until you walk in, and suddenly want to leave smelling like your best self.
Open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Perfume De Lux is a convenient stop to add to your routine.
Cardona’s Market Launches Gift Card Swap for Closed Local Deli
Cardona’s Market is helping residents use gift cards from several recently closed businesses. The family-owned market has launched a gift card exchange program that will run throughout March.
Customers who still have gift cards or certificates from Gershon’s Deli in Schenectady, Genoa Importing Co. in Loudonville, or Primal: Your Local Butcher in Guilderland and Saratoga Springs can bring them to Cardona’s. In return, the market is offering a one-time $25 in store credit.
Cardona’s Market Co Owner and Executive Chef Robert Cardona Jr., explained that the team created the program after realizing many community members were left with unusable gift cards following the recent closures.
The exchange is limited to one $25 credit per customer and must be used during a single visit. The credit cannot be applied to online catering orders.
Cardona’s Market operates several locations across the Capital Region, including stores in Albany, Latham, and Saratoga Springs. The limited offering is a small but meaningful way for customers to reclaim lost value while supporting a local business.
Source: News 10
ValleyCats 2026 Season Preview: Tickets, Theme Nights & More
Looking for things to do in the Capital Region this summer? Head to Troy for ValleyCats baseball.
The Tri-City ValleyCats are back for another summer of baseball in Troy, and tickets for the 2026 season are officially on sale.
The season kicks off May 15 at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, with more than 50 home games scheduled through early September. Whether you’re planning a casual night out or a family outing, ValleyCats games continue to be one of the Capital Region’s go-to summer activities.
Fan-favorite postgame fireworks are returning in a big way this year, with multiple shows planned throughout the season, including Opening Night. The team has also rolled out a full schedule of promotional nights, featuring themed games, giveaways, and special events that add to the fun beyond the field.
From kids activities to high-energy theme nights, the ValleyCats keep the focus on affordable, family-friendly entertainment. Between the lively atmosphere at “The Joe” and a packed promotional lineup, the 2026 season is shaping up to be another crowd-pleaser in Troy.
Tickets are available for purchase online through the ValleyCat's website, the box office, or by calling (518) 629-CATS.
JETSET Pilates is Coming to Latham
If you enjoy working out or are looking for a fun way to stay active, there’s a new fitness studio to keep an eye on. JETSET Pilates is preparing to open a new location in Latham, adding another workout option to the Capital Region.
The studio will be located in Fresh Market Commons Plaza on Loudon Road and will focus on reformer-based Pilates classes. These workouts are designed to build strength, improve flexibility, and challenge your core through controlled, low-impact movement. It’s a style of training that works for a wide range of fitness levels, whether someone is new to Pilates or already enjoys adding it into their routine.
JETSET Pilates is known for putting a modern spin on traditional Pilates workouts, combining strength training and endurance in a studio environment that keeps classes upbeat and engaging. The goal is a full-body workout that helps participants feel stronger while still being gentle on the joints.
As fitness remains a priority in the Capital Region, the influx of new studios provides the community with more places to stay active and a diverse range of classes to fit any lifestyle.
Source: News 10 ABC
Book Worms Rejoice: Crossgates Is Finally Getting a Bookstore
News Channel 13 reports that Crossgates Mall will be welcoming Barnes & Noble in the fall of this year!
The store is planned to be 18,000 feet with a cafe, and will be located on the upper level across from REI Co-op.
Currently, there are two other Barnes & Noble locations in the Capital Region - the Wilton Mall store opened in the early 1990s, and the one at Colonie Center opened in 2007.
Crossgates hasn't had a bookstore since Borders, which closed in 2011.
Sources:
- News Channel 13: Barnes & Noble coming to Crossgates in 2026
Siena Men's Basketball Wins MAAC, Advancing to March Madness
Never count out an underdog. Despite entering the tournament as the No. 3 seed, the Siena Saints silenced the skeptics on Tuesday, March 10, toppling top-seeded Merrimack 64-54 in a thrilling matchup.
Despite initially being down, the Saints were able to quickly score against the Warriors and stay on top for the remainder of the game. The team's starting unit took charge, accounting for all 64 points, with Gavin Doty reaching a game-high 23 points!
This victory marks the Saints' first title since 2020 and their seventh MAAC trophy overall, moving them into second place for the most MAAC championships in league history.
By defeating Merrimack, the Saints will advance to the NCAA March Madness tournament for the first time since 2010.
Siena's spot and opponent for the tournament will be determined during the NCAA Men's Basketball Selection Show, which airs live on CBS on Sunday, March 15, at 6:00 pm.
Source: MAAC Sports
Albany Named One of the Top 15 Best Places to Retire in 2026
A historic wave of Americans is about to reshape retirement, and Albany is ready for it! According to a new report by StorageCafe, more than 4 million Americans will turn 65 in 2026 - a dramatic increase from a decade ago.
At the same time, inflation and healthcare costs continue to rise, and 15 million Americans over 55 have no children to help support them through this transition. additionally, more than 75% of older adults say they plan to age in place. But where?
The team behind StorageCafe analyzed 108 cities across the country to determine which communities are best positioned for the coming wave of retirees. Their rankings take into account affordability, comfort, and access to care, evaluating factors like demographics, financial stability, senior-focused housing, safety, healthcare access, and lifestyle amenities like golf courses.
Albany ranked #15 nationally, placing it among the top retirement destinations in the country. Some factors the article highlighted included:
- Life expectancy: 78.6 years (compared to 80.6 in the #1 spot, Cape Coral-Fort Myers FL)
- Air quality: 39 (out of a possible 50)
- # of healthcare workers & social assistance per 10,000 residents: 3,062
- Parks per 10,000 residents: 5
- Golf courses per square mile: 67
StorageCafe is a nationwide online marketplace for self-storage, often described as the "Zillo for storage units." The organization is powered by real-time data and the team is made up of experts in housing and storage trends.
Sources:
- StorageCafe: Best Places To Retire: Top U.S. Metros for Golden-Year Quality Of Life
Find things to do in the Albany area >>