Dive into the world of artisanal soap production where you'll gain hands-on experience in mastering the saponification processes, ingredient selection, and essential oil blending. Explore the intricacies of crafting natural soaps, delving into the science behind formulations to create high-quality bars that prioritize skin health and environmental consciousness. Each participant will be able to make their own small loaf of soap to be picked-up after fully cured.Taught by Leah LaFera of Sweet Sprig. Price includes all supplies. Class length: 2 hours Max number of participants: 6 Age range: Teen-Adult Price: $115

Join us for curated wine tastings by and for local wine lovers. Wine connoisseur Buffy Leonard and city historian Chris Leonard will lead us on a tasting and history tour of their favorite wines for the season. Our theme this month is "The Other Wines of Germany." We all love German wines like Riesling, Gerwurtztraminer, and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), but there are many other, lesser known German wines, some of which rarely make it to the US. We will enjoy three white grapes, as well as a red and a sparkly. $33; pre-registration required. Must be 21+ with valid ID. All ticket sales are final. All ticket sales are final.

The Stockade comes to life on this behind-the-scenes journey through the neighborhood. A national historic district, the Stockade is alive with the sights and sounds of a vibrant, ever-changing neighborhood. Walk its storied streets, meet local characters, and learn its legends and lore as we journey across history. Tickets are $25, include museum admission, a guided neighborhood tour, exclusive access to two Stockade homes and gardens, and coffee and a treat at Arthur’s Market. This tour lasts approximately three hours, and is offered — by reservation– on the second Saturday of the month in warm months. The tour involves about 1 mile of walking on sometimes uneven sidewalks. It meets at the Schenectady Historical Museum at 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady NY 12305. Parking is available in the YWCA lot next door, or on the street. **All ticket sales are final. We cannot offer refunds or date exchanges if your plans change.**

We're kicking off our Wine and Walk Fridays with a colonial-era walking tour that takes us back to a land you may know but a world that’s unrecognizable. In 1661, Schenectady was founded at the frontier of the colonial world and sat at the crossroads of many competing empires. This tiny town was caught in a delicate balance as various European and Native American powers jostled for control of this area. In this tour we’ll explore the earliest years of our city’s history leading up to the disastrous night in 1690 when it was utterly destroyed. Come see how our city’s story began! Join us for this evening walking tour, and then choose to stick around the Stockade for a drink at the historic Arthur's Market. This tour meets at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady, and concludes at Arthur's Market on N. Ferry Street. All ticket sales are final. 

Howlin' at the Moon showcases regional music from a variety of genres, providing an authentic musical experience for both audience and musicians. Music traditions are meant to be fluid and evolving, and Howlin' nurtures regional musical talent while providing opportunities for cross-pollination. All in a 1760 Dutch Barn that inspires and reminds us of our place within history! Dressed in black suits, dark sunglasses and fez, Big Fez & the Surfmatics claims to have first hit the surf music scene in 1960. Due to musical differences, the band broke up in 1966, and has re-formed to bring the sound of the surf into the 21st century. In real life, Johnny Fez is John Haggerty (6 and 12 string electric guitar and vocals). John has spent over 20 years touring the United States and Ireland in one of America’s top Irish rock bands, Hair of the Dog (Billboard Magazine has called them “one of Irish music’s biggest sellers”). During his off hours from Big Fez you can find him performing with his new Irish band Get Up Jack. JB Fez is John “JB” Guay (drums, percussion and vocals). JB spent the early 80’s touring the Northeast and Canada with the classic rock/original band Bad Habit. JB later played in Oz, a New York- based wedding and party band, and most recently played with classic rock band Hung Jury. Mikey Fez is Mike McLean (bass and vocals) actor /musician. Mike was a founding member of Irish group, The Porters. He also currently plays upright bass with Americana/Country Blues recording artist, The Red Haired Strangers. Mike’s acting credits include the movie “Ironweed” (with Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep) as well as auditioned for the New York City Opera Company. Knickerbocker Fez is Crick Diefendorf (guitar,steel drums and vocals). Crick is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, and has been a professional musician and music educator since 1987. Crick is proficient in all styles of American popular music (jazz, country, rock and R&B) and well versed in African, Latin, Asian and European music. He co-founded the Boston-based eclectic acoustic band, Made In The Shade that performed through the U.S. and Europe. Crick can also be found performing with other popular bands Get Up Jack, and the Skip Parson’s Riverboat Jazz Band. Opening the night is host Everest Rising, a tightly-knit quintet influenced by bluegrass, Americana, rock, jazz and more. Together they create progressive acoustic music that is unique, powerful, and comfortably familiar. With a wide dynamic range, Everest Rising’s material spans from heartfelt laments to all out jams, all executed with instrumental finesse and thoughtful story-telling. As this summer’s host of the Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series, Everest Rising aims to support an authentic musical experience for both audience and musicians. Admission is $10 at the door (cash only). Beer and wine available for purchase.  

This year, the popular Mohawk river paddling tours return to both Schenectady and Waterford. For centuries, Schenectady’s history has revolved around the mighty Mohawk River. Our Schenectady kayak tour takes you from the modern Mohawk Harbor to the site of our city’s ancient port. In nearby Waterford, history lives at the meeting of New York’s two great waterways! The town of Waterford has long been a vital crossroads for the people of this area. Our Waterford tour takes you between picturesque islands and through the grand locks of the Erie Canal. Along both routes, our expert guide will regale you with the history of the area. Pre-registration required. Guests will be provided with a kayak, life vest, and paddle. Guests should be prepared to paddle for about two hours. There are no bathrooms at either site. Due to safety restrictions, you may not bring your own kayak. Full schedule: Schenectady Dates: meet at Mohawk Harbor near Druthers Wednesday, June 26 at 6pm Wednesday, July 10 at 6pm Wednesday, July 17 at 6pm Wednesday, July 24 at 6pm Friday, August 7 at 6pm Saturday, August 10 at 10am Saturday, August 31 at 4:30pm Waterford Dates: meet at Waterford Boat Launch at First and Front Street Saturday, June 29 at 10am Saturday, July 27 at 10am Saturday, July 27 at 2pm **All ticket sales are final. In the event of thunderstorms or severe rain and/or wind, and we must cancel, you will receive a full refund**  

The American Revolution is a pivotal moment in the history of our city and our nation. Come explore a conflict that sundered families and communities alike. For the people who lived at this perilous time, what did it mean to be a Patriot? Join us for this evening walking tour of Schenectady's revolutionary past, and then choose to stick around for a drink at the historic Arthur’s Market. This tour meets at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady, and concludes at Arthur’s Market on N. Ferry Street. All ticket sales are final.

This year, the popular Mohawk river paddling tours return to both Schenectady and Waterford. For centuries, Schenectady’s history has revolved around the mighty Mohawk River. Our Schenectady kayak tour takes you from the modern Mohawk Harbor to the site of our city’s ancient port. In nearby Waterford, history lives at the meeting of New York’s two great waterways! The town of Waterford has long been a vital crossroads for the people of this area. Our Waterford tour takes you between picturesque islands and through the grand locks of the Erie Canal. Along both routes, our expert guide will regale you with the history of the area. Pre-registration required. Guests will be provided with a kayak, life vest, and paddle. Guests should be prepared to paddle for about two hours. There are no bathrooms at either site. Due to safety restrictions, you may not bring your own kayak. Full schedule: Schenectady Dates: meet at Mohawk Harbor near Druthers Wednesday, June 26 at 6pm Wednesday, July 10 at 6pm Wednesday, July 17 at 6pm Wednesday, July 24 at 6pm Friday, August 7 at 6pm Saturday, August 10 at 10am Saturday, August 31 at 4:30pm Waterford Dates: meet at Waterford Boat Launch at First and Front Street Saturday, June 29 at 10am Saturday, July 27 at 10am Saturday, July 27 at 2pm **All ticket sales are final. In the event of thunderstorms or severe rain and/or wind, and we must cancel, you will receive a full refund**  

The Schenectady County Legislature is proud to announce the 2024 Schenectady County "4th on the 3d" Independence Day Celebration at Mabee Farm! This FREE family festival will feature live music and fireworks! Celebrate the 4th of July at the historic Mabee Farm, the oldest working farm in New York's Mohawk Valley. Spread your blanket on the lawn and enjoy live music, family fun, and a spectacular firework show over the Mohawk River. Explore the historic farm with a storied colonial past, shop a variety of local crafters, meet farm animals, and enjoy summertime on the Mohawk River! We encourage you to pack a picnic, and we will have beer and wine available for sale. Please no glass bottles or containers and outside alcohol is not permitted. This is a rain or shine event, but as with most outdoor musical concerts the event may be canceled due to extreme weather or heavy rain. Rain updates will be posted on the Schenectady County website and Facebook page.