Know Before You Go!

General

When and where will the Festival take place?

  • Our 2025 Mayor’s Opening Reception will take place on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the New York State Museum
  • Our Grand Tastings & Seminars events will take place Friday, January 24 from 4 – 8 p.m. and Saturday, January 25 from 12 to 4 p.m. inside the Albany Capital Center
  • The Slider Slam! competition will take place Friday, January 24, 2025, from 8 to 11 p.m. inside the Albany Capital Center
  • Our Grand Gala Reception & 5-Course Dinner will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, beginning at 6 p.m. inside the Albany Capital Center

Does the festival have a bag policy?

  • The Albany Capital Center’s bag policy allows clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that are no larger than 12 in x 6 in x 12 in, as well as small clutch bags that are no larger than 4.5 in x 6.5 in. Diaper bags are also permitted, but they are subject to search. Larger bags and other types of bags are not allowed.

Is there a dress code?

  • The Mayor’s Opening Reception is a business casual event. Slider Slam! and the Grand Tastings & Seminars on Friday and Saturday are casual. The Grand Gala Reception is a formal event (black tie suggested)–dress to impress!

Is the festival ADA-compliant?

Are animals permitted in the festival?

  • Animals and pets are NOT permitted in the ACC except in conjunction with an approved exhibit, display, show, etc. Certified Service Animals are permitted. More information can be found at albanycapitalcenter.com

Tickets & Events

How much are tickets?

  • Event prices can be found under each event on the Tickets page.

Are there different tiers of festival tickets?

  • General Admission is offered at the Mayor’s Reception. General Admission and VIP Admission are offered at all other events. Visit the Tickets page and click ‘Learn More’ under each event for more information on what each ticket level offers.

What is the festival’s refund policy?

  • All sales for this charity event are final

Is there an open bar included in my General Admissions ticket?

  • Please refer to the description for the individual event

Do I have to be 21+ to purchase tickets?

  • Entry to the event is restricted to adults 21 years of age and older. Minors are not allowed to enter.

Parking

The Park Albany mobile application lets you pay quickly and securely through your phone. You’ll enjoy stress-free parking, get alerts when your parking session is about to end and add time to your session directly from your phone. Visit https://app.parkalbany.com/ and download the Park Albany app today.

Event Parking Information

Capital Repertory Theatre:
Recommended Parking Location: Quackenbush Garage (25 Orange St)
Distance from Parking Location to Event Venue: 0.5 Miles / 11 Minute Walk

Corning Preserve/Jennings Landing:
Recommended Parking Location: Riverfront Garage
Distance from Parking Location to Event Venue: 0.3 Miles / 6 Minute Walk

Empire Live:
Recommended Parking Location: Quackenbush Garage (25 Orange St)
Distance from Parking Location to Event Venue: 0.2 Miles / 4 Minute Walk

MVP Arena:
Recommended Parking Location: Green-Hudson Garage (45 Hudson Ave)
Distance from Parking Location to Event Venue: 0.2 Miles / 4 Minute Walk

Palace Theatre:
Recommended Parking Location: Quackenbush Garage (25 Orange St)
Distance from Parking Location to Event Venue: 0.2 Miles / 5 Minute Walk

Travel

CDTA is the area’s mobility leader, providing local, express, commuter and bus rapid transit services across New York’s Capital Region. CDTA also operates the CDPHP Cycle! regional bike-share program, along with a variety of mobility options including DRIVE electric car sharing and FLEX On Demand Transit to get you where you need to go! Visit CDTA.org or download their Navigator mobile app today!

Hotels

Festival attendees can book their Festival stay at the Renaissance Albany Hotel to take advantage of a discounted rate. The hotel is attached to the Capital Center via Skyway for the ultimate in convenience so you can enjoy a weekend of food, fun and wine. Group rates will be available through January 20, 2025.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY!