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. inside 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 6:30 pm 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?
  The Albany Capital Center is fully ADA compliant. More information can be found at www.albanycapitalcenter.comThe New York State Museum is fully ADA compliant.
• More information can be found at www.nysm.nysed.gov/visit
• 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 www.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 theTickets 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

Know How to 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 www.cdta.org or download their Navigator mobile app today!