Palace Theatre’s Community Block Party Returns to Downtown Albany this Saturday, August 15!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — August 11, 2026
Palace Performing Arts Center Contact:
Sean Allen, Director of Marketing
518.465.3335, ext. 111
Palace Theatre’s Community Block Party Returns to Downtown Albany this Saturday, August 15!
ALBANY, NY - The Palace Performing Arts Center is once again pleased to present the Community Block Party presented by National Grid, this Saturday, August 15th from Noon to 4:00pm. Join us under the marquee at the intersection of Clinton Avenue and Pearl Street as we celebrate the end of summer with live music, DJ’s, vendors, family friendly activities, community organizations, free food and more! This event is free and open to the public.
The Community Block Party is part of the Palace Theatre’s Community Engagement Initiative and is one of several free and low-cost arts and educational programs offered by the Palace that positively impact local children and families each year. Now in its eighth year, the annul Block Party welcomes thousands of families to Downtown Albany each year.
There's fun for the whole family - Live Music by The Ky McClinton Band & the Albany Rock Pit Showcase Band! Pony Rides & a Petting Zoo! A Kids Zone with Face Painting, Balloon Twisters, a Bounce House, Games & Activities! Educational Activities with Ten Broeck Mansion! Create Interactive Art with Albany Center Gallery & more!
We are pleased to announce several new partnerships for this year’s Block Party! Ted's Fish Fry will be on hand preparing complimentary Hamburgers & Hot Dogs for everyone in attendance. The Skinny Pancake will also be on site, providing Free Dessert Crepes (while supplies last)!
The University at Albany will have a variety of interactive, hands-on exhibits that cater to kids & families. This includes a make-your-own slime booth, circuit kits for kids activity, 3D printers, trivia games, a prize wheel offering free UAlbany swag, temporary tattoo station, CPR demonstrations, fingerprint exploration table, opportunities to connect with our student athletes, educational information for local entrepreneurs and small businesses, and much more.
“The annual Community Block Party is one of the highlights of our year and certainly one of the highlights of our Community Engagement Initiatives.” Said Kevin Johnson, President & CEO of the Palace Theatre. “ We look forward to welcoming our neighbors and friends for what is looking to be the biggest Block Party yet!”
The Community Block Party is made possible thanks to the generous support of our presenting sponsor National Grid, and our community engagement initiative sponsors Market 32/Price Chopper, Stewart's Shops/Dake Family, The Bender Family Foundation, CDTA, Beacon Bank, Arrow Bank, Ostroff Associates, Lamar Advertising, Fenimore Asset Management, Touhey Foundation, Community Bank, The Spot 518 & JAMZ 96.3.
"National Grid is proud to partner with the Palace Performing Arts Center to support the Albany Community Block Party and their year-round community engagement and arts education programming. Our investment helps make possible events and initiatives such as Summer in the City Free Movie Series, Family Fun Days, and School-Time Arts Education field trips. These programs provide opportunities for families to come together, engage with the arts, and build stronger community connections, bringing together families, local organizations, businesses, and community partners in a spirit of celebration and inclusion. We are honored to support the Palace Theatre's efforts to make these experiences accessible to residents across the Capital Region.” - Kimberly Ireland, Regional Executive, National Grid Upstate New York Eastern Division
About the Palace Theatre:
The Palace has been Albany’s iconic downtown landmark for the past eight decades, bringing the biggest names in entertainment to the Capital Region. The history and programming of the Palace is a unique and often untold story with roots dating back to the period of the Great Depression. The Palace Theatre, built in 1931, originally presented vaudeville acts, feature films and became a civic auditorium before closing its doors in 1969. The theatre maintains its original beauty and design and is a historical landmark in the City of Albany. The Palace Performing Arts Center was established in 1984 and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1989, created to operate the Palace Theatre. The mission of the Palace is to bring world-class arts and entertainment to New York’s Capital Region, greatly enhancing the area's cultural and economic development. Our mission is carried out through core programming and community initiatives that include performing arts entertainment, free arts education, family-friendly performances, free summer movies and a classic movie program series. The Palace has a significant economic footprint with over $3.5 million in ticket sales and 150,000 patrons.
For more information, please visit www.palacealbany.org