Quality events for this weekend

Friday December 5

Spirits Tasting at FOGS with Albany Distilling Co. and Installation by Mary Elise Rees: Get some holiday shopping done and taste some made in Albany spirits.

Pharmakon at EMPAC: Big sound from Noise Artist Margaret Chardiet.

Young Thug at the Armory: Raps yo.

The Misfit Vocalists of Hip-Hop at Hudson River Coffee House: ‘All out hip-hop’.

First Friday: Art and culture happenings all throughout the city.

10th Annual Members Show at the Albany Center Gallery: See the art of the people who belong to the ACG.

First Friday at the Machine: All member show with a silent auction.

Lucius at the Hollow: Indie jams, with Bahamas.

Fight Club at Proctors: The classic, with contests, games, prizes, couches and a bar.

Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Madison Theater: Two showings with a shadowcast.

Burnt Hills, Severe Severe, Ubi Quitous, and Cool Cop at The Low Beat : “Psychedelic & Freak Music”

Goth Night at Fuze Box: “EBM”

PechaKucha at Opalka Gallery: Short talks from interesting people.

Saturday December 6

French Montana at UCH: Montana! (Sadly without Jeremih.)

Santa Speedo Sprint: A run for a great cause.

Made by Hand Invitational at The Foundry: Indoor designer craft market.

Clot, Goblet, Outnumbered, Winter’s Burden and Shiva The Love Skeleton: Metal.

Hudson Winter Walk: Great reason to go check out Hudson. Also, check the Etsy Winter Walk Pop-up.

Madison Theater Comedy Night: Five comics and DJ Tall Matt.

Sangus at Pauly’s: With Sick Mind, One Master, and Open Sores.

Bing Bamboo Room Burlesque at The Low Beat: Holiday Burlesque show.

Sunday December 7

Tavern Noodle Pop-up at The Tavern: One day only ramen joint form the folks behind the Confectionery.

The Victorian Stroll: Holiday festival in Troy with entertainment, dancers, and more.

The Trial Before Christmas: Mock Trial at Rensselaer County Courthouse.

Takk House Presents The Dylan Perrillo Orchestra: Beautiful music in a beautiful new venue.

Self Defense Family at the Low Beat: With Soft Powers, Blood of Spain, and Broken Field Runner.

Tree Lighting at ESP: Fireworks!

All weekend

Ice Skating at the Plaza: Rinks open 11am-8pm.

Art Omi: The sculpture fields are awesome.

Day trip to MASS MoCA: Pretty drive and a great museum.

The NYS Museum: Bunch of great exhibits and it’s right in your backyard.

Gone Girl, Die Hard and Big Hero 6 at the Madison Theater: Only five bucks!

Farmer’s Markets: Troy, Delmar, and Saratoga on Saturday, and Schenectady and Saratoga on Sunday.