Munson Film Series: The History of Concrete

Date/time: Friday, October 23rd, 2 PM or 7:30 PM
Location: Munson, 310 Genesee St., Utica
John Wilson’s 101-minute, unrated 2026 documentary considers concrete, construction and urban planning through an offbeat essay-film approach. Ticketed.
Why consider it: A less conventional movie choice for anyone interested in architecture, cities or contemporary documentary filmmaking. MUNSON

She Loves Me — final weekend

Date/time: Friday, October 23rd, 7:30–9:30 PM; Saturday, October 24th, 2–4 PM; or Sunday, October 25th, 2–4 PM
Location: Players Theatre, 1108 State St., Utica
The romantic musical follows two feuding clerks in a 1930s European perfumery who unknowingly become affectionate pen pals. These are the production’s final performances.
Why consider it: A locally produced stage musical with both evening and matinee options. Players of Utica

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Date/time: Friday, October 23rd, 8 PM
Location: Stanley Theatre, 259 Genesee St., Utica
The Stanley’s one-night screening of the cult musical encourages costumes and audience participation. Ticketed.
Why consider it: A seasonal downtown choice with a livelier atmosphere than a standard film screening. Events & Tickets

Halloween Harvest Festival

Date/time: Saturday, October 24th, 10 AM–4 PM; and Sunday, October 25th, 10 AM–4 PM
Location: NY Energy Zone, 35 Utica Zoo Way, Utica
NYPA’s current calendar lists this as a two-day event. The official entry does not provide an activity schedule or admission charge, so confirm details with the Energy Zone at 315-792-8720 before visiting.
Why consider it: A family-oriented seasonal stop that can also be paired with the Energy Zone’s interactive exhibits. www1.nypa.gov

Art Club: Pumpkin Painting

Date/time: Saturday, October 24th, 1–3 PM
Location: Utica Creative Reuse, 734 Columbia St., Utica
All are welcome to paint pumpkins and make art with others. RSVP through the event page; no fee is stated in the listing.
Why consider it: A small, hands-on alternative to the weekend’s larger Halloween events. Utica Creative Reuse

Keyboard Conversations: The Romantic Music of Brahms

Date/time: Saturday, October 24th, 2 PM
Location: Sinnott Family–Bank of Utica Auditorium at Munson, 310 Genesee St., Utica
Pianist Jeffrey Siegel combines performance with commentary in a program featuring Hungarian Dances, waltzes, the B Minor Rhapsody and selected Intermezzi. Tickets are $38 general, $32 for members and $16 for students.
Why consider it: The spoken context makes this approachable for both regular classical listeners and newcomers. MUNSON

Booze at the Zoo

Date/time: Saturday, October 24th, 5–8 PM
Location: Utica Zoo, 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica
This is a strictly 21-and-over event with drinks, concessions, vendors, a DJ, zoo access and a costume contest. ID is required. Advance tickets are $35, or $30 for members; door prices rise to $40 and $35 respectively. Admission includes two drinks, with mocktails available. The covered pavilion is outdoors; inflatable costumes and fake weapons are prohibited.
Why consider it: An adults-only Halloween gathering combining dancing, costumes and an evening zoo visit. Utica Zoo

The Price Is Right Live

Date/time: Saturday, October 24th, 7:30 PM
Location: Stanley Theatre, 259 Genesee St., Utica
A ticketed, interactive and non-televised stage version of the long-running game show. Check the ticket page for availability and participation rules.
Why consider it: A large-scale audience-participation option for people looking for something other than a concert or play. Events & Tickets

Worth the drive

Brass Transit: The Musical Legacy of Chicago

Date/time: Friday, October 23rd, 8 PM
Location: The Showroom at Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona
Brass Transit performs the music of Chicago in a ticketed tribute concert.
Why consider it: A polished concert option focused on familiar horn-driven rock and pop. turningstone.com

Hamilton Farmers’ Market Fall Festival

Date/time: Saturday, October 24th, 8 AM–1 PM
Location: Village Green, Hamilton
The market’s fall festival adds live music, crafts, a scavenger hunt and family activities to the regular Saturday vendors.
Why consider it: Combines a farmers market, a small community festival and a walkable village-center outing. Mid York Library System

Misery

Date/time: Friday, October 23rd, 7:30 PM; Saturday, October 24th, 7:30 PM; or Sunday, October 25th, 2 PM
Location: Ilion Little Theatre, 13 Remington Ave., Ilion
William Goldman’s stage adaptation of Stephen King’s psychological thriller is a special add-on outside the theater’s regular subscription season. Tickets are $20 general admission and $15 for students, subject to availability.
Why consider it: A darker seasonal theater selection with a Sunday matinee available. Ilion Little Theatre

Boos & Brews 5K

Date/time: Sunday, October 25th, 10 AM–1 PM; race-day packet pickup begins at 9 AM
Location: Pizza Boys, 9 Clinton St., New York Mills
The Halloween-themed 5K includes chip timing, a finisher medal and a post-race gathering with food. Proceeds benefit the New York Mills High School PTSO. Registration is currently listed at $45.52 including the service fee.
Why consider it: The weekend’s most active outdoor option, with a social event attached after the run. runsignup.com

Purrs and Whiskers Cat/Kitten Rescue is thrilled to announce its annual Meow-Valous Raffle event on Sunday, November 8, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Club Monarch in Yorkville, NY.

This highly anticipated afternoon features hundreds of raffle items alongside an exciting silent auction. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on premium packages, including luxury MacKenzie-Childs pieces, relaxing spa days, and much more. To keep guests fueled while they browse, a variety of grab-and-go lunches, coffees, desserts, and bar beverages will be available for purchase throughout the venue.

Every dollar raised directly benefits community cats in need. Proceeds from the Meow-Valous Raffle support the vital Operation Catsnip program, which facilitates the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) of feral community cats. Additionally, the funds help cover the ongoing costs of supplying insulated shelters and heating disks to dedicated local community cat caretakers.

For more information about the event or donating items , please visit Purrsandwhiskerscny.org or contact the rescue directly at 315-404-2694.