Weekend plans: UAlbany Homecoming game, 'Aladdin' at Proctors among top picks

PHOTOGRAPHER: Erica Miller

Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy hands the key to the city to cast members of Disney’s Aladdin on Oct. 3. The musical is playing at Proctors

WEEKEND PLANS – There’s no shortage of things to do in the Capital Region, whether you’re looking for live music, films, theater, games or festivals.

If you’re in need of a few ideas for your weekend plans, we’ve rounded up a few of the best bets from around the area.

Here’s a look at what’s going on:
Film festival continues
The Adirondack Film Festival, which kicked off yesterday, runs through Saturday, with films being shown virtually, as well as at the Crandall Public Library and at the Wood Theatre.
The festival features short documentaries, dramas, horror and other genres. Some were locally filmed, including “The Last Frankenstein,” which was written and directed by David Weaver of Amsterdam. Individual virtual passes are $45 and in-person day passes are $35. For more information visit adkaff.eventive.org.

UAlbany Homecoming
UAlbany football will host its Homecoming game Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium as Colonial Athletic Association newcomer Hampton comes to town.
UAlbany enters at 1-4 overall and is still looking for its first conference win of the season. Three of the Great Danes’ four losses have come by seven points or fewer. Hampton won its first three games of the season but has lost two straight since entering league play.
Tickets range from $15 to $40 and can be purchased online at ticketreturn.com.

On the hunt in Saratoga
The Great Saratoga Pumpkin Hunt starts on Saturday in downtown Saratoga Springs. The two-week scavenger hunt will have participants solving riddles and searching for pumpkins hidden inside participating businesses throughout downtown. The hunt, which is organized by the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association, will run until Oct. 30 and the winner of the hunt will be announced on Halloween and receive a prize. For more information visit saratogaspringsdowntown.com.

Spooktacular in Schenectady
The Downtown Schenectady Fall Spooktacular is set for Saturday in front of City Hall and on Jay Street, bringing together pumpkin carving and hayrides with live music and arts activities.
From noon to 4 p.m. attendees can try out the giant pumpkin bounce house before grabbing a bite to eat from one of the food vendors or from the eateries along Jay Street.
Admission is free. For more information visit downtownschenectady.org.

A whole new world at Proctors
Disney’s “Aladdin” continues its run at Proctors this weekend, with opulent sets and beloved songs. The Broadway musical is adapted from the animated Disney film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,” and follows a poor young man who is granted three wishes by a genie in a lamp, which he uses to woo a princess and thwart the sultan’s evil Grand Vizier.
Showtimes this weekend are 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $35-130. For more information visit proctors.org.