From Mayfield to Chatham, UAlbany Connects with Capital Region Communities

By Sophie Coker

ALBANY, N.Y. (August 24, 2026) — Days are growing shorter and students are back on campus — signs of summer winding down.

For the University at Albany, summer has been full of travel and fun through the UAlbany summer bus tour series. With six stops spanning from Mayfield to Canajoharie to Chatham, community members from across the Capital Region have had a chance to learn more about the area's premier research university and anchor institution.

The summer bus tour series concluded with the Palace Theater Block Party, a downtown Albany staple just minutes from the UAlbany campus. Over 3,000 people attended the event, now in its eighth year.  

Community members had the opportunity to spin the civics trivia wheel with Rockefeller College, watch a live demonstration of the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity’s own 3D printer, explore rocks and minerals with the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, and more.

Six of UAlbany’s schools and colleges helped at the event, which also included kid favorites like slime-making, cornhole and coloring. For more family fun, the UAlbany Kid’s Zone offered a chance to jump on a bouncy house and take a horseback ride.

Summer may be winding down, but community engagement is a year-round staple for the University. Keep your eye out for more upcoming opportunities to stay active in the Capital Region through participating in events like these.