Community Impact

As a nonprofit arts leader invested in the continued development of the City of Albany as a strong, vibrant and healthy community, the Palace is committed to expanding opportunities to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people residing in Albany’s blighted and underserved neighborhoods, and ensure that performing arts experiences are accessible to all members of our community.

The Palace Performing Arts Center is committed to the growth of diverse programming, community partnerships and collaborations, and more importantly, to provide a community center for downtown Albany.

Albany Symphony Orchestra: The Grammy Award-winning Albany Symphony calls the Palace home, performing a number of classical and family concerts in our historic theatre each season. PPAC and the ASO collaborate to make both organizations more successful and sustainable. Learn more about the Albany Symphony at www.albanysymphony.com.
Arts Education: Thousands of local students will benefit from exposure to arts education activities that foster their social and emotional development, self-expression, and creativity. We regularly present and host educational productions throughout the school year.
Community Block Party: Once a year, we close down Clinton Avenue and fill the area around the Palace Theatre with live music, family friendly activities, vendors, community organizations & more! The Free Community Block Party has become an annual tradition and one of the highlights of the summer.
Community Events: The Palace opens its doors for local non-profits, businesses and major corporations, community groups, civic organizations, and public authorities to hold fundraisers, celebrations, and awareness events throughout each season.
Family Fun Days: Families are invited to come to the Palace to enjoy a free movie with their children during school breaks and around other special occassions. One hour before show time, children can enjoy a host of games and activities throughout the Palace Theatre.
Summer in the City Movie Series: Eight FREE, family-friendly movies are offered to more than 6,000 children and families from neighborhoods in and around the Palace Theatre, with targeted outreach to low-income and underserved families in the City of Albany, and its surrounding communities.

The movie series provides children with the opportunity to enjoy the excitement and beauty of the historic Palace Theatre while offering fun, safe and positive opportunities to become engaged in the arts. The theatre opens one hour prior to the showtime to engage the community in educational experiences and beat the summer heat. Special events around these movies include an ice cream social to close the series!
Trick or Treat at the Palace: The Palace Performing Arts Center is pleased to present a Happy and Safe Halloween Trick-or-Treat event at the Palace Theatre - every October 31 from 4pm to 7pm. When you’re out trick-or-treating with the family, be sure to stop by the Palace Theatre for special treats, activities, spooks & scares and live music!