Steve Martin and Martin Short brought their comedy show to Albany's Palace Theatre, and that night is now in the past. The historic theatre on Clinton Avenue keeps a full schedule through the end of the year, with comedy, rock and holiday shows.

The Palace opened in 1931 as a movie palace and still has its ornate ceilings, gilded details and grand lobby. It seats about 2,800 people and is home to the Albany Symphony Orchestra, and it hosts touring acts throughout the year. A recent restoration refreshed the building while keeping its classic character.

Upcoming highlights include Collective Soul and comedian Jeff Dunham. Phish's Trey Anastasio and Dark Star Orchestra play back-to-back nights in mid-November, and Jo Koy and Lord Huron follow later in the season. Holiday programs such as the Nutcracker round out December.

The theatre is a short walk from downtown Albany's restaurants on Lark Street and Central Avenue. Nearby lots and street parking fill up on sold-out nights, so plan to arrive early.

See the full schedule, seating chart and prices on our Palace Theatre Albany tickets page. Popular comedy and concert dates sell out, so book in advance.

Making the Most of a Rock Night at the Palace

For rock fans, a show at a historic theatre feels very different from an arena or amphitheater date. A room of this size puts even the back rows closer to the stage than many large venues, and the plaster ceilings and balconies give guitars and vocals a warm, full sound. Bands that usually play sheds and festival stages often treat theatre dates as a chance to stretch out, dig into deeper album cuts or try stripped-down arrangements. That makes these nights worth watching for if you follow a group closely.

Choosing your seats

Seating at an older theatre has its own trade-offs. Orchestra seats near the stage put you in the energy of the crowd, while the front of the balcony often gives the clearest overall sound and the best view of the lighting. Seats tucked under a balcony overhang can feel a little muffled, so check the seating chart before you buy. If you plan to stand and sing along, an orchestra seat usually suits that best. Balcony crowds at seated shows tend to stay seated longer.

Before you go

  • Check the venue's current bag and camera policy. Many theatres limit bag sizes and ban professional recording gear.
  • Buy from the official box office or an authorized seller, and be wary of prices that look too good to be true.
  • Bring earplugs. Rock shows in enclosed rooms get loud, and good earplugs keep the music clear while protecting your hearing.
  • Leave time for the lobby. The architecture is part of the experience, and merch lines move faster before the opener than at intermission.

Following the tour trail

Many acts on theatre circuits in the Northeast also route through the middle of the country. If a band you love is playing Albany, it is worth watching for dates closer to home. Our concert calendar tracks rock shows across the region, and the venues guide covers what to expect at theatres and halls near Tulsa. Listener giveaways for upcoming shows turn up on our contests page too, so check back before buying tickets.

Also on this site: Concert Calendar · Contests · Schedule