Two-Time Grammy Award Winning Hip-Hop Group Arrested Development to Headline July 12th Event
Schenectady County is thrilled to announce that this year’s Schenectady County SummerNight block party, scheduled for Friday, July 12, 2024, will feature Schenectady Sips beverages for the first time, showcasing and supporting our local breweries, distilleries, and meadery. This exciting addition aims to celebrate and promote the vibrant local beverage industry while offering event-goers a unique and refreshing experience.
Formerly the Schenectady Ale Trail, the Schenectady Sips – Craft Beverage Trail was launched in 2023 to
combine locally produced beer with spirits and mead. The trail includes six breweries – Back Barn Brewing
Company, Druthers Brewing Company, Frog Alley Brewing Company, Great Flats Brewing Company, Seven
Points Brewery, and Wolf Hollow Brewing Company; three distilleries – Murray’s Fools Distilling Company, 36 Locks Farm Distillers, and Mill Lane Distilling Company; and one meadery – Helderberg Meadworks.
“We’re excited to feature the incredible work of our local beverage producers at Schenectady County
SummerNight,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “This new partnership
not only enhances the experience but also supports our local businesses and community.”
"We're thrilled to showcase all locally produced craft beverages at Schenectady County Summer Night," said Pete Bednarek, Owner of Wolf Hollow Brewing Co, a member of Schenectady Sips. "This year we are
proud to bring our craft and our collaboration to center stage for our hometown crowd. We are grateful to
Schenectady County and Discover Schenectady for showing their ongoing commitment to local businesses
and for providing the opportunity for us to showcase these beverages that are crafted and enjoyed right here."
In addition to the new beverage offerings, the County is excited to announce two-time Grammy Award
winning hip-hop group Arrested Development as the headliner for Schenectady County SummerNight.
Arrested Development was scheduled to headline the event in 2023 but were unable to make it due to travel
changes and weather.
"We're excited to feature hip-hop group Arrested Development at Schenectady County SummerNight, the
Capital Region’s biggest summer block party," said Schenectady County Legislator Cathy Gatta, Chair of
the Tourism, Arts & Special Events Committee. "From live music to delicious local food and drinks, this
event is a great opportunity for the whole community to come together and enjoy a fantastic night out."
This FREE family-friendly summer block party is presented by the Schenectady County Legislature in
partnership with the City of Schenectady. The event will take over State Street between Broadway and Barrett Street, and on Jay Street, in the heart of the city’s downtown.
Kale, a genre-blending indietronica jam trio, will kick-off the event at 5:00 p.m. and be followed by the
Albany-based 10-piece rockin’ funk collective NolaNauts. Last year’s surprise headliner, Powerhouse Funk,
will hit the main stage around 7:00 p.m. Headliner Arrested Development will take the stage at approximately 8:30 p.m. and the grand finale Price Chopper & Market 32 fireworks will start around 10:00 p.m.
The ever-popular sand sculpture sponsored by Sunmark Credit Union will again be created right before
guests’ eyes beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday morning.
Schenectady Sips partners, along with other vendors, will offer delicious drinks, food, and desserts for sale
throughout the event. Downtown restaurants and shops will remain open for business during the event and
many will bring their operations outdoors so revelers will not miss a minute of Schenectady County
SummerNight excitement.
Schenectady County SummerNight is presented by the Schenectady County Legislature in partnership with the City of Schenectady, with additional support from MVP Health Care, Price Chopper/Market 32, Sunmark Credit Union, CDTA, Best Fitness, and Discover Schenectady.