Troy was once known as the “Collar City” because the vast majority of celluloid shirt collars that men wore in the 19th and early 20th centuries were manufactured here. Troy is also reputedly the birthplace of our “Uncle Sam” national symbol. Legend has it that a local meat-packer named Samuel Wilson supplied the military, and, according to an unprovable legend, barrels stamped “U.S.” were jokingly taken by the troops to stand for “Uncle Sam,” meaning Wilson.
History lives and breathes in Troy. Walk its green, leafy streets and you will find some of the most extensively preserved areas of Victorian architecture in the country—described by The New York Times as “a town so unchanged that, upon arriving there, architectural historians think they’ve gone to heaven.”
Just a short walk from campus, you’ll find a revitalized downtown that boasts music venues, coffee bars, brew pubs, and fine restaurants. And with summer almost upon us, that means there are lots of fun events happening in Troy. What better way to get outside and enjoy all that this great city has to offer?
Troy Night Out
Last Friday of every month | 5–9 p.m.
This monthly arts and cultural event, which takes place the last Friday evening of every month, regularly draws over 1,000 people onto the streets of Troy. You’ll enjoy over 30 art events, 15 musical venues, and much more.
Troy Farmers Market
Saturdays year round | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
More than 80 food growers, bakers, chefs, and artisans gather outdoors every Saturday in the summer at Monument Square.
Rockin’ on the River
Wednesdays from June 15 through August 3
Downtown Troy’s Riverfront Park is the place to be for this free live concert series.
Troy River Fest
June 18 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
13th annual River Fest event at Monument Square in Troy will feature more than 100 vendors, live music, street art, performers, and more.
Troy Pig Out
July 16 |10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Now in its ninth year, this pig-lovers’ paradise held in July at River Front Park challenges barbeque masters from across the Northeast to duke it out for the top prize in a variety of categories. There are also barbecue vendors, live music, and fireworks.