Dudley Observatory Star Party & Program: Dr. Harry Ringermacher (U. Southern Mississippi) "Viewing the Solar Eclipse from the Capital Region" 8 p.m. rain or shine in the Octagon Barn; outdoor observing to follow, weather permitting. 588 Middle Road in Knox (Delanson 12053 for GPS). Telescopes provided, or bring your own.  Free solar eclipse viewing glasses, and free refreshments.  618-5376.

Thursday Night Lecture: Scott LaPoint, Ph.D. will talk about his recent research with fishers. His program is titled  Suburban fishers: How a once rare carnivore is adapting to life at the forest fringe. 6:30 p.m. for light refreshments followed by the lecture at 7 p.m. Programs are held at Eldridge Research Center 284 Pond Hill Road Rensselaerville, NY 12147.

Native Plant Gardens Tour at Thacher Nature Center. 10 a.m. Join the native plant "craze.”  Enjoy views of the lake and listen to birdsong while visiting the native plant gardens.  Native plants aren't weeds – they are beautiful, unexpected and easy to grow.  Learn where, how and why to grow beautiful plants that make your backyard a wildlife sanctuary.  Call 518-872-0800 to register.

Hike-a-thon. Guided hikes across the region will be offered between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Kick-off at Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail at 10 a.m., but there will be concurrent hikes and satellite events at preserves across Albany, Montgomery, and Schenectady Counties. Register at mohawkhudson.org.

Voorheesville farmer’s market. 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Two’s Company (music), Burning Obsessions (crafts), TCBY (yogurt). 765-4536.

Huyck Preserve’s Family Hour will start on Tuesday, and continue through Aug. 15. Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. at the Eldridge Research Center for a family program for all ages. The programs are free and open to the public. 284 Pond Hill Road Rensselaerville, NY 12147. 518-797-3440.

Annual Strawberry Social by Altamont Community Traditions, in Orsini Park at 6 p.m.  (Rain date June 21). Fresh strawberry shortcakes made by A.C.T. along with games and other entertainment for kids. A super-fun way to start the summer season.

North Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Dept. Annual Father's Day Pancake Breakfast. 8 a.m. to noon. All you can eat. $9. Children under 5 free. North Bethlehem firehouse, 589 Russell Rd., Albany. (518)489-6556.

All you can eat Father’s Day breakfast at the Rensselaerville Fire House. Free will donations appreciated. 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Father’s Day breakfast. The Voorheesville American Legion Post 1493. 8 a.m. to noon. Adults $8. Children ages 5 to 12, $4. Children under 5 Free. Free raffle for all dads.