Novelists Madeleine Thien and Peter Ho Davies will read from their work at 8 p.m. in the Huxley Theatre, NYS Museum, Cultural Education Center, in downtown Albany. Earlier that same day at 4:15 p.m., Thien and Davies will lead an informal seminar in the Standish Room, Science Library on the UAlbany uptown campus.

Ladies Night Out. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Treviso-Italian American Community Center,  257 Washington Ave. Ext. Women’s Health, Wellness and Empowerment, once again kicking off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Vendors, displays, free raffles, food and of course, wine. 518-456-6611!

The Erie Canal. The Early Years. 7:30 p.m. Season-opening program for the New Scotland Historical Association Featuring seldom-seen manuscripts from the New York State Archives from the first days of “Clinton's Ditch,” Craig Williams, retired senior historian at the NYS Museum and canal expert, will provide an illustrated overview of how the people of NYS learned to survey, design, construct and operate this unparalleled engineering achievement. Wyman Osterhout Community Center, 7 Old New Salem Rd., Voorheesville (New Salem). 

Open house and spaghetti dinner. Voorheesville Fire Department will host its open house from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. $5 for those 11 years or older and free for up to age 10. Truck rides, fire safety, poster contest. Proceeds go to Albany County Burn Fund. 12 Altamont Road, Voorheesville.

Screening: 8 Borders, 8 Days, a documentary about one family’s journey as refugees from war-torn Syria. Reception at 6 p.m., film at 7 p.m., discussion at 8 p.m. Stable Gate Farm and Winery. 10 Linda Way, Castleton-on-Hudson, NY 12033.

Citizen Science: Snowpack Monitoring. 7 to 8 p.m. Regionally, climate change is altering seasonal weather patterns, especially temperature and precipitation, but little is known about specific changes in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Snow monitoring materials will be provided. Ages 10+. Free. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. Registration required. 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org/events.

Kenneth Gloss, proprietor of the internationally known Brattle Book Shop in Boston’s Downtown Crossing section, will give a free and open talk at 6:30 p.m. at the William K. Sanford Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville, NY. Ken will discuss the value of old and rare books.

In celebration of Knox Caves long history of visitation and successful management, a special exhibit of advertising and memorabilia, photographs and other objects from the history of the cave.  In conjunction with annual barn dance to be held on 7 to 10 p.m., at the Octagon Barn at 588 Middle Road, Knox NY.

Dudley Observatory Star Party & Program: Dr. Valerie Rapson “We Love Pluto!  Latest Discoveries From New Horizons” 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). All are welcome.  Telescopes provided, or bring your own.  Free refreshments.  618-5376.

The Traffic Safety Awareness Show is set for this weekend at Crossgates Mall Saturday and Sunday in the lower level during normal mall hours. The car seat check runs Saturday only in the overflow lot on the Western Avenue side of the mall parking lot adjacent to JC Penny from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.