2026 Show Info

When?

Saturday, June 27th, 2026

• 11:00 - Doors Open (Vendors, Smoking Tent, Concession)

• 3:00 - The Van Karloski Memorial Fast Smoke

• 5:00 - Raffle Drawing (must be present to win)

• 6:00 - Capitaland Slowski

• 7:00 - Time to Go Home

Where?

The Polish Community Center Pavilion at 225 Washington Ave. Extension, Albany, New York.

Click the pin above to open Google Maps.

Why?

Uh, it’s a pipe show, I can’t believe you’re even asking that question. Ok, how about this: it isn’t just a pipe show, it’s the Northeast’s premiere pipe show! There are:

• pipes (factory, artisan, and estates)

• tobacco (vintage and new)

• vendors of all kinds of tobacciana (and more - see vendor list below)

• a raffle for seriously cool things

• a UPCA sanctioned slow smoke contest

• a fast smoke contest

• smoking on the show floor

• a smoking tent

• Polish food

• Polish beer

• hundreds of people who are just as into all of this stuff as you are and want to talk about it (or not, if that’s your introverted preference, we’re not judging)

If all of that’s not enough for you, why are you even on this site?!

How much?

Entry to the show and parking are FREE! If you’re one of the first 100 people to enter, your first beer is free too, if you’re over 21! (…You’re thinking about going to a pipe show, so let’s be realistic, 21 is rapidly shrinking in your rearview mirror.)

If you want anything from a vendor, food, another beer (if you were early enough to score a free one), and so on, it will cost you. So, what should you bring?

• No one is going to say no to cash. We can’t speak for all the vendors, but you will likely find a handful that are only equipped to accept cash.

• PayPal is accepted by a good number of the vendors. If that’s your preferred method, don’t be afraid to ask. Some may also be set up for other digital payment methods, so again, feel free to ask.

• Cards are accepted by some vendors and at the food and beverage concession.

How do I get there?

Well, we’re not picking you up, if that’s what you’re asking! Click on the pin on the map on this page and Google Maps will open in a new tab, and Google can give you directions. Albany is at the crossroads of several major highways, so if you’re driving in, it’s easy to get here.

Also, if you’re hardcore enough to fly in, the Albany International Airport (ALB) is just a couple of miles from the venue and area hotels. There is plenty of parking at the venue, and as mentioned above, that’s free too.

What will I eat and drink?

Uh, how about amazing, homemade Polish food?! That’s right, the good folks at the Polish Community Center run a fantastic concession, with favorites like pierogies, kielbasa, sauerkraut, golumpki, imported Polish beers, and more! As mentioned above, the concession accepts cash and cards.

Where do I stay?

We aren’t affiliated with any hotels, but here are a few that attendees have stayed at in previous years and given the thumbs up. We don’t take any responsibility for your experience with them. Have a suggestion that isn’t on the list? Use the contact form to let us know.

• Courtyard Albany Thruway (approximately 6 minute drive to the venue)

• Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Colonie (approximately 5 minute drive to the venue)

• Hilton Garden Inn Albany/SUNY Area (approximately 7 minute drive to the venue)

• Tru by Hilton Albany Airport (approximately 15 minute drive to the venue)

• Tru by Hilton Albany Crossgates (approximately 5 minute drive to the venue)