Fall Foliage & Fun in Saratoga!
Saratoga has everything you need to plan the perfect fall getaway with that special someone in your life or your entire family. And don't forget to check out all the other great things to do in Saratoga throughout the seasons!
Take in an intimate theater experience, or step back in time with the Saratoga National Historical Park, or just marvel at the change of seasons this weekend in Saratoga.
Highlights of Saratoga Happenings are below. For a complete list of events, click here.
Something For Everyone
Saratoga County includes at least ten area museums, a wide variety of golf courses, our world famous mineral springs and spas, great shopping and unique and amazing local restaurants too. Whether it's a fall weekend getaway or a mid-week trip, Saratoga County is a fall destination sure to delight you.
Special Events
Check out “The Way We Were Car Show,” or First Fridays in Downtown Ballston Spa. We have rowing regattas on Saratoga Lake that make for spectacular viewing. And don't miss the Saratoga Wine and Food & Concours d'Elegance, the Annual Irish 2000 Festival, the Saratoga Native American Festival, the Saratoga Showcase of Homes, Saratoga International Flavorfeast, the Saratoga Fall Festival and more!
Oklahoma Training Track Tours
Now through October 31
8:30 - 10:00 am
267 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs
Step back in time and enjoy this hour and a half, 1-mile walking tour of the beautiful Oklahoma Training Track, a favorite base for leading trainers such as Todd Pletcher and Nick Zito. Watch the training of the hourses. Reservations are required.
Live Harness Racing Continues
Now through December 12, 2020
9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Saratoga Casino & Raceway
Saratoga has offered live harness racing for more 79 years! The fun continues this fall. The track has been called the most beautiful in the country! View live races outdoors, while dining at Lucky Joe's or Fortunes Restaurant, or even from your own hotel room.
Outdoor Farmers' Markets
May - October, 2020
Wed, 3-6 pm; Sat. 9 am-1 pm
High Rock Pavilion
Last call to take advantage of the crisp, cool days at Saratoga's outdoor farmers' markets. Join shoppers and entertainers as local farmers delight with high-quality local food and agricultural products. Our agricultural excellence is revered by locals and visitors alike.
Witchcraft During the Revolutionar War
September 26, 2020
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Saratoga National Battlefield
Join Bob Selig for this revealing talk on the medieval origins of these beliefs and their historical context in the War of Independence. Dogs that would not bark, horses that would not walk, women who turned into animals at night. Free.
Tale of the Fish
Regatta
September 26, 2020
Noon - 4:00 pm
Saratoga Lake Boat Launch, Fish Creek
The Saratoga Rowing Association presents Tail of the Fish, a Fall season opening regatta. It is held on Fish Creek and typically attracts 300 boats. Great rowing competition is always a sure thing and the view from the bridge is awesome. Visit our vendors!
Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest 2020
September 27, 2020
10 am - 4 pm
Saratoga State Park
Saratoga Spa State Park is proud to host New York’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, sponsored by Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Giant pumpkin growers from around New York State will meet up to find the biggest pumpkin of the year!
Double M Haunted Hayrides
September 29 - November 3, 2020
Thursdays and Sundays Evenings
Double M, Rt. 67, Ballston Spa
Creating Fear for over 25 years! Scary Harry has a horrifying experience awaiting you yet again this year. Your journey will begin with a true Haunted Hayride on a tractor-drawn wagon, winding through the dark woods filled with spooks and spirits.
Ballston Spa's First Fridays
First Friday of every month
6 pm - 9 pm
Downtown Ballston Spa
The fun and culture continues this fall in Ballston Spa on the First Friday of every month. Enjoy special happenings in many of our downtown shops, restaurants, and galleries. Live music, art displays, refreshments, and featured shop promotions.
Saratoga Wine & Food Festival 2020
October 2-3, 2020
Friday 7 pm; Saturday 12 noon
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Held in the beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park, the Saratoga Wine & Food Festival is a weekend destination event celebrating the bounty and talent of the region from the Hudson Valley to the Adirondacks with gourmet farm-to-table tastings from top chefs.
Yaddo Garden Ghost Tours
Continues through October 25, 2020
Fridays & Saturdays, 5 pm
Yaddo Gardens
Don't be afraid! Yaddo Gardens conducts docent-lead tours of the lovely property, focusing on the historical sightings of spirits. Feel the energy of forces from beyond! Share in the spiritual intrigue from Native Americans, Edgar Allen Poe and other!
Goat Brothers 26th Annual Swap Meet
October 3, 2020
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saratoga County Fairgrounds
Hot Rods, motorcycles, and classic cars are shown throughout the fairgrounds, rain or shine. You'll enjoy refreshments, live entertainment, and there will be motorcycle parts and accessories for purchase, as well as gifts and novelties. Doors open at 10 am.
The Samples Live at Putnam Place
October 3 - 4, 2020
9:00 pm and 1:00 am
Putnam Place
Don't miss The Samples at Putnam Place! Sean Kelly showcases his unique, beautiful vocals, virtually unchanged since The Samples' early 90s albums. The unforgettable vibe of their songs transcends genres, bringing a timeless message to their audiences.
Candlelight Tour of Schuyler House
October 9, 2020 (To be confirmed)
6 - 9 pm
Saratoga National Historic Park
Step back in time and experience General Philip Schuyler’s lovely 1777 country home in a whole new light! Candle-lit tours of the house are offered throughout the evening with light refreshments, period music, and a campfire to follow. Ticket sales TBA.
The Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge
October 10, 2020
5K & 10K Start at 9:30 am
Saratoga Spa State Park
A great community event with up to 2000 walkers, riders and runners participating. There will be abundant refreshments following the race and a raffle for all registered participants. Long-sleeve Moisture Wicking shirts to the first 1500 to register!
The Way We Were Car Show
October 11, 2020 (to be confirmed)
9 am - 4 pm
Front Street, Ballston Spa
Check out the hundreds of cars and trucks on display, and enjoy the live music, food and merchandise, and downtown businesses. Front Street will be blocked off from Milton Avenue past the Old Iron Springs to accommodate car exhibits and vendors. TBA.
Fasig Tipton Saratoga Fall Sale
October 20, 2020
6 pm
Fasig Tipton Sales Pavillion
Come to 153 George Street in Saratoga to see top thoroughbred yearlings from the US and Canada as they are bought and sold right here in Saratoga Springs. Watch the parade of future champions before the sale, presented by the oldest thoroughbred auction company in North America.
Rebuilding Together Annual Dinner
October 22, 2020
5:30 - 9:00 pm
Saratoga Hall of Spirngs
Celebrate a year of success with Rebuilding Together Saratoga County. The evening will include a dinner prepared by Mazzone Hospitality, silent and live auctions, live music and more! The proceeds will provide repairs for our neighbors in need of safe, warm, healthy homes.
Saratoga Fall Festival 2020
October 24, 2020
11 am - 4 pm
Downtown Saratoga Springs
You and your family won't want to miss an exciting day of events celebrating our beautiful Autumn! The Fall Festival offers games, pumpkin rolling races, pony rides, a costume parade, magic shows, and many more happenings. Best of all, dozens of stores will be open for trick-or-treating!
Head of the Fish Regatta
October 31 - November 1, 2020
Races begin at 8:00 am
Saratoga Lake Boat Launch
Return to Fish Creek at the Saratoga Boat Launch for another exciting rowing regatta! Take the shuttle from the Saratoga Visitor's Center and watch the races, enjoy all of the food vendors, and soak in all that Saratoga Lake offers in the Fall. Secure your spot on the bridge!
Indoor Farmers Markets
November, 2020 - Apr, 2021
Saturdays 9:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Wilton Mall
On November 2nd, our bounty of locally-grown produce, handmade crafts, and food products move inside to the beautiful Lincoln Baths building in Saratoga Spa State Park. Our vendors will sell everything from meat to mushrooms. Live music too!
Saratoga Restaurant Week
November 2-8, 2020: To be confirmed
Evenings based on reservations
Various Saratoga County Restaurants
Discover Saratoga's Restaurant Week is a perfect time to check out some new- and new-to-you eateries. Reserve your 3-Course dinner for just $20 or $30 plus tax & tip at participating Saratoga County restaurants--more than 30 in all, TBA.
Vin Le Soir Wine Tasting
November 4, 2020
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Longfellows Restaurant
Join us for Saratoga AIM's benefit fall wine tasting event, celebrating the power of potential in people of diverse abilities in our community. Throughout the event enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, and entering to win our endless raffle baskets.
Saratoga Wine & Chocolate Festival
November 7, 2020
1:00 - 4:00 pm & 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Saratoga City Center
Join fellow wine-lovers and chocolate lovers in a celebration of the best in the region! Sip and savor unlimited samples of wine, then bring home your favorites. Shop your way through chocolates, cheeses, and sweets. Finally, browse through our mini-boutiques.
6th Annual Saratoga Holiday Art Fair
November 14 & 15, 2020
Sat. 10 am-5 pm, Sun. 10-4
National Museum of Dance
For exquisite gifts, this Fine Art fair has it all. There will be a selection of juried artists exhibiting handmade and very gift-able works of art. The exhibitors presented are some of New England's top artists and craftspeople working in a variety of media.
Night of Hope Under the Stars
November 20, 2020
7:00 - 11:00 pm
Longfellows Restaurant
The Mother Teresa Cancer Awareness Fund announces their Annual “Night of Hope Under the Stars” Gala. Dr. Benita Zahn hosts a night of music and dancing, a scavenger hunt, a silent auction, bourbon tasting, sweet and savory and surprises galore!
ADK Sports Winter Expo
Nov. 21 - 22, 2020 (To be confirmed)
1:00 - 4:00 pm & 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Saratoga City Center
This is the perfect event for outdoor winter sports and fitness enthusiasts. Includes great sales of gear, footwear and clothing, as well as exhibits and demos from over 70 exhibitors. Plus, activities, races, seminars and prizes TBD. Admission is free.
Chris Dailey
Turkey Trot
November 26, 2020
Race starts at 8:30
Broadway, Saratoga Springs
The annual Turkey Trot 5k race returns to Saratoga Springs Thanksgiving morning. Thousands of runners will be racing to benefit the Christopher Dailey Foundation. The race starts just a few blocks south of the Saratoga Hilton. Advance registration is required.
Black Friday Downtown Saratoga
November 27, 2020
Begins at 6 am
Downtown Saratoga Springs
Come support local businesses and artisans, and save money while getting a jump on your holiday shopping! Downtown boutiques and shops open early for this annual event; the earlier you shop, the more you'll save! What better way to shake off the post Thanksgiving Feast doldrums.
Holiday Craft Marketplace
November 28, 2020
10 am - 4:30 pm
Saratoga Springs City Center
The 45th annual Holiday Craft Marketplace returns! Kick off the shopping season by browsing through original handmade crafts from over 100 artisans. Enter raffles and a silent auction. $5 admission fee benefits the Saratoga Center for the Family. Kids under 12 free!
Saratoga Festival of Trees
December 2-6, 2020 (To be confirmed)
Times vary by day
Saratoga Springs City Center
A Saratoga favorite! Come to a indoor winter wonderland of lights and festive decor. Come and walk through over 250 uniquely decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces. A fun event for all ages with Family Day, Breakfast and Sundaes with Santa and Santa's Workshop, to benefit Catholic Charities of Saratoga.
Victorian Street
Walk
December 5, 2020
5 pm - 10 pm
Downtown Saratoga Springs
Victorian Holiday Magic abounds in old fashioned style as Saratoga Springs transforms into the 1800s. Dress for the era and join Santa and Mrs. Claus at the gingerbread house and at the awesome tree-lighting ceremony. Fun for the whole family! Broadway is closed off for this holiday tradition.
Victorian Winter Market
Dec 5-6, 2020 (to be confirmed)
11:00 am to 5:00 pm
The Mansion Inn
This event feature live music, fine artisans & crafters showcasing their best holiday gifts and of course, food & drink--all promising to get you into the holiday spirit. The magic of The Mansion is sure to warm your heart and put a smile on your face! This event is free, family-friendly and open to the public!
Christmas with the McKrells
December 13, 2020
7:00 pm
Spa Little Theater, 19 Roosevelt Dr.
Join us for a Saratoga tradition as Kevin McKrell and his merry musicians return to the Spa Little Theatre! The band blends their trademark Celtic style with our holiday musical favorites. Bring the whole family to laugh and enjoy their stories, and join in on the holiday merriment!