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. 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.
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. 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.
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!
* Due to COVID-19, some businesses, attractions and events may not be fully operational. Please contact each venue before visiting for current hours of operation and restrictions and follow CDC guidelines.
September
Closing Day at the Track
Sunday, September 6, 2021
Gates open at 11:00 am
Saratoga Race Course
It's been a fabulous season, but sadly, the 2021 meet will come to a close on September 6. Get in your last live thoroughbred racing fix with the final feature race, the Grade 1, $300,000 Hopeful for 2-year-olds, and see a preview of potential standouts in Triple Crown races and the Travers Stakes.
Dinosaurs in
Motion
September 8 thru October 17, 2021
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Universal Preservation Hall
Dinosaurs in Motion is a new, interactive, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) exhibition for visitors of all ages. Dinosaurs in Motion engages and educates the visitor by using 14 magnificent, fully interactive, recycled life-size metal dinosaur sculptures.
Saratoga Southwest Garge Sale
September 11, 2021
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Geyser Crest and nearby neighborhoods
Come walk the friendly neighborhoods off Geyser Road and Rowland Street for a community garage sale. Dozens and dozens of families will be offering a huge variety of merchandise for people of all ages. Bring your reusable bags, comfortable shoes, and enough cash for those diamonds in the rough!
Saratoga Golf Invitational
September 22, 2021
6:30 am - 8:00 pm
Saratoga National Golf Club
Saratoga Hospital's Golf Invitational combines a spectacular day of golf at the award-winning Saratoga National Golf Club with the opportunity to benefit a very worthy cause: our Nursing Scholarship Program. This event is one of the region’s most successful tournaments.
Adirondack Balloon Festival
September 23 - 26, 2021
See website for schedule
Glens Falls and Queensbury
The Adirondack Balloon Festival is one of the highlights of fall in Upstate New York. A delight to visitors, passersby, and locals alike, the Adirondack Balloon Festival brings fun for all ages! Set your camera to Video and capture the beauty, as over 80 balloons take to the sky at the same time!
Saratoga
Day of Play
September 24, 2021
4:00 - 7:00 pm
Saratoga Spa State Park
Saratoga's Fall Field Day is back! Come to the Polaris Pavillion in the State Park for dodgeball, a Home Run Derby, pumpkin painting, frisbee golf Hole-in-One contest, s'mores and more! Free for all to play, activities for all ages, and food and drinks available for purchase. Fun activities for all ages!
Saratoga's Giant PumpkinFest!
September 25, 2021
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
11-77 High Rock Ave Saratoga Springs,
The Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest is a FREE family-friendly event. These giant pumpkins begin arriving at 9 a.m. with the weigh-off starting at 11 a.m. There is the Saratoga Farmer's Market next door on High Rock Avenue, food vendors, and special exhibits.
Saratoga Arts - Art in the Park
September 25, 2021
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Historic Congress Park
Nearly 80 artists from the greater Saratoga and Capital regions will display and sell their original fine art and hand-crafted functional art in a beautiful park setting. Artists will be on hand to discuss their drawing, painting, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, photography, and printmaking techniques.
Jonas Brothers: Remember This Tour
September 28, 2021
7:00 pm
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Country Pop singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini joins the brothers live, outdoors, rain or shine at SPAC. Nick, Joe and Jonas bring their newest material and their older favorites to our favorite venue as part of a 44 date tour. Witness how they've grown since their Disney Channel days more than a decade ago.
October
2021 Halloween Events
October 1-31, 2021
Check events for times,
ticket prices & locations
So many ghosts and goblins to visit. So little time...
Visit our blog post for local Spooktacular Halloween Events.
There is something for everyone
Let us help you plan your Halloween Calendar!
Saratoga Recycles
Day
October 2, 2021
9:00 am - 12 noon
SPAC West Parking Lot
For $5 per vehicle and $30 per TV or monitor, Sustainable Saratoga will collect and donate clothing & textiles (any condition), small appliances & electronics,, scrap metal, eyeglasses, hearing aids, adult bikes, and more to benefit local charities.
Great Pumpkin Challenge
October 16 - 31, 2021
At your convenience
Location of choice
Saratoga Bridges will be hosting our 21st Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge virtually this year. Get a team together, lace up your running shoes and set off for a course of your choosing, all to benefit a great cause. Share your time online for prizes.
Fasig Tipton Saratoga Fall Sale
October 18, 2021
See website for schedule
135 George St., Saratoga
Since its inception in 2012, The Saratoga Fall Sale has been a top destination for broodmares and weanlings – especially those foaled in New York. The sale is the prime source for breeding stock in the Empire State. Most of the mares offered are considered as resident New York.
Saratoga DBA Fall Festivities
October 23-24 & 30-31, 2021
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Downtown Saratoga
The Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association presents Fall Festivities in downtown Saratoga. Highlights will include a costume-friendly Festive Fun Run with iRun Local, the Great Saratoga Pumpkin Hunt, street performers, and more!
Socially Distanced Slow Roll
October 31, 2021
10:00 - 11:30
Palette Cafe, 493 Broadway
Pump up your tires and celebrate cold weather biking with an all ages slow roll on the streets of Saratoga Springs. The ride begins and ends at Palette, and hot (or cold) beverages will be available for purchase at Palette and at Pint Sized, and snacks too!
November
16th Annual Restaurant Week
November 1-7, 2021
Dine-In or Out & Take-Out
Saratoga County
Three-course dinner for just $25 or $35 plus tax & tip at participating restaurants! Start with your choice of an appetizer, then choose from a menu of delicious entrees, and top it off with a decadent dessert! Some participating restaurants are offering lunch specials for just $15 plus tax & tip.
Fall Back 5k Trail Race
November 7, 2021
10:00 am - 11:00 pm
Saratoga State Park
It’s that time of year! Set your clocks back, fall back in bed for that extra hour, and emerge bright-eyed and bushy tailed, ready to breathe crisp, autumn air and tackle some serious trails. Pre-race gathering, finish, awards, and day of race registration take place at the Saratoga Spa State Park Administration Building.
The Sixth Annual Veterans Ball
November 7, 2021
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Hall of Springs
The Veterans Ball includes valet parking, a red carpet entrance, an Honorary Ceremony for our Veterans and Military Members, music and dancing brought to you by The Joey Thomas Big Band, dinner by Mazzone Hospitality, a silent auction, tantalizing desserts, & more
Lake George Polar Plunge
November 13, 2021
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Shepard Park, Lake George
Head north to Lake George for the chilly traditional Lake George Polar Plunge. Join in as a team or individual for a freezin' for a reason good time! Rally everyone you know to help sponsor your plunge in support of local Special Olympics athletes. Don't forget your change of clothing!
Saratoga
Comic Con
November 20 & 21, 2021
Sat. 10 am - 7 pm, Sun. 10 am - 5 pm
Saratoga Springs City Center
Rescheduled from April, Saratoga Comic Con welcomes cosplay, guest stars, gaming, anime, sci-fi, furries, geeks, comic books, artists, vendors, and fans to the Saratoga Springs City Center on November 20-21, 2021! Awards will be handed out for kids and adults for Best in Show and more.
Holiday Lights Spectacular
November 25-December 31, 2021
Nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
2077 Route 9 Round Lake
Quick Response Holiday Lights Spectacular will kick off on Thanksgiving night! Enjoy this favorite local holiday tradition from the warmth and comfort of your vehicle. This is a FREE drive-thru event. Santa will be popping in frequently throughout the season to visit too.
Christopher Dailey 5K Turkey Trot
November 25, 2021
8:30 am
Saratoga Springs City Center
A Saratoga Thanksgiving tradition, The race starts at 8:30 am on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, just a few blocks south of the Saratoga Hilton Hotel. This year, there is both virtual and live event participation. Register online, by mail, or in person. Register by Nov 19 to guarantee a T-shirt.
Saratoga Springs Black Friday
November 26, 2021
Check websites for hours
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 -- safely -- for this annual event; the earlier you shop, the more you'll save! What better way to shake off the post Thanksgiving Feast doldrums!
Saratoga Festival of Trees
December 1-5, 2021
Times Vary By Day
Saratoga Springs City Center
A Saratoga favorite! Come to an indoor winter wonderland of lights and festive decor. 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, and inspiration for your own tree.
December
Victorian Streetwalk Weekend
December 2-5, 2021
Thu. 6 pm, Fri. & Sat. 5-8pm, Sun. 12-4 Downtown Saratoga Springs
Victorian Holiday Magic returns in old fashioned style as Saratoga Springs transforms into the 1800s! Witness the tree-lighting ceremony Thursday, and join Santa and Mrs. Claus at the gingerbread house Friday through Sunday. Fun for the whole family!
Ballston Spa Holiday Parade
December 3, 2021
Start time 6:30 pm
Milton Ave, Ballston Spa
The parade starts on Milton Avenue and ends in Wiswall Park on Front Street with Santa lighting the Christmas tree. It's a hometown-style holiday tradition, with fire trucks, floats, animals, kids and Santa.
2021 Jingle Bell
Run
December 4, 2021
9:00 am
Halfmoon Town Park
The 2021 Jingle Bell Run-walk will be live and in person this year! Together we'll jingle our way to a cure for the #1 cause of disability--arthritis. Bring your friends for a head-clearing celebration of living life to the fullest, while helping battle this painful disease.
Storm Large: Holiday Ordeal
December 16, 2021
8:00 - 10:00 pm
Universal Preservation Hall
Storm Large: musician, actor, playwright, author, awesome. She rose to national prominence in 2006 as a finalist on Rock Star: Supernova, and her multi-genre talents have made her stardom soar. Holiday Ordeal is a night of music, gags and gifts, and song.
The
Samples
December 17, 2021
9:00 pm - 12:00 am
Putnam Place
More than 30 years after starting his music career with The Samples, Sean Kelly returns with his band. You'll hear their rock/reggae influenced, unforgettable anthems of the early 90s, as well as transcendent songs from their 2019 album, Indian Summer.
It's a Jazzy
Christmas
December 18, 2021
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Universal Preservation Hall
This show will feature the music of Vince Guaraldi, made famous in the Peanuts holiday specials. Wrapped in the theme of a 1940’s radio drama, the concert takes the audience on a holiday ride through the decades of great classic Christmas music.