This Week’s Events: August 14-20
Friday, August 14
Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll
Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – Noon. A guided walking tour celebrating the rich history, glamour, and legendary stories of Saratoga Springs’ Gilded Age. Tour concludes at the Saratoga Springs History Museum inside the Canfield Casino. Participants should expect walking, standing, and some stairs. Tours run rain or shine. For tickets and information: www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center/
Summer Ghost Tours
Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The 90-minute guided tours explore the eerie legends, mysterious encounters, and haunted history connected to one of Saratoga Springs’ most iconic landmarks. Guests will explore the historic rooms and halls of the Canfield Casino while hearing tales of its glamorous past, mysterious reputation, and stories that refuse to rest. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.saratogahistory.org/summer-ghost-tours-2026. Tours are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Saturday, August 15
20th Annual Car and Bike Show
Clifton Park Elks Lodge, 695 MacElroy Road, Ballston Lake | 9 a.m. All years and makes of cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome. We will present awards to the top vehicles. Fun, music, 50/50 Raffles, and great food. Come see the contestant vehicles! Contestant entry fee is $20; Spectators are free. Net proceeds support the NYS Cerebral Palsy Home Services Program and the Elks National Foundation. Registration is from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and awards at 3:45 p.m. Rain Date is Sunday, August 16. For Information contact Brian Shelton at 518-956-1600.
American Legion Riders Post 490 Ride for Veterans
1 American Legion Rd. Stillwater | 9:30 a.m. A scenic 100-mile ride with BBQ dinner, prizes and raffles. Registration 9:30 a.m., kickstands up at noon. Cost $20.
Casino Night
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 9 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the Museum and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). Join us for a night of high stakes and heart! Your bets will go a long way in supporting the legacy of horse racing and those who’ve given so much to the sport. Your ticket includes admission, food and beverage, and $250 worth of play. Several of the top jockeys in the sport are expected to attend, including Katie Davis, Christopher Elliott, Manny Franco, Flavien Prat, Jose Ortiz, and John Velazquez, among others. In addition to gaming, we will have a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. Let’s roll the dice for a great cause! Tickets: https://1049a.blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/Casino-Night-Benefiting-NMRHOF-and-PDJF
The Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series
Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 6:15 p.m. The is the last race in the series. To minimize habitat impact, entries are capped at 75 per event. Day-of entries will only be accepted if there is room. This is a low-key gathering topped off by light refreshments and unusual raffle prizes. Please bring your own water. Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. For more information and to register, visit www.saratogastryders.org.
Second Annual Peach Festival
Ballston Spa Farmer’s Market, Wiswall Park, Ballston Spa | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Peach Festival will feature locally grown peaches and a variety of peach-inspired foods and drinks, including pies, iced tea, and other seasonal treats. Market shoppers can also find fresh produce, baked goods, handmade products and other offerings from local farmers, food producers, and artisans. The event will include live music and family-friendly activities throughout the morning, making it a fun stop for market regulars and anyone looking to spend a Saturday morning downtown.
Sunday, August 16
Summer Sunday Strolls: Mom & Pops of the East Side
Meet: The intersection of North and East Harrison St., Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. Join Carol Godette for a new walking tour. Stroll through a concentrated area of the East Side that once teemed with neighborhood shops and markets and learn about the history of these stores and their owners. More than milk and bread, these shops fostered entrepreneurship and a sense of community. Through her tireless research, Carol will bring not only the stores to life, but also the people behind their counters. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Limited to thirty participants. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 518-587-5030, visit our website, saratogapreservation.org, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org.
Historic Van Schaick Mansion Open House
1 VanSchaick Avenue, Cohoes | 1 – 4 p.m. Open to the Public. Admission to the grounds and cemetery is free. Guided tours of the mansion will be available at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. for a suggested $5 donation. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.vanschaickmansion.org or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VanSchaickMansionProject/.
Three Sisters Festival
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa | 2 p.m. A Celebration of Native American Culture, honoring the rich traditions, history, and heritage of our local indigenous communities. Festival highlights include captivating stories and traditional Native American lore presented by renowned storyteller Joseph Bruchac, Ph.D., an exhibit of Native American crafts and artifacts, and a guided tour of Brookside’s Three Sisters Garden. Visitors can also enjoy a bake sale supporting the museum’s historically themed gardens, as well as freshly popped popcorn and refreshing herbal iced tea. Admission is free, but advance registration is recommended. For more information or to register, call 518-885-4000 or visit BrooksideMuseum.org.
Monday, August 17
Casino Night
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 9 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the Museum and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). Join us for a night of high stakes and heart! Your bets will go a long way in supporting the legacy of horse racing and those who’ve given so much to the sport. Your ticket includes admission, food and beverage, and $250 worth of play. Several of the top jockeys in the sport are expected to attend, including Katie Davis, Christopher Elliott, Manny Franco, Flavien Prat, Jose Ortiz, and John Velazquez, among others. In addition to gaming, we will have a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. Let’s roll the dice for a great cause! Tickets: https://1049a.blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/Casino-Night-Benefiting-NMRHOF-and-PDJF
Tuesday, August 18
The McKrells Concert
Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center, 648 Route 42, Stillwater | Noon. Back by popular demand! The McKrells will once again bring their rousing brand of Bluegrass to top of the hill next to the visitor center. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the exhilarating sounds along with the beautiful and historic views. This program was made possible with support from the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.
Summer Concert Series – Fenimore Blues
War Memoria in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Fenimore Blues, based in Saratoga Springs, performs an eclectic mix of blues, R&B, and rock. The powerful vocals of Sherian Nolan are backed by musicians on guitar, keyboards, saxophone, bass, and drums, with one band member also performing on accordion. The group’s varied repertoire draws inspiration from artists ranging from Bonnie Raitt and Aretha Franklin to Santana and Tedeschi Trucks. In the event of rain, the concert will move to the covered back garden patio at the Heritage Area Visitor Center located at 297 Broadway.
Wednesday, August 19
Dunning Street Cemetery Walking Tour
Dunning Street Cemetery | 10 a.m. Suggested donations for the tours are $10. Specific directions will be made available upon registration.10 a.m. Malta town historian Tom Willams will lead a walk-through Dunning Street Cemetery, visiting the gravesites of Revolutionary veterans and early residents of Malta. This event forms part of our Spotlight on Malta History series. Registration is available at the History Center’s website https://brooksidemuseum.org/.
Pickin’s
The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Open to the Public, Free Admission & ample free parking. Doors open 1 p.m. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel & bluegrass are welcome to participate. If you don’t play, become part of the audience and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share. Beverages provided. Call Earl 518-348-9922 with questions.
Sliced Turkey Brast Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: Sliced turkey breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, vegetable, gravy, tossed salad, dinner rolls. Dinner: $15 (cash only).
Everything About E-Bikes
Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 6:30 p.m. Classes of E-Bikes, laws, & more. The New York Bicycling Coalition will present everything you need to know about e-bikes: Is it OK to ride on any street? What about the sidewalks? What about trails? How old do you have to be to ride one? 518-371-8622 www.cphlibrary.org.
Astronomy Club
2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 p.m. The presentation topic is “Basics of Astrophotography” presented by Rich Horsch. New attendees are welcome. Registration is requested by calling 518-882-6385.
Thursday, August 20
Revolutionary Entertainment: A Magic Lantern Show
Grant Cottage, 1000 Mt. McGregor Rd., Wilton | 1 p.m. Join magic lantern performers Dawn Elliott and Joel Schlemowitz as they work with original magic lantern glass slides and projectors. Rediscover the wonder of this entrancing entertainment of the Revolutionary War era while also learning about the mechanics behind this illuminating art form. Experience lantern images of the American Revolution with text from Thomas Paine’s famous work Common Sense, special effects of George Wasington’s tomb, 18th century comic poetry, and more. www.grantcottage.org.
Town of Greenfield Farmer’s Market
Middle Grove Town Park, 428 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 4 – 7 p.m. Every Thursday! Food trucks, live music, fresh produce, fresh flowers, candles, homemade breads, cookies, maple products, bounce houses, gift items, pickles, fresh lemonade, bird houses, Saratoga Mobile Library, jewelry, wreaths, woodworking, multiple dinner options, and so much more. Open to the public. Free admission.
Upbeat on the Roof – The Millstone Rounders
On the Lawn Outside Tang Museum, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. The Millstone Rounders perform acoustic Americana that incorporates country, gospel, blues, trans-Atlantic fiddle breakdowns, and proto rock ’n’ roll. Performing on acoustic instruments around a single microphone, the group creates a sound that is both timelessly classic and thoroughly contemporary. Before each concert, Tang Art Educators will offer Crafts on the Grass: art-making kits for kids starting at 5:30 pm. A different craft will be available each week. All projects are suitable for children ages 5 and older, with adult supervision recommended. Materials will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Free and open to the public.
Writers Group
Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 – 7:30 p.m. Meets the third Thursday every month. This is a time for writers of all abilities to develop skills through writing activities and to share pieces currently being worked on, whether poetry, short stories, or a story chapter. Sharing is a time of review, appreciation, and developmental encouragement. Interested writers are welcome to attend even without something to share, as they can participate in the activities and provide insight to others in the group. Register at 518-882-6385.
Health, History, & Horses Charity Gala
Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge 1 Elks Land, Saratoga Springs | 6 – 9 p.m. Presented by Ladies of Charity, Saratoga Chapter. Funds raised are distributed annually to established charities in Saratoga & Warren/Washington Counties: Catholic Charities, food kitchens, shelters, and tuition support programs. Complimentary Beer & Wine the 1st hour, hot and cold food stations, cash bar, live music, Silent Auction – 4 Seasons Basket Raffle – 50/50 raffle, Race Track t-shirt quilt, Cost: $85 per person payable to Ladies of Charity. Tickets: www.ladiesofcharitysaratoga.com. Contact Claudette at 518–584-7592. Attire: Summer Festive.
Upcoming Events
Women + Wealth
Presented by The SHERO Fund. This full-day event is designed to spark meaningful conversations about the many forms of wealth women create throughout their lives. Through inspiring speakers, engaging discussions, practical takeaways, and intentional networking, we’ll explore how to build lives, careers, businesses, and communities that are both successful and sustainable. Tuesday, August 25, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Universal Preservation Hall. For more information, visit https://sherofund.myflodesk.com/womensequalityday
Compost Workshop
Join Pitney Meadows Community Farm and Sustainable Saratoga on Saturday August 22 from 1 -2:30 p.m. at Pitney Meadows Community Farm, 223 West Ave., Saratoga Springs. Listen to a panel discussion and get your questions answered with local compost experts: Hope LaBonty, owner of Loving Earth Compost, Kelli Timbrook, Site Manager at Casella Resource Solutions, and Nick Klemczak, Executive Director of Schenectady County Soil & Water Conservation District. Plus enjoy a tour of the Saratoga Springs Community Compost on the Pitney Meadow Community Farm grounds.
Mocktails in the Garden
Celebrate the flavors of summer while supporting a great cause at Mocktails in the Garden, a fun and educational evening hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County on Wednesday, August 26, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the 4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa. The cost is $25 per person, and advance registration is required by August 19. To register, email Jessica Luse at jmh452@cornell.edu. Visit ccesaratoga.org for more information.
Pickle for the Ponies
Monday, August 24, 4 – 7 p.m. at Saratoga Springs Rec Center, located at 15 Vanderbilt Ave, Saratoga Springs. Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of friendly competition and community spirit! Pickle for the Ponies is back and better than ever, hosted by the Saratoga Springs Rec Center. Watch your favorite racetrack celebrities, including jockeys, trainers, and owners, team up with local community members for a lively and competitive pickleball tournament. Whether you’re playing or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a great time for a great cause! All proceeds support Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, helping both humans and horses heal, thrive, and find purpose beyond the track. For more information, visit www.thsaratoga.org/picklefortheponies