The wild blue lupine has sprouted across the Saratoga Sand Plains and has turned the meadows into a sea of soft lavender-colored flowers. These native flowers are not only beautiful, but they also play a vital role in the life cycle of the endangered Karner blue butterfly.
Nature enthusiasts will have several opportunities throughout June to join guided nature walks to explore the unique habitat of the Karner blue butterfly. These beautiful butterflies, once widespread in the Northeast, depend entirely on the wild blue lupine for survival.
These guided walks offer a chance to witness the life cycle of one of North America’s at-risk butterflies and to experience the natural beauty of the Saratoga Sand Plains at its peak.
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is offering free walks on Wednesdays continuing through June 24. Additional weekend walks will take place on Saturdays, June 13 and 27. These walks will take place at 1:30 p.m. To register for these events, visit: wiltonpreserve.org
Join Bikeatoga at the 57th Annual Elks Flag Day Parade on Saturday, June 13th, for a celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States. The parade starts at 12:00 p.m. and travels down Broadway through downtown Saratoga Springs to Congress Park.
An event fitting for the whole family, decorate your bike and celebrate Flag Day by biking through downtown Saratoga. Every child who rides will receive a Flag Day pinwheel for their bike.
Participants should plan to gather by 11:15 a.m. at our assigned staging area on North Broadway. The lineup location has yet to be finalized, go to Bikeatoga on Facebook for parade updates.
After the parade, the Saratoga Elks Lodge will host a community picnic and celebration of the Army’s 251st Birthday.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is hosting a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) exhibit at Saratoga Spa State Park from June 6, through July 7.
The “Resilient Earth, Resilient Communities” exhibit explores how, through careful observation, we gather vital information that helps us prepare for the future and build stronger, more resilient communities. Created by the NSF’s National Center for Atmospheric Research, the traveling exhibit features interactive stations and educational display panels detailing weather patterns and changing landscapes. The exhibition also explains how communities and scientists contribute to the knowledge of our planet.
While displayed at Saratoga Spa State Park, the exhibit will feature region-specific elements including information about the New York State Mesonet and the New York State Hemlock Initiative.
Double M Haunted Hayrides & Haunted Houses is bringing the Halloween spirit back early with the return of its annual Halfway to Halloween event, taking place on Saturday, June 13.
Now in its third year, the event has been reimagined to deliver an immersive summer night experience filled with eerie atmosphere, live entertainment, and nonstop scares. Six haunted houses will open, each packed with detailed scenes, terrifying characters, and intense scares that Double M has become known for over its 30+ year legacy.
Tickets for Halfway to Halloween are limited and available online only. Guests are encouraged to purchase early, as the event is expected to sell out. For tickets and more information, visit: www.doublemhauntedhayrides.com.
Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum hosts an Olde Time Strawberry Social on Sunday June 14, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Enjoy the beautiful Brookside gardens and savor strawberry shortcake, made with homemade biscuits and real whipped cream, for $5 a serving. Listen to a performance by musician Bob Marcotte, of the NYS Country Music Hall of Fame. For $5, create small bouquets featuring blooms from Balet Flowers and Design. This annual event supports the gardens at Brookside Museum. Order in advance online at www.brooksidemuseum.org to secure your shortcake!
Nicole Bracken (Courtesy of Maddy Zanetti and Marianne Barker)
Impressions of Saratoga will be hosting artist Melissa Crase and fascinator designer, Nicole Bracken for pop-up show Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7. Melissa will introduce her 2026 Original Saratoga painting with prints also available. “Most of my pieces are a mix of acrylics, inks and pastels on canvas. With vibrant colors and textures being key elements in my work, you will often find ordinary things painted with unexpected colors” says Melissa. Pick up a handcrafted fascinator to sport this season at Saratoga Race Course. Nicole brings a sense of composition, color, and texture to each of her handcrafted pieces. She artfully incorporates faux florals, vintage fabrics and repurposed jewelry, creating one-of-a-kind designs that feel both timeless and imaginative.
Greg Montgomery will join the pop-up shop on Sunday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Montgomery, a local artist, has been creating the annual Travers Stakes poster for Saratoga Race Course since 1986. His versions of the Belmont Stakes and Travers posters will be available.
Want to have your personal pictures from around Saratoga Race Course put on display? The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is now accepting submissions for the return of its juried photography exhibition, Photo Finish. The exhibition will be on view at the Museum from Oct. 28 through Dec. 31.
Professional and amateur photographers are encouraged to submit artistic and unique perspectives and may enter up to two photos. Each submission must relate to the sport of thoroughbred racing in America, including, but not limited to, racing and training scenes, the backstretch, life on the farm, and the emotions of the fans.
A panel of judges representing the racing and arts communities will select the photographs for the exhibition at the Museum, which will be on display in the von Stade Gallery. Additional entries may be considered for inclusion in the online exhibition at the jurors’ discretion.
The application form will be available at the Museum’s Visitor Services desk and digitally on the Museum’s website here: racingmuseum.org/photo-finish. If you have any questions about the exhibition, please email info@racingmuseum.net or call (518) 584-0400 ext. 113.
Opera Saratoga is celebrating 65 seasons of bringing world-class opera to the Capital Region on June 4 at Saratoga National Golf Course. The Opera Saratoga gala, themed after the Covent Garden Flower Market, will feature performances by the Festival Artists.
Opera Saratoga’s 65th summer festival announces starry additional casting for “My Fair Lady” and “The Elixir of Love” at Universal Preservation Hall between June 20-28.
“My Fair Lady” just announced cast members and celebrated opera stars Keith Jameson as Alfred Doolittle and Amy Burton as Mrs. Higgins. Burton made her debut as a young artist at the company in the 1980’s and returns to the company in this important role.
“The Elixir of Love just added cast member WooYoung Yoon as Nemorino. Yoon was a Festival Artist with the company as well and famously was married on the grounds of Yaddo.
For tickets and more information about the Opera Saratoga Gala and the Opera Festival Season, visit operasaratoga.org.
Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – Noon. Friday and Saturdays in June. A guided walking tour celebrating the rich history, glamour, and legendary stories of Saratoga Springs’ Gilded Age. Guests will journey through historic Congress Park and downtown Saratoga Springs while hearing stories of millionaires, mineral springs, luxury hotels, socialites, scandals, and the colorful figures who shaped the Spa City’s golden era. 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. Tickets and additional information are available at:
368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | Stop by Friday – Sunday to meet Lexington Kentucky Artist Melissa Crase. Melissa will introduce her 2026 Original Saratoga painting with prints available. Also, we will be hosting Milliner, Nicole Bracken for a pop-up show, Friday – Sunday. Nicole will be showing her simply amazing and creative fascinators that are in huge demand each year at The Kentucky Derby and rival those worn by The British Royalty. Also, joining us on Sunday morning, meet Greg Montgomery for the annual signing of his 2026 final Belmont in Saratoga Poster.
Brookside Explorers Club: Student Art Showcase
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Join us for a First Friday event featuring artwork created through the Artists Inspired by Their Community collaboration with Ballston Spa Middle School. The student pieces will be on display throughout the summer. Stop in, enjoy light refreshments, and spend time viewing the artwork. Visitors of all ages may also take part in a relaxed, optional activity: sketching a local landmark of their own choosing on a blank postcard to take home. This program is free, with a suggested donation of $10 to support educational programming. Register at www.brooksidemuseum.org. Children of all ages are welcome, parental supervision required.
Saturday, June 6
Annual Plant Sale
Dockstader Field, Rte. 147, Galway | 9 a.m. – Noon. The Glenville Hills Garden Club of Saratoga County will hold its annual plant sale. A variety of perennials, annuals, house plants and shrubs will be available. Sales are cash only and the sale will be held rain or shine. Proceeds will fund the garden club projects, including community beautification and the sponsorship of students at environmental camps.
Second Annual Domestic Violence Event
10 Lewis Dr. Wilton | 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. T
Sunday, June 7
Perennial Plant Sale
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 149 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. St. Paul’s is holding a fundraiser and will be selling donated perennials. Stop by to shop from a variety of plants to add to your garden.
Singles Golf – Nine and Dine
Fairways of Halfmoon, 17 Johnson Rd., Mechanicville | 3 p.m. Are you single? Do you play golf? We are the group for you, Albany Chapter of the American Singles Golf Association (ASGA). Pay for your own golf and dinner and get to meet other single golfers. As a bonus, officially join the group by July 6, you will get a $20 rebate on your first-year dues. To register email albanyasga2002@gmail.com and put “Nine and Dine” in the subject line or sign up on Meetup – https://meetu.ps/e/PVxjd/1D0Qy/i.
Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
Corinth Grange on Main St., Corinth | 4 – 6 p.m. to benefit Willard Bovee, SAL Squadron Commander who lost his home on January 3, 2026. Held at Cost is $15 adult, children under 5 free All proceeds to go to Willard. Menu: Salad, warm bread, spaghetti, meatballs, dessert, coffee & tea. Take-out available with advanced order. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are available from Barb Arnold 518-538-9196 or Cathy McCarty 518-223-5294.
Monday, June 8
Veterans Memorial Park Book Walk
697 MacElroy Rd. Ballston Lake | Enjoy the book Worms Are Our Friends by Toni D’Alia and Mimi Purnell as you stroll along the Veteran’s Memorial Park walking path this spring through mid-June. The Book Walk was created in partnership with the Town of Clifton Park. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org.
Tuesday, June 9
Academy for Lifelong Learning Speaker Event
Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Rd, Saratoga Springs | 10-11:30 a.m. Open to the public, $20. Please join us for an inspirational presentation by successful aging expert Dr. Roger Landry on Keys to Healthy Longevity: Social Engagement & Intellectual Growth. Dr. Landry has spent most of his life on a mission to inspire and cultivate individual growth, resilience, and purposeful longevity. Snacks & light refreshments will be served. To register or to learn more about the Academy, please go to www.allsaratoga.org or email jeff@allsaratoga.org.
MS Support Group
Zoom Meeting | 5 – 7 p.m. Contact Lou Ann for more information 518-793-9506.
Society of American Magicians Meeting
S. W. Pitts Hose Co. of Latham, 226 Old Loudon Road, Latham | 7 p.m. The local group of The Society of American Magicians, Assembly #24, meets on the second Tuesday of the month. All people, age 16 and older, are welcome who have any interest in the art of magic whether it be: performance, history, collecting or pure entertainment to join us for a fun evening. For more information about our organization, or for a link to a local magician, visit our web site: www.sam24.synthasite.com.
Wednesday, June 10
Baked Ham 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: Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, vegetable, apple sauce, roll, tossed salad. Dinner $15 (cash only).
Green Drinks
Whitman Brewing Company, 20 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. Green Drinks! A “green gathering” for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability. Food, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.
Green Drinks – Saratoga Springs is held monthly. https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/green-drinks-30/.
Entrepreneurship is Everyone’s Business
Innovation Center at Saratoga, 16 Old Stonebreak Rd., Ballston Spa | 6 p.m. Art Meets Business: An AMA with Jill Fishon-Kovachick. How do you turn a passion for the arts into a thriving creative hub? Join us for a casual “Ask Me Anything” session with Jill Fishon-Kovachick, owner of Saratoga Clay Arts Center and Vessel by SCAC Gallery. Jill is opening up about the journey of building a community-focused arts business and the reality of running a successful gallery. No presentations—just a real conversation and your questions. Come ready with questions!
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave. Ballston Spa | 6 – 8 p.m. Find the perfect book for you or your loved one. Mike Hare, Store Manager at Northshire Bookstore of Saratoga Springs, will discuss why we read history, share some of his favorite history books and biographies, and offer special recommendations. Sip at a soft drink or enjoy a beer while chatting with Mike and other guests. Meet local authors behind your favorite history books. View a special preview of our book sale, which features rare books, pamphlets, and ephemera from Saratoga County and beyond. Tickets with a beer are $10, Tickets with soft drinks are $7. Details: www.brooksidemuseum.org.
Thursday, June 11
Curator’s Tour of All These Growing Things
The Tang Museum at Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | Noon. Rachel Seligman, Assistant Director for Curatorial Affairs and Malloy Curator, leads a tour of the exhibition All These Growing Things, which features standout work from the Tang collection. Visitors are invited to explore current exhibitions, ask questions, and engage with contemporary art and ideas. Register online at www.sspl.org or stop in, in person.
Brown Bag Lunch Lecture – Dressing the Revolutionary Lady
Saratoga Springs Public Library Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 1 p.m. As Saratoga County prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga, join Caitlin Sheldon, Librarian and Historical Costumer, for a demonstration of fashionable women’s dress from the Revolutionary War era. Using historical images and handmade garments, Sheldon will illustrate the many layers and elements involved in 18th-century dress, offering a fascinating look at fashion during this pivotal period in American history.
Popular Garden Plants You Should Replace
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Av., Ballston Spa | 1 p.m. The Ballston Spa House & Garden Club is pleased to be hosting Kate Brittenham, an ecological landscape designer and owner of Front Stoop Gardens, to discuss “going native” in our gardens. During this free, interactive educational program, we will discuss non-native plants – including some old favorites – and what native plants we can use to replace them. Kate will also cover common garden and landscaping plants that are invasive. Please feel free to join us for refreshments at 12:30 p.m. prior to the program. You can find information about future programs at our website: https://ballstonspagardenclub.org/meetings.
20th Annual Horsemen’s Social
CCE Equine is excited to announce its annual Horsemen’s Social will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary on June 12. The event will be hosted this year where it all started at our 4-H Training Center located at 556 Middleline Rd. Ballston Spa. Celebrate with us with an evening of food, drinks and networking with all the horsemen & businessmen that keep our Equine industry thriving. Tickets are $35. Get yours soon before they sell out! Ticket price includes admission, light appetizers, desserts and several rounds of BINGO. If you have any registration questions or would like to become a sponsor for this event, contact Nicolina at nvf5@cornell.edu.
Annual Yard Sale
Gateway House of Peace is having their annual yard/tent sale. The yard sale will be held on June 12 and 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and June 14, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 479 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa. All proceeds benefit our end-of-life comfort care house.
All American – A Battenkill Chorale
A program of choral music celebrating our American story featuring Randall Thompson’s Frostiana, Gwyneth Walker’s Dreams and Dances, Aaron Copland’s The Promise of Living and Stomp Your Foot, Dan Forrest’s Good Night, Dear Heart and Kyle Pedersen’s I Dream a World. Gene Marie Callahan, Artistic Director and Erich Borden, Accompanist. Saturday, June 13, 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 14, 4 p.m. at Cambridge United Presbyterian Church, Main Street, Cambridge. General Admission $25 Student Admission $15. Ticketing information at battenkillchorale.org. Online ticket sales available June 1, tickets are available at the door.
The Saratoga Springs Lions Club will award $30,000 in academic scholarships to six graduating seniors. They will be presented at a special Lions dinner on Tues., June 9, at the Holiday Inn.
Arisa Gillani and Daniella Fleming will each be awarded a $7,500 academic program award. Katherine Morrone will receive a $5,000 scholarship. Madison Finn and Ava Otte will each receive a $2,500 scholarship.
The Leos Club Member Scholarship award of $5,000 will go to Carina Schneider.
All are seniors at Saratoga Springs High School, and all were chosen because of their academic achievements, community service, essay based on the Lions Club International Motto of “We Serve,” letters of recommendations from faculty and mentors, and extra-curricular activities and employment.
Gillani, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Aqueel Gilliani, will study biology in a pre-med program at Adelphi University, with the goal of becoming a physician. While at Saratoga Springs High School, she was enrolled in a three-year science research program through the University at Albany, focusing on non-small-cell lung cancer. She served as president of the Future Medical Leaders, vice president of the Women’s Empowerment Club, and SSHS class president.
She volunteered at the Gateway House of Peace and the Home of the Good Shepherd, was involved with the Saratoga Springs Board of Education, and earned several leadership awards.
Fleming, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Josh Fleming, will major in human biology at the University of Virginia, with the goal of becoming a physician.
During her high school years, Fleming was involved with the SNACPack program which provides food bags for local children in need to take home each weekend. She served as a day camp counselor at the Saratoga Springs YMCA and as a set designer at Caroline Street Elementary School and is a server at the Prestwick Chase Retirement Community.
Morrone, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Morrone, will attend the University at Albany, with a major in chemistry and a minor in forensics. Her career goal: a forensic chemist.
She has been a volunteer with Saratoga Recreation for several years, as well as Give a Child a Christmas and Lake Avenue Elementary Volunteer Childcare.
Finn, daughter of Megan Kayser, will major in international business at the University of Tennessee. She is a founding member, co-president and secretary of the non-profit Global Girls for Change which supports women and children in Uganda. She has participated in fund raisers for Wellspring, braved the icy waters of Lake George in a polar plunge, and volunteers with Best Buddies.
She is vice president of the SSHS Class of 2026, president of the Key Club and Math Club, historian of the Venture Capital & Investment Club, and a representative to the Suburban Student Leadership Conference.
Schneider, daughter of Yvette Cortes and Eric Schneider, will major in environmental studies at Fordham University in the Bronx. She is president of the Leadership, Experience and Opportunity (LEO) Club and organized events for funding vision care, diabetes, and disabled children’s causes. LEOs is the high school branch of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club.
She is president of the SSHS Mock Trial Club, founder of the Green Ribbon Initiative at SSHS, founder and organizer of the Ecobricks Library Project at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, and a volunteer with Sustainable Saratoga. She also interned with the NYS Court System and Saratoga Springs City Court.
Otte, daughter of Patti Otte and Frank Otte Jr., will major in aerospace engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, with the goal of becoming a propulsion engineer.
For the past four years, Otte has organized STEM nights and science fairs at elementary schools. This past year she received numerous science-related awards plus the Young Women Making a Difference Award. She is president of the Science in the Community Club and, as an 11th grader, made an “Earth Day” claymation video for the Geyser Road Elementary School.
The scholarships will be presented by members of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club: Joe Brady, chairman; Wayne Stevens, Ann Alexander, Shelley Riley, Brian Fredette, Sal Bonsangue, Jim Flynn, and Tony Wright.
