This Week’s Events
Friday, July 18
Family Movie Friday
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 10 – 11:30 a.m. You’re invited to a morning showing of Dog Man (2025) to drink juice, hang out, and color! Feel free to bring blankets for comfy floor seating. Open to children and their families. No registration required.
Saturday, July 19
Brookside Explorers Club: Art Show & Landmark Creations
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 10 a.m. – Noon. Join us for our next meeting of the Brookside Explorers Club, a new history and learning club for kids! Artwork from the “Artists Inspired by Their Community” program, an exciting collaboration with Ballston Spa Middle School, will be displayed in the History Hunters Hangout from July-September. And on July 19th, History Scouts can join the fun by learning about some of Saratoga County’s most important landmarks through a learning activity, craft, and play in this engaging and educational event. Kids of all ages are welcome to join the fun! Parental supervision is required and there is a cost of $5 per child. For more information, visit www.brooksidemuseum.org.
Celebrate Family Day
Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Join us for a FREE fun day in Congress Park. There will be games, crafts, face painting, activities, a toddler play area, free snacks and live music. We will even have free tokens for the Carousel! All this is just to bring the people of Saratoga together for some free fun and entertainment. Come join us, bring along whoever you consider family and let’s celebrate!
Heritage Hunters
Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville | 1 p.m. Bobbi Reno, historian for the town of East Greenbush, will present the program “The Illegal Execution of Pvt. Samuel Helms.” Samuel Helms, stationed in Ulster County during the War of 1812, was arrested and charged with desertion in 1813 and brought to the U. S. Army post, the Greenbush Cantonment, to face a court martial. His execution took place later in 1813. Bobbi’s 15-year research shows that he should only have been charged with going AWOL. She is determined to have his name cleared and to locate his grave. Public is welcome. For information call 518-885-9309.
Frances Day 2025
Tang Museum, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 2 p.m. Celebrate the Tang’s 25th anniversary at our annual summer open house with art, artmaking, tours, music, food and more. This year’s event is extra special: the Tang is turning 25 in 2025, and Frances Day marks the first celebration of the milestone year. At 5 p.m., guests are invited to a concert on the lawn with the Albany-based indie-rock band Dan Carr and the Cure for Asthma. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://tang.skidmore.edu or call the Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080. Light refreshments will be offered during the day. During the concert, more substantial food will be available; beer and wine will also be available for purchase.
Sunday, July 20
Summer Sunday Stroll: Down in the Valley: Exploring the Gut
Meet: Northwest corner of Putnam and Spring Streets at the Hathorn Spring, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – Noon. Join Alexandra Morgan for the Summer Stroll, “Down in the Valley: Exploring the Gut.” Alexandra explores the area behind Broadway known as “The Gut,” which was home to many working-class and Jewish families who made important contributions to the community.
The cost is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information or to purchase tickets to any of the upcoming strolls and events, visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Sydney Hedge, Preservation & Programs Coordinator, at shedge@saratogapreservation.org.
Summer Garden Program: The Victorian Fascination with Plants
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 2 p.m. The Victorian language of flowers, floriography, was one of several nonverbal languages used by Victorians. Dr. Catherine Golden will speak more to this, using passages from Victorian literature as examples. Guests will also have the opportunity to make a tussie-mussie (flowers generously donated by Suzanne Balet of Balet Flowers and Design). Registration is required and donations are appreciated. For more information, visit brooksidemuseum.org.
Tradition in Ink: The Art of Rabbi Linda Motzkin
Temple Sinai, 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 3 – 5 p.m. Rabbi Linda Motzkin is one of a handful of women in the world trained as a Hebrew scribe, a role traditionally reserved for men. She is unique among female scribes in that she is the only one who makes her own parchment. Rabbi Motzkin will discuss how she repurposes pieces of parchment into original works, incorporating Hebrew calligraphy drawn from Jewish sacred texts, including the Bible. She also will explain her specific process for making these pieces. Several of her artworks will be available for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Temple Sinai. A wine and cheese reception follows. Pre-registration is required at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/PLAszag/TraditionInk. A $10 donation is requested at the door or by mail to Temple Sinai, 509 Broadway, Saratoga Spring, NY 1266.
Monday, July 21
2025 Ghost Tours
Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The Canfield Casino, one of America’s Most Terrifying Places, as featured on the Travel Channel and Ghost Hunters. This season’s tours promise to immerse guests in Saratoga’s spectral history with new stories, local legends, and chilling accounts of real paranormal encounters. Hear true tales of hauntings, mysterious events, and the spirits believed to still roam the corridors. From whispered voices to sudden chills, every tour is a chance to connect with the supernatural side of Saratoga’s rich history. Suitable for ages 10 and up. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through August 29. Tickets: Visit https://www.saratogahistory.org/ghost-tours-summer-2025 to reserve your spot.
Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group
The Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 2:30. The meeting will cover how occupational therapy can help those living with Parkinson’s. All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there. Please contact us with any questions: Leader Gordon Blyth, gordonsblyth@gmail.com 917- 887-7980 or Co-Leader Marie Thorne, softballmom300@yahoo.com 518-810-8483.
Blacklight Bingo
Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 4 p.m. It’s Bingo, but in the dark! Wear your best black light attire–white and neon work best. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. For grades 6-12. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org.
The Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 6:15 p.m. Park in Lots #1 & 2 near Restroom. Adults register online for $10 each race; 13-18 $5/race; under 13 free. Stryder discount 25% off. To minimize trail erosion, entries are capped at 75. Day-of entries will only be accepted if there is room. This is a low-key, all-outdoors event topped off by light refreshments and unusual raffle prizes. Please bring your own water. Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. Additional dates remaining are August 4 and August 18. For more information, call Laura Clark at 518-581-1278 or visit www.saratogastryders.org.
Tuesday, July 22
The Winner’s Circle Summer Camp
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | 8 a.m. – Noon.
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is partnering with Amplify Horse Racing to deliver a one-of-a-kind summer camp experience, right in the heart of Saratoga Springs! The Winner’s Circle Summer Camp will allow students to go behind-the-scenes of Saratoga Race Course and get a firsthand look at what makes it tick. Meet industry professionals, talented riders, and of course, the incredible animals that make thoroughbred racing what it is. Students can expect a four-day intensive course jam-packed with unique experiences. https://1049a.blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/The-Winners-Circle-Summer-Camp
2025 Grand, Gilded, and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll Walking Tour Season
Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 – Noon. Participants will begin at the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center and stroll through historic Congress Park, concluding with a full tour of the elegant Canfield Casino—including admission to the Saratoga Springs History Museum (a $15 value). The tour takes place every Tuesday – Saturday, until October 18, rain or shine. Tickets are $25 Adults, $10 Youth (12–17) and Children under 12 free. Tickets can be reserved online at www.SaratogaSpringsVisitorCenter.com. For more information, call 518-587-3241.
AI Voice & Video Generators
Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 1:30 p.m. Learn how artificial intelligence programs can turn scripts and even just ideas/a few sentences into realistic voices and videos in a matter of minutes. We’ll explore AI voice and video generators, their common features, and the wide range of content they can produce. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org
Community Compost Workshop and Tour
Pitney Meadows Community Farm, 223 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 5:30 p.m. If you’re looking to divert waste from the landfill by turning your food scraps into compost this is the event for you! Come join us on the farm as we dive into the world of compost by learning about household and neighborhood-scale composting methods. We will go through different methods of starting a backyard composting system followed by a tour of the vertical drum composting system happening at Pitney Meadows Community Farm! This program is free and open to the public. In the event of inclement weather, this event will be canceled.
Wednesday,
July 23
Stuffed Shell Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: stuffed shells, meatballs, sweet sausage, tossed salad, garlic toast. $15 (cash only).
East Galway Cemetery Association Annual Meeting
Galway Public Library, 2112 East St., Galway | 7 p.m. All lot owners, descendants and anyone interested in the cemetery are welcome to attend.
Thursday, July 24
Ulysses S. Grant Reflects
Grant Cottage, 1000 Mt. McGregor Rd., Wilton | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. A Remembrance Day Living History presentation by Dr. Curt Fields. Join Ulysses S. Grant (portrayed by Dr. Curt Fields) as he looks back on his incredible life and career during his last days on Mt. McGregor. Find out how the support of fellow veterans, a grateful nation, and his loving family made a difference as he raced death to finish his Memoirs for the sake of his family. As part of our Literary Landmark Author Series Dr. Fields will be signing copies of Grant at 200: Reconsidering the Life and Legacy of Ulysses S. Grant and his recently published book Unconditional Surrender: Ulysses S. Grant in the Civil War.
4-H Leaders Chicken BBQ Fund Raiser
4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa OR at the Saratoga County Fair’s Snack Bar | 4 – 7 p.m. This year, we’re bringing the sizzle with the world-famous Cornell BBQ chicken that’s sure to make your taste buds dance! For just $17, you’ll get a mouthwatering dinner featuring ½ BBQ Chicken, a perfectly baked potato, coleslaw, a dinner roll, Smith’s pie slice, and a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.
Don’t wing it, call the 4-H Office at 518-885-8995 to pre-order your meal today! or go to www.sc4H.org.
Concert in the Park
Old Iron Spring Park, 198 Front Street, Ballston Spa | 6 – 8 p.m. This week’s concert features Black Mountain Symphony. This free, family-friendly event brings live music every Thursday evening from June 26 through August 28, offering a perfect way to enjoy the warm summer nights with friends and neighbors. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating. Food concessions will be on-site, offering a variety of refreshments.
Upbeat on the Roof
Tang Teaching Museum, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. To mark the museum’s twenty-fifth anniversary year, some of the favorite acts from previous years will return. This week’s concert features The Heavenly Echoes Gospel Band. The concerts continue each week through August 21.
Oh Deer!
Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway |6:30 p.m. Oh Deer!, an informational program about the most common and commonly misunderstood animal in our backyard – deer. What is their life cycle? How can you know how old they are? Join us to learn fact from fiction. This program is appropriate for teens and adults. Registration is not required but is appreciated; please call 518-882-6385 to register.
Twelve Years a Widow
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 7 p.m. Join Yale historian and Middlebury College teacher, Connor Williams, as he sheds some light on the story of Anne, not only about her life, but also about the challenges of uncovering that story. Anyone who has done historical research knows the difficulties in tracking down the stories of women, particularly working-class women, and especially women of color. The story of Anne Hampton Northup is remarkable. A much sought after cook, she was born free in Washington County and is best known for being the wife of Solomon Northup, who was kidnapped in 1841 and subsequently enslaved for twelve years. But who was Anne, and how did she manage as a single woman, bringing up three children, for twelve years until her husband’s return?