Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

February 13 – February 19, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Upcoming Events

Annual Chili Dinner Fundraiser

Hosted by The Friends of Moreau Lake on Friday, February 20, 6 p.m. at the Gansevoort Volunteer Fire Dept., 1870 Rt. 32N, Gansevoort. Donation: $10/member; $12/non-member; kids 10 and under free.  

RSVP Required: call Park office 518-793-0511. Volunteers needed- chili chefs needed! (bring in slow cookers), also sides, desserts.  Call the office to sign up 518-793-0511.   Please check our website for more information: friendsofmoreaulake.org Guest Speaker will be – Maria Brown, MS, PWS, GISP Have You Thanked a Bat Today?  Maria brings audiences behind the scenes of real bat research.  Engaging, visually rich presentation!

February Break Drama Camp with Elyse Young 

Town of Malta Parks and Recreation will hold a Drama Camp Tuesday through Friday of the February school break for ages 8-14. The camp will run from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day. Activities will include acting exercises, theater games, improvisation, vocal techniques, creative movement and dance, character analysis, arts projects and more! Each camper will also rehearse and present a short performance at the end of the last day of camp, Friday, February 20. Our show will have costumes, set pieces, props, lights, sound and will be performed on the Malta Community Center Stage for invited guests! For additional information please call 899-4411 or visit maltaparksrec.com.

Repair Cafe’

On February 21, from 1 – 4 p.m., the Innovation Center at Saratoga, 16 Stonebreak Rd., Malta, invites our community to a free Repair Café. Volunteer repair coaches will help you mend everything from electronics and jewelry to textiles and small appliances, no reservation needed! Fix It, Don’t Trash It! Reduce waste and give your items a second life. Learn repair skills from local experts. Connect with fellow DIY enthusiasts and creatives in the community. 

February 13 – February 19, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

This Week’s Events:   

Friday, February 13

38th Annual Flurry Festival

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | The 2026 lineup brings together an incredible variety of styles, including contra, swing, blues, square dancing, Cajun, Zydeco, English country, and international traditions like Balkan, Scandinavian, Latin, Scottish, and tango. Beyond the dance floor, you can dive into fusion, balfolk, African, and Appalachian rhythms, or join in on instrument workshops, storytelling, family-friendly activities, group singing, and late-night jams. Whether you are a seasoned pro or stepping onto the floor for the first time, the Flurry offers a joyful connection to music and movement from across the globe and our own backyards. Find full schedule details and grab your tickets at www.flurryfestival.org.

Ensemble Connect Performance 

Skidmore College, Arthur Zankel Music Center, located at 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 7:30 p.m. Ensemble Connect, a group of the finest young professional classical musicians based out of Carnegie Hall, celebrates its 19th year at Skidmore! 

GEORGE LEWIS | Broke (World Premiere, commissioned by Carnegie Hall)

VALERIE COLEMAN | Portraits of Langston

BARBER | Adagio for Strings

IVES | String Quartet No. 1, “From the Salvation Army” Suite

JOPLIN | The Entertainer, arr. Franz Beyer

JOPLIN | Paragon Rag, arr. William Zinn

This event is free and open to the public; tickets are required. https://www.purplepass.com/events/341637-ensemble-connect-feb-13th-2026. Call 518-580-5321 or email: zankel@skidmore.edu. 

Saturday, February 14

Valentine’s Day on the Rails

Corinth Station, 9 Railroad Place, Corinth | 3 p.m. Enjoy a romantic, southern Adirondacks 1.5-hour train ride with Fossil Stone Vineyards wine (cash bar) & free Saratoga Candy Co. chocolat. Cozy up in our heated cars or hit the open-air car and enjoy the crisp winter breeze. Perfect for couples or friends! Visit Corinthtrain.com to learn more and purchase tickets.

Sounds in Winter: A Touch of Woodwinds

Brookside Museum, The Long Room, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 3 – 4 p.m. Tune in for the third and final edition of the third season of the Sounds in Winter concert series. Brookside welcomes A Touch of Woodwinds, who will play music for Valentine’s Day. Enjoy the performance of this classical group within the wonderful acoustics of our historic Long Room. These concerts are sponsored jointly by The Ballston Spa Committee on the Arts, and The Saratoga County History Center with funding provided by The American Federation of Musicians Music Performance Trust Fund and a grant from Saratoga Arts.

Your support powers everything we do. All donations are welcome and enable us to continue offering the highest quality programming.

Spring Opening Reception

Tang Museum, Skidmore College Campus, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 5 p.m. Public conversation between Kathy Butterly and Dayton Director Ian Berry, followed by a reception.

Annual Sweetheart Dinner Dance

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge #161, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs 5:30 – 11 p.m. The popular band Skippy and the Pistons will be our entertainment for the night. Cocktails from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and entertainment from 8 – 11 p.m. There will be raffle baskets. Entrée choices are prime rib, baked salmon, or eggplant parmesan, served with herb roasted potatoes, tossed salad, roll, and veggies. A cupcake tower with a variety of flavors will be offered for dessert. Cost is $60 per person. Reservations first come first serve. RSVP to Barb Ash at 518-955-4588 with entrée choice, number of guests and payment. Reservations are due February 6.

Ballston Area Seniors Monthly Dance

Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 7 – 10 p.m. The dance is open to the public and there is free ample parking. There will be a donation of $7 per person. Snack and refreshment will be provided. Dance to the music of the DJ Mark Hersh (Adults Only). For more information call 518-490-2851.

Sunday, February 15

All You Can Eat Country Breakfast

Gansevoort Fire House, 1870 Route 32N, Gansevoort | 8 – 11 a.m. Menu includes: eggs cooked to order, omelets, pancakes, hash, French toast, home fries, biscuits with sausage gravy, orange juice, milk and coffee. Donation: $12 adults, $10 Seniors 55+ and Military and 1st Responders, $10. children 6-12, children under 6yrs. free.

Monday, February 16

Teen Take-and-Make: Watercolor Hoops

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Teen Room, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 3 – 4 p.m. 

Relax over February break with some watercolors! Teens in grades 7-12, stop by the Teen Room during open hours and pick up a kit to turn an ordinary embroidery hoop into a wild watercolor creation. 

While supplies last. No registration required.

Tuesday, February 17

Birding Walk

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, 80 Scout Rd., Gansevoort | 8 – 9 a.m. Join us on a morning walk through the Saratoga Sand Plains to see which birds stay around for the winter! Registration is required at least one business day in advance. Visit wiltonpreserve.org, email info@wiltonpreserve.org, or call 518-450-0321. Winter programs may be cancelled due to unsuitable weather/trail conditions.

Town of Greenfield Historical Society Meeting

Community Center, 25 Wilton Road, Greenfield Center | 7 p.m.  The speaker, Chris Carola, will share a Civil War presentation on the 77th Regiment, mustered in Saratoga Springs in late 1861, fought all the way through to Appomattox. Soldiers were from Saratoga, Fulton and Essex counties, including towns of Galway, Charlton, Gloversville, etc. Admission is free. All are welcome.

Wednesday, February 18

Pickin’s

Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa | 1 – 3 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. Open to the public, free admission and ample free parking. Call Earll 518-348-9922 with questions.

Meatloaf 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: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad, roll, gravy. Dinner $15 (cash only).

Free Community Meal

Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Falls | 5 – 6 p.m. Come join us for food and fellowship. This month we are serving grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup, pasta salad and chocolate cake. 

The Astronomy Club 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 p.m. The presentation by Steve Clark will be Can Planets Collide?  The Club is open to adults and teens (middle school and older).  Registration is requested, but not required, by calling 518-882-6385.  New members are welcome.

Thursday, February 19

 All Abilities Chair-Based Movement Workshop 

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2:30 p.m. This four-week low-impact program combines gentle stretching, adaptive movement, and familiar music to make it fun and enjoyable for all abilities. Movements are repetitive and easy to follow, which helps participants build confidence and develop muscle memory. Each Thursday including February 26, and March 5, 12. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Wilton Wildlife Leads Winter Walk at Ballston Creek Preserve

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, in partnership with Saratoga PLAN, will offer a guided winter walk at the Ballston Creek Preserve on Tuesday, March 10, at 10:00 a.m.

Led by a Wilton Wildlife environmental educator, the walk will introduce participants to the history of the preserve and its ecological transformation from former agricultural fields into a diverse forest of mixed conifer and hardwood trees, including several mature trees.

If there is snow, the walk will take place on snowshoes. Free snowshoe rentals are available to program participants thanks to the generous support of Brookfield Renewable N.A. If there is no snow, the program will be a trail walk. 

Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To register, please visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org. For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. Winter programs may be cancelled due to inclement weather or unfavorable trail conditions.

Saratoga Schools Education Foundation to Host First-Ever Pizza Wars on March 4

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education, Featured.

The Saratoga Schools Education Foundation is excited to announce its first-ever Pizza Wars, taking place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Saratoga Springs High School Cafeteria from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

This family-friendly event will bring together community members, students, and families for a night of fun, food, and friendly competition. Attendees will sample pizzas from local favorites and vote for Best Sauce, Best Crust, and Best Overall Pizza. Participating restaurants include Pizza Etc, Pope’s Pizza, Caputo’s Pizzeria, West Avenue Pizza, Rustic Pizza and Eats, D’Andrea’s, and 9 Miles East.

Tickets are available for $5 online in advance, with a limited number sold for $7 at the door. Each ticket includes pizza samples from all participating vendors.

Proceeds benefit the Saratoga Schools Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the Saratoga Springs City School District. The Foundation funds innovative programs and grants for educators to enhance student learning and achievement through creative practices.

“Pizza Wars is a delicious way for our community to come together while supporting student success,” said Maura Manny, Director of Community Outreach and Communications. “We are thrilled to feature local restaurants and give attendees the opportunity to vote for their favorites.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit:  https://my.cheddarup.com/c/pizzawars12866/.

Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild Offering Scholarships

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Since 1990, the Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild has offered scholarships to high school seniors in the Saratoga County area interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. 

This year, the Guild is offering up to five $2000 scholarships. Eligible students must be accepted into college for September of 2026, have a grade average of 80 or higher, have a documented record of community service, especially in a healthcare environment, and submit the application with all required documents by the deadline. 

Applicants will be expected to submit an essay of approximately 500 words. 

Application deadline is March 31, 2026. Recipients will be personally contacted by Volunteer Guild Scholarship Chairperson, Irma Somich, upon decision of the Scholarship Committee. Recipients will be formally announced and honored at the May Guild Dinner, details to follow. 

Description, requirements, and application forms are available through local high school guidance offices and online at hltps://albanymed.org/saratoga/volunteering-saratoga-hospital/

Racing Museum Updates Hall of Fame Voting Panel and Procedures

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Following a thorough review of its contemporary Hall of Fame voting panel and a comprehensive evaluation of the overall nominating and election process, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has made the following updates prior to the 2026 election cycle:

• A voter survey was conducted in December 2025 to guarantee an electorate that is deeply connected to the sport, knowledgeable, passionate, and responsive. That survey resulted in more than two dozen voters who received ballots in last year’s election being cycled off prior to the 2026 process. Additionally, several new voters were invited to participate this year, resulting in a contemporary voting group comprised of 154 members in 2026, down from 172 voters in 2025.

• Retired candidates selected by the Nominating Committee as finalists may appear on the Hall of Fame ballot a maximum of 10 times. Previously, there was no limit to the number of times a candidate could be a finalist within the 25-year eligibility window before timing out and transitioning to the Historic Review process. This policy will apply to all horses and retired jockeys and trainers. There will be no limit to the number of times an active jockey or trainer can appear on the ballot, as their credentials are evolving.

• Hall of Fame voters will receive past voting percentages as a reference tool to help evaluate the viability of candidates and how they are trending.

• All Hall of Fame voting will be done electronically (email) through the independent auditor McKenna and Franck CPAs, PC, based in Saratoga Springs. Ballots will no longer be physically mailed to voters. Materials for the 2026 election will be emailed to voters in mid-February when the finalists are announced.

NYRA Hosting Belmont Job Fair on Feb. 26

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business, Featured.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) recently announced it will host a job fair on Thursday, Feb. 26 to recruit employees for the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course.

The job fair will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on the first floor of the 1863 Club. Applicants should enter through the Wright Street entrance (Gate 8) with parking available in the 1863 Club lot.

Prospective workers will be able to meet with NYRA, Dyehard Fan Supply, Integrated Staffing, and Levy Restaurants, among others. Positions will include restaurant hosts and staff, premium experience team, mutuel clerks, cashiers, merchandise clerks, customer service, maintenance and grounds crew, white caps, parking attendants, and security guards.

Applicants must be at least 15 years of age and have New York State Certified Working Papers. Prospective security guards, cashiers and betting clerks must be at least 18 years of age to apply; security guards must have a high school degree or GED. All applicants must present a photo ID and Social Security card or I-9 alternative.

For more information, visit BelmontStakes.com.

Lago by Druthers Opens Free Public Ice-Skating Rink on Saratoga Lake

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business, Featured.

Photo of the new ice rink at Lago by Druthers provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Lago by Druthers has officially opened a free ice-skating rink on Saratoga Lake.

The outdoor rink, measuring 90’ x 120’, is located at 550 Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs and is open to skaters of all ages. Guests are asked to bring their own skates. 

“With such a cold winter, we wanted to give the community a free place to come together and enjoy the season,” said Chris Martell, president of Druthers Brewing Company. “From skating on the lake to warming up by the fire with hot cocoa, it’s all about getting people outside and making the most of the winter in Saratoga.” 

Lago also has multiple outdoor fire pits where guests can enjoy a drink and watch the skaters. In addition to Lago’s full menu, hot cocoa, both boozy and non-alcoholic, will be available for purchase. 

Skating hours will be Monday – Thursday 3-7 p.m., Friday 3-8 p.m., Saturday 12-8 p.m., and Sunday 12-7 p.m. The rink will be open weather permitting.

Barbershop Plans Relocation

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo by Adam Russell.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tru Cutz Barbershop, founded in 2016, held a ribbon cutting last Friday at its new, soon-to-open location at 148 South Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Tru Cutz is relocating to South Broadway after outgrowing its original location at 45 Park Place and spending years searching for a space that would support growth while staying close to the community that helped build the business. The new shop is located just two minutes from the original location.

The expanded South Broadway location allows Tru Cutz to grow from five barber chairs to eight, with room for future expansion, helping to reduce wait times and overcrowding. Renovations are nearing completion, with floors finished and barber chairs being moved into place.

The relocation was made possible through the support of Dan Roohan of Roohan Realty, who represented Tru Cutz Barbershop, along with Anne O’Toole and Cindy Hollowood, also of Roohan Realty, who had the South Broadway property listed for lease.

For more information, visit www.trucutzbarbershop.com or follow Tru Cutz on Instagram @trucutzbarbershop, Facebook (Tru Cutz Barbershop), and TikTok @trucutz.

74th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser Dinner

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


From the Saratoga Springs chapter of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick: Treasurer Jack Parrish, Vice President Steven Rowland, President Patrick Fleming, Secretary Michael Mitchell, and Past President and Keeper of the Shillelagh Mark Phillips. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs chapter of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with their 74th annual dinner on March 17 at the Holiday Inn on Broadway. 

The group is a fraternal organization that meets once each year on St. Patrick’s Day to honor the patron saint of Ireland and to raise money for local Catholic charitable organizations.

Last year, the organization had 122 dinner attendees and raised $5,000 for local Catholic charities.

The 2026 officers for the dinner are President Patrick Fleming, Vice President Stephen Rowland, Treasurer Jack Parrish, Secretary Michael Mitchell, and Past President and Keeper of the Shillelagh Mark Phillips.