Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours

Come walk with us and hear the stories of Haunted Saratoga. Hear the stories that have lived on in our city for hundreds of years. They will enchant, entertain, and perhaps even scare you. Our 90-minute long walking tour will take you in search of the countless ghosts ruAmored to haunt the city. Total walking distance is less than a mile, covered at a very leisurely pace so that you can enjoy Saratoga’s many infamous ghosts and haunted locations. The tour covers parts of Congress Park and downtown Saratoga Springs. Specific meeting instructions will be sent by email when the tours are booked. Friday and Saturday through October. Cost is $25 adults, $15 for children.  HauntedSaratogaTours.com. 

 HAUNTED CORN MAZE

Are you wondering what comes out at night in the corn maze? Stop by and enter our Field of Screams Friday and Saturday nights in October to find out! You will never experience anything quite like the Field of Screams! Every twist and turn in the maze will hold a new surprise for you. As you navigate your way through the corn maze, with just a flashlight to light your way, anticipation and fear will build inside of you. There are demons and ghouls around every bend…masked men with chainsaws following behind you…haunted buildings within the maze to pass thru…and many more surprises that will make you laugh and cry.  The Haunted Maze is a unique experience that will have you coming back year after year.  We are the stalk of the town. Schuyler Farms, Route 29 – Schuylerville. Visit schuylerfarms.com for more details. 

NIGHTMARES AT LIBERTY RIDGE FARM

As the sun sets over Liberty Ridge, the Farm turns into a haunted nightmare. Featuring 5 haunted attractions, all at 1 location. Each attraction is scarier than the one before, sure to leave everyone who enters trembling with fear. Nightmares is a journey into the heart of darkness, where the only way to survive is to keep moving forward…For more information, or to buy tickets, visit LRFnightmares.com. 

HAUNTED HAYRIDES 

This year’s walk-through attractions include Brutality, Blood Moon Farm, Dead Root Dwelling, The Last Inn, Doom County FEARgrounds and Martin’s Memorial Hospital. Enjoy our midway Feartainment featuring interactive creatures, music, concession stand, souvenir stand, and photo booth. Book your reservation now online or by calling 518-884-9122. For more Information, visit https://doublemhauntedhayrides.com/reservations/

Teen Make & Sip: Pumpkin Painting 

Thursday, October 29 at 4:30 pm at Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library located at 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park. Join us for a festive Halloween pumpkin painting party. We’ll provide the pumpkins, apple cider, and mocktails! For grades 6-12. Registration is required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org.

Halloween Weekend Haunted House

Join us at The Fraternal Order of Eagles, 80 Main St., South Glens Falls, for a night of frights, screams & thrills as the Haunted House takes over Halloween weekend. October 30, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. and October 31, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.  Dare to enter…if you’re brave enough! The scares are waiting! 

Her Self-Inflicted Decapitation

Friday, October 30, 6 – 8 p.m. at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa. Celebrate spooky season by attending the premiere of this horror short, directed by local filmmaker Noah Manglapus. Filmed exclusively at Saratoga County History Center, this short film offers a ghostly, behind-the-scenes view of Brookside Museum. Enjoy hot popcorn, soft drinks, and a good scare. Come in historical dress, a Halloween costume, or as you are. Screening with a director introduction and Q&A to follow. Tickets are $5.  

Concert by Candlelight

Hundreds of flickering candles, live music and a fairly spooky finale will set the stage for a fundraiser supporting Mostly Modern Projects (MMP), the Saratoga Springs-based nonprofit working to bring the music of today’s classical composers to audiences, musicians, and communities around the world. FAB5: Concert by Candlelight & Fall Fundraiser will take place on Friday, October 30, at 7:00 p.m. at Saratoga Arts in Saratoga Springs. Ticketing details are available at https://mostlymodernprojects.org/event/mostly-moderns-fab5-by-candlelight/. 

The Haunting History of Mt. McGregor Halloween Special

History can certainly be dark and spooky. Other than the death of a U.S. president, Mt. McGregor has had its share of tragedies. Join Grant Cottage staff member Ben Kemp on October 31 at 1 p.m. as he shares true tales of mystery and misfortune on the mountain from the last 150 years. Note: some program content involves discussing elements of death, self-harm, and suffering and may be considered too graphic for sensitive audiences. www.grantcottage.org. 

TRICK OR TREAT AT THE PALACE 

Spend Halloween at the Palace Theater! Our annual FREE Halloween Trick-or-Treat event returns on Saturday, October 31 from 4 – 7 p.m. We transform the historic Palace Theatre into a Halloween wonderland filled with treats, activities, music, surprises and plenty of spooky fun. Children and families are invited to stop by the Palace while out trick-or-treating for FREE candy, live music from DJ TGIF, balloon twisters, spooks, scares and plenty of Halloween fun throughout the Palace. Admission is FREE, making the event an opportunity for families from across the Capital Region to celebrate Halloween together in a safe, welcoming and festive environment. www.palacealbany.org.

Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library Book Sale

Get ready for winter and stock up on paperback books at the annual sale. Books are two for $1; all items in the Book Shop are 25% off. Sale runs Friday, November 6 and Saturday November 7 from 10 a.m.  to 4 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs.

2026 Corpus Christi Fall Festival

November 7: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and November 8: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 2001 Route 9, Round Lake. The Corpus Christi Fall Festival is a fun-filled event open to the whole community!  Enjoy browsing lovely handmade items (beautiful jewelry & stained glass, unique Christmas ornaments, heirloom-quality quilts, an exquisite, handcrafted dollhouse, and much more); generously filled raffle baskets brimming with specialty items and gift cards from your favorite local establishments; a bountiful bake sale with all your fall favorites; and delicious hot breakfast & lunch items.  Ample/free parking!  Come celebrate the season with us! 

Fall Fun Day

Join us at Van Schaick Mansion, located at 1 Van Schaick Ave, Cohoes, on Sunday November 8, from 3 – 5 p.m. Bring the whole family. Enjoy music, apple cider and donuts, a scavenger hunt, colonial craft, and make your own sundaes. Admission: A $5 donation is suggested to support the preservation of this historic site.

Annual Fall Bazaar

Saturday, November 14, 9:30 am to 3 pm for the Benefit of the Ballston Area Seniors at Town of Milton Community Center, located at 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa. Come out to our Fall Bazaar and get into the holiday spirit. We have 27 vendors and crafters of all kinds. Country Café, Bake Goods, Crafter, Books & Puzzles, Thrift Room, 50/50. Raffle featuring Baskets of assorted items & gift cards, & services.

You do not have to be present to win.

Annual Nutcracker Tea Fundraiser

The Nutcracker Tea will return on Sunday, November 22 at the historic Canfield Casino in Congress Park. A popular Saratoga holiday tradition that frequently sells out, the event combines a festive afternoon of ballet, high tea and local shopping with fundraising support for the organization’s youth programs.

Featuring a special appearance by New York City-based professional freelance dancer Madeline Bez as the Sugar Plum Fairy, this year’s fundraiser also offers an expanded holiday marketplace in the casino’s elegant parlor. Guests can choose from two festive seatings, 11 a.m. or 3 p.m., to step into the “Land of the Sweets” and celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. For information, visit saratogaspringsyouthballet.org or email info@saratogaspringsyouthballet.org.

 Local Makers Sought for Artisans Market

The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum is seeking craft vendors for its 26th Annual Artisan’s Market.  This juried market is to be held at the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum from November 28th – December 23rd. The Artisan’s Market features only handmade and handcrafted products created by the vendor. The market is heavily attended. The museum utilizes social media, posters, email blasts, press releases and media announcements, our newsletter and website to promote this eagerly anticipated event. Interested Artisans, please email bsilvestri@brooksidemuseum.org for more information.

Friday, October 30

Ski Movie: Warren Miller’s “Days Off”

Trombley Auditorium, Maple Avenue Middle School, 515 Maple Ave. Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Join us on October 30 to celebrate our 85 Ski Seasons!  The movie will be held at  Ticket price purchased in store at Alpine Sport Shop, $20.  $15 for ages 12 and younger.  Also available at the door the night of the event, $25.  $20 for ages 12 and younger. Event profits benefit Saratoga Springs Alpine Ski Team & Double H Ranch Adaptive Winter Sports Program. Those attending the movie will have a chance to win amazing SKI GEAR, including a pair of Rossignol skis, Helmets & Goggles, Hestra gloves and much, much more!

Saturday, October 31

10th Annual Saratoga Recycles Day 

SPAC overflow parking lot, west side of Route 50, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – Noon. Sponsored by Adirondack Trust Company, this volunteer-powered event has kept tons of reusable goods out of local landfills by giving them a second life. Electronics & Appliances: TVs ($20 fee, limit 2), monitors, computers, printers, A/V gear, and appliances with refrigerants via Capital Region Electronics Recycling. Mattresses & Box Springs: New for 2026! Recycled via Casella for a $53 fee per piece. Books & Media: Gently used books, textbooks, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and games for Saratoga Children’s Literacy League & Bulk Book Warehouse. Clothing & Textiles: Clothes, shoes, coats, linens, and towels in any condition via American Clothing Recycling Company. Eyeglasses & Hearing Aids: For the Saratoga Lions Club (no cases). Cell Phones: Any condition, with chargers, for Wellspring. Adult Bicycles: Adult bikes and 20”/24” mountain bikes for Bikeatoga. Cost is $5 per vehicle. (Note: NO Scrap metal, small kitchen appliances, batteries, light bulbs, and hazardous materials. These CANNOT be accepted.)

Sunday, November 1

Tang Guide Tour

Tang Museum, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 2 – 3 p.m. Join us for a tour of the Museum and current exhibitions with a Tang Guide. This event is open to the public, and visitors are invited to stay after the tour and look around the galleries. Weekly tours are given by Tang Guides, many of whom are Skidmore College students, who are trained gallery ambassadors and tour guides. Through this program, they are introduced to the Tang and the museum world, trained to give tours, and gain valuable real-world experiences interacting with visitors. Free admission.

Monday, November 2

Restaurant Week and Toys for Tots Kick Off

Top of Caroline St., Saratoga Springs | 4 p.m. Restaurant Week runs November 2–8 at 40 participating restaurants throughout Saratoga County, featuring $15 breakfast and lunch specials and three-course dinners for $25, $35, or $45, plus tax and gratuity. The annual event encourages residents and visitors to dine out, try new restaurants, and support Saratoga County’s local dining scene. Toys for Toga is an annual holiday giving campaign that collects new, unwrapped toys and monetary donations for children and families in need throughout Saratoga County. State and local elected officials are expected to attend, along with representatives and local businesses supporting both initiatives.

Galway Preservation Society Monthly Program

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:45.   “Nicholas Veeder, the Liberty Flag and Other Interesting People & Facts of the American Revolution” presented by Michael Diana, Director of Education for the Schenectady County Historical Society. Nicholas Veeder, a Revolutionary War Veteran of Schenectady, owned a Liberty flag, one of several known revolutionary flags. Veeder carefully preserved the flag and carried it in early Independence Day parades.  Veeder died at age 100 in 1862 and was photographed around this time outside his Scotia home in his Revolutionary War uniform, with revolutionary firearms and the Liberty flag. Open to the public, free of charge.  Annual family or household memberships are available for $10 per year.  Please join us for some fun and learn more about our history.

Tuesday, November 3

Election Day Chili Plus Day

Malta Ridge Methodist Church, 729 Malta Ave Ext., Malta | 11:30 a.m. -6 p.m. Take out menu—Chili, salad, Italian bread, cookies. Eat-in menu–Chili, spaghetti pie casserole, Italian bread, salad,

Cookies. Donation $10. Also assorted Pies (baker’s choice) will be available for sale for $15 while they

last (no preorders).

Annual Election Day Chicken & Biscuit Dinner 

Middle Grove United Methodist Church, 429 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 3 – 6 p.m. or until sold out, (he Little White Church across from the Middle Grove Park). Homemade dinner includes chicken & gravy with peas & carrots, biscuits, cranberry salad, and apple crisp. Drive thru take out only. 

Take Out Chicken BBQ and Bake Sale

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs | 4 – 6 p.m. Hosted by Ladies of Charity. Meal incudes: ½ of chicken, cornbread, roasted potatoes and coleslaw.  Meals must be reserved to guarantee a meal. Price is $20, cash or check only. Call Connie Scirocco 518-584-3468 to reserve your meal. Bake sale will include cakes, breads, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, muffins, and other specialties homemade by our members.

Wednesday, November 4

Stuffed Chicken Breast 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: Boneless stuffed chicken breast with gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, roll, tossed salad. Dinner: Dinner: $15 (cash only).

Pickin’s

Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Doors open 6 p.m. Open to the Public, Free Admission & ample free parking. 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 518-248-9922 with questions.

Thursday, November 5

Luther Forest: A Family, A Woodland, A Legacy: A Curator’s Tour

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa | 2 – 3 p.m. A temporary exhibition with guided tours led by our director and exhibition curator, Anne Hollmuller. Join Anne on a small group tour of our new temporary exhibition, where she will discuss the history and evolutions of Luther Forest, our Luther-Mackay family archive, and the curatorial process. Members are free, non-members $5. Register at brooksidemuseum.org. 

Community Night

Saratoga Outdoors, 490 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 8 p.m. YOU’RE INVITED! Stop by Saratoga Outdoors for a special Community Night. The evening will feature Sustainable Saratoga, who will be on-site sharing more about their mission and impact. 30% of all sales during this event will be donated directly to their organization. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a $100 Saratoga Outdoors gift card that will be raffled off. Come support their cause while shopping for quality outdoor gear!

Toastmasters 

Nemer Conference Room, 617 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs | 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. Toastmasters is a nonprofit organization that helps people develop their communication and leadership skills through practice and feedback. Our local club, Saratoga Turftalkers meets the first and third Thursday of each month. It is a perfect learning environment for career advancement by becoming a better communicator and leader. https://www.toastmasters.org/. https://saratogaturftalkers.toastmastersclubs.org

Friday, October 23

Baskets for Ben

Queensbury VFW Post 6196, 32 Luzerne Rd., Queensbury | Doors open at 4:30 p.m. to a Silent Auction featuring an array of sparkling wrapped Baskets of Gifts.  At 6:30 p.m. Auctioneer Roy Ross will auction gifts for your home, car, entertainment, overnight accommodations, sports, art, food, spirits, crafted goods, golf packages, store and restaurant gift cards, beauty and spa items and a Monahan Firepit. A full buffet of delectable foods & desserts, plus a cash bar. All proceeds benefit Ben’s Fund, created in loving memory of CPL Benjamin D. Osborn of Queensbury, which helps thousands of kids with need in over 64 schools. Ben was killed during a combat rescue mission in Kunar Province, Afghanistan on June 15, 2010, while serving in the United States Army in the war on terror. Tickets: $25. For details, visit https://www.benosbornfund.org/events/. 

Artist Resources and Services Talk

Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 6 p.m. Artists of all disciplines are invited to join us for this free event hosted by New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) and Saratoga Arts. The two artist service organizations will share an overview of resources and services available to support your practice. Whether you’re trying to raise money to finish a particular project, seeking feedback on your work, looking for an artist residency, or trying to find a job, NYFA has resources that you can use to help you sustain and grow your artistic practice. For questions, email learning@nyfa.org. 

Movie Night: Peace Child 

Adirondack Christian Fellowship, 8 Mountain Ledge Drive, Suite 2, Wilton | 7 – 8 p.m. As war breaks out among a dangerous southwest Pacific tribe…a primitive custom revolutionizes lives.  “Peace Child” is a remarkable recounting of a harrowing time in New Guinea. Some native nudity.  Invite a friend for the one night free showing courtesy of Vision Video.  

Ensemble Connect Performance

Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 7:30 p.m. Known for “fresh, exciting performances charged with creativity, energy, and daring” (New York Classical Review), Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect presents a characteristically adventurous program featuring works by some of the chamber repertoire’s most distinctive composers. In addition to notable but underperformed works by György Ligeti, Charles Martin Loeffler, and Zoltán Kodály, the ensemble performs a favorite: Béla Bartók’s Contrasts, a piece created in response to requests by jazz great Benny Goodman and Hungarian violinist Joseph Szigeti. For more information, visit https://www.skidmore.edu/zankel-music-center/events.php. 

Saturday, October 24

Autumn Discovery Walk 

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 8:30 a.m. Join an educator and learn new information about the sights and sounds of Camp Saratoga. With autumn in full swing, you are bound to discover amazing things! Registration is required for most of our programs at least one business day in advance. Register on our website, wiltonpreserve.org or by calling the office at 518-450-0321. Our programs are weather dependent and may be cancelled due to inclement weather or poor trail conditions. 

Bookfair for the Academy for Lifelong Learning

Barnes & Noble, Wilton Square, 3029 Route 50, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Enjoy early holiday shopping for books, music & movies, stationary & gifts, toys & games – something for everyone on your list. Academy greeters will be on hand with vouchers and a free raffle. By presenting the voucher to your cashier, A.L.L. will receive a percentage of your purchases. For more information on the Academy for Lifelong Learning, visit www.allsaratoga.org or contact Academy Executive Director, Jeff Shinaman at jeff@allsaratoga.org or call (518) 290-6988.

Regional Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Siena University, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville | Check-in: 10 a.m. Opening ceremony 11 a.m.; walk follows. Register: https://act.alz.org/albanywalk. Contact: Kristin Williams, 518-675-7203, kmwilliams@alz.org. Participation is free, and participants are welcome to fundraise or make a donation to support the Alzheimer’s Association. The event will feature a Promise Garden ceremony and informational tables offering Alzheimer’s education and access to local resources.

Film: Facing the Wind 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway |10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., An award-winning documentary featuring a love story between people with Lewy body dementia, the spouses who care for them, and the remarkable community where they find sustenance and support.  The film will be followed by a discussion of the film facilitated by Cate La Barre, Life Coach.   Registration required by calling 518-882-6385.

Fix It, Don’t Trash It! 

Innovation Center at Saratoga, 16 Old Stonebreak Rd., Malta | 1 – 4 p.m. Come to the Malta Repair Café and bring your wobbly chairs, favorite lamps, torn clothing—even that beloved stuffed animal— and let’s fix them together! Sustainable Saratoga and the Innovation Center at Saratoga invite 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.

Sounds in Autumn: The Epilogue Trio

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa | 3 – 5 p.m. Now in its fourth year, the “Sounds in Winter” Concert Series will continue with the Epilogue Trio. The Epilogue Trio is made up of local, well-known musicians Melanie Chirignan on flute, Andrew Snow on viola and Karlinda Caldicott on the harp. This performance features music that you might hear at a circus and will include the famous Libertango by Astor Piazzolla. The performance is free, however registration is required, as seating is limited.

Sunday, October 25

Breakfast Buffet

ITAM Post #35, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs | 8 – 11 a.m. Eggs to order, bacon, pancakes, etc. All are Welcome. $11 adults, $10 seniors, $6 children (10 & under), children under 5 free, $13 takeout orders. All are welcome.

Final Autumn Sunday Stroll “Historic Madison & Fifth Avenues

Meets at the NE corner of Nelson and Fifth Avenues | 10:30 a.m. Join Steve Attanasio for this tour that explores the architecture and development of a charming neighborhood near Saratoga Race Course that is a fine example of post-Civil War residential development, a time that Saratoga Springs saw rapid growth. The tour will highlight the different architectural styles of the residences – Second Empire, Queen Anne, Craftsman, Tudor Revival, and Colonial Revival – as well as the people who built them.  For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 518-587-5030, email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org, or visit our website, saratogapreservation.org.

Art for Good Fundraiser

Elks Lodge, 69 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Art is a powerful thing, it can lift your spirits and offer a new perspective. With the community in mind, Saratoga Springs Arts District Inc. (SSADI) presents Art for Good, a fundraiser to support local nonprofits while enhancing people’s lives through lovingly donated works of art. There will be entertainment and free art lessons at Living Resources across the street at 70 Beekman Street. This project has been spearheaded by ceramic artists Nancy Niefield and Rebecca Cigal and quickly embraced by fellow artists.   Contributed art works by talented local artists will be sold for whatever people offer. Find a treasure, pay what you will.  Proceeds will be given to the Franklin Community Center, the Frederick Allen Elks Lodge and SSADI. 

For more information visit SaratogaArtDistrict.com. 

Women’s Club Basket Raffle  

Principessa Elena Sunday, 13 Oak Street, Saratoga Springs | Doors open at Noon. Drawings start at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for 25 entries, $25 for 75 entries, $40 for $125 entries. Monies raised will be donated to a local charity. 

Old Champlain Canal Lantern Festival

Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center, Schuylerville | 5 – 7 p.m. An evening of song, stories, lanterns, and canal tradition. A free drop-in luminary lantern making for all ages will be held from 5 – 5:30 p.m. Then at 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.  opening remarks by Frank Lombardo followed by story and song with Canal Balladeer George Ward and Tales and Lore from Cindy’s Cabinet of Crafted Curiosities Puppet Show. At 6:30 p.m. there will be a Lantern Procession to the Schuylerville Basin for Song and Lantern Launch. All are welcome.

Monday, October 26

Film: Cast a Giant Shadow

Zoom Panel Discussion, 7 p.m. Saratoga Jewish Community Arts presents the panel discussion. The star-studded film is a compelling, part-fact, part-fiction drama inspired by the heroic struggle for Israel’s independence in 1948. Directed, produced, and written by Melville Shavelson. It portrays the work of U.S. Army Colonel and West Point graduate David “Mickey” Marcus to organize and train forces for the newly declared State of Israel during the 1948 War of Independence. Even 17 years later in 1965, Shavelson faced widespread rejections from Hollywood studios, which cited risks from the story’s pro-Jewish/Israel theme and broader industry hesitancy toward politically sensitive Middle East narratives. See the film and judge for yourself, 60 years later.  Pre-registration is required: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/KDlBxcx/CastGiantShadow

Tuesday, October 27

ACOTAR 6 Release Party

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 8 p.m. Come celebrate the release day of A Court of Thorns and Roses Book 6: A Court of Splintered Harmony with fellow ACOTAR and romantasy fans! There will be themed mocktails, crafts, snacks, and trivia (with a grand prize!), along with fresh copies of the book to borrow. Dressing up is welcome but not required. www.sspl.org. 

Poetry Night

Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Doors open for sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. Caffè Lena will present a poetry reading by Chris McNally. An open-mic poetry reading will follow. The host for the event will be Carol Graser, and the cost is $5 general, free for students. The featured reading will also be livestreamed. You can find a link for the livestream at caffelena.org.  518-583-0022. 

Wednesday, October 28

Chicken & Biscuits 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: Dinner: chicken & bisquits, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad. Dinner: $15 (cash only).

Photography Club 

Galway Public Library Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. This month, Steve Clarke & Rich Horsch will be presenting “Digital Apps for Astrophotography.”  Our meetings are open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information, contact Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com.

Thursday, October 29

Dharma Gaze: Poetry Reading by Anne Waldman

Tang Museum, Payne Room, Skidmore College Campus, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m.

Poet, performer, and activist Anne Waldman presents Dharma Gaze, a poetry reading whose title draws on her engagement with Buddhist practice. Waldman is the author of more than 70 volumes of poetry, poetics, and anthologies and co-founder of the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University.

Social Security Retirement Planning Program

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m.  Making decisions about when and how to claim Social Security benefits is difficult, yet crucial for your financial future.  This program will discuss the basics of Social Security and how to make informed decisions for your unique retirement situation.  Individuals ages 55 – 70 should attend.  This event is free. Please register no later than 7 days before the event at 518-882-6385.  Presented as a community service by John Kalil, Financial Advisor and Founder/President of Kalil Wealth Strategies.  

5th Annual Witch Walk & Dance

An exciting community event blending fun, philanthropy, and Halloween spirit, returns to Saratoga Springs on Saturday, October 17. Hosted by Witch Walk SOSA (Southern Saratoga), this event will raise crucial funds to support local animal rescue efforts while offering participants a magical day filled with entertainment, costumes, and more. Participants are encouraged to wear their best witch costumes and join the enchanting walk and dances through downtown Saratoga Springs. The festivities will begin at 37 High Rock Ave, Lower-Level Parking Garage and culminate in a lively celebration featuring local vendors, live performances, and Halloween-themed activities. To inquire about participation, donations, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.discoversaratoga.org/witch-walk-sosa/ or contact Wylda “Head Witch” at witchwalksosa@gmail.com. 

Twilight Cemetery Tour “Madness, Murder, Untimely Deaths, and Strange Coincidences” 

On Sunday, October 18 at 4:30 p.m., join Gloria May for a rare opportunity to explore Greenridge Cemetery at dusk. Navigate the tombs and monuments while unearthing tales of Saratoga’s most notable residents who have resided at Greenridge since 1844. Come discover the final resting place of many individuals who made Saratoga Springs their home while getting in the spooky spirit of the season. There are many stories – from heartwarming to scandalous – tied to the people buried there. If you are brave enough, join us for this spooky walk where the truth of this tale, and many others, may be even more unsettling than ghost stories! This special program lasts approximately 90 minutes and requires walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours will be limited to thirty, and tickets must be purchased in advance.  The cost per tour is $25 for SSPF members and $30 for non-members. For additional information on this program, or to purchase tickets visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org. 

West Mountain’s Fall Festival

October 10-11, October 17-18 & October 24-25, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Scenic hay wagon and chairlift rides, fall food and beverage menus in the main lodge, local outdoor and indoor vendors, pumpkin painting and inflatables, live music, mountaintop picnic packages and yoga, aerial treetop adventure, and more! Please visit https://westmountain.com/fall-festival/ for activity tickets and information.

Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours

Come walk with us and hear the stories of Haunted Saratoga. Hear the stories that have lived on in our city for hundreds of years. They will enchant, entertain, and perhaps even scare you. Our 90-minute long walking tour will take you in search of the countless ghosts rumored to haunt the city. Total walking distance is less than a mile, covered at a very leisurely pace so that you can enjoy Saratoga’s many infamous ghosts and haunted locations. The tour covers parts of Congress Park and downtown Saratoga Springs. Specific meeting instructions will be sent by email when the tours are booked. Friday and Saturday through October. Cost is $25 adults, $15 for children.  HauntedSaratogaTours.com

 HAUNTED CORN MAZE

Are you wondering what comes out at night in the corn maze? Stop by and enter our Field of Screams Friday and Saturday nights in October to find out! You will never experience anything quite like the Field of Screams! Every twist and turn in the maze will hold a new surprise for you. As you navigate your way through the corn maze, with just a flashlight to light your way, anticipation and fear will build inside of you. There are demons and ghouls around every bend…masked men with chainsaws following behind you…haunted buildings within the maze to pass thru…and many more surprises that will make you laugh and cry.  The Haunted Maze is a unique experience that will have you coming back year after year.  We are the stalk of the town. Schuyler Farms, Route 29 – Schuylerville. Visit schuylerfarms.com for more details. 

NIGHTMARES AT LIBERTY RIDGE FARM

As the sun sets over Liberty Ridge, the Farm turns into a haunted nightmare. Featuring 5 haunted attractions, all at 1 location. Each attraction is scarier than the one before, sure to leave everyone who enters trembling with fear. Nightmares is a journey into the heart of darkness, where the only way to survive is to keep moving forward…For more information, or to buy tickets, visit LRFnightmares.com. 

HAUNTED HAYRIDES 

This year’s walk-through attractions include Brutality, Blood Moon Farm, Dead Root Dwelling, The Last Inn, Doom County FEARgrounds and Martin’s Memorial Hospital. Enjoy our midway Feartainment featuring interactive creatures, music, concession stand, souvenir stand, and photo booth. Book your reservation now online or by calling 518-884-9122. For more Information, visit https://doublemhauntedhayrides.com/reservations/

FRIGHT FEST

Weekends, through October 25. Fright Fest brings haunted attractions, scare zones, live entertainment, night rides, limited-time food and drinks, and immersive Halloween thrills to Great Escape after dark. For days, times, details and ticket information, visit https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape/events/fright-fest.

Boo Fest by Day

Weekends through October 25. Boo Fest brings family-friendly Halloween fun to Great Escape with festive daytime activities made for younger guests and families. This fall tradition gives kids and parents a fun way to celebrate the season together with special entertainment, themed activities, and favorite rides in a playful Halloween setting. Families can enjoy kid-friendly experiences like a costume contest for children 12 and under, a Trick-or-Treat Trail, a Halloween scavenger hunt, interactive dance parties, a hay maze, and arts and crafts at Boo Fest Central. With so much to do throughout the park, Boo Fest is a great way to make fall memories together and enjoy the excitement of Halloween without the scares. For details, visit https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape/events/kids-boo-fest.

Halloween Ghost Tours of the Canfield Casino

Thursday, October 29, from 5 – 7 p.m. Held for one night only, the Halloween Ghost Tours invite visitors to experience a very different side of the historic Canfield Casino. Tours will depart every 20 minutes throughout the evening, leading guests through the Casino while sharing stories of its history, reported hauntings, paranormal investigations, and unexplained occurrences associated with the building. Rather than a traditional haunted-house attraction, the evening combines local history with the stories and experiences that have contributed to the Casino’s haunted reputation. Guests will explore historic spaces while learning about generations of Saratogians whose lives — and sometimes tragedies — remain represented through the Museum’s collections. Tickets: $25 per person. https://www.saratogahistory.org/events/halloween-ghost-tour-of-the-canfield-casino

Halloween Weekend Haunted House

Join us at The Fraternal Order of Eagles, 80 Main St., South Glens Falls, for a night of frights, screams & thrills as the Haunted House takes over Halloween weekend. October 30, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. and October 31, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.  Dare to enter…if you’re brave enough! The scares are waiting! 

Her Self-Inflicted Decapitation

Friday, October 30, 6 – 8 p.m. at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa. Celebrate spooky season by attending the premiere of this horror short, directed by local filmmaker Noah Manglapus. Filmed exclusively at Saratoga County History Center, this short film offers a ghostly, behind-the-scenes view of Brookside Museum. Enjoy hot popcorn, soft drinks, and a good scare. Come in historical dress, a Halloween costume, or as you are. Screening with a director introduction and Q&A to follow. Tickets are $5.  

Concert by Candlelight

Hundreds of flickering candles, live music and a fairly spooky finale will set the stage for a fundraiser supporting Mostly Modern Projects (MMP), the Saratoga Springs-based nonprofit working to bring the music of today’s classical composers to audiences, musicians, and communities around the world. FAB5: Concert by Candlelight & Fall Fundraiser will take place on Friday, October 30, at 7:00 p.m. at Saratoga Arts in Saratoga Springs. Ticketing details are available at https://mostlymodernprojects.org/event/mostly-moderns-fab5-by-candlelight/. 

The Haunting History of Mt. McGregor Halloween Special

History can certainly be dark and spooky. Other than the death of a U.S. president, Mt. McGregor has had its share of tragedies. Join Grant Cottage staff member Ben Kemp on October 31 at 1 p.m. as he shares true tales of mystery and misfortune on the mountain from the last 150 years. Note: some program content involves discussing elements of death, self-harm, and suffering and may be considered too graphic for sensitive audiences. www.grantcottage.org. 

Friday, October 16

Family Owl Prowls

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 7 p.m. On this nighttime hike we look and listen for owls and learn about their amazing adaptations as nocturnal predators. Take home an owl pellet to dissect and discover the owl’s diet by identifying the bones of its prey! Please register with the library at 518-584-7860, ext. 305.

Saturday, October 17

Halfmoon Fire Department Open House

315 Middletown Road, Halfmoon |12 – 3 p.m. 

The Halfmoon Fire Department will be holding their annual open house this weekend. Come down to the station to check out the apparatus, learn about fire safety, and learn how you can volunteer in your community. Event is free and open to the public.

Holiday Marketplace & Ornament Sale

The Kensington Halfmoom Clubhouse, Stone Quarry Rd. Clifton Park. | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at A one-day Artisan Showcase and Sale featuring handcrafted pieces by Patricia Becker.  *Charming Christmas Ornaments, *hand-crafted Palm Beach necklaces, Award-winning  Slinky Bracelets, *and a gorgeous collection of 10 different Original Creation Styles with Seashells of the World. Enjoy the creative energy and passion of this special 82-year-old artisan!  

Paint Collection Day

Saratoga Springs High School parking lot (entry from West Ave. only) | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. A free community event with day-of donations greatly appreciated. Pre-registration is encouraged. Sign up for a drop-off time. We will accept all types of paint, from latex to oil-based, so bring them all! No empty containers. Containers must be intact and not leaking and must have original manufacturer label. Our team of experts will be on hand to guide you through the process and ensure everything is properly recycled. https://sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/zero-waste/paint-collection-day/

Regional Walk to End Alzheimer’s

SUNY Adirondack, 640 Bay Road, Queensbury | Check-in: 9 a.m.; opening ceremony: 10 a.m.; walk follows. Register: https://act.alz.org/queensburywalk | Contact: Myles Littlejohn, 518-675-7193, mylittlejohn@alz.org. 

Surrender Day Trolley

Surrender Site, Saratoga Monument, Schuyler House, and Fort Hardy Park, Village of Schuylerville | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Celebrate the 249th anniversary of Burgoyne’s surrender by visiting important related sites in the Villages of Schuylerville and Victory by trolley! Saratoga National Historical Park is excited to partner with Saratoga250 and CDTA to make this possible. Park at the Schuyler House or Fort Hardy Park for the hop-on-and-hop-off trolley. Visit with park staff and volunteers to learn about the importance of the Saratoga Surrender Site, Saratoga Monument, and Schuyler House and the events which took place there. Saratoga250 will be at the Saratoga Revolutionary Experience Center in Fort Fardy Park located at 30 Ferry St, Schuylerville.

Heritage Hunters Annual Genealogy Conference

Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville | 9 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.  Speakers: Robert Cameron Weir, professional genealogist and author, and Tobi Kirschmann, teaching instructor of Forensics & Investigative Genealogy. Topics will be “Genealogical Gold in New England Town Books”; “Decoding the Past:  AI-Powered Photo Analysis for Genealogists”; and “Borrow, Don’t Invent.” A real case of discovering the identity of the father of a man named Jack. A catered lunch will be served. Early registration is encouraged. Conference fee is $25 for members and non-members or $40 for the Conference and a 2027 membership to HH. Contact Ginny Humphrey at 518-885-9309.     

Autumn Festival

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, 62 York Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  This family-friendly celebration is open to the public and will feature a lively mix of seasonal activities and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences such as rope making and wet felting, sheep shearing and pottery demonstrations, and a variety of games, crafts, and live music. Children and adults alike will delight in visiting with animals, sampling delicious food and baked goods, and browsing a selection of local vendors offering unique handmade items. Rain or shine. Admission is free, and activities are suitable for all ages. For more information, visit www.waldorfsaratoga.org or call 518-587-2224.

Gateway House of Peace Open House

479 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Gateway is an end-of-life comfort care home. Join us for a community meet and greet. Learn more about the work we do for individuals who have been diagnosed as terminally ill with less than three months to live and their families. Gateway is dedicated to providing, compassionate and dignified care and support for those in need of a home during their final days. Learn about volunteer opportunities in the house, our thrift shop and fundraising events. Come as you are. Stay awhile. Meet your Gateway community and have a cup of coffee and cookies.

14th Annual Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl

Begins at Druthers Brewing Company, 381 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 3 p.m. Pub Crawl participants will enjoy drink specials throughout the day, as well as light fare at the end. Participants can take part in an Architectural Scavenger Hunt to win a “Major Award.” Raffle tickets will also be available to win several prizes from local businesses. Tickets are $35 for an individual, $60 for two people, and $120 for a group of four. All participants will receive a complimentary T-shirt and pint glass with the purchase of tickets, while supplies last. Register online by Friday, October 16 at 9 p.m. or on the day of the Pub Crawl at Druthers starting at 2:30 p.m. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit our website, www.saratogapreservation.org, or call 518-587-5030.

Roast Beef Dinner 

Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Falls | 4:30–6:00 PM

Meal includes:  Roast Beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable & French onion soup, beverage and homemade desserts. Adults $12. We are encouraging pre-orders for pick-up & delivery dinners.

Sunday, October 18

American Legion Family Breakfast

American Legion Post 70, 34 West Ave. Saratoga Springs | 8 – 11 a.m. Menu- Scrambled Eggs, Biscuits & Gravy, Home Fries, Sausage, Bacon, Pancakes, Corned beef hash, Juice and Coffee.  $12 per person. Children 8 and under are free.

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 age 6-12, children under 6 yrs. old are free.

Autumn Stroll: Mom & Pops of the East Side.

Meets at | 10:30 a.m.  Carol Godette leads her wildly popular 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. Approximately 90 minutes and requires walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours are limited to thirty participants and 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, email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org, or visit our website, saratogapreservation.org.

Caffe Lena’s Playwright’s Jam 

Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 1 p.m. The very first public reading of a play developed in Caffe Lena’s Playwright’s Jam.  An exciting event for the audience; an important step for the playwright.  WHAT THE BEARD SAYS by Michael Walterich.   A quirky and topically, about divorce, broken hearts, dating, and a very hairy split-personality!  Reading begins at 1:15pm.. Suggested donation $5. 

Historic Van Schaick Mansion Open House

1 Van Schaick Ave, Cohoes | 1 – 4 p.m. Come and enjoy our guest author Greg Zoller who will present his latest book “Benedict Arnold-The Fighting General”, exploring alternative views on Arnold and reframing him as a brilliant commander, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. followed by a tour of the mansion. Light refreshments will be served. Admission to the grounds and cemetery is free, with a suggested donation of $5 for the speaker and tour. For more information about the Mansion please visit http://www.vanschaickmansion.org or visit our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/VanSchaickMansionProject/about.

Leaves and Trees: A Children’s Story Time & Craft

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 2 p.m. An engaging event celebrating the coming of fall with a read-aloud and fall-themed crafts. Meaghan will be reading “Fletcher and the Falling Leaves” by Julia Rawlinson and “A Tree for All Seasons” by Robin Bernard. Afterwards, we invite families to try leaf painting or enjoy fall coloring pages. This program is aimed at children ages 3-8, and children are encouraged to wear clothes that can handle a little paint mess. This event is free; however, registration is encouraged at our website, brooksidemuseum.org.

Monday, October 19

Herb Gardening After Summer Ends 

4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd, Ballston Spa | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Thymly Herb Garden Group will meet in the Schwerd Room of the Member Marilyn Stephenson will be presenting “Herb Gardening After Summer Ends.” She will share her experiences gardening as a year-round pursuit. There will be a short Herb of the Month presentation by a member. Following, light refreshments and a meeting. If the Ballston Spa School District closes that day, we will not meet. Guests are welcome! Please RSVP to thymlyherbgroup1@gmail.com with questions or let us know you will be joining us.

Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group meeting

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 2:30 p.m. All are welcome. Look forward to seeing you. Please contact us with any questions:  Gordon Blyth, gordonsblyth@gmail.com 917- 887-7980 or Marie Thorne, softballmom300@yahoo.com 518-810-8483.

When Mom or Dad Needs Help

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 6 p.m. Recognize the signs and start the conversation. Senior Care Consultant Lisa McLane will cover common signs that an older adult may need additional support. Participants will learn practical strategies for having compassionate and productive conversations with aging loved ones, explore community care options, and gain resources to help families plan for the future. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Tuesday, October 20

The Town of Greenfield Historical Society Meeting

Community Center, 25 Wilton Rd Greenfield Center | 7 p.m. During the Civil War, George Packer of Barkersville wrote to his family about his experiences in the Union Army, including life in camp and on the battlefield. Fifty-six of these letters have survived, and at our October meeting, Town of Providence Historian Bob Wemple will join us to share a video he has produced highlighting excerpts from George’s words, with period music, photographs, and drawings to illustrate the realities this Union soldier witnessed. Open to Public.

Wednesday, October 21

Pickin’s

The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | Doors open 1 p.m. Jam runs 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Open to the public, free admission & ample free parking. 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.

Roast Pork 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: roast pork, mashed potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, applesauce, gravy and roll, tossed salad. Dinner: $15 (cash only).

Free Community Meal

Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Falls | 5 – 6 p.m. This month we are serving Goulash, crusty bread, garden salad & cake. Come join us for food and fellowship.

Outrider (2025) Screening

Tang Museum, Somers Room, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Ahead of Waldman’s appearance, the Tang screens Alystyre Julian’s documentary portrait of the poet and her creative collaborations. The film features artistic circles that include Patti Smith, Meredith Monk, Laurie Anderson, and others. For details, visit tang.skidmore.edu/calendar. Free and open to the public.

Thursday, October 22

MS Support Group

By Zoom or in person at SAIL, 51 Glenwood Ave., Queensbury | 11 a.m. For information, please call Lou Ann 518-793-9506 or cell 518-232-1128. 

Community Night 

Saratoga Outdoors, 490 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 8 p.m.  You’re Invited! Stop by Saratoga Outdoors for a special Community Night. The evening will feature Franklin Community Center, who will be on-site sharing more about their mission and impact. 30% of all sales during this event will be donated directly to their organization. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a $100 Saratoga Outdoors gift card that will be raffled off. Come support their cause while shopping for quality outdoor gear!

Junk Journaling Club 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6-8 p.m. Junk journals are a fun, personalized scrapbook and journal rolled into one.  You will learn to create using materials like paper scraps, junk mail, magazines, and food boxes.  Please bring items you wish to create or decorate with.  Cost per class is $5.  Registration is requested at 518-882-6385.

Saratoga Film Forum: Twinless

Saratoga Arts Dee Sarno Theater, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Director James Sweeney – A young man grieving the loss of his twin brother joins a support group for “twinless twins”. The Film Forum aims to bring the community together through cinema and offer opportunities to engage with the medium in a more meaningful way. Fresh-made popcorn and water are available by donation. A limited number of seat cushions are also available for use. For our hard-of-hearing guests, all film audio is available via Auracast. Admission to a single screening is $10 – made available at the beginning of each week for that Thursday’s screening. We only accept cash at the door. A membership to the Film Forum can be purchased at a discounted rate and gives the ticketholder access to all the screenings. 

Festivals, Corn mazes, Spooky tours and more!

Twilight Cemetery Tour “Madness, Murder, Untimely Deaths, and Strange Coincidences” 

On Sunday, October 18 at 4:30 p.m., join Gloria May for a rare opportunity to explore Greenridge Cemetery at dusk. Navigate the tombs and monuments while unearthing tales of Saratoga’s most notable residents who have resided at Greenridge since 1844. Come discover the final resting place of many individuals who made Saratoga Springs their home while getting in the spooky spirit of the season. There are many stories – from heartwarming to scandalous – tied to the people buried there. If you are brave enough, join us for this spooky walk where the truth of this tale, and many others, may be even more unsettling than ghost stories! This special program lasts approximately 90 minutes and requires walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours will be limited to thirty, and tickets must be purchased in advance.  The cost per tour is $25 for SSPF members and $30 for non-members. For additional information on this program, or to purchase tickets visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org. 

West Mountain’s Fall Festival

October 10-11, October 17-18 & October 24-25, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Scenic hay wagon and chairlift rides, fall food and beverage menus in the main lodge, local outdoor and indoor vendors, pumpkin painting and inflatables, live music, mountaintop picnic packages and yoga, aerial treetop adventure, and more! Please visit https://westmountain.com/fall-festival/ for activity tickets and information.

Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours

Come walk with us and hear the stories of Haunted Saratoga. Hear the stories that have lived on in our city for hundreds of years. They will enchant, entertain, and perhaps even scare you. Our 90-minute long walking tour will take you in search of the countless ghosts rumored to haunt the city. Total walking distance is less than a mile, covered at a very leisurely pace so that you can enjoy Saratoga’s many infamous ghosts and haunted locations. The tour covers parts of Congress Park and downtown Saratoga Springs. Specific meeting instructions will be sent by email when the tours are booked. Friday and Saturday through October. Cost is $25 adults, $15 for children.  HauntedSaratogaTours.com

 HAUNTED CORN MAZE

Are you wondering what comes out at night in the corn maze? Stop by and enter our Field of Screams Friday and Saturday nights in October to find out! You will never experience anything quite like the Field of Screams! Every twist and turn in the maze will hold a new surprise for you. As you navigate your way through the corn maze, with just a flashlight to light your way, anticipation and fear will build inside of you. There are demons and ghouls around every bend…masked men with chainsaws following behind you…haunted buildings within the maze to pass thru…and many more surprises that will make you laugh and cry.  The Haunted Maze is a unique experience that will have you coming back year after year.  We are the stalk of the town. Schuyler Farms, Route 29 – Schuylerville. Visit schuylerfarms.com for more details. 

NIGHTMARES AT LIBERTY RIDGE FARM

As the sun sets over Liberty Ridge, the Farm turns into a haunted nightmare. Featuring 5 haunted attractions, all at 1 location. Each attraction is scarier than the one before, sure to leave everyone who enters trembling with fear. Nightmares is a journey into the heart of darkness, where the only way to survive is to keep moving forward…For more information, or to buy tickets, visit LRFnightmares.com. 

HAUNTED HAYRIDES 

This year’s walk-through attractions include Brutality, Blood Moon Farm, Dead Root Dwelling, The Last Inn, Doom County FEARgrounds and Martin’s Memorial Hospital. Enjoy our midway Feartainment featuring interactive creatures, music, concession stand, souvenir stand, and photo booth. Book your reservation now online or by calling 518-884-9122. For more Information, visit https://doublemhauntedhayrides.com/reservations/

FRIGHT FEST

Weekends, through October 25. Fright Fest brings haunted attractions, scare zones, live entertainment, night rides, limited-time food and drinks, and immersive Halloween thrills to Great Escape after dark. For days, times, details and ticket information, visit https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape/events/fright-fest.

Boo Fest by Day

Weekends through October 25. Boo Fest brings family-friendly Halloween fun to Great Escape with festive daytime activities made for younger guests and families. This fall tradition gives kids and parents a fun way to celebrate the season together with special entertainment, themed activities, and favorite rides in a playful Halloween setting. Families can enjoy kid-friendly experiences like a costume contest for children 12 and under, a Trick-or-Treat Trail, a Halloween scavenger hunt, interactive dance parties, a hay maze, and arts and crafts at Boo Fest Central. With so much to do throughout the park, Boo Fest is a great way to make fall memories together and enjoy the excitement of Halloween without the scares. For details, visit https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape/events/kids-boo-fest.

Halloween Weekend Haunted House

Join us at The Fraternal Order of Eagles, 80 Main St., South Glens Falls, for a night of frights, screams & thrills as the Haunted House takes over Halloween weekend. October 30, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. and October 31, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.  Dare to enter…if you’re brave enough! The scares are waiting! 

Her Self-Inflicted Decapitation

Friday, October 30, 6 – 8 p.m. at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa. Celebrate spooky season by attending the premiere of this horror short, directed by local filmmaker Noah Manglapus. Filmed exclusively at Saratoga County History Center, this short film offers a ghostly, behind-the-scenes view of Brookside Museum. Enjoy hot popcorn, soft drinks, and a good scare. Come in historical dress, a Halloween costume, or as you are. Screening with a director introduction and Q&A to follow. Tickets are $5.  

Concert by Candlelight

Hundreds of flickering candles, live music and a fairly spooky finale will set the stage for a fundraiser supporting Mostly Modern Projects (MMP), the Saratoga Springs-based nonprofit working to bring the music of today’s classical composers to audiences, musicians, and communities around the world. FAB5: Concert by Candlelight & Fall Fundraiser will take place on Friday, October 30, at 7:00 p.m. at Saratoga Arts in Saratoga Springs. Ticketing details are available at https://mostlymodernprojects.org/event/mostly-moderns-fab5-by-candlelight/. 

The Haunting History of Mt. McGregor Halloween Special

History can certainly be dark and spooky. Other than the death of a U.S. president, Mt. McGregor has had its share of tragedies. Join Grant Cottage staff member Ben Kemp on October 31 at 1 p.m. as he shares true tales of mystery and misfortune on the mountain from the last 150 years. Note: some program content involves discussing elements of death, self-harm, and suffering and may be considered too graphic for sensitive audiences. www.grantcottage.org. 

Friday, October 9

Yarn Swap

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. Saratoga Springs | Are you a knitter, crocheter, or other crafter with an assortment of leftover skeins of yarn? Now’s your chance to send them off to good homes and pick up something new! Drop off your full skeins of yarn at the info desk now through October 14, then return on October 16 to pick out new-to-you yarn! Those without yarn to swap can still get yarn from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. on the 16th.

Saturday, October 10

29th Annual John J. Lant Jr. Memorial Blood Drive

Maple Avenue Company 4 Firehouse, 613 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Spring | 8 a.m.  – 1 p.m. Help save lives and keep John’s memory alive! To schedule your appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit, redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: CO4.

The 2026 Showcase of Homes – 30th Anniversary

Various Locations throughout Saratoga County | The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is being proudly presented on October 10-11. Tickets are on sale now, cost is $25. This year’s tour includes 13 locations in Saratoga County from 12 award-winning builders. For more details, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. Check us out on FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM and follow all the updates on this year’s event!

Tom Indiano Memorial Ride

Meet at ITAM, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. KSU: 12 p.m.  Honor – Brotherhood – Never Forgotten – 20th Anniversary of the loss of Tom Indiano. In his honor we are putting together the scenic ride around Sacandaga Lake. Sponsored by Saratoga Springs Fire Fighters, benefiting Fire Fighters Community Fund. Registration: $20 per person. For information, contact Fred Whipple, 518-376-2892 or email frdwhpp@aol.com. 

Artist Talk 

Saratoga Arts, Main and Atrium Galleries, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 12 – 2 p.m. 

You’ll learn about the artist’s processes, inspiration, and ideas, with a chance to ask questions regarding their artwork. Our juried exhibitions highlight artists from the Capital Region, this is a great opportunity to both hear about their practices, meet and connect with the exhibiting artists. There will be a screening of Kevin Mosca’s new short film “The Birthday Party” after the talk. This is the last day to see the exhibitions!

Landscapes for Landsake Public Reception

172 State Route 372, Cambridge | noon-5 p.m. $10 admission includes a glass of wine or beer and priority viewing for online art as well as those hung in the barn.  Gallery hours will also be held on Sunday, October 11, noon – 4 p.m. with free admission.  Visitors are invited to browse and purchase artwork, meet fellow art and conservation enthusiasts, and learn more about ASA’s efforts to keep local farmland and forests protected. After the in-person event concludes, art purchases can still be made online from October 12 through November 15, at www.LandscapesForLandsake.com.  

Foliage & Furry Friends Pet Festival

Grant Cottage, 1000 Mt. McGregor Rd., Wilton | 1 p.m. Join us for a day devoted to our belove pets. We are planning a range of tours, vendors, and of course, the stunning views of fall foliage. Bring your furry friend to learn more about local pet-related organizations and resources, and enjoy treats for both. Learn about the pets of the U.S. Grant family with a free 1 p.m. living history presentation. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to join fellow pet-lovers for a day on the mountain. www.grantcottage.org. 

The Wrong Question Project

Wellspring, 2816 US Route 9, Malta | 1 – 3 p.m. and 3 – 5 p.m. A survivor-led documentary exhibit that examines victim-blaming and the failures that can follow when survivors and families are asked to explain violence they did not cause. The exhibit brings together clothing, photographs, testimony, audio, video and other records. Some of the stories may be familiar. Others have unfolded much closer to home. Denise Huskins Quinn, whose experience with her husband, Aaron Quinn, was featured in Netflix’s American Nightmare, will attend. The exhibit also includes Gabby Petito’s story. Bevin Llanes, the mother of Meghan Kiefer, will join the event. Kiefer was killed in a domestic violence homicide on Long Island in 2021 by an abuser from Albany. Helen Travis will bring the story of her daughter, Brianna Craig, into the exhibit for the first time. Craig was a young mother murdered in Saratoga Springs in 2024.

Admission is free, but registration is required and space is limited. Details and registration are available at www.wellspringcares.org/events. 

Ballston Area Seniors Monthly Dance

Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 7 – 11 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, or bring a snack to share, your choice. Dance to the music of the Peaceful Country Band (Adults Only). For more information call 518-490-2851. 

Saratoga Springs Fire Department Open House

Fire Station #1, 60 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs | 1 – 4 p.m. Come meet your local heroes and see behind the scenes. Highlights include fire engine and ladder truck tours, firehouse tours, junior firefighter activities, refreshments, giveaways. Fund for the whole family, all ages welcome.

Sunday, October 11

Autumn Stroll: Wealth & Wellness: Franklin Square

Meets at the NW corner of Lake and East Avenues | 10:30 a.m.  Join Carrie Woerner, NYS Assemblywoman and former SSPF Executive Director. The neighborhood is characterized by beautiful Greek Revival houses, which became occupied by wealthy part-time and full-time residents of the city as the population began to grow. As you walk through Saratoga’s oldest residential neighborhood, Carrie will share architectural insights and point out one of the city’s oldest remaining residences.  Approximately 90 minutes and requires walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours are limited to thirty participants and 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, email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org, or visit our website, saratogapreservation.org.

Pumpkin Palooza

Cookies & Cream/Finishing Touches/Eggs on the Run, 450 East High St. Malta | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Live music, face painting, pumpkin painting contest, loads of fun & games. Breakfast from Eggs on the Run plus hotdogs, hamburgers and Mac & Cheese Cider Donuts plus lots of other baked goodsm Chocolate Moonshine Fudge Ice Cream from Cookies and Cream featuring fall flavors like Pumpkin Cheesecake, Cider Mill and Caramel Apple plus Cider Donut Sundaes, Smores Sundaes and much more!  Games Galore: pickleball, ping pong, chess, tetherball, cornhole, giant connect 4, basketball and more! 

Bring the family, stay for the fun!

Monday, October 12

Autumn Birding Walk 

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 90 Scout Rd., Wilton | 8 a.m. Join us on a morning walk through the Saratoga Sand Plains to see which birds are getting ready to migrate and see which ones will be spending the winter. Birding walks are made possible through the support of Brookfield Renewable. Registration is required for most of our programs at least one business day in advance. Register on our website or by calling the office at 518-450-0321. Our programs are weather dependent and may be cancelled due to inclement weather or poor trail conditions.

The Heritage Garden Club of Saratoga Springs Monthly Meeting

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Street, Saratoga Springs | noon.  Guest speaker will be Gregory Greene, local garden extraordinaire, presenting a program on “Putting Your Garden to Bed.”  The Heritage Garden Club provides education, resources, and national networking opportunities for its members to promote the love of gardening, formal design and civic environmental responsibility.  The meeting is open to the public. Interested in joining our club new members are always welcome.  You don’t have to have a green thumb to join our club. Check out our club at heritagegardenclubss.org or follow us on Facebook at Heritage Garden Club of Saratoga Springs.  

Lasagna Dinner

St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 3159 Rt 9N, Greenfield Center | 4 – 7 p.m. Sponsored by The Town of Greenfield Lions Club. Single Tickets are $15 each, with a Family 4 Pack for $50.  Take-out only. Options include regular, gluten-free or vegetable lasagna with green garden salad, dressing and roll. A dessert/bake sale by Girl Scout Troop #3889 will also be on site. Pre-sale tickets are recommended. Ticket can be ordered via email at TownOfGreenfieldLionsClub@gmail.com. 

Tuesday, October 13

Virtual Author Talk: David Epstein

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2 p.m. David Epstein, author of three New York Times bestsellers—The Sports Gene, Range, and Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better-will discuss his latest book, The Power of Limits: How Constraints Drive Genius. David Epstein draws on science, research, and fascinating real-world case studies to demonstrate how constraints, boundaries, and structure can become powerful catalysts for ingenuity and mastery. Registration required; attendees are welcome to submit questions when registering. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

MS Support Group

Zoom Meeting | For information please call Lou Ann 518-793-9506 or 518-232-1128. 

Society of American Magicians Meeting

S. W. Pitts Hose Co. of Latham, 226 Old Loudon Road, Latham | 7 p.m. We welcome everyone, age 16 and older, with any interest in the art of magic whether it be: performance, history, collecting or purely 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, October 14

Chicken Parmesan 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: Chicken Parmesan, penne pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. 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. https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/green-drinks-october-14/. 

Schuyler House Candlelight Tours

Schuyler House, 4 Broad St., Schuylerville | 6 p.m. Experience the ambiance of an 18th Century house in the evening with a special candlelight tour through the Schuyler House! As you are led through the house, you will hear stories about life and events on the estate and the people who lived there. Candlelight tours are low light and may make walking through the house challenging for some visitors. Capacity limits will be in effect for safety and protection of visitors and the historic resources. Visit go.nps.go/saraevents for instructions to reserve your spot.

Thursday, October 15

Luther Forest: A Family, A Woodland, A Legacy: A Curator’s Tour

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa | 2 – 3 p.m.  We welcome visitors to our temporary exhibition, Luther Forest: A Family, A Woodland, A Legacy, with guided tours led by our director and exhibition curator, Anne Hollmuller. Join Anne on a small group tour of our new temporary exhibition, where she will discuss the history and evolutions of Luther Forest, our Luther-Mackay family archive, and the curatorial process. Tours are also available on November 5 and November 13 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are free for members, and $5 for non-members.  

Chicken BBQ Fundraiser

Gateway House of Peace, 479 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa | 4 – 6 p.m. Gateway will be holding their annual Fall BBQ.  Preordered and prepaid only orders can be picked up between 4- 6 p.m. Pre orders must be received before Monday, October 12. Go on line to preorder. No dinners are sold the day of. Dizzy Chicken dinners include half chicken, potato, coleslaw and cornbread. Every meal purchased helps support GHOP and the compassionate care we provide to residents and families free of charge. We do not receive any state or federal funding or insurance reimbursements.

Community Night 

Saratoga Outdoors, 490 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 5 – 8 p.m. You’re invited! Stop by for a special Community Night. The evening will feature HikerBabes Southern Adirondacks, New York, who will be on-site sharing more about their mission and impact. 30% of all sales during this event will be donated directly to their organization. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a $100 Saratoga Outdoors gift card that will be raffled off. Come support their cause while shopping for quality outdoor gear!

Saratoga Arts 40th Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser

The Night Owl, 17 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 9 p.m. Forty years ago, Saratoga Arts began with the vision, determination and passion of one woman. That woman was Dee Sarno, the founder and first Executive Director of Saratoga Arts. The 40th Anniversary Celebration will bring together artists, community members, supporters and friends of Saratoga Arts for an evening celebrating both the organization’s history and its future. The event will feature farm-to-table food by Farmacy, an open bar with specialty cocktails, a silent auction and wine pull, and local artists and performers. A gothic-inspired theme will add a distinctive touch to the evening. Tickets are $150 and include food, an open bar and access to the evening’s festivities. Tickets are available at Saratoga-arts.org/events. 

Writer’s Group 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m.  This is a time for writers of all abilities to develop skills through writing activities and to share pieces 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.  Register at 518-882-6385.  The group meets on the third Thursday of each month.

Navigating Grief During the Holidays 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Facilitated by Gina Sabatini, Grief Coach/educator.  The holidays can be difficult when we’re grieving.  This class offers support, practical tools, and compassionate guidance to help you honor your loved ones, manage difficult emotions, and find moments of peace during the season.  $10 suggested donation.  Registration required at 518-882-6385.

Friday, October 2

Saratoga Book Festival 2026

Various Location throughout Saratoga Springs | The Saratoga Book Festival, now celebrating its sixth citywide celebration of books, returns to downtown Saratoga Springs through October 4. This year’s festival includes a blockbuster lineup of talented writers and presenters, including a keynote ticketed event with Eric Idle of Monty Python fame. All other programs offer free admission. To learn more about festival authors, see the full schedule of interviews, readings, youth programs, and special events such as the annual Literary Night Market and Local Author Showcase, and Sunday KidZone, see saratogabookfestival.org. 

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. Last chance: tours end Saturday, October 3. For tickets and information:   www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center/.

Blood Drive

Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Falls 1 – 5 p.m. Every 2 seconds, someone in the US needs blood. Help save lives. To schedule your appointment call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit, redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: maplewoodparkway. 

Fall BBQ Take Out 

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 3 – 6 p.m. Order some delicious Miller’s Backyard Barbecue.  Chicken and pulled pork dinners are available for $16 and beef brisket dinners for $21 (beef brisket by pre-order only). All dinners include baked potato, coleslaw and cornbread. An 8 oz. serving of mac & cheese is also available for $5. Drive-thru pickup/take out only. Pre-order online to reserve your meal at brooksidemuseum.org. Some chicken and pulled pork dinners will be available without pre-ordering.

Saturday, October 3

Graphite Range Community Forest Walk

Graphite Range Community Forest, 721 US 9, Wilton | 8:00 a.m. Embark on a fall hike through Saratoga County’s Graphite Range Community Forest. View the beautiful changing leaves, learn about the history of mines, and gain ecological knowledge with the help of an environmental educator. 

The 2026 Showcase of Homes – 30th Anniversary

Various Locations throughout Saratoga County | The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is being proudly presented over two fall weekends this year on October 3-4 and October 10-11. Tickets are on sale now, cost is $25. This year’s tour includes 13 locations in Saratoga County from 12 award-winning builders. For more details, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. Check us out on FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM and follow all the updates on this year’s event!

Skier Readiness and Injury-Prevention Seminar

Saratoga Physical Therapy Associates, 5 Care Lane, Saratoga Springs| 10 a.m. – Noon.  A free community event focused on helping skiers and other winter enthusiasts prepare for the upcoming season. Physical therapists will discuss common skiing-related injuries, preseason conditioning, and practical strategies for improving performance and reducing injury risk. Attendees will take part in individualized screenings. The seminar is appropriate for recreational skiers, experienced athletes, and individuals returning to skiing after an injury or an extended period away from sport. Wear comfortable clothing and athletic footwear that allow for movement. Space is limited; advanced registration is encouraged. To register please call 518-587-5670.

Annual Kite & Flight Family Festival

Saratoga Independent School, 459 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  We are thrilled to welcome families from across the region to the school’s scenic 60-acre campus for the festival. This festival celebrates imagination, movement, community and the many forms of flight. Visitors can enjoy hands-on craft tables led by SIS teachers, bounce around in a bounce house, explore a balloon globe, and get creative with face painting and other engaging activities and so much more. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.siskids.org/kite.

Civil War Encampment Weekend

Grant Cottage Historical Site, 1000 Mount McGregor Rd., Wilton | 10 a.m. Free and open to the public. 

Experience the sights and sounds of the Civil War at Grant Cottage! As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in a pivotal era of American history with military, civilian, and medical demonstrations as well as historical presentations and period music. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see the past come alive on the mountain.

Stamp – Craft – Bake Sale

United Methodist Church of Saratoga, 175 5th Ave.  Saratoga | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stampin’ Up! products and more, priced to sell. Holiday items: wreaths, handmade jewelry, crochet items, and baked goods. 

Cash only.

Goat Brothers 32nd Annual Swap Meet

Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 162 Prospect St., Ballston Spa | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Motorcycle Show, Hot Rods/Classic Cars welcome, live entertainment, motorcycle parts & accessories, gifts and novelties. Admission is $10 (under 12 free). Food and beverages available. No pets. For information call 518-583-3398, 518-507-6400 or visit, www.goatbrothers.com. 

Elktoberfest 2026 

Elks Lodge, 695 MacElroy Road, Ballston Lake | Noon – 5 p.m. ‘Elktoberfest’ Beverage Tasting and German Food Fundraiser for Cerebral Palsy. There will be beverage tastings, authentic German food, music, and games for a great cause! Come for lunch & dinner. Net proceeds will benefit the Home Service Program of the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State and the Elks National Foundation. Tickets are $20 for 10 tastings; $15 for Elk members (cash only). Proof of age is required. For information contact us at Elktoberfest@cliftonparkelks.org or call 518-877-5200. 

Caffe’ Lena @ SPAC

108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 5:30 p.m. A free one day festival. Taking place on SPAC’s Charles R. Wood Stage, the festival will feature five acts that explore bluegrass, jazz, soul, R&B, pop, and indie-folk music including Vanessa Collie, Addison Agen, Alla Boara, The Cody Sisters, and  Bad Penny Pleasuremakers. The festival highlights a unique, ongoing collaboration between the arts center and the folk music venue. Visit spac.org and caffelena.org for details and to register.

Building an Herbal Medicine Chest for Winter

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 1 – 4 p.m. Herbal Medicine has been used for centuries to keep people healthy in Winter. Join Janis Fallon (Master Gardener) and discover the herbs that will keep the family healthy in the long cold Winter. We will talk about and sample herbal remedies that are good for your winter health. In the second part of the class, you will make your own fire cider vinegar, and we will play with aromatherapy to make your own dream pillow and personal essential oil perfume stick. Cost is $35.  Sign up today, class size is limited. Supported by the Milton Grange #685. www.brooksidemuseum.org. 

Sunday, October 4

Autumn Stroll: Mail Order Houses of Saratoga

Meets at the NW corner of Lake and East Avenues | 10:30 a.m.  Join the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and Madison C. Squires. Explore the remaining Kit Houses along East and Pinewood Avenues as Madison guides you through this fascinating chapter of architectural history. Approximately 90 minutes and requires walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours are limited to thirty participants and 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, email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org, or visit our website, saratogapreservation.org.

Fall Pollinator Palooza Pop-Up Native Plant Sale

Hudson Crossing Park Pavilion, County Rd 42, Schuylerville | Noon – 3 p.m. Forget spring—autumn is the secret season for planting success! Sustainable Saratoga has joined forces with Home Earth Alliance for this sale. To make fall planting even more impactful, every plant at the sale is grown by Home Earth Alliance’s Imagine Native Plant Farm from seeds ethically collected from abundant wild populations in the greater Capital Region. These hyper-local genetics ensure your fall additions are perfectly adapted to thrive in local conditions. Get your garden ready for next year today! Learn more at sustainablesaratoga.org. 

Saratoga Chamber Players Concert – Autumn Accents

Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 5th Ave., Saratoga Springs | 3 p.m. Ashley Bathgate, cello & Andrius Žlabys, piano works by Johannes Brahms, J.S. Bach and Andrius Žlabys. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.saratogachamberplayers.org

Monday, October 5

Antique Bottles, Trash or Treasures?

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Galway Preservation Society program is presented by Adam Stoddard, Trustee at the National Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa. Attendees are encouraged to bring their bottles to the meeting for identification as to age and possible value. Our programs are always open to the public, free of charge.  If you choose, annual family or household memberships are available for $10 per year.  Please join us for some fun and to learn more about our history.

Tuesday, October 6

Landscapes for Landsake Speaker Series

Maple Ridge, 172 State Route 372, Cambridge | 4:30 – 6 p.m. The Agricultural Stewardship Association (ASA) is pleased to announce a special Speaker Series leading up to its 25th annual Landscapes for Landsake art show and exhibition. The series will offer the public an opportunity to meet the exhibition’s curator and artists, and gain insight into the stories, inspiration, techniques, and creative processes behind their work. The second event will be Thursday, October 8 from 3 – 4 p.m. Open to the public on October 10 and October 11. Seats are limited, and advanced registration is required. To learn more and register, visit www.agstewardship.org/events.

Catholic Daughters of America Meeting

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs | 5:45 p.m. CDA Court McLaughlin #422 will gather for recitation of the Rosary followed by refreshments and fellowship. Business meeting will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.  All members and practicing Catholic women interested in joining are welcome to attend. October is bring a friend to Catholic Daughters month.  Any member bringing a guest will be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

The Whodunnit Book Club

Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | 6 p.m. Do you love good mysteries? Have a favorite true crime podcast or documentary? Introducing a new book discussion group open to adults ages 18 and up who enjoy mysteries, thrillers and true crime. At the organizational meeting, participants will have the opportunity to help shape the direction of the group, meet fellow mystery enthusiasts, and receive the club’s November book selection. Future meetings will feature lively discussions of selected books, along with opportunities to share and talk about relevant true crime podcasts, documentaries, and other related media. For more information, please call the library at 518-885-5022 or visit bspl.sals.edu. 

Wednesday, October 7

Battle of Bemus Heights Walking Tour

Saratoga National Historical Park, Route 32, Stillwater | 1 p.m. Join Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer as he gives a guided tour of the fields where the Battle of Bemus Heights – the second battle of Saratoga – was fought on October 7, 1777. The battle was one of the most decisive American victories of the Revolutionary War and put an end to the British scheme to capture Albany. Major new information has reshaped our understanding of Benedict Arnold’s role in the battle, and discussing his heroism in the fight will be a highlight of the tour. No sign-up required; those interested should meet at “The Tide Turns” parking lot (stop 5); the tour will last for about one hour.

 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: Dinner: $15 (cash only).

USA 250 Lecture Series

Waterford Historical Museum & Cultural Center, 2 Museum Lane, Waterford | 6 p.m. Michael Diana will present Revolutionary Schenectady. Cost is $10. www.waterfordmuseum.com. 

Social Security 101 

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 6 p.m. Claiming Social Security benefits has become more complex due to a rapidly changing retirement landscape. Retirees need to plan carefully, or risk losing significant future benefits. This program will empower individuals to make informed and strategic decisions. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org.

Pickin’s

The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Doors open 6:00 pm

Open to the public, free admission & ample free parking. 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 518-248-9922 with questions.

Thursday, October 8

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture

Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry St. Saratoga Springs | 12 – 1 p.m. “The Battles of Saratoga and the 18th Century Soldier” James Parillo, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs History Museum, will explore the Battles of Saratoga, a pivotal point in world history. In 1777, a young American Continental Army defended the Hudson Valley against an invasion of British and German soldiers from the north. The two armies clashed near Stillwater, New York, that fall, resulting in the surrender of General Burgoyne to General Gates on October 17, 1777. Dressed as an 18th-century soldier, Parillo will discuss the Saratoga campaign, why the American Army was victorious, and dispel myths about events prior to and following the battles. For more information, visit www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.

Community Night

Saratoga Outdoors, 490 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 8 p.m. You’re invited! Stop by for a special Community Night. The evening will feature Ndakinna Education Center, who will be on-site sharing more about their mission and impact. 30% of all sales during this event will be donated directly to their organization. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a $100 Saratoga Outdoors gift card that will be raffled off. Come support their cause while shopping for quality outdoor gear!

Whole Grain: Flaherty Film Seminar Screenings

Tang Teaching Museum, Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Six programs of experimental and documentary short films, each followed by a moderated discussion. In Flaherty tradition, films are revealed only when each screening begins. Screenings also on October 9 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.; October 10 at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. Admission: free; attend one or more programs. Registration requested. Details and registration: https://tang.skidmore.edu/calendar/2991-whole-grain-flaherty-film-seminar-screenings. 

Sep. 25 – Oct. 1

Friday, September 25

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 through October 3. For tickets and information:   www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center/.

Free Movie – John Newton

Adirondack Christian Fellowship, 8 Mountain Ledge Dr, suite 2, Wilton | 7 p.m. Free movie based on the true story of John Newton, a slave ship captain. His incredible life transformation led him to become a major influence in the slave abolitionist movement. His deeply moving experience inspired him to write a poem that later became a song known around the world.  The 1772 world-renowned song “Amazing Grace” is also the title of the featured film. Come see this uplifting film. Admission is free, but if you would like to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Wilton Food Pantry, that would be appreciated. 

Concert: In This Moment

Saratoga Art Gallery, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 7:30 p.m. An unforgettable night of improvisational music inspired by poetry readings that explore autumnal transformation, moments of reflection, and the enduring strength of hope and community.  Poems drawn from the works of Fenton Johnson, Walt Whitman, Sara Teasdale, and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, evoking musical performances from tonight’s ensemble of master musicians known as “In This Moment”. Musicians Shiri Zorn, Mark Kleinhaut, Ed Green and Brian Melick with Poetry Reading by Kristina Kulin. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets: $20 in advance $25 at the door.  Available at eventbrite.com,  

Saturday, September 26

2nd Annual Trunk (Garage) Sale

The Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 12 noon. Held in the church parking lot. All proceeds go to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund to help the community as needed. Join us!  www.saratogaumc.org. 

Fall Art in the Park

Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Rain Date October 3. This event features over 90 artists from near and far representing all genres of art. Artists will be on site selling and discussing their work with the public. The event will also feature community organizations, live music and food!

This event is free and open to the public!

Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest

Saratoga Springs City Center Parking Garage, High Rock Ave., Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. Join the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for the exciting Pumpkin and Produce Weigh-Off and be the first to see if a New York State or World Record is broken this year! Delectable seasonal treats and fun are in store for all ages! You do not want to miss this free family event to kick off the fall season!

Bertie’s Basket Party

Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Falls | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. A Basket Party Fundraiser. There will also be a bake sale and food available for purchase.

Stories in Stone: the “Tablets” of Saratoga Battlefield

Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center, Rt 32, Stillwater | 1 p.m. After the Battles of Saratoga ended, it took over 100 years before any historical signs marked places related to those battles. There were farms to run, families to raise, lives to continue. But in 1883, the Saratoga Monument Association’s “Committee on Tablets” entered the scene. Committee chair, Ellen Hardin Walworth, had a clear purpose: set up a series of stone markers alongside public roads running through and between private properties that had been (and would be!) Saratoga Battlefield. What stories do they tell? Are they just battlefield history? What more might they say?

Gather for Gateway Fall Event

Gateway House of Peace, 479 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa. 1-6 p.m. The event will feature Ted’s Fish Fry food truck and Spring Street Deli pizza food truck, music, online auction, on site raffle, make your own sundae, popcorn, face painting, twisty balloons, free kids’ toys, carnival games, yard games, drum circle, make a bird feeder, and much more. Entrance fee is $5 per person. Under age two, free. Fun for all ages. Bring a lawn chair and relax. Volunteers are needed to set up Friday and takedown on Sunday. Contact D. Greene at dgreene25@nycap.rr.com. Sponsors are needed also.

Historical Encounters Tours

Grant Cottage, 1000 McGregor Rd. Wilton | Various times Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 2 p.m. A Living History Experience with period music, costumes, and light refreshments. Take this unique opportunity to experience Mount McGregor as it was in the Victorian Era! Meet characters from the past who will immerse you in their world as they bring to life the history of the mountain. Tours include interaction with multiple historic characters on the historic site grounds, the historic cottage, and the visitor center. (This tour does not cover the same material as the standard guided tours of the cottage.) Register online at grantcottage.org/events. 

Sunday, September 27

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 age 6-12, children under 6 yrs. old are free.

Breakfast Buffet

ITAM Post #35, 247 Grand Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 8 – 11 a.m. Eggs to order, bacon, pancakes, etc. All are welcome. $11 Adults, $10 Seniors, $6 Children 10 & under, Children under 5 are free. $13 Take out orders. 

Out of Darkness Walk

Saratoga Spa State Park, Orenda Pavilion, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. check-in, 11 a.m. walk. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host the Capital Region Walk for RITA. You can also support the Saratoga Children’s Theatre by joining their team. Visit: https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/teams/395962.  

Skidmore’s Well-Being Concert Series

Arthur Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 2 p.m. A new concert series at Skidmore College begins with a simple premise: People who spend their days caring for others or carrying significant emotional demands deserve space for their own restoration and connection. Grammy-nominated and NAACP Image Award-winning vocalist, composer, writer, and performer Somi will open. General admission tickets are $15. A $30 Community Support ticket helps support another person’s free access to the experience. Skidmore students, faculty, and staff may attend free of cost. For details and tickets, visit https://www.skidmore.edu/zankel-music-center/. 

The Fall Antiques Festival 

Clifton Park Elks, 695 MacElroy Road, Ballston Lake | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The event will include antique dealers inside and outside, food by the Elks, a raffle, free admission and parking. For a vendor’s contract, please email Jeff at jshinaman@nycap.rr.com or call 518-932-4702. Facebook.com/fallantiquesfestival.

Autumn Sunday Strolls: Find Me in Congress Park

Meet at Congress Spring, the covered pavilion on the south side of E. Congress St. inside Congress Park | 10:30 a.m. Patrice Mastrianni will share facts and folklore obtained while researching her recent children’s book, Find Me in Saratoga. Explore this National Historic Landmark as you learn about the history behind the iconic places within it,  as well as the people who shaped it. Cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information on Sunday Strolls or to purchase tickets, call 518-587-5030, visit our website, saratogapreservation.org, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org.

Monday, September 28

Data Privacy When Interacting Online

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – Noon. Protect your personal information and feel more confident online with this informative program led by Kim Maercklein from the NYS Division of Consumer Protection. Explore how your data is collected, shared, and sometimes misused in everyday digital interactions, from social media to online shopping. Learn practical tips to safeguard your information, recognize common privacy risks, and take control of your digital footprint. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just getting started, this session will provide valuable tools to help you stay safe and informed online. Please register online, www.sspl.org.

Tuesday, September 29

Skidmore Encore Fall Lecture Series

Arthur Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | Encore announces registration for its Fall 2026 lecture series delivered by the remarkable Skidmore College faculty for adult learners age 55+ from around the local region. Encore attracts intellectually curious people who are eager to learn. Join us! The 2026 program runs for seven weeks on Tuesdays from September 29 through November 10. Registration is open. For more information: www.skidmore.edu/encore.

Wednesday, September 30

Growing Garlic: Planting to Harvest

Zoom Program | 1 p.m. Learn how to grow your own delicious garlic from planting to harvest!

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County invites gardeners of all experience levels to join Jen Koval of CCE Saratoga for Growing Garlic: Planting to Harvest. The program is $10 per person, and all proceeds will benefit the CCE Saratoga Unlimited Garden Fundraiser. The Unlimited Garden is being revitalized as an inclusive community garden designed to welcome and serve people of all ages and abilities. To register, email Jessica Luse at jmh452@cornell.edu.

Sliced Turkey Breast 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, vegetables, gravy, tossed salad, dinner rolls. Dinner: $15 (cash only).

Photography Club

Galway Public Library Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. For our meeting this month, Club member Mark Supley will be sharing photographs from his portfolio, in a presentation titled “One Lens, Endless Stories.” Our meetings are open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend these relaxed, friendly gatherings. For more information, contact Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com. 

Thursday, October 1

Saratoga Book Festival 

Various locations throughout Saratoga Springs | Various Times. Calling all book lovers! The Saratoga Book Festival returns October 1-4 for a weekend packed with inspiring authors, lively conversations, engaging programs, and plenty of ways to celebrate the joy of reading. Meet acclaimed and local authors, discover your next great read, explore the Night Market, and bring the whole family to the popular KidZone, filled with books, activities, and fun for young readers. Events take place throughout Saratoga Springs, and most programs are free. Come for a favorite author, stay for the books, and leave with a new favorite! SaratogaBookFestival.org.

Manhattan Short Film Festival Screening

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 6 p.m. and Saturday, October 3 at 2 p.m.  For the first time in its history Manhattan Short has selected ten films from ten countries–USA, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, United Kingdom, Moldova, Russia, Cuba, Georgia, and Mexico. Screening simultaneously across the world during a one-week period, with the Best Film and Best Actor awards determined by ballots cast by the audiences in each participating venue. By virtue of their selection by Manhattan Short, each short film is automatically Oscar-qualified. For more information about the Library, please contact Library Director Alex Gutelius at 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org.

Learn How to Search the History of Your Home

Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | 6:30 p.m. Have you ever wondered about the history of your home—who lived there, when it was built, or how the property has changed over the years? Learn how to uncover those stories. Ballston Spa resident and Chair of the Historic District Commission, John Cromie, will lead this informative program. The presentation will feature an actual historic Ballston Spa home as a case study. This event is free and open to all. For more information, please call the Ballston Spa Public Library at 518-885-5022 or visit bspl.sals.edu.

Annual Autumn Jewels Show

Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd., Clifton Park | The Southern Saratoga Art Society 29th Annual Autumn Jewels Show will be held from October 1 to October 30.  This is a Judged Show featuring cash prizes for Artwork and Photography and is open to the public.  A reception and Award presentation will be held on Monday, October 26, 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. Deadline for entry is Friday, September 25.  For entry forms and fees go to: www.southernsaratogaartist.com.

Upcoming Events

Skier Readiness and Injury-Prevention Seminar

Saratoga Physical Therapy Associates (SPTA) will host a free community event focused on helping skiers and other winter enthusiasts prepare for the upcoming season. Saturday, October 3 from 10 a.m. – Noon at  5 Care Lane, Saratoga Springs. Physical therapists will discuss common skiing-related injuries, preseason conditioning, and practical strategies for improving performance and reducing injury risk. Attendees will take part in individualized screenings. The seminar is appropriate for recreational skiers, experienced athletes, and individuals returning to skiing after an injury or an extended period away from sport. Wear comfortable clothing and athletic footwear that allow for movement. Space is limited; advanced registration is encouraged. To register please call 518-587-5670.

Blood Drive

Every 2 seconds, someone in the US needs blood. Help save lives on October 2 at Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Falls 1 – 5 p.m. To schedule your appointment call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit, redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: maplewoodparkway. 

Annual Kite & Flight Family Festival

Saratoga Independent School is thrilled to welcome families from across the region on Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the school’s scenic 60-acre campus located at 459 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs. This festival celebrates imagination, movement, community and the many forms of flight. Admission is completely free. More information can be found on www.siskids.org/kite.

Elktoberfest 2026 

‘Elktoberfest’ Beverage Tasting and German Food Fundraiser for Cerebral Palsy. The Clifton Park Elks are hosting an Octoberfest fundraiser for Cerebral Palsy, on Saturday, October 3 from noon – 5 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 695 MacElroy Road, Ballston Lake. There will be beverage tastings, authentic German food, music, and games for a great cause! Come for lunch & dinner. Net proceeds will benefit the Home Service Program of the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State and the Elks National Foundation. Tickets are $20 for 10 tastings; $15 for Elk members (cash only). Proof of age is required. For information contact us at Elktoberfest@cliftonparkelks.org or call 518-877-5200.

Fall Festival – Artisans and Vendors Wanted

October 3, 10am.-. 2 p.m.  at Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd. Charlton NY 12019. Artisans and Vendors call: 518-399-4831 / 518-399-2873 or email: office@charltonfreehold.org.