SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Wednesday, June 3, Saratoga Springs hosted Fitz and the Tantrums as the headliner to the final Belmont on Broadway Concert. A multi- platinum selling indie-pop group boasting over 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The band performed their hits like “Out of My League” and “Hand Clap” while also mixing in songs from their new album “Man on The Moon.”
Vertical Horizon, an alternative
rock band, got the festivities rocking at 7 p.m. playing hits like “Everything You Want” and “You’re a God.”
The Belmont on Broadway festival started three years ago coinciding with the Belmont StakesmovingtoSaratogaRace Couse while Belmont Park was under construction. The event was first headlined by the Blues Travelers in 2024, and then Gin Blossoms in 2025.
This year’s event was the biggest attendance to date according to those on Facebook. The audience stretched as far as the eye can see down Broadway.
What started as an event to drum up excitement for the Belmont Stakes ended as an event locals don’t want to let go. Commenters on Facebook are asking for the concerts to continue after the Belmont Stakes goes back downstate. “I would love to see something like this continue beyond Saratoga hosting the Belmont,” said one Facebook account.
James Stewart With Butters. Photo provided by Brendan Kennedy
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local director John Wager and Executive producer Jay Hanley are gearing up to premier their new film, “Angels Among Us: The Healing Power of Racehorses” at film festivals. The film dives into how racehorses can be an unlikely companion after their racing days, helping people from all walks of life deal with personal battles.
“Angels Among Us” comes from leftover footage of Wager and Hanley’s previous film, “Off-Track: Fate of a Racehorse,” after they realized there was a different story to tell. “Off-Track is about the need to take care of the horses after they are done racing, Angels Among Us is about how the horses take care of us,” said Hanley.
Hanley is a Thoroughbred owner who got involved with “Off-Track” because he wanted to learn more about what happens to racehorses after their career ends. His affiliation for racehorses began in his youth when his grandfather took him to Saratoga Race Course every summer. “Horses are beautiful, magical beings, I want current horse owners to see it and respect it.”
Wager has a history of exploring different avenues of healing. He previously directed a movie called “Comedy Warriors,” a documentary featuring five severely wounded war veterans who go onto careers in stand-up comedy. The veterans are coached by celebrities like Zach Galifianakis and Bob Saget and culminate with the veterans performing at comedy clubs in Las Vegas.
When Wager was asked why he is drawn to ways of healing, he said: “Life is hard, life is amazing and wonderful, you have dips. As we go through life, we find things that help us. That fascinates me, it’s not tangible.”
“Angels Among Us” follows three people aided by horses; Joan Perelta, an incarcerated individual in the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation second chance program, Emma Cookman, a young woman dealing with stress and anxiety, and James Stewart, an Iraq war veteran dealing with PTSD.
The horses help these individuals deal with whatever challenges they may be going through.
In the case of Stewart, he came home from combat in Iraq to a divorce and a life he did not recognize prior to going overseas. Meeting Butters, a horse with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, gave Stewart a second chance at life.
“Had I not come to Saratoga in 2013 I would not be free. But because of being paired with Butter I am free,” Stewart said in the film.
“I wish I could show my friends this film, you don’t have to be angry, you don’t have to drink,” said Stewart. “I can only hope someday that someone can pick up the ball and start a program like this, there are thousands of us that need a horse.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga History Museum is hosting “Discovering George Foster Peabody” presented by historian Glenn Underwood on June 18, at 7 p.m.
Underwood will present information found in his new book that explores the life and legacy of George Foster Peabody. Peabody’s vision and generosity contributed to institutions and preservation efforts that continue to impact our region today, including Saratoga Spa State Park, Yaddo, public libraries, and numerous conservation initiatives.
Drawing from archival materials, rare photographs, and personal letters, Underwood reveals Peabody’s connections with prominent figures of his era, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Spencer and Katrina Trask, Edward Morse Shepard, and other influential leaders who helped shape New York’s cultural and civic landscape.
“This program offers a unique opportunity to discover one of the most influential and often overlooked individuals in our region’s history,” said James Parillo, Museum Director of the Saratoga Springs History Museum.
Admission is free for museum members, and ten dollars for general admission. The Saratoga History Museum is located in the Canfield Casio in Congress Park.
BALLSTON SPA —Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum will hold their annual, county-wide Craft and Antique Fair Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests will be able to shop from dozens of vendors with a wide variety of locally handcrafted collectibles, gifts, antiques, farm products, and food.
“We are very excited to hold this annual event to showcase what upstate artisans have to offer! This is a great way to support small businesses and enjoy a wonderful day of shopping,” remarked Shop Manager Beth Silvestri.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —iTheater Saratoga is presenting a book reading adaptation from the book “It Can’t Happen Here,” a 1930s fiction novel by Sinclair Lewis. The event will be held at Saratoga Arts on Broadway Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27 at 7 p.m.
“It Can’t Happen Here” is a cautionary tale about the rise of fascism in the United States. During the presidential election of 1936, Doremus Jessup, a small-town newspaper editor, observes with dismay that many of the people he knows support the candidacy of the demagogue Berzelius Windrip. When Windrip wins the election, he forcibly gains control of Congress and the Supreme Court and, with the aid of his personal paramilitary storm troopers, turns America into a totalitarian state.
iTheatre Saratoga has assembled a large ensemble cast including many capital region theatre veterans for a unique staged reading of Sinclair Lewis’ story.
A $10 donation made online guarantees you a seat. Reserve your seat at: itheatresaratoga.ticketspice.com/it-cant-happen-here-a-world-premiere-play-reading
WILTON — Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at Ulysses S. Grant’s cottage on Saturday, June 13. The cottage is located at 1000 Mt. McGregor Road in Wilton and is a free event.
The 5th annual community day at Grant’s Cottage is a full day of free family fun and history. Activities include live music, free cottage walkthroughs, facepainting, pony rides, a petting zoo, food trucks, raffle baskets, and much more.
For more information visit: www.grantcottage.org/events
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Local Saratoga Springs artist, Jeanne O’Connor, is set to premiere her new jazz album “The Sweetest Sounds” at Caffe Lena on Friday, July 3. During the sneak peek, CDs will be available ahead of an early 2027 release on streaming services.
Joining O’Connor on stage is guitarist Dave Stryker, drummer Bob Halek, bassist Todd Coolman, pianist John Di Martino and vocalist Amy London.
O’Connor started conceptualizing this album during her second fight with cancer in 2023. After enduring her battle, she was able to get into the studio in May of 2025 to start recording.
“Medianoche (for Don)” the second song off her sophomore album is a tribute to her late husband, Don Grolnick. Grolnick is a legend of the jazz world, who recorded with greats like James Taylor and Linda Rondstadt.
This album represents O’Connor’s continuing search for new sounds that bring old works into a new life. “I’m looking back, but I’m also looking forward to what’s still waiting to be discovered. To find something new in the harmony, the lyric, or the rhythm of these wonderful songs,” says O’Connor.
Audience members will be able to hear songs from the ’40s, like “My Ship” and “Baltimore Oriole,” alongside ’60s hits like Laura Nyro’s “Save the Country” and Jimmy Webb’s “Wichita Lineman” in a new style presented by O’Connor.
In anticipation of her performance at Caffe Lena, O’Connor remarks, “It is one of the jewels of Saratoga. A place where they really appreciate musicians and artists; a place where people listen.” For tickets and more information, visit: caffelena.org/event/jeanne-oconnor-the-sweetest-sounds-exclusive-pre-release-concert/.
WILTON — Celebrate the start of summer and the longest day of the year with Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. On Saturday, June 20, at 8:30 a.m., Wilton Wildlife will host a summer solstice walk, where participants will learn about celestial movements that impact the natural world. The walk will take place at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road in Wilton and will cover about one mile on a trail that meanders through forest and meadow.
Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To register, or for up-to-date trail conditions or program information, please visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org
Rendering of Spa Little Theater. Photo: Phinney Design Group
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is launching a seat campaign for the historic Spa Little Theater, offering community members a unique opportunity to become part of the theater’s next chapter by dedicating a seat in the newly renovated venue.
As renovation work continues in the theater, supporters may honor a loved one, celebrate a family legacy, recognize a business, or commemorate a meaningful connection to SPAC with a personalized seat plaque.
“In 1966, members of the Saratoga community came together to build SPAC. Sixty years later, that same spirit of generosity continues through the remarkable public and private support that is making the Spa Little Theater renovation possible,” says Elizabeth Sobol, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “We are thrilled to invite our community to participate in this historic project by dedicating a seat in the new theater – a lasting tribute that will help ensure this treasured venue serves artists, audiences and future generations for decades to come.”
SPAC is currently undertaking a $12 million renovation of the historic Spa Little Theater, in partnership with New York State Parks. The project marks the first major renovation of the 500-seat venue since its construction in 1935. Designed to preserve the theater’s historic character and celebrated acoustics while improving accessibility, comfort, and functionality. The renovation will transform the venue into a vibrant year-round home for artistic performances, educational programming and community events ahead of its anticipated December 2026 re-opening.
Seat dedications are available at levels of $1,000 and $2,500 and will remain in place for a minimum of 25 years. All proceeds will support the Spa Little Theater renovation and SPAC’s Four Seasons Campaign. To learn more or reserve a seat, visit spac.org or contact seatcampaign@spac.org.
The wild blue lupine has sprouted across the Saratoga Sand Plains and has turned the meadows into a sea of soft lavender-colored flowers. These native flowers are not only beautiful, but they also play a vital role in the life cycle of the endangered Karner blue butterfly.
Nature enthusiasts will have several opportunities throughout June to join guided nature walks to explore the unique habitat of the Karner blue butterfly. These beautiful butterflies, once widespread in the Northeast, depend entirely on the wild blue lupine for survival.
These guided walks offer a chance to witness the life cycle of one of North America’s at-risk butterflies and to experience the natural beauty of the Saratoga Sand Plains at its peak.
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is offering free walks on Wednesdays continuing through June 24. Additional weekend walks will take place on Saturdays, June 13 and 27. These walks will take place at 1:30 p.m. To register for these events, visit: wiltonpreserve.org
