Saratoga New Year’s Eve Festival to Return with Cowboy Junkies, Samples, Jeffrey Gaines, 5K Road Run and Fireworks Show

SARATOGA SPRINGS — For the first time since 2019, downtown Saratoga Springs will play host to a multi-genre arts festival on New Year’s Eve. 

This year’s showcase – Saratoga New Year’s Fest – will showcase events spread throughout the weekend. 

Festivities are anticipated to kick off with a pre-party Friday night, Dec. 30, and begin in earnest on Saturday, Dec. 31 when an afternoon of family-friendly activities will lead to an early evening fireworks show. 

Live music will rule New Year’s Eve night. Multiple venues across town will be themed by sonic genre and stage shows by national headliners and regional musical combos alike. The lineup is slated to include Cowboy Junkies, Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio (or DLO3, specializing in the lost art of feel good music), Jeffrey Gaines (with more than a quarter-century of recording and performing under his belt), as well as The Samples and Daniela Cotton. 

Cowboy Junkies were formed in Toronto in 1985 with siblings Michael Timmins on guitar, Margo Timmins on vocals, Peter Timmins on drums, and Michael’s lifelong friend Alan Anton on bass. The band has released 25 albums, a sequencing initiated with their 1988 debut LP “The Trinity Session,” featuring their hauntingly seductive rendition of the Velvet Underground’s “Sweet Jane,” – reportedly cited by song creator Lou Reed as “the best and most authentic version I have ever heard.” 

“Early Bird” badges will provide access to all venues on New Year’s Eve and are on sale for $20. Reserved seating and VIP packages are also available. 

The weekend schedule is also anticipated to include a Dance Flurry Takeover, Jam Bands galore, DJ dance party, and sporting tournaments. 

The 5k Road Run will this year take place on Sunday, New Year’s Day. R4egistration information will be forthcoming. 

For more information about the festival and to purchase admission badges, go to: www.SaratogaNewYearsFest.com.