SPAC Announces 9th Annual Festival of Young Artists

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center recently announced that The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists will return for its ninth annual event on Sunday, May 31 from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Following the theme Seasons, this year’s event will celebrate cycles of growth, transformation, reflection, and renewal, while also commemorating 60 years of SPAC and its blossoming into a year-round organization. The festival will celebrate the collaborative creativity of more than 700 of the Capital Region’s brightest young dancers, musicians, singers, poets, and visual artists—all in support of SPAC’s mission to provide free and accessible arts programming for local youth.

Featuring students from local schools and organizations such as Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO), Capital District Youth Chorale, Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet, Capital District Arts Initiative, and the SPAC School of the Arts, the afternoon will include individual pop-up performances and art displays, culminating in a large-scale, coordinated production on SPAC’s stage. As part of the production, an original musical composition by Kingston Czajkowski (Grade 12, Cairo-Durham High School), will premiere on the SPAC stage, performed by the ESYO Symphony Orchestra and recorded for a later broadcast by media sponsor WMHT.

“This year’s Festival of Young Artists carries a special energy as we build on exciting new traditions launched last year, including our partnership with WMHT and the return of the Student Composer Contest,” said Dennis Moench, SPAC’s VP of education, in a press release. “As we approach nearly a decade of this festival, it continues to reflect a deep commitment to inclusivity—spotlighting the artistic achievements of hundreds of students from across our region and creating space for every voice, discipline, and creative perspective to be seen and celebrated.”

Kicking off at 2 p.m., SPAC’s grounds will be transformed into a festive celebration and will feature individual pop-up performances by student ensembles from the Capital Region, fine art displays, food stands, poetry slams, lawn games and immersive art activities, plus free ice cream provided by Stewart’s Shops. At 4:45 p.m., hundreds of young artists will gather to present a celebratory concert on SPAC’s main stage, featuring large-scale productions that combine music, song, poetry, visual art, and dance.

The event is free for the community. However, registration is required for admission. Visit spacfoya.org for details.