SPACtacular Fundraiser Kicks Off Summer Season

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Just days before the start of Belmont festivities, The Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s “SPACtacular” summer fundraiser event kicked off what’s sure to be a busy and celebratory season in Saratoga Springs. 

Inside two large tents stationed on the SPAC grounds, guests enjoyed live music, a bevy of local food and drink options, fireworks, and a late-night dance party on the amphitheater stage.

Singer-songwriter Jes Hudak performed in the party tent (admission: $175), which featured bites from Druther’s Brewing, PDT Catering, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Wheatfield’s, and newcomer Sara’s Kitchen. The nearby glow lounge, housed in the open-air pavilion, had guests queued up for scalp massages, tarot card readings, and sound healings. 

In the VIP tent (admission: $400), Jonathan Greene and the Grand Boubousse played live jazz while guests enjoyed a three-course wine pairing.

Fireworks were launched around 9:15 p.m., and the night concluded with a two-hour dance party on the amphitheater stage emceed by DJs Eric & Dillon.

The Summer SPACtacular is SPAC’s largest fundraiser. Proceeds benefit both year-round programming and education initiatives.

Since taking over the Spa Little Theater two years ago, SPAC has used it to host more than 50 indoor events attended by around 17,000 guests. Last year, SPAC launched its “Access the Arts” program, which provides weekly dance, music, and improvisational theater classes to individuals enrolled in day habilitation programs.

In addition to its popular Live Nation events, SPAC this year is hosting the Saratoga Jazz Festival on June 29 and 30; the New York City Ballet from July 9 to 13; Yo-Yo Ma on August 16; and John Legend on August 7.