This Week’s Events: July 24 – 30
Friday, July 24
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. Guests will journey through historic Congress Park and downtown Saratoga Springs while hearing stories of millionaires, mineral springs, luxury hotels, socialites, scandals, and the colorful figures who shaped the Spa City’s golden era. 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. For tickets and information: www.saratogahistory.org.
Summer Ghost Tours
Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The 90-minute guided tours explore the eerie legends, mysterious encounters, and haunted history connected to one of Saratoga Springs’ most iconic landmarks. Led by museum storytellers, the tours offer a blend of history, local lore, and spooky storytelling designed for history lovers, ghost story fans, curious visitors, families, and brave summer adventurers. Guests will explore the historic rooms and halls of the Canfield Casino while hearing tales of its glamorous past, mysterious reputation, and stories that refuse to rest. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.saratogahistory.org/summer-ghost-tours-2026. Tours are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Saturday, July 25
Market in Bloom: A Celebration of Local Flowers
Saratoga Farmer’s Market, High Rock Park, Saratoga Springs 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Discover an abundance of fresh-cut flowers, lavender products, handcrafted floral jewelry, and other botanical treasures from our local farmers and artisans. Create your own custom arrangement at our Build Your Own Bouquet Bar for just $20, enjoy complimentary samples of floral-infused beverages, and capture the day at our flower-themed photo booth. Children of all ages and abilities can enjoy a free flower-inspired activity, while visitors of every age can explore the fascinating world of pollinators with special guests from Sustainable Saratoga, the Southern Adirondack Beekeepers Association (including an observation hive), and the SoBro Conservancy of Saratoga. Admission is free.
Voter Information Hub
Saratoga Farmer’s Market, 112 High Rock Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Residents can register to vote, obtain an Absentee or Early Mail ballot application, make changes to their address or party enrollment, get information on Early Voting dates and locations, and learn what will be on their ballot in November. The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate for public office. Learn more at lwvsaratoga.org.
Paws Enrichment Day
Paws Canine Enrichment Center, 4202 Rt 4, Hudson Falls | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Adk Scentwork Club’s First Annual Paws Enrichment Day. A fun filled day for dogs and their owners including demonstrations, canine enrichment activities, dock diving, Happy Ratters, Rally, interactive events, food & craft vendors, raffles, and more! Leashed dogs welcome! No admittance fee, but some activities may require a small participation fee. Email adirondackscentclub@gmail.com for more info.
History Caravan
Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center, 648 Route 32, Stillwater | 9:30 a.m. Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a park volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the battlefield! Tours last 2.5-3 hours. Meet at the visitor center and follow along, making selected stops, in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. For more information about Saratoga National Historical Park, please call the Visitor Center at
518-670-2985, visit www.nps.gov/sara, or find the park on Facebook or X @SaratogaNHP.
Summer Festival
The Adirondack Folk School’s Summer Festival is full of music, food, artist demos and activities for the whole family to enjoy! It’s free to attend, so stop by AFS to see what we’re all about. Saturday July 25, 10 p.m. – 4 p.m. Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne. Free admission.
Sunday, July 26
Summer Sunday Strolls: Summer Cottages of North Broadway
Meet: in front of Witt Construction, 563 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. Following when the Saratoga and Washington Railroads came to Saratoga, Broadway, originally laid out by Gideon Putnam, the area north of the railroad became primarily residential while area to the south continued to develop as a thriving commercial area. Samantha will highlight the architecture and share entertaining stories of this area well known for beautiful large residences where some of the city’s most prominent people resided. These residences often included barns, stables, and carriage houses. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Cost is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information call 518-587-5030, visit our website, saratogapreservation.org, or email dwinter@saratogapreservation.org.
Where the Holocaust Came to America
Congregation Beth Shalom, 688 Clifton Park Center Rd., Clifton Park 11 a.m. A special presentation by historian Paul Lear. The Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter was the only U.S. camp for Holocaust refugees. Lear will describe the camp’s history, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ’s role in its creation, and efforts to preserve the site as a National Historical Park. The Safe Haven Museum and Education Center in Oswego, NY tells the story of the 982 mainly Jewish refugees who fled Europe in the U.S. Government’s “Safe Haven” program. There will be a small reception prior to the program. A donation is requested of $10. Pre-registration is required,
America 250: Colonial Herb Gardens – Gardens That Shaped a Nation
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa | 2 p.m. An engaging program exploring how herb gardens sustained colonial families and shaped everyday life in early America. Participants will discover the essential roles herbs played in daily life and self-sufficiency during the colonial era. Following the presentation, guests are invited to tour the Ricks Memorial Herb Garden and enjoy light refreshments. Presenter Janis Fallon is an herbalist and Rensselaer County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener. Admission is free, but advance registration is recommended. For more information or to register, call 518-885-4000 or visit BrooksideMuseum.org.
Saratoga Concert Series – Skippy and the Pistons
War Memorial in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Timeless local favorite Skippy and the Pistons is an eight-piece classic rock horn band celebrating 49 years together. Sit back and enjoy CCR, the Moody Blues, and more nostalgic favorites. In the event of rain, the concert will move to the covered back garden patio at the Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway.
Monday, July 27
Avoiding Financial Fraud
Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2 p.m. Older adults are more vulnerable to fraud. Learn about the most common scam types, simple and effective prevention steps, and trusted resources to stay protected in the future. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org
Sixth Annual Gumbo with Kendrick
Principessa Elena Society, 13 Oak St., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 10 p.m. To benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Held at the Since 2021, jockey Kendrick Carmouche and his family –wife, Whitney, and children, Olivia and Kendrick — have served gumbo at this club to benefit the Saratoga Springs, NY-based Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Along with Kendrick showing off his cooking skills on Gumbo night, Chris Dollard will flash the talent that has made him one of the more popular local musicians. Tickets are $40 and this event sells out quickly. Please purchase tickets in advance, https://trfinc.org/event/gumbo-with-kendrick/.
Tuesday, July 28
The Winner’s Circle Summer Camp
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | 8 a.m. – Noon. Tuesday, July 28 through Friday, July 31. Discover the exciting world of thoroughbred racing through hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes experiences, and career exploration. Throughout the course of four mornings, participants will learn how racehorses are cared for, trained, and managed, while meeting industry professionals and exploring the many career opportunities that exist within the sport. This camp is for students ages 13-17. Transportation to all off-site visits will be provided once students arrive at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame each morning. To register and for more information, click here: https://1049a.blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/The-Winners-Circle-Summer-Camp-2026
Virtual Author Talk: The Power of Connection with Dr. Franco
Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 2 p.m. Bestselling author Dr. Marisa Franco, one of the world’s leading experts in human connection, will talk about her book, Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make–And Keep–Friends. Registration required. Attendees are welcome to submit questions when registering. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org.
Poetry Night
Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. A poetry reading by Amie Zimmerman. An open mic poetry reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. 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, July 29
Digital Skills Series: Safe & Savvy Smartphone Habits
Zoom Program | 2 p.m. Sponsored by Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa. Whether you’re new to smartphones or looking to make better use of the device you carry every day, this informative live Zoom from AARP Senior Planet will cover a variety of practical tips and essential tools to help you use your phone with greater confidence. Participants will learn how to navigate everyday smartphone features, from sending text messages to scanning QR codes. The presentation will also explore popular messaging apps and demonstrate how your smartphone camera can do much more than simply take photos. This program is free and open to the public. To register or learn more, visit the library or call 518-885-5022, or visit bspl.sals.edu.
BBQ Chicken 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: BBQ Chicken, macaroni salad, baked beans, corn muffin. Dinner: $15 (cash only).
Photography Club
Galway Public Library Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6 p.m. This month, photographer Tim Prendergast will be sharing his approach to photographing people in various locations and settings. Our meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information, contact Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com
The French and Indian War in Adirondacks
Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center, 2 Museum Lane, Waterford | 6 p.m. As part of our America 250 Lecture Series, local author and historian, Marie Danielle Annette Williams, will speak about her upcoming book, The French & Indian War in the Adirondacks. The author will be available afterwards to sign copies of her book, and light refreshments will be served. Cost is $10.
Thursday, July 30
Town of Greenfield Farmer’s Market
Middle Grove Town Park, 428 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 4 – 7 p.m. Every Thursday! Food trucks, live music, fresh produce, fresh flowers, candles, homemade breads, cookies, maple products, bounce houses, gift items, pickles, fresh lemonade, bird houses, Saratoga Mobile Library, jewelry, wreaths, woodworking, multiple dinner options, and so much more. Open to the public. Free admission.
Upbeat on the Roof – Carolyn Shapiro
On the Lawn Outside Tang Museum, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Skidmore class of 2015, Carolyn is an award-winning old-time banjo player and songwriter from the Southern Adirondacks. Named Folk/Traditional Artist of 2026 by the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards, Shapiro blends a soulful, contemporary edge with deep-rooted traditional style. Her songwriting pushes the boundaries of the banjo and explores the intimate complexities of being human. Before each concert, Tang Art Educators will offer Crafts on the Grass: art-making kits for kids starting at 5:30 pm. A different craft will be available each week. All projects are suitable for children ages 5 and older, with adult supervision recommended. Materials will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Free and open to the public.
Summer Salsa Soirée Benefit
Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 – 8 p.m. The Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet invites the community to attend this vibrant evening combining dance, music, and community spirit to support a great cause. Attendees will enjoy an energetic atmosphere featuring delicious aperitivos, and two complimentary drink tickets included with admission. The evening’s programming highlights include a live student showcase, an expert Latin dance lesson and open dance floor: Ample time for freestyle dancing, listening to music, and enjoying great company. Tickets are $75 for a single admission and $140 for a couple. Purchase tickets at https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/ssyballet/ssyb-s-summer-salsa-soiree.