This Week’s Events: July 31 – Aug. 6

Friday, July 31

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, August 1

Paper Marbling Demonstrations

Saratoga National Historical Park, Visitor Center, 648 Route 32, Stillwater | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Have you ever admired the beauty of an old book, especially the often vibrant, colorful patterns on the first and last pages? The process of creating these striking decorations is called paper marbling. Join us at the visitor center to see the process of this ancient artform in person. John C. Bielik is an itinerant artisan, instructor, and historic trades interpreter. For more information about Saratoga National Historical Park, please call the Visitor Center 518-670-2985, visit www.nps.gov/sara, or find the park on Facebook or X @SaratogaNHP.

Teddy Bear’s Picnic Storytime with Assemblywoman MaryBeth Walsh

Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa | 1 p.m. Grab your favorite teddy bear or cuddly stuffed friend and join us for a beary special afternoon. Children ages 3–6 are invited to enjoy a Teddy Bear’s Picnic Storytime featuring special guest reader Assemblywoman MaryBeth Walsh. Little ones will delight in charming stories, songs, a take ‘n make craft and goodie bags. Don’t miss this memorable event! Registration is required, limit 20 children. To reserve your spot, call 518-885-5022 or stop by the library.

Sunday, August 2

The Shady Side of Saratoga – Book Signing

Impressions of Saratoga, 368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – noon. Join us in welcoming Richard Cobello, author of the cybercrime thriller set in our own backyard, “The Shady Side of Saratoga”. Rick Cobello is a former Chief Information Security Officer, enterprise IT executive, and cybersecurity advisor with more than four decades of experience securing large-scale systems for Fortune 5 companies, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and law enforcement. The Shady Side of Saratoga is the first of 5 in the Catherin King Enigmatic Quest. The tale grows directly from Richard Cobello’s lifelong immersion in cybersecurity, history, and the world of horses. Its “polite” system failures, institutional blind spots, and crimes concealed behind flawless compliance reflect a hard-earned truth from his career: the most dangerous breaches rarely announce themselves.

Turning Point Parade

Village of Schuylerville | 1 p.m. A patriotic procession of colorful floats, marching bands, veterans and military groups, first responders, equestrian units, classic vehicles, and dozens of community organizations. For many families, it’s the moment summer truly arrives – a tradition that blends Revolutionary remembrance with the energy of a modern hometown celebration. Event details, parade participation forms, sponsorship opportunities, and volunteer information are available at www.turningpointparade.com.

Monday, August 3

Camp Saratoga 5K Trail series

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 6:15 p.m. To minimize habitat impact, entries are capped at 75 per event. Day-of entries will only be accepted if there is room. This is a low-key gathering topped off by light refreshments and unusual raffle prizes. Please bring your own water. Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park. For more information and to register, visit www.saratogastryders.org. 

Tuesday, August 4

Networking Breakfast

Confluence Chocolate, 27 Kent Street, Suite 105A, Ballston Spa | 8 – 9:30 a.m. Guests can connect with fellow community members while learning about Confluence Chocolate, a bean-to-bar chocolate maker that roasts ethically sourced cacao beans and crafts its chocolate entirely in Ballston Spa. One of the highlights of the morning will be a rare opportunity to tour the Confluence Chocolate factory. Attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at the bean-to-bar chocolate-making process and see firsthand how each batch is crafted. A light breakfast featuring an oatmeal toppings bar and fresh fruit will be provided. The cost to attend is $10 with advance RSVP to info@ballston.org, or attendees may pay at the door.

Music of the New Nation 

Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center, 638 Route 32, Stillwater, 12 p.m. Ampersand’s special Revolutionary War-era program, “Music of the New Nation” focuses on the experience of the home front and everyday people as they faced the battle for independence. Included are songs about the stirrings of revolution; the experiences of colonists in different walks of life; songs from soldiers on both sides of the conflict; a fiddle tune written by an enslaved person, and protest songs written at the time. This trio of musicians brings guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, hammered dulcimer, cello, and penny whistles to underscore rich vocal harmonies and great joy in sharing this traditional music with modern audiences. www.ampersandmusic.org/ampersand250.

National Night Out

Shenantaha Creek Park, 376 Solotruck Lane, Ballston Lake | 5 – 8 p.m. National Night Out is a free, family-friendly event that brings neighbors together with local law enforcement, first responders, businesses, and community organizations to strengthen community partnerships and promote public safety. The event will feature Touch-a-Truck, meet and greet first responders, community organizations and local businesses, safety information, educational resources, activities and games for children, free hot dogs (while they last), giveaways and family fun. Teens are encouraged to attend to learn about safe driving and explore career opportunities. Preregistration is requested on the Town of Malta Parks and Recreation website. For more information call 518-899-4411.

Fire Feast

Pitney Meadows Community Farm invites the community to gather on Tuesday, August 4 from 5 – 9 p.m. for an extraordinary open-air, expeditionary dining experience, bringing together local food and music, live-fire cooking, and community to commemorate the farm’s tenth anniversary. This year’s theme, “Ten Years Together. Generations Ahead”, reflects both a celebration and a commitment. Tickets are on sale now and are expected to sell out. Secure your tickets today: www.pitneymeadows.org/fire-feast

Summer Concert Series – Mostly Modern’s FAB 5

War Memoria in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Mostly Modern’s FAB 5 brings pop music to classical instruments through a string quartet joined by local star drummer Chris Carey. The group creates a unique and engaging sound that is fresh and fun, performing music from Bridgerton, film and television scores, and much more while celebrating its debut album. 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. 

Wednesday, August 5

Character Counts at Miller’s BBQ Fundraiser

Abele Park, Across from Halfmoon Town Park, 2 Halfmoon Town Plaza, Halfmoon | 3 – 6 p.m. For $20, supporters will receive a complete, delicious Miller’s BBQ dinner featuring a quarter chicken, 6 ounces of pulled pork, a baked potato, coleslaw, and a roll. An 8-ounce serving of macaroni and cheese may also be added for $5. More importantly, every meal purchased helps support the work of Character Counts, which gives back to the Halfmoon community through initiatives benefiting camp scholarships, food pantries, veterans, and other community needs. Contact the Town of Halfmoon Recreation Department at 518-371-7410, ext. 2272 to purchase tickets.

Roast Pork 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: roast pork, mashed potatoes, vegetable, stuffing, applesauce, gravy and roll, tossed salad. Dinner: $15 (cash only).

First Lady Dolley Madison 

Waterford Historical Museum & Cultural Center, 2 Museum Lane, Waterford | 6 p.m. As part of our America 250 Lecture Series, Phyllis Chapman of Vintage Visitor Presentations will portray and discuss her life and times. Light refreshments will be served after her presentation.

Pickin’s  

The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Open to the public, free admission and ample free parking. Doors open 6 p.m. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel and bluegrass are welcome to participate. If you don’t play, become part of the audience and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share, beverages provided. Call Earl 518-248-9922 with questions.

Thursday, August 6

Music on the Mountain: Songs of the American Revolution

Grant Cottage, 1000 Mount McGregor Rd., Wilton | 1 p.m. the history of the American Revolution is often detailed through battles, conferences, and personalities, but it was also a time of patriotism, inspiration, and song. Join musical duo Crosby Gibson and Tom Staudle as they share historic songs evoking this pivotal moment in American history, curated to provide a brief narrative history of the war as well. 

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 – Little Saints

On the Lawn Outside Tang Museum, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Little Saints is an original band born in Saratoga Springs. The three-piece, genre-bending group features singer-songwriter Natalie Santini, guitarist Andy Arnold, and bassist Ian Dingman. Drawing on influences including Brandi Carlile, Stevie Wonder, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Little Saints blends Americana, indie folk, and modern soul. 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. 

Discovering George Foster Peabody 

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa | 7 – 8 p.m. Glenn Underwood is an artist, author, and historian from Upstate New York whose family operates Twin Birches Cottages in Lake George, a property that stands on the former grounds of Abenia, the summer estate of banker and philanthropist George Foster Peabody. In 2017, Underwood began a research journey at the New York Public Library’s Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room for Rare Books and Manuscripts, where he examined the Yaddo Records and George Foster Peabody files. What began as an effort to find photographs or documents connecting Peabody to the land now home to Twin Birches soon evolved into a much larger discovery. The culmination of this research is Underwood’s new book, Discovering George Foster Peabody, a comprehensive work that brings together archival research, correspondence, and rare photographs to reintroduce one of New York’s most quietly influential figures to modern readers.  Register: www.brooksidemuseum.org.