This Week’s Events: Oct. 2-8
Friday, October 2
Saratoga Book Festival 2026
Various Location throughout Saratoga Springs | The Saratoga Book Festival, now celebrating its sixth citywide celebration of books, returns to downtown Saratoga Springs through October 4. This year’s festival includes a blockbuster lineup of talented writers and presenters, including a keynote ticketed event with Eric Idle of Monty Python fame. All other programs offer free admission. To learn more about festival authors, see the full schedule of interviews, readings, youth programs, and special events such as the annual Literary Night Market and Local Author Showcase, and Sunday KidZone, see saratogabookfestival.org.
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. Tour concludes at the Saratoga Springs History Museum inside the Canfield Casino. Participants should expect walking, standing, and some stairs. Last chance: tours end Saturday, October 3. For tickets and information: www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center/.
Blood Drive
Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Falls 1 – 5 p.m. Every 2 seconds, someone in the US needs blood. Help save lives. To schedule your appointment call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit, redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: maplewoodparkway.
Fall BBQ Take Out
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 3 – 6 p.m. Order some delicious Miller’s Backyard Barbecue. Chicken and pulled pork dinners are available for $16 and beef brisket dinners for $21 (beef brisket by pre-order only). All dinners include baked potato, coleslaw and cornbread. An 8 oz. serving of mac & cheese is also available for $5. Drive-thru pickup/take out only. Pre-order online to reserve your meal at brooksidemuseum.org. Some chicken and pulled pork dinners will be available without pre-ordering.
Saturday, October 3
Graphite Range Community Forest Walk
Graphite Range Community Forest, 721 US 9, Wilton | 8:00 a.m. Embark on a fall hike through Saratoga County’s Graphite Range Community Forest. View the beautiful changing leaves, learn about the history of mines, and gain ecological knowledge with the help of an environmental educator.
The 2026 Showcase of Homes – 30th Anniversary
Various Locations throughout Saratoga County | The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is being proudly presented over two fall weekends this year on October 3-4 and October 10-11. Tickets are on sale now, cost is $25. This year’s tour includes 13 locations in Saratoga County from 12 award-winning builders. For more details, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. Check us out on FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM and follow all the updates on this year’s event!
Skier Readiness and Injury-Prevention Seminar
Saratoga Physical Therapy Associates, 5 Care Lane, Saratoga Springs| 10 a.m. – Noon. A free community event focused on helping skiers and other winter enthusiasts prepare for the upcoming season. Physical therapists will discuss common skiing-related injuries, preseason conditioning, and practical strategies for improving performance and reducing injury risk. Attendees will take part in individualized screenings. The seminar is appropriate for recreational skiers, experienced athletes, and individuals returning to skiing after an injury or an extended period away from sport. Wear comfortable clothing and athletic footwear that allow for movement. Space is limited; advanced registration is encouraged. To register please call 518-587-5670.
Annual Kite & Flight Family Festival
Saratoga Independent School, 459 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. We are thrilled to welcome families from across the region to the school’s scenic 60-acre campus for the festival. This festival celebrates imagination, movement, community and the many forms of flight. Visitors can enjoy hands-on craft tables led by SIS teachers, bounce around in a bounce house, explore a balloon globe, and get creative with face painting and other engaging activities and so much more. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.siskids.org/kite.
Civil War Encampment Weekend
Grant Cottage Historical Site, 1000 Mount McGregor Rd., Wilton | 10 a.m. Free and open to the public.
Experience the sights and sounds of the Civil War at Grant Cottage! As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in a pivotal era of American history with military, civilian, and medical demonstrations as well as historical presentations and period music. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see the past come alive on the mountain.
Stamp – Craft – Bake Sale
United Methodist Church of Saratoga, 175 5th Ave. Saratoga | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stampin’ Up! products and more, priced to sell. Holiday items: wreaths, handmade jewelry, crochet items, and baked goods.
Cash only.
Goat Brothers 32nd Annual Swap Meet
Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 162 Prospect St., Ballston Spa | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Motorcycle Show, Hot Rods/Classic Cars welcome, live entertainment, motorcycle parts & accessories, gifts and novelties. Admission is $10 (under 12 free). Food and beverages available. No pets. For information call 518-583-3398, 518-507-6400 or visit, www.goatbrothers.com.
Elktoberfest 2026
Elks Lodge, 695 MacElroy Road, Ballston Lake | Noon – 5 p.m. ‘Elktoberfest’ Beverage Tasting and German Food Fundraiser for Cerebral Palsy. There will be beverage tastings, authentic German food, music, and games for a great cause! Come for lunch & dinner. Net proceeds will benefit the Home Service Program of the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State and the Elks National Foundation. Tickets are $20 for 10 tastings; $15 for Elk members (cash only). Proof of age is required. For information contact us at Elktoberfest@cliftonparkelks.org or call 518-877-5200.
Caffe’ Lena @ SPAC
108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 5:30 p.m. A free one day festival. Taking place on SPAC’s Charles R. Wood Stage, the festival will feature five acts that explore bluegrass, jazz, soul, R&B, pop, and indie-folk music including Vanessa Collie, Addison Agen, Alla Boara, The Cody Sisters, and Bad Penny Pleasuremakers. The festival highlights a unique, ongoing collaboration between the arts center and the folk music venue. Visit spac.org and caffelena.org for details and to register.
Building an Herbal Medicine Chest for Winter
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 1 – 4 p.m. Herbal Medicine has been used for centuries to keep people healthy in Winter. Join Janis Fallon (Master Gardener) and discover the herbs that will keep the family healthy in the long cold Winter. We will talk about and sample herbal remedies that are good for your winter health. In the second part of the class, you will make your own fire cider vinegar, and we will play with aromatherapy to make your own dream pillow and personal essential oil perfume stick. Cost is $35. Sign up today, class size is limited. Supported by the Milton Grange #685. www.brooksidemuseum.org.
Sunday, October 4
Autumn Stroll: Mail Order Houses of Saratoga
Meets at the NW corner of Lake and East Avenues | 10:30 a.m. Join the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and Madison C. Squires. Explore the remaining Kit Houses along East and Pinewood Avenues as Madison guides you through this fascinating chapter of architectural history. Approximately 90 minutes and requires walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours are limited to thirty participants and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 518-587-5030, email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org, or visit our website, saratogapreservation.org.
Fall Pollinator Palooza Pop-Up Native Plant Sale
Hudson Crossing Park Pavilion, County Rd 42, Schuylerville | Noon – 3 p.m. Forget spring—autumn is the secret season for planting success! Sustainable Saratoga has joined forces with Home Earth Alliance for this sale. To make fall planting even more impactful, every plant at the sale is grown by Home Earth Alliance’s Imagine Native Plant Farm from seeds ethically collected from abundant wild populations in the greater Capital Region. These hyper-local genetics ensure your fall additions are perfectly adapted to thrive in local conditions. Get your garden ready for next year today! Learn more at sustainablesaratoga.org.
Saratoga Chamber Players Concert – Autumn Accents
Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 5th Ave., Saratoga Springs | 3 p.m. Ashley Bathgate, cello & Andrius Žlabys, piano works by Johannes Brahms, J.S. Bach and Andrius Žlabys. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.saratogachamberplayers.org
Monday, October 5
Antique Bottles, Trash or Treasures?
Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Galway Preservation Society program is presented by Adam Stoddard, Trustee at the National Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa. Attendees are encouraged to bring their bottles to the meeting for identification as to age and possible value. Our programs are always open to the public, free of charge. If you choose, annual family or household memberships are available for $10 per year. Please join us for some fun and to learn more about our history.
Tuesday, October 6
Landscapes for Landsake Speaker Series
Maple Ridge, 172 State Route 372, Cambridge | 4:30 – 6 p.m. The Agricultural Stewardship Association (ASA) is pleased to announce a special Speaker Series leading up to its 25th annual Landscapes for Landsake art show and exhibition. The series will offer the public an opportunity to meet the exhibition’s curator and artists, and gain insight into the stories, inspiration, techniques, and creative processes behind their work. The second event will be Thursday, October 8 from 3 – 4 p.m. Open to the public on October 10 and October 11. Seats are limited, and advanced registration is required. To learn more and register, visit www.agstewardship.org/events.
Catholic Daughters of America Meeting
Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs | 5:45 p.m. CDA Court McLaughlin #422 will gather for recitation of the Rosary followed by refreshments and fellowship. Business meeting will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. All members and practicing Catholic women interested in joining are welcome to attend. October is bring a friend to Catholic Daughters month. Any member bringing a guest will be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.
The Whodunnit Book Club
Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | 6 p.m. Do you love good mysteries? Have a favorite true crime podcast or documentary? Introducing a new book discussion group open to adults ages 18 and up who enjoy mysteries, thrillers and true crime. At the organizational meeting, participants will have the opportunity to help shape the direction of the group, meet fellow mystery enthusiasts, and receive the club’s November book selection. Future meetings will feature lively discussions of selected books, along with opportunities to share and talk about relevant true crime podcasts, documentaries, and other related media. For more information, please call the library at 518-885-5022 or visit bspl.sals.edu.
Wednesday, October 7
Battle of Bemus Heights Walking Tour
Saratoga National Historical Park, Route 32, Stillwater | 1 p.m. Join Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer as he gives a guided tour of the fields where the Battle of Bemus Heights – the second battle of Saratoga – was fought on October 7, 1777. The battle was one of the most decisive American victories of the Revolutionary War and put an end to the British scheme to capture Albany. Major new information has reshaped our understanding of Benedict Arnold’s role in the battle, and discussing his heroism in the fight will be a highlight of the tour. No sign-up required; those interested should meet at “The Tide Turns” parking lot (stop 5); the tour will last for about one hour.
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: Dinner: $15 (cash only).
USA 250 Lecture Series
Waterford Historical Museum & Cultural Center, 2 Museum Lane, Waterford | 6 p.m. Michael Diana will present Revolutionary Schenectady. Cost is $10. www.waterfordmuseum.com.
Social Security 101
Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 6 p.m. Claiming Social Security benefits has become more complex due to a rapidly changing retirement landscape. Retirees need to plan carefully, or risk losing significant future benefits. This program will empower individuals to make informed and strategic decisions. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org.
Pickin’s
The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Doors open 6:00 pm
Open to the public, free admission & ample free parking. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel & 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, October 8
Brown Bag Lunch Lecture
Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry St. Saratoga Springs | 12 – 1 p.m. “The Battles of Saratoga and the 18th Century Soldier” James Parillo, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs History Museum, will explore the Battles of Saratoga, a pivotal point in world history. In 1777, a young American Continental Army defended the Hudson Valley against an invasion of British and German soldiers from the north. The two armies clashed near Stillwater, New York, that fall, resulting in the surrender of General Burgoyne to General Gates on October 17, 1777. Dressed as an 18th-century soldier, Parillo will discuss the Saratoga campaign, why the American Army was victorious, and dispel myths about events prior to and following the battles. For more information, visit www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.
Community Night
Saratoga Outdoors, 490 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 8 p.m. You’re invited! Stop by for a special Community Night. The evening will feature Ndakinna Education Center, who will be on-site sharing more about their mission and impact. 30% of all sales during this event will be donated directly to their organization. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a $100 Saratoga Outdoors gift card that will be raffled off. Come support their cause while shopping for quality outdoor gear!
Whole Grain: Flaherty Film Seminar Screenings
Tang Teaching Museum, Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. Six programs of experimental and documentary short films, each followed by a moderated discussion. In Flaherty tradition, films are revealed only when each screening begins. Screenings also on October 9 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.; October 10 at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. Admission: free; attend one or more programs. Registration requested. Details and registration: https://tang.skidmore.edu/calendar/2991-whole-grain-flaherty-film-seminar-screenings.