Experience the Sights & Sounds of Arts and Culture in the Country
Saratoga Springs thrives with a vibrant arts and culture scene, from SPAC to Caffe Lena and beyond. But did you know we have a treasure trove of live music venues, theaters, and art galleries in neighboring Washington County?
While city life can be amazing, we owe it to ourselves every once in a while to get out into the country and experience something different. Here's what you can find close by:
Catch a Show at Fort Salem Theater
Music, musicals, and cabaret come together at the Fort Salem Theater! This historic building dates back nearly 250 years and is located in Salem's historic district, among homes that have presided in the area since the early 1800s. While necessary changes have been made to the theater, some of the original wooden pews from when it was a church are still on the premises, along with other nods to its rich history that set the stage for amazing productions.
The Fort Salem Theater draws actors, directors, and musicians from Broadway, off-Broadway, and some of the country's best regional theaters, in addition to bringing in talented local artists and budding talents.
See Popular & Local Artists at The Strand Theater
Hudson River Music Hall Productions, Inc. purchased the Strand Theater in 2016 to restore the venue and make it a hotspot for local events. They've hosted a Washington County Wine & Cheese Tasting, a musical about the life of Eleanor Roosevelt, and a slew of other musical performances, including the ever-popular Stony Creek Band. They also offer showings of classic films like Monty Python: The Holy Grail and Aliens. The venue even hosts music-based workshops for those looking to improve their craft.
What's great about attending performances at The Strand Theater is that you're supporting an important nonprofit that keeps the local arts and culture scene alive.
Enjoy Music in a Unique Setting at the Little Theater on the Farm
The Little Theater on the Farm is literally a theater on a farm! Located in the heart of the Washington County Grasslands in Fort Edward, the Little Theater on the Farm provides a space for theatrical productions, live music performances, and occasional historical reenactments. Their unique and charming location in the country is what brings this venue up a notch.
The Little Theater on the Farm has hosted Country Bluegrass Jams, where musicians are welcome to come and perform, as well as folksy groups like The Lazy Suns, The Atkinson Family Band, and the High Peaks Bluegrass Band. If you love bluegrass and country music, why not enjoy it at a venue nestled among meadows and farmland?
Check Out Local Art at the Valley Artisans Market
Valley Artisans Market is located in Hubbard Hall in Cambridge and is one of the oldest arts cooperatives in the country. Here, local artists and craftspeople come together to work in various mediums such as photography, pastels, wood, metal, jewelry, glass, and much more.
You can view their work in the Small Gallery with a rotating display of pieces from their members and guest artists. These shows keep the collections fresh and exciting, as there's always something new to check out. You might see displays revolving around textile art, fabric art, and much more.
And, bonus: Separate from the gallery displaying works of art is a shop with handmade items from artists that you can purchase! This is a true gem for discovering unique local gifts.
Experience All Things Shakespeare With the Hudson River Shakespeare Company
The Hudson River Shakespeare Company is a community theater based out of Hudson Falls that draws the best talent from Washington, Warren, and Saratoga Counties. This innovative company has kept the legend of Shakespeare alive since its first play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, performed at Hudson Falls High School in the summer of 1999.
This group's philosophy is to put as much emphasis as possible on the actual material performed during a play. Therefore, they rely on a clean, simple, and minimalist production style. Because they can keep production expenses low, they can pay the savings forward and charge very little for their performances.
In addition to their Shakespeare productions, the Hudson River Shakespeare Company also presents Halloween readings, Christmas shows, and an annual spring production.
Get Creative at the Historic Hubbard Hall
Hubbard Hall, which houses the Valley Artisans Market, is a complete arts and education center that supports community creativity and art. The venue is operated by the nonprofit Hubbard Hall Projects. This venue presents many shows, classes, and workshops—there is undoubtedly something for everyone.
They offer Children's Summer Theater, dance, yoga, drawing, painting, martial arts classes, and more. If you want to explore your creative side, this is the perfect place to get your feet wet!
Explore Your Crafty Side at Salem Art Works
If you're into checking out local art, this is a unique place to do so! Salem Art Works is a nonprofit art center and sculpture park in Salem open to the public for free from May through October. In addition to checking out their fabulous art on display, Salem Art Works also offers seasonal workshops in glassblowing, blacksmithing, welding, dancing, painting, writing, children's classes, and more.
Salem Art Works strives to support and encourage established and emerging artists of all ages and backgrounds, which they achieve through artist programs, youth programs, and artist residency programs.