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5 Days, 5 Must-See Hotspots for Arts & Culture in Saratoga

The Saratoga Springs area is a major destination for arts and culture in Upstate New York. Whether you are attending classical performances at SPAC during the summer or perusing the avant-garde exhibits at the Tang, there's always something amazing happening in the local arts scene. In fact, we have some of the best performing arts venues for live music and theaterart galleries, and museums north of NYC.

Our challenge to you is to spend 5 days exploring these 5 must-see hotspots for the arts in Saratoga. You won't regret it! (Plus, a bonus hotspot if you want to keep the fun going and make it 6.)

A Fusion of Art & Education: The Tang Teaching Museum

an art exhibit featuring a chess board with small figurines

Located on the Skidmore College campus, the Tang Teaching Museum is a unique and dynamic museum/art gallery. Featuring interdisciplinary exhibits that dive into intersections between visual and performing arts and other disciplines, including the humanities and the sciences, the Tang is dedicated to exploring the richness and diversity of the human experience through art.

The museum's galleries are regularly used as both teaching and exhibit spaces, with programming from famous contemporary artists as well as students at the college. Be sure to visit their website and see all the great (and free) events coming up.

Dance, Music & More at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center

exterior of spac with people seated on the lawn

Ah, SPAC. This magical outdoor amphitheater in the heart of Saratoga Spa State Park is a must-visit hotspot year round (hear us out). During the summer months, SPAC features both classical music (including residencies by the NYC Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra) and Live Nation concerts with big names like the Dave Matthews Band, Miranda Lambert, and more.

Then, in the fall, winter, and spring, you can walk past the grounds and imagine what it would be like to look out on the crowds of people in the amphitheater and on the lawns from the pit or the stage. In addition, SPAC has added a new multi-purpose facility called The Pines that hosts special events throughout the year, such as the CulinaryArts@SPAC series.

Explore Hands-On Artistry at the Saratoga Clay Arts Center

person making pottery on a wheel

Interested in pottery? You'll love the Saratoga Clay Arts Center in nearby Schuylerville. You can take a class, walk through the gallery, or sign your kids up for a fun summer arts camp. Keep your eye out for the annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser in the winter, where you fill the bowl, eat the chili, and then KEEP the handmade bowl.

Discover Horse Racing's Rich History at the National Museum of Racing

exterior of the national museum of racing

Check out a massive collection of everything thoroughbred horse racing-related at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs. Learn about the sport's history through historical artifacts, fine art, trophies, uniforms, and more. The museum features a permanent collection, as well as rotating special exhibits.

One of the museum's highlights is the new Hall of Fame space, where visitors can enjoy an immersive theatrical presentation and nine interactive stations that contain digital plaques for all of the Hall of Fame members.

Experience Gallery Exhibits, Performances & More at Saratoga Arts

saratoga arts entrance

Saratoga Arts is a local arts center and council dedicated to cultivating a vibrant arts community in Saratoga Springs. Their exhibitions, gallery, grant programs, education programs, and annual events all contribute to this vision and mission. We recommend stopping into their gallery on Broadway before you hit the shops to get inspired!

Saratoga Arts also hosts the Home Made Theater. This non-profit theater company typically puts on four shows between October and May. The HMT is a vital link between the community and the performing arts during the winter months while SPAC is quiet.

Bonus Hotspot: Take a Stroll Through Art History at The Hyde Collection

exterior of the hyde house

Located about 25 minutes north of Saratoga Springs, The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls is home to one of the best collections of fine and modern art north of NYC. The complex features both rotating exhibits and an astounding permanent collection endowed by the Hydes. They also host a variety of fun events, including guided museum tours, kid-friendly workshops, classes, and more.

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