Raise your hand if you’re ready for summer! Festival and summer event season is upon us in Saratoga, and we are more than ready. Kick off the season with a brand new downtown festival featuring live music and other street performers, take a hike at the Wildlife Preserve, or go see a hot air balloon! This weekend there are also several events benefiting great local and national causes for you to get involved with your friends, family, and even your kids!
Celebrate the Beginning of Summer with Festivals & Shows
The summer season is getting off to a great start in Saratoga and the surrounding area this weekend, with plenty of things to do, see, and experience!
BUSK! A Saratoga Event of Street Performance & Cabaret
Sunday, June 4
This free event will be taking place in and around the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center. Local bands, magicians, circus artists, stunt performers, and more will be performing during the afternoon. The event will culminate in an evening cabaret at the Putnam Den, kicking off at 8 p.m.
Wildlife Festival at Wilton Wildlife Preserve
Sunday, June 4
Head out to Historic Camp Saratoga this weekend for the Wildlife Festival. The day will feature nature walks, live animals, crafts, and plenty of hands-on fun. All activities are free and open to the public. BBQ and baked goods will be available for sale.
Summer Festival at Blind Buck Valley
Saturday, June 3 – Sunday, June 4
Live music, a craft marketplace, and Maui Laser Tag are headlining the Summer Festival at Blind Buck Valley. The fun-filled day will benefit Call of Duty Endowment, an organization that helps veterans get back to work. Plum Dandy Yogurt of Saratoga will also be there serving sweet summer treats!
2017 Saratoga Antique Bottle Show & Sale
Sunday, June 4
The National Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa is sponsoring the annual Antique Bottle Show & Sale. Our area has a unique history in the bottle-making industry, and all types of antique bottles and related glassware/stoneware will be available! Attendees are encouraged to bring old bottles for identification – you might find out your bottle is more than a pretty vase.
Ballston Spa First Friday
Friday, June 2
Taking place the first Friday of every month, First Friday in Ballston Spa is a great time to experience all downtown Ballston Spa has to offer at the great restaurants and shops, then settle down for an outdoor movie. This month’s movie will be Moana showing at Wiswall Park at 8:30 pm.
Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival
Friday, June 2 – Sunday, June 4
Though this one is a little bit of a drive, it’s definitely worth mentioning! Who doesn’t love hot air balloons?! This free festival takes place all weekend in and around the historic village of Cambridge NY. Friday night there will be a block party and fireworks, Saturday will feature a “Taste of Cambridge” event, and Sunday will draw everything to a close with the Pilot’s Breakfast.
Help Out a Great Cause
This weekend there are several events to benefit national and local causes. Whether you’re still a kid, a semi-pro cyclist, looking for a fun motorcycle ride, or want to raise a glass to helping a great cause, there’s something for you to get involved in around town.
Cantina Kids Fun Run
Sunday, June 4
This annual run is the only one in Saratoga designed specifically for kids! With two course options (1/4 and 1 mile), your kids will have fun while raising money for pediatric care at Saratoga Hospital’s Emergency Department. Strollers are welcome, so come with the whole family. The school with the highest participation (by percentage) will win the Healthiest School contest.
2017 Saratoga Springs Tour de Cure
Sunday, June 4
This year, the Saratoga Springs Tour de Cure will start at a new location by the Peerless Pool in Saratoga Spa State Park. This fundraising event benefits the American Diabetes Association and includes rides for cyclists of all levels. The 10 mile is a flat ride through the park, the 28 mile travels through the park and Saratoga county, the 50 mile has moderate hills, and the 62.5 and 100 mile rides are for experienced cyclists who enjoy a challenge.
6th Annual TUFF eNUFF Obstacle Challenge
Saturday, June 3
Get out your old sneakers and prepare for the 6th Annual TUFF eNUFF Obstacle Challenge at the BOCES Campus in Saratoga Springs. There will be fun races for kids and teens/adults, and race-day registration will be available. The event will raise funds for the Prevention Council, which helps today’s youth navigate life’s challenges.
3rd Annual Motorcycle Run for Gateway House of Peace
Saturday, June 3
Planning to take your bike for a spin this weekend? Do it for a cause! The 3rd Annual Motorcycle Run to Benefit Gateway House of Peace will take place on June. The 100-mile run will begin at The Factory Eatery and Spirits in Ballston Spa and take riders past scenic Saratoga Lake, through the rolling hills of Stillwater and the Saratoga National Historic Park, over the Hudson, and back to Ballston Spa.
Crawl of Ages
Saturday June 3
If you’re not planning to run or ride this weekend, you can still benefit a great cause. Peabody’s is sponsoring the 80’s-themed Crawl of Ages to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Dress up as your favorite iconic 80’s character (or yourself from the 80’s!) and dance the night away, enter the pub challenge, and participate in the 50/50 raffle.