There are a lot of exciting updates to know about in Saratoga this week. SPAC has finished a multi-million dollar renovation project, summer markets and concerts are happening around the region, and we’ve highlighted more upcoming events and newsy updates below.
Local Markets, Summer Concerts & Other Fun Events

Take a look at what’s coming up in the Saratoga area:
- Dinosaurs in Motion: Multiple Dates
- Performing Arts at the Common: The Marvelous Wonderettes: July 30 – August 1
- Summer Flea Market at Kaleidoscope Cafe: July 31 – August 1
- Saratoga Farmers’ Market – Saturday Market & Blueberry Jam-boree: July 31
- Audi Lawn Show: July 31
- Community Market at Saratoga Children’s Theatre: August 1
- Turning Point Parade: August 1
- Croquet on the Green: August 3
- Summer Concert Series in Congress Park: The Schmooze: August 3
- Malta Summer Concert Series: Grit-N-Whiskey: August 4
- Upbeat on the Roof with Thomasina Winslow: August 5
- Ballston Spa Concerts in the Park: Annual Ice Cream Social with The Union Fire Company Band: August 5
See the full Saratoga events calendar >>
Track Highlights, SPAC’s Renovation Project, and 3 More Newsy Updates
Week 3 at the Track: Make Plans for the Weekend
Week 3 of Saratoga Race Course’s summer meet is underway, and this weekend will feature several special events, including Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF) Awareness Day on Saturday, July 31. During this event, riders from the Saratoga jockey colony will sign autographs on the Jockey Silks Room Porch from 11:30am – 12:30pm with a suggested donation to PDJF.
In addition, Berkshire Bank Family Sundays will be on Sunday, August 1, and live music will take place at the Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage from Friday – Sunday. Plan your visit >>
National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame Ceremony Coming Up Soon
Next week on Friday, August 6, the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held at Fasig-Tipton in Saratoga Springs. The ceremony, which is free and open to the public (limited seating), will start at 10:30am and also be streamed live on the Museum’s website. The doors will open at 9:30am, and this year’s event will honor the Hall of Fame classes of 2020 and 2021.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center Completes $9.5 Million Renovation Project

On Tuesday, July 27, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the official opening of Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s (SPAC) new $9.5 million facility. Named The Pines@SPAC, this major renovation project began in October 2019 as way to improve visitor services and create a new four-season event space.
After much anticipation, The Pines@SPAC is now open and features brand new and vastly expanded restrooms and concessions areas, new measures for safety and security, and new spaces for gathering outside of the amphitheater, including The Julie Bonacio Family Pavilion, The Pines Terrace, and the Nancy DiCresce Education Room, a year-round event space for educational programming and community engagement activities. This project also restored park-like aesthetics to the grounds and opened up original site lines from the Route 50 Gate to the Victoria Pool.
American Rescue Plan Provides Assistance to Caffe Lena
Like many performing arts venues, Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs is in the process of fully reopening, and they currently offer both in-person concerts and live streaming events. Although this is an unpredictable time, Caffe Lena has announced they will be receiving assistance from the American Rescue Plan.
A recent press release revealed that the venue has been awarded $255,000 in the form of a Shuttered Venues Operators Grant, which will help the business as it gets back to normal operations. In fact, Caffe Lena plans to return to full capacity today (July 30) with a show featuring indie folk band Darlingside.
New Self-Serve Dog Wash Business Opens in Burnt Hills
Bathing your dog can be a messy, stressful process if you’re doing it in your own bathtub at home. For an easy and convenient way to wash your pet, check out the new Gator’s Barks n Bubbles Self-Serve Dog Wash in Burnt Hills. The business has the world renowned IClean dog wash system that is equipped with a non-slip tub and other special features. Gator’s Barks n Bubbles Self-Serve Dog Wash recently celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting on July 22, and no appointment is required to visit.
Check out these unique shops while exploring Saratoga >>
Sources:
- Office of Governor Cuomo: Governor Cuomo Announces Opening of $9.5 Million Facility at Saratoga Performing Arts Center