Events in Saratoga County, NY

Have a book club but nowhere to meet? This gathering offers a place for your book club, with no reservations needed.

Maya de Vitry crafts songs that move gently yet carry real strength, inviting listeners to linger with the small moments that shape daily life. Raised in the rolling hills of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and now based in Nashville, she grew from a fiddler into a songwriter with a voice that can be both tender and assured. As a cofounder of the Americana trio the Stray Birds, she spent years touring across the United States, Canada, and Europe, then continued her evolution through a series of albums, an EP, and singles that reflect ongoing reinvention and growth. Recognized by outlets including Rolling Stone Country, NPR Music, and No Depression, she blends the closeness of folk, the heart of Americana, and the curiosity of indie songwriting to create music that feels grounded, graceful, and full of possibility. Energized by the spark of live performance and a clear, truth-seeking lyrical style, she returns with All My Faith, recorded and mixed by five time Grammy Award winning engineer Sean Sullivan and self produced on her Mad Maker Studio label. Favoring presence and grit over gloss, the songs were shaped with trusted collaborators and move through a wide emotional range. Her stories wander from wide open landscapes to familiar rooms, from cold water to the rhythms of life on the road, tracing chance encounters, self discovery, and the ways places can shape who we are. Onstage, her expressive voice, thoughtful storytelling, and graceful musicianship create the feeling of an easy conversation with an old friend, offering an evening centered on resilience, curiosity, and the beauty of the present moment.

Take the mic for a karaoke night at Saratoga City Tavern, with a collection of more than 56,000 songs spanning classic ballads and current chart-toppers. Singers of all experience levels are welcome to perform their favorite songs.

Award-winning mother and son Veena and Devesh Chandra present Indian classical music grounded in a living oral tradition passed from teacher to student. Guided by improvisation, the performance unfolds into an immersive journey through Indian classical and folk music, with stories and reflections on the tradition interwoven throughout. Admission is free and open to all, with no registration required.

Savor an evening that pairs dinner with live music, featuring two leading musicians from the capital region. Reservations are recommended by calling (518) 882-6962.

Enjoy tabletop role-playing games in a welcoming setting open to teens and adults. An RSVP is required to play, but you can also stop in to see how the games go. Thanks to Fool Hardy Press for DMing.

Sing along to a collection of more than 56,000 songs, from classic ballads to current hits. Karaoke welcomes everyone, whether you are new to performing or a seasoned singer, with a chance to take the stage and share your favorite songs.

Deepen your understanding of the energetic dimension of Yin Yoga in a 20 hour advanced training, including 5.5 hours online, led by Jael Polnac, ERYT and Certified CE Provider. Designed for yoga teachers and dedicated practitioners, this immersion looks beyond physical alignment to explore how Yin postures can help balance qi and support the body, mind, emotions, spirit, and relationships. Participants build a grounded grasp of Meridian Theory and the body’s energy pathways, study the organs connected to those channels and their holistic functions, clarify what qi is, where it resides, and how it circulates, and learn how specific Yin shapes can harmonize energy. The curriculum includes sequencing strategies that target particular channels, an exploration of how yang asanas, restorative shapes, mindfulness, and breathwork can complement Yin to support energetic balance, and an inquiry into the relationship between Yin postures and the chakras, with guidance for crafting chakra informed sequences. Clear, effective verbal communication is practiced throughout. Graduates receive 20 Yoga Alliance continuing education hours in Yin Yoga for the Subtle Body. Required reading includes Insight Yoga by Sarah Powers, along with a training manual titled Yin Yoga for the Subtle Body: An Advanced Training that is provided on the first day. Jael brings more than three decades of practice and extensive study in therapeutic and contemplative approaches to yoga, including work with Sarah and Ty Powers, Josh Summers, Dr. Loren Fishman, Jivana Heyman, Dr. Ann Saffi Biasetti, Dr. Edwin Bryant, and Julie Gudmestad, PT. Her teaching is attentive to the physical, energetic, and mental shifts that thoughtful sequencing can create and is responsive to a wide range of student needs. Pricing is 395 for early registration and 450 thereafter.

This Region 1 vintage tackle show in Saratoga Springs takes place at the Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs. Members can take part in room-to-room trading ahead of the main event. The public is welcome in the exhibit hall with a one-day membership that can be applied toward an annual membership. Admission is $10 per person, with free entry for veterans and for children 16 and under. Free appraisals will be offered. A people’s choice award will recognize the best collection on the floor, and the winner will be added to the event plaque and receive a gift certificate. Last year’s show sold out. For details, contact show host Keith Marshall at k_marshall007@hotmail.com or (860) 944-7115.

Celebrate the start of the winter season as the Saratoga Farmers’ Market returns to its indoor home at Wilton Mall. Meet local farmers and makers and explore offerings from 42 full-season vendors and 12 holiday vendors, including seasonal vegetables, pasture-raised meats, farmstead cheeses, fresh breads and baked goods, mushrooms, honey, maple products, coffee, prepared foods, handmade goods, and specialty products. The season also features free Saturday yoga sponsored by Yoga Mandali, live music, children’s activities and family programs with weekly library visits, educational workshops, hands-on learning, community composting with Loving Earth Compost, and special events focused on holiday shopping, wellness, and families. The market offers a place to connect with the people who grow and make local food and with the community.

Meet the author and have a book signed. Signed books will be available for purchase, or you can bring your own book to be signed. Enjoy a chat, something to eat or a warm drink, and browse the cafe’s book selection.

Capture a keepsake photo of your pet with a Thanksgiving and Veterans Day theme. A $10 donation provides a framed 4″ × 6″ photo, and all donations go directly to pets in need through The Animal Support Project, which is run entirely by volunteers.

Jason Irwin brings his live music to Seven Bistro, a restaurant with a speakeasy-inspired atmosphere and a menu featuring Southern flair. A professional musician with more than three decades in Upstate New York’s music and entertainment scene, Irwin performs solo acoustic sets featuring popular covers from classic hits to contemporary songs, as well as original music. He is also known as the lead singer and guitarist of Phillips Head.

Saving Abel brings high-octane Southern rock with post-grunge grit and big, radio-ready hooks. Originating from Corinth, Mississippi, the band broke through with a self-titled debut highlighted by “Addicted,” a multi-platinum hit that climbed to No. 2 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart and No. 20 on the Hot 100. The album also delivered “18 Days,” which reached No. 10 on Mainstream Rock, and “Drowning (Face Down),” which hit No. 24. Reunited with core members, the group arrives with renewed drive and a sound rooted in the grit and soul that fueled more than a decade of chart success and a loyal fan base. The lineup also features Gozer, channeling gritty modern desert and hard rock with bulldozer riffs and big, memorable hooks.

Experience a tribute to Rush featuring iconic classics, powerful instrumentals, and energetic live performances. This rock concert celebrates the music for fans of classic rock.

Ride aboard the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway with the Adirondack Thunder. Guests can meet Gunner and the players during this exclusive train ride, an hour-long round trip departing from Corinth Station.

This kids craft program invites participants to use their imagination to create a work of art with the supplies provided. Each month features a unique project to try, and basic craft materials are always available for open-ended creativity. It is best suited for third graders and up, and younger children are welcome.

Meet others who work on or care about environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability at an informal Green Drinks gathering at Whitman Brewing Company in Saratoga Springs. The focus is friendly networking and conversation among professionals, volunteers, and supporters. Food, along with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, will be available for purchase. This Saratoga Springs Green Drinks meetup is held monthly, and solicitation is not permitted.

Mike O’Donnell, a singer songwriter known for standout acoustic guitar playing, performs at The Cock 'n Bull Restaurant. There is no cover charge, and reservations are recommended at (518) 882-6962.

Work together to examine evidence, decipher hidden messages, and unravel a layered mystery before time runs out. Expect twists, teamwork, and plenty of opportunities to piece together what is happening. No experience is needed, just curiosity, collaboration, and a sense of adventure. The activity is for ages 16 and older and uses a variety of mystery boxes.

A chamber program from the Omega Trio brings together Skidmore music faculty members Michael Emery on violin and Jameson Platte on cello with pianist Matthew Quayle. The opening portion highlights contemporary voices with Chen Yi’s Tibetan Tunes, Jessie Montgomery’s Duo for Violin and Cello, selections from Reena Esmail’s Piano Trio, and the world premiere of a new trio by Quayle. The second half is devoted to Shostakovich’s Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67, a work the ensemble previously performed at Zankel during the concert hall’s inaugural season in 2010. Presented by the Skidmore College Department of Music and made possible by the Elisabeth Luce Moore Chamber Music Fund. Ticket options include General Admission at $25 plus fees or a Pay What You Will choice that allows patrons to set their own price. Contributing at the suggested level, or higher when possible, helps sustain programming and keeps Zankel concerts accessible for students, families, and community members. Skidmore students, faculty, and staff can access free or discounted tickets using Single Sign On, and tickets are free for children 18 and under.

Meet dogs seeking permanent homes and learn about adoption, fostering, volunteering, donating, and other ways to support dogs in need. Rottie Empire Rescue helps dogs of all breeds find safe, loving homes, and team members will be available to share information about their work.

Savor a cozy soup supper with the chance to sample as many varieties as you like. A complete meal is included, featuring salad, bread, dessert, and beverages. Early arrival offers the widest soup selection. There is no set price, as contributions are accepted by freewill donation. No reservations are required, and service is dine in only.

This two-day festival celebrates folk music through live performances, workshops, jam sessions, and community activities that bring students, artists, and public audiences together for shared learning and music-making. Acclaimed fiddler Jenna Moynihan, whose inventive style draws on Scottish, American, Irish, and Swedish traditions, performs with guitarist and bouzouki player Owen Marshall. Skidmore alumni Francis Davies, Paul Machabee, and Ellie Ushakov open the festival concert. The program also includes an interactive workshop with Moynihan and Marshall, and a participatory session led by alumni exploring their musical practices and experiences.

The Saratoga Springs City Center hosts a sprawling sports cards and TCG gathering featuring more than 100 vendor booths. Expect a wide selection that spans vintage and modern sports cards, memorabilia, certified autographs, and graded cards from PSA, Beckett, SGC, and CGC, along with hobby supplies and collectibles. The floor also includes unopened modern and sealed vintage wax boxes, mystery boxes, vintage and modern non-sports cards, comics, Pokémon cards, and a full range of trading card game items. Vendors travel in from across the Eastern United States. Show management operates an authorized submission center on site for SGC and CGC card grading as well as CGC comic grading, with the option to drop items off here and pick them up at a future show. James Spence Authentication is regularly scheduled at these events. Parking is available in the Saratoga City Center garage or on nearby streets. Admission is $5 for general entry, children under 12 are free, and a $20 Early VIP option allows access 30 minutes before general admission. Tickets are available at the door. The venue is surrounded by downtown Saratoga restaurants and bars, and vendor load in and load out are set up to be simple. Albany NY Show Promotions – Sports Card & Memorabilia Shows presents this event and notes a 51 year history, more than 30 professionally run shows each year across five locations in Upstate and Central New York, and a widely attended monthly show network in the Northeast.

Support the Post 358 Color Guard as they honor the flag and the country during the game’s opening ceremonies. Admission includes a soda and popcorn.

After appearing in the Caffè Lena @ SPAC series, Jordanian singer songwriter Farah Siraj returns to Caffè Lena with a new program that intertwines Arabic traditions and flamenco in an intimate setting. Her forthcoming album, Miel y Limón, produced by Javier Limón, a multiple Grammy recipient with ten awards, shapes the evening’s sound by uniting flamenco’s guitar and pulse with the lyricism and heritage of Arabic music. Touches of jazz and her dynamic voice bring it all together, creating music that feels both timeless and modern, close and expansive. Siraj has taken her voice from Jordan to renowned stages including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, as well as global forums such as the United Nations, the World Economic Forum and the Nobel Peace Prize Forum. Her songs move across borders, exploring love, longing, resilience and the connections shared among cultures. She performs with her trio for an evening of virtuosic vocals, flamenco guitar, percussion, storytelling and improvisation. Rather than placing Arabic and Spanish traditions side by side, the players let them converse, shifting from delicate and haunting moments to fiery, rhythmic passages. The title Miel y Limón, translated as Honey and Lemon, reflects the project’s contrasts of sweetness and bite, vulnerability and strength, tradition and reinvention. Presented as part of the Nordlys Global Voices Series with support from The Nordlys Foundation.

Celebrate Helen Tworkov’s memoir, Lotus Girl: My Life at the Crossroads of Buddhism and America, in a conversation presented in collaboration with Skidmore College and The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum. Moderated by Skidmore College Associate Professor of Asian Studies Benjamin Bogin, with an introduction by SPAC Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Sobol, the discussion explores Tworkov’s spiritual journey, her upbringing in New York’s Abstract Expressionist art scene, and her reflections on Buddhism’s evolution in the West. The memoir traces her search for truth and belonging through Japan, Cambodia, India, and Nepal against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and American counterculture. Tworkov also reflects on encounters with figures from the worlds of art and spirituality, including the Dalai Lama, Pema Chödrön, Charles Mingus, and Richard Serra. She founded The Tricycle Foundation, which helped bring Buddhist perspectives to a wider Western audience through Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. The event is free, with limited space.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy a community meal featuring shepherd’s pie. A different meal and dessert will be served each month.

Bring a project in progress, whether you weave, knit, crochet, embroider, or practice another fiber art. You can ask the group for help with a stitch or share your own expertise. The group meets in a community room and takes July and August off.

Boston-based duo Cold Chocolate returns to Saratoga Springs, bringing their expansive acoustic sound to the Caffè Lena stage. Guitarist and mandolinist Ethan Robbins and percussionist, banjo player, and vocalist Ariel Bernstein build from bluegrass roots while folding in folk, funk, rock, soul, jazz, and jam-band energy. The result is song-driven music with memorable melodies, tight harmonies, and a rhythmic pulse that makes two musicians feel like a much larger outfit. Twangville’s Mayer Danzig has highlighted their blend of jam rock with hints of jazz and funk, as well as the duo’s harmonies that add warmth and lift to the tunes. Classically trained, Robbins shifted from violin to bluegrass under the influence of The Band, Bob Dylan, John Hartford, Hank Williams, and the Grateful Dead, while Bernstein brings a drummer’s sense of groove and restraint. Together they can move from brisk acoustic picking to a relaxed pocket and into something funky without losing focus. Their sixth full-length album, Not Gonna Stop, continues their evolution toward a groove-rich Americana sound. Along the way they have shared stages with Leftover Salmon, David Grisman, and Angélique Kidjo and earned a reputation for high-energy performances at venues and festivals nationwide.

Oona Grady and James Gascoyne, performing as Drank the Gold, share Irish American contemporary traditional music during the dining hour. Their set blends old time songs with spirited tunes, creating a cheerful atmosphere.

At Caffè Lena, acclaimed guitarists Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo share the stage for an evening of jazz standards, classic melodies, and lively improvisation. Their long-running collaboration highlights crisp rhythm, fluid leads, and easy onstage rapport. Frank Vignola is a renowned guitarist whose range and technique have placed him alongside Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Tommy Emmanuel, Lionel Hampton, and Les Paul, who named him among his Five Most Admired Guitarists in The Wall Street Journal. His performances have included Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, The Blue Note, and tours in more than 21 countries. A prolific recording artist and educator, he also leads the weekly Guitar Night residency at Birdland Jazz Club in New York City. Vinny Raniolo, a sought-after rhythm guitarist recognized for precise timing and dynamic accompaniment, has appeared at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, Lincoln Center, and Italy’s Teatro Olimpico. He has been featured on PBS in Tommy Emmanuel & Friends and Four Generations of Guitar, with recording credits that include soundtracks for HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and Café Society. The duo returns to Caffè Lena with a program that spotlights interplay, swing, and the enduring voice of the guitar in jazz.

Saratoga Springs City Center hosts a pop culture convention billed as the largest in Upstate New York. It gathers fans in one place for a celebration of all things pop culture.

This nonfiction book club brings together dedicated readers and the simply curious to explore new ideas through thoughtful conversation. Discussions emphasize memoirs, science, and nature writing, with room to branch into other nonfiction topics guided by members’ interests. No registration is required, and copies of each month’s selection can be picked up at the checkout desk. Coffee and pastries are provided so participants can relax with a warm drink and a sweet treat while sharing insights and questions.

This low-cost pop-up veterinary clinic offers rabies vaccines, heartworm tests, and more. State-licensed veterinarians are available at every clinic.

Family Saturday offers a hands-on art-making experience that brings multiple generations together. Participants look closely at selected artworks, talk about what they notice, and then create their own pieces during a guided activity. Each session includes a tour of highlighted works. Admission is free and open to all. The program is intended for children ages 5 and up accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required, and materials are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Celebrate the holiday season with photos of children, families, and pets of all kinds with Santa. Each family receives five high-resolution digital photos by email, along with access to a complimentary hot cocoa bar and festive treats for people and pets.

Dan Navarro brings a lifetime of songcraft to the stage, blending warm humor, hard earned wisdom, and a resonant baritone in an evening of stories and songs. Known from Lowen & Navarro and as a solo artist, he writes with care about love, resilience, loss, and hope. His songs have been recorded by Pat Benatar, The Bangles, Dionne Warwick, and The Temptations, and his Grammy-nominated co-write We Belong became a landmark hit. His music has been heard in Deadpool 2, This Is Us, Mare of Easttown, The Office, and Pitch Perfect 2. His singing voice also appears in animated films including Encanto, Coco, and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. On stage he moves easily between heartfelt tunes, laughter, and candid stories from a far-reaching career. Recent work reflects an artist fully engaged with the world, including his Folk Alliance International Song of the Year winning recording of $20 Bill (for George Floyd). The result is an intimate, conversational concert experience.

Settle in for an evening of big band jazz. Seating is available ahead of the show, and a menu designed for concertgoers will be offered on these nights. Reservations are strongly recommended; call 518-882-6962.

Share what you love about your favorite books, then enjoy some quiet reading together. Bring a book of your own, borrow one from the Library, or purchase one from MochaLisa's.

The inaugural Nerd Fest event is presented by JAK IN THE BOX. The event page will share updates about guest announcements.

Enjoy dinner with live jazz performed by a trio from upstate New York. Reservations are recommended at (518) 882-6962.

Angelz Fury turns Vapor at Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY into a high-octane 80s metal Black Friday bash. Expect huge choruses, cranked-up riffs, and arena-scale energy as the group powers through the era’s definitive anthems, from shout-along favorites to blistering, shred-heavy burners. Led by vocalist Tina Valenti, the performance unfolds on a cutting-edge stage with top-tier sound, an immersive light show, and a giant video screen that amplifies every moment. Vapor’s two-level setting, comfortable lounges, and several bars set the scene to keep the holiday weekend momentum going with friends, family, and fellow headbangers. Leather and denim fit right in, with vintage riffs and crowd-pleasing hooks fueling an all-out 80s metal experience in one of the Capital Region’s standout live music venues.

Enjoy a night of live music paired with dinner at The Cock 'n Bull Restaurant, featuring Tim Wechgelaer and Chris Carey, two standout musicians from the Capital Region. Reservations are encouraged at (518) 882-6962.

Putnam Place hosts a night of boundary-pushing grooves with Octave Cat alongside Natalie Brooke. Octave Cat features Eli Winderman of Dopapod on keyboards, Jesse Miller of Lotus on bass and modular synth, and drummer Charlie Patierno. Their sound shifts from lean, jazz-rooted rhythms to analog synth-powered dance passages, echoing touches of Herbie Hancock’s jazz funk and Four Tet’s electronic textures while blending jazz, jam, and electronic elements into a style all their own. Natalie Brooke leads a powerhouse four-piece from the Baltimore area, taking the spotlight on keys, synth, keytar, and vocals with Nathan Shulkin on drums, Nester on bass, and Luke Walker on guitar. Her sets stay high energy from start to finish, getting crowds moving, dancing, and jumping. The music has been compared to a mix of Rick James and Rush, pairing fast tempos and gritty rock edges with jazz and classical foundations. Her percussive yet melodic keyboard approach stands out, and recent appearances include performances with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco & the U.N., Big Something, Cris Jacobs, Doom Flamingo, Sunsquabi, lespecial, and The Magic Beans. Tickets are $18 in advance and $23 the day of show.

This low-cost pop-up veterinary clinic offers rabies vaccines, heartworm tests, and more. State-licensed veterinarians are available at every clinic.

Have your pet photographed in a festive winter and holiday setting and take home a framed 4-by-6-inch keepsake photo with a $10 donation. The Animal Support Project is run entirely by volunteers, and all donations go directly to pets in need.

Have something that needs fixing? Bring it to a Repair Café at Saratoga Springs Public Library, presented with Sustainable Saratoga. Work side by side with a Repair Café coach to troubleshoot and repair everyday items such as lamps, small appliances, computers, leather goods, and jewelry, and get help with sewing or hemming a favorite piece of clothing or a cherished stuffed animal. This gathering marks the eighteenth Repair Café at the library. For questions, call 518-584-7860, ext. 242.

Jason Irwin brings his live music to Seven Bistro, a restaurant with a speakeasy-inspired atmosphere and a menu featuring Southern flair. A professional musician with more than three decades in Upstate New York’s music and entertainment scene, Irwin performs solo acoustic sets featuring popular covers from classic hits to contemporary songs, as well as original music. He is also known as the lead singer and guitarist of Phillips Head.

Connect with others who care about the environment at Green Drinks in Saratoga Springs. This relaxed networking gathering welcomes people who work in, volunteer for, or are passionate about conservation and sustainability. Held at Whitman Brewing Company in Saratoga Springs, it offers food and drinks for purchase, with both alcoholic and nonalcoholic choices available. The Saratoga Springs gathering occurs monthly. Soliciting is not permitted.

A singer songwriter and acoustic guitar legend will perform live. There is no cover charge. Reservations are recommended. The phone number provided is (518) 882-6962.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Lucy Kaplansky brings her modern folk voice and heartfelt storytelling to the stage, drawing praise from outlets like NPR, The New Yorker, and The Boston Globe. She has released nine albums, with two honored as Best Pop Album of the year by the Association for Independent Music, and her reputation for unforgettable live shows continues to grow. Known for a background in clinical psychology, she creates an easy sense of connection, turning a room into a gathering of friends with songs that feel personal and shared at once. Kaplansky is a member of the folk trio Cry Cry Cry with Dar Williams and Richard Shindell. Her cover of Roxy Music’s More Than This has surpassed 12 million streams on Spotify. Her music and story have been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, Weekend Edition, and Morning Edition, as well as BBC Radio and CBS Sunday Morning, and her harmony vocals appear on recordings by Suzanne Vega, Bryan Ferry, Nanci Griffith, and Shawn Colvin. Her latest release, The Lucy Story, collects unreleased tracks, demos, and live recordings that span her journey from early bedroom tapes to international tours and collaborations. NPR’s Scott Simon has praised the beauty and emotional impact of her work, a fitting nod to songs that resonate with honesty, warmth, and grace.

The program at The Tang Museum at Skidmore College features J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations in an arrangement for string trio, performed by violinist Jessica Tong, violist Ken Hamao, and cellist Ashley Bathgate. These concerts are made possible in part by a grant from the NY State Council on the Arts, the office of the Governor, and the NY State Legislature.

CTE Works! gives students in grades 8 through 12 from school districts across the WSWHE BOCES service area an interactive introduction to careers in the local region. Students can explore hands-on stations where they can touch, control, drive, or write as they discover what different career opportunities may involve. The event brings together local employers, businesses, career and technical education programs, early college career academy pathways, colleges, nonprofit organizations, unions, apprenticeship co-ops, and more.

Oona Grady and James Gascoyne, performing as Drank the Gold, bring an Irish American, contemporary take on tradition. They set a welcoming mood for the dining hour with old time songs, lively tunes, and plenty of good cheer.

Enter the world of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker in an interactive performance that blends classical and jazz interpretations of the famous score. A featured ballerina dances close to the audience so children can observe storytelling, gesture, and musicality up close. Live musicians guide families through familiar themes and invite gentle participation through singing, swaying, clapping, or simple guided movement. Throughout the program, playful activities introduce musical ideas like rhythm, tempo, and dynamics in ways that feel welcoming and easy to grasp. After the show, families can take part in an instrument discovery session, meet the musicians, see instruments up close, and ask questions, creating a direct link between what they heard and hands-on exploration. Arrive early for complimentary arts and crafts with the SPAC Education team, a Nutcracker-themed self-service photo station, and a picture book giveaway in the lobby while supplies last. The experience is especially enjoyed by children ages 2 to 8 and offers seasonal fun for all ages. General admission is $15. Children two and under are free on a caregiver’s lap, but a ticket is required if a separate seat is needed.

Experience a cherished holiday tradition in Saratoga Springs as the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center presents Bach’s complete Brandenburg Concertos. This Sounds of the Season program brings all six works together in one concert, performed by an ensemble of twenty distinguished chamber musicians at the Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College. Praised by The New Yorker for its buoyant, festive spirit, these CMS performances have become a New York City favorite and return following a sold-out appearance in 2025. Expect sparkling virtuosity, imaginative interplay, and an inspiring celebration of music’s power to bring people together.

Canadian Brass brings a festive concert back to Saratoga Springs at Arthur Zankel Music Center, promising a merry, lighthearted celebration of the season. Fresh off a previously sold-out holiday visit, the internationally renowned quintet presents a playful program of seasonal favorites that pairs virtuosic brass sound with quick wit, popular selections, and polished showmanship. Wonderful Time of Year showcases the group’s own arrangements and signature spins on classics like It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Jingle Bell Rock, and Christmastime Is Here. Their bright, celebratory style has attracted a devoted following worldwide, with acclaim noting that few sounds signal festivity quite like brass, especially in their hands.

Keith Pray’s Big Soul Ensemble brings big band jazz to The Cock 'n Bull Restaurant in Galway, NY. The restaurant will offer a menu tailored for the performance, and advance reservations are encouraged at 518-882-6962.

Sober Salon is a quarterly gathering created for people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction to share their creative work in a supportive, substance-free setting, enhanced by Caffe Lena’s professional sound, lights, and stage. All forms of creativity are welcome, from crafts and visual art to magic, comedy, music, and poetry, offering a space where artistic expression can help process difficult emotions, build trust through onstage sharing, and encourage connections with a healthy circle of friends. Sign up is first come first served, and presentations are limited to five minutes. The kitchen will be open for service. A piano and a selection of instruments, including guitars, are available for use. While there is no screen for photo display, performers can use backing tracks for singing. This edition is hosted by John Dillon and Vivian Nesbitt, longtime creative partners whose work brings together music, storytelling, creativity, and recovery. John has been in long-term recovery since 1992 and shares his experience by bringing music and collaborative songwriting to treatment and recovery communities throughout the Northeast. Vivian is an actor, writer, producer, singer, musician, and storyteller who draws out the stories and creative spirit in others, with work that spans stage, film, radio, and television. Together, they created and hosted the nationally syndicated public radio program Art of the Song for more than 20 years, exploring creativity, inspiration, and the journey to finding one’s voice. Admission is free thanks to the support of the Victor and Helen Geisel Foundation.

Choose one Warhammer model to paint and base it however you like. Participating painters can share the story of their painting journey with the community. Models will be displayed in store and evaluated through both popular vote and a rubric covering artistic and color theory categories such as cohesiveness, theme, and contrast, as well as technical ability across basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. One winner will be selected, and the challenge offers an opportunity to develop painting skills.