We have a new calendar! We’re experimenting with including free cultural and educational events at other local and regional libraries, museums, and non-profits. We hope a compilation of these great events will be a valuable resource for our community. Click on the categories above the calendar to limit the results by drive time from the Bolton Free Library. Be sure to check the hosting organization’s website for schedule changes and cancellations. Note that some of the events at and within 10 minutes of our library are not free; these are denoted with a “($)” and costs are included in those descriptions.
Check back often for updates and let us know what you think!
Events in September 2025
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August 31, 2025(1 event) Unplug, slow down, and engage with the collections in a new way. Join us for a self-guided sketching experience in the galleries as part of a new museum initiative to foster creativity, mindfulness, and deeper observation. On select Sundays in August, visitors are invited to pick up a sketch pad and pencil, find an easel in the designated gallery, and spend time drawing the exhibits that inspire them. Whether you’re an experienced artist or trying sketching for the first time, this relaxed, interactive program offers a new lens through which to connect with the Museum’s collections. Upcoming Sessions: All materials are provided, and no registration is required. Just drop in, draw, and enjoy. |
September 1, 2025
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September 2, 2025(2 events) Take a walk and learn about the history of the Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail. The trail travels the railbed of the former Delaware & Hudson Railroad, known locally as the Slate Picker, which stretched 26 miles through the Slate Valley. This program will originate at the access point directly adjacent to the Slate Valley Museum. Park in the museum lot and meet right outside the museum's front entrance! Join us for a special screening of Bringing Caribbean Sounds to the North Country, a WPBS original film that celebrates the joyful energy of the River Rat Rhythm Project Steel Drum Band. This documentary follows a unique community ensemble of nearly 50 members—from age 6 to 70—who come together from across New York’s North Country to perform the vibrant and uplifting music of the Caribbean. Through traditional island tunes and contemporary arrangements, the River Rat Rhythm Project creates a musical experience that transcends generations and geography. This film highlights their dedication, talent, and the transformative power of music in building community and cultural connection. |
September 3, 2025(1 event) – Registration requested: Great Camp Sagamore
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September 4, 2025
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September 5, 2025(1 event) Join Dr. Andrew Kozlowski, Curator of Quaternary Landscape Materials, for a 30-minute guided tour of Ice Ages: How Ice Shaped the Land and the Life in New York. This exhibit takes you on a journey through New York’s geological history, from the massive glaciers that sculpted the landscape to the giant mammals like mastodons and woolly mammoths that roamed the land 15,000 years ago. Dr. Kozlowski, an expert in Pleistocene geology, will share insights from his research on glacial deposits and landforms, offering a deeper understanding of how the Ice Ages shaped the state’s present-day topography and ecosystems. Don’t miss the chance to see rare Ice Age fossils from the museum's collection and learn about the forces that transformed New York’s landscape. |
September 6, 2025(2 events) Saratoga National Historical Park Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Join us for a special family-friendly program designed to help children and caregivers explore the story of September 11, 2001, with care, compassion, and curiosity. The program begins with a children's book reading that introduces the themes of resilience, hope, and community, followed by an age-appropriate guided tour of the exhibit World Trade Center: Rescue, Recovery, Response led by Senior Historian and Curator Aaron Noble. After the tour, families are invited to participate in a hands-on craft activity inspired by the themes of remembrance and unity. This program is designed with younger audiences in mind and offers a gentle introduction to a complex moment in our shared history. |
September 7, 2025(2 events) Registration required: sdm246@cornell.edu We are hiking Crane Mountain in Johnsburg. Meeting at the trailhead by 8am and plan to be on trail for 5-6 hours for a steady pace with breaks. 4-H membership is not required to participate.
Total mileage: 4.75mi loop
Elevation gain: 1,592 ft
This hike is an Advanced Only Hike. There are ladders to climb up 2 sections of trail to reach the breathtaking views at the top. The trail is weather-dependent, meaning we will be in contact if this hike needs to be put on hold. The trail is a loop starting with a gradual climb up to steeper sections then to the ascent by ladders. Good, sturdy boots with good soles are highly recommended. Plenty of water and snacks/lunch are required in packs. We'll take time to relax at the top before descending to the pond. Both up and down are fairly steep in some parts so be prepared to use hands and feet on the rocks!
I don't want to discourage anyone who may be on the fence about this one but I also want to make sure your family/group knows what to expect. The climb is well-worth the views. Please reach out to me if you have questions!
Registration required: Hudson Crossing Park Explore the park after dark! Join us each month for an inclusive evening adventure on or near the full moon. As the sun sets and the moon rises, the park comes alive in subtle ways, and this program invites guests of all ages to discover the secret life of crepuscular animals- creatures most active during the twilight hours. Take a guided walk through Hudson Crossing Park and search for signs of some of our quietest neighbors: deer, foxes, raccoons, bats, rabbits, and even fireflies. These elusive animals tend to avoid the hustle and bustle of the day, but under the glow of the full moon, they become more active — giving us a rare chance to spot them in their natural element. Space is limited, and registration is required. |
September 8, 2025
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September 9, 2025(1 event) Join us for a special screening of WCNY's documentary Floating Ideas: How the Erie Canal Helped Shape America, as we examine the spread of ideas along the Erie Canal, with an emphasis on women’s rights, suffrage, and the quest for social justice. |
September 10, 2025(1 event) – Registration requested: Great Camp Sagamore
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September 11, 2025
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September 12, 2025(2 events) Join Dr. Patricia Kaishian, Curator of Mycology at the New York State Museum, for an immersive gallery tour of Outcasts: Mary Banning’s World of Mushrooms. This exhibition highlights the fascinating life and work of Mary Elizabeth Banning, one of the first American mycologists, who defied the social and scientific barriers of her time to make significant contributions to the study of fungi. As Dr. Kaishian walks you through the exhibit, you'll discover Banning’s extraordinary illustrations and letters, her pioneering research on mushrooms, and the historical context in which she worked. Learn how fungi—often seen as "outcasts" in the natural world—were embraced by outcast scientists like Banning, who defied expectations to make lasting contributions to science. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the often-overlooked world of fungi and celebrate the legacy of a remarkable woman scientist. – Armadi Tsayn (in Armenian, “Sounds/Voice of the Roots") is a contemporary folk ensemble which pays homage to the rich musical heritage of Western Armenia and the captivating sounds of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The group blends traditional melodies with modern influences and has played in major cities including Boston, Worcester, New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Toronto, and Yerevan (Armenia). Band members are Samuel Sjostedt/Oud, Filippo Goller/Bass, and Alek Surenian/Percussion. This second performance, hosted by the Folklife Center, will take place on Friday, September 12, 7 pm at the Historic Salem Courthouse, 58 East Broadway, Salem, NY 12865. This is a free show with no reservations required. Doors open at 6:30 for the 7 pm performance. Live! Folklife Concerts are produced by the Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library and are presented free to the public thanks to funding from the New York State Council on the Arts supported by the Governor's Office and the New York State Legislature. |
September 13, 2025(2 events) – Saratoga National Historical Park A live tinsmith demonstration! At the time of the Battles of Saratoga, the tinsmith was an important part of both community and military life. Tinsmiths created dozens of useful items like cups, bowls, candle molds, lanterns, tea canisters, and other containers. They also provided armies with needed items such as oil flasks, canteens, document cases, cooking kettles, and even canister shot for artillery. Learn about the process and see a sampling of the many civilian and military wares a tinsmith could make! The tinsmith demonstration is weather sensitive and will be cancelled in the event of rain. – Experience the museum like you haven't before through a new series of audio tours, launching today! |
September 14, 2025(2 events) – The Adirondack Experience The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake ADKX is pleased to welcome year-round Adirondack Park residents, with free admission on the second and fourth Sunday each month. Proof of residency such as a driver's license is required. Registration required: New York State Museum Have you ever seen a nearly two-foot-long walking stick? Or a beetle as large as the palm of your hand? Did you know that an adult insect's life span can be as short as twenty minutes or as long as 50 years? Join New York State Entomologist, Dr. Timothy McCabe, as he reveals more incredible insects and fun facts on a tour of the New York State Museum’s Entomology collection. |
September 15, 2025(1 event) – Registration required: Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) This free inclusive dance class for ages 16+ welcomes developmentally and physically disabled and neuro-typical participants in a collaborative atmosphere that celebrates individuality through movement. The class will explore a variety of dance styles including hip hop, contemporary, ballet, freestyle, and pop. Original choreography will be created and dancers will have the opportunity to perform during the year. |
September 16, 2025(4 events) Take a walk and learn about the history of the Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail. The trail travels the railbed of the former Delaware & Hudson Railroad, known locally as the Slate Picker, which stretched 26 miles through the Slate Valley. This program will originate at the access point directly adjacent to the Slate Valley Museum. Park in the museum lot and meet right outside the museum's front entrance! Join us for a special screening of Elbert Hubbard: An American Original, a PBS documentary that explores the life and legacy of one of the most fascinating figures of the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly industrializing America, the film follows Hubbard’s journey from successful soap salesman to influential leader of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. A bold thinker and charismatic writer, Hubbard founded the Roycroft Campus in East Aurora, NY, a hub of craftsmanship and creativity that remains vibrant today. This film offers an inspiring look at how one man challenged the rise of mass production by championing the value of artistry, individuality, and hand-crafted work. – Registration required: Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) Welcome to Rhythm & Sole, the tap class for students ages 14+ with physical and intellectual exceptionalities that celebrates every dancer, no matter their abilities. Discover the delightful sounds and rhythms of tap as we explore the art of self-expression through movement. Our class is tailored to each student’s unique groove and style, so let your inner dancer shine. Join us and step to the beat of your own drum! This class is free to attend, but donations are greatly appreciated to support our programs. – Registration required: Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) Do you sing in your car? In the shower? At work?! Come sing with SOTA Voices! Did you love singing in Chorus back in school and want to relive those great times? Did you ever want to be part of a choir but never had the chance? Come sing with SOTA Voices!! Do you want to feel the joy of singing with a group, but don’t know where to start? Come sing with SOTA Voices!!! Participants will be a contributing voice in an ensemble bringing musical arrangements to life. Focus will be on musicality, performance, energy, but most of all, the joy of singing! All ages, levels, and abilities are welcome in this safe, collaborative space. Pop, Rock, Jazz, Broadway, and everything in between. We know SOTA Voices sounds a bit like the musical term “sotto voce” (which means “under the voice” or “quietly”) but in SOTA Voices, we will making some joyful noise! This class is free to attend, but donations are greatly appreciated to support our programs. |
September 17, 2025(2 events) Registration required: Hudson Crossing Park This nature-themed excursion will have kids hiking and exploring along Hudson Crossing Park’s trails, looking for signs of the park’s animal residents and their habitats. Participants will take an easy hike looking for signs of Northern Map Turtles, beaver, osprey, and more! They will learn about the behaviors and habitats of the animals who call the canal home before heading back to the pavilion to create a nature themed craft.
– Registration requested: Great Camp Sagamore
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September 18, 2025
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September 19, 2025(2 events) Take a time-traveling tour with Chief Curator of History Dr. Jennifer Lemak as she shares her all-time favorite artifacts from the NYSM History Collection. Expect mermaids, marvels, and mysterious objects you never knew existed. History has never been this fun! – Nicolas Babineau (modern fiddle, acoustic guitar) and Alexis Chartrand (baroque violin and foot percussion) offer a captivating dive into Quebec’s musical traditions. Inspired by a century of irresistible dance and fiddle music, they reveal the beautiful intricacy of Quebecois traditional melodies. Babineau/Chartrand’s uniquely sensitve and intimate approach brings together modern fiddling and baroque violin, bridging the gap between the old and the new. www.agchartrand.com/babineauchartrand This second free performance, hosted by the Folklife Center, will take place on Friday, September 19, 7 pm at the Historic Salem Courthouse, 58 East Broadway, Salem, NY 12865. This is a free show with no reservations required. Doors open at 6:30 for the 7 pm performance. Live! Folklife Concerts are produced by the Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library and are presented free to the public thanks to funding from the New York State Council on the Arts supported by the Governor's Office and the New York State Legislature. |
September 20, 2025(3 events) – Saratoga National Historical Park Soldiers return to Saratoga! Some of the heaviest fighting in the two Battles of Saratoga in 1777 involved Massachusetts Continental infantry on the American side and General Fraser’s Advanced Corps on the British. You can meet American soldiers from multiple recreated regiments of the Massachusetts Continental Line at Tour Stop 2. They will fire muskets, drill, post guard, cook, and sew clothing throughout the weekend. Fraser's British soldiers from the 24th and 62nd Regiments of Foot will await you at Tour Stop 6! Activities there will include soldiers drilling, cooking, and sewing clothing. – Saratoga National Historical Park Join Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer as he gives a guided tour of Freeman's Farm, the place where most of the first battle of Saratoga was fought on September 19, 1777. The battle - one of the longest land battles of the eight-year-long war - was a terrible fight over farm fields and woods and ended up costing the lives of hundreds of men and boys, most of whom are still buried in unmarked graves near where they fell. Meet at the Freeman Farm parking lot (stop 6); the tour will last for about one hour. – Saratoga National Historical Park Saratoga National Historical Park is hosting a Night Sky Viewing Party on September 20, from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. Visitors may start arriving around 7:00 pm if they would like to enjoy sunset and find a spot on the Visitor Center lawn. Join us for a night under the stars on the Visitor Center Lawn during the new moon. Park Rangers will give a short presentation about our connections to the night sky, a night sky tour, and how you can help to protect this disappearing resource. Junior Rangers can work on the Night Explorer Activity Book to earn their Night Explorer Badge! After the presentation, attendees will have time to enjoy the night sky. Although we have light pollution here, if the weather cooperates, we hope for a good viewing! |
September 21, 2025(4 events) – Registration required: Hudson Crossing Park Participants will create a painting of a favorite insect on a piece of slate to add to their home garden. We will talk about the critical needs of insects in the fall as they prepare for the long winter hibernation. Materials and instruction provided.
– Saratoga National Historical Park Soldiers return to Saratoga! Some of the heaviest fighting in the two Battles of Saratoga in 1777 involved Massachusetts Continental infantry on the American side and General Fraser’s Advanced Corps on the British. You can meet American soldiers from multiple recreated regiments of the Massachusetts Continental Line at Tour Stop 2. They will fire muskets, drill, post guard, cook, and sew clothing throughout the weekend. Fraser's British soldiers from the 24th and 62nd Regiments of Foot will await you at Tour Stop 6! Activities there will include soldiers drilling, cooking, and sewing clothing. – Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Bronte Roman at the New York State Museum. Experience Bronte’s musical fusion of Latin-Pop and Latin-Traditional Hits in a performance that showcases her vibrant energy and unique vocal style. Don’t miss this chance to experience Bronte’s exceptional talent and passion live! RSVP requested: Adirondack Interpretive Center With the guidance of mushroom enthusiast Sandy Bureaus, head out for an afternoon of mushroom hunting along the AIC trails. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned forager these walks will help expand your knowledge into the mysteries of mycology. Walks will be held every third Sunday at 1pm starting in May and continuing through October. Registration is not required but encouraged. |
September 22, 2025
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September 23, 2025
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September 24, 2025(1 event) – Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake Explore the beautiful ADKX campus and enjoy educational exhibits with interactive experiences for all ages. |
September 25, 2025
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September 26, 2025(1 event) Join Dr. Jeremy Kirchman, Curator of Birds and Mammals at the New York State Museum, for a guided tour through the Birds of New York gallery celebrating the intersection of science and art. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, this special program highlights the extraordinary watercolor paintings of Louis Agassiz Fuertes, a pioneering ornithologist and illustrator of Puerto Rican descent whose vivid works continue to inspire bird lovers and scientists alike. Discover the stories behind Fuertes’s travels, techniques, and legacy, and explore how his contributions helped shape both the field of ornithology and the museum’s historic Birds of New York publication. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Fuertes’s illustrations up close and learn about the remarkable birds that call New York home. |
September 27, 2025(3 events) Saratoga National Historical Park Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. – Adirondack Experience The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake Join us for a day devoted to outdoor recreation! Xperience for All features workshops, games, demonstrations, and presentations, all in the spirit of providing museum visitors a foundation to safely pursue recreation on their own. For those who are unfamiliar or not yet comfortable exploring the region’s woods and waterways on their own, learn tips for getting started and discover affinity groups that regularly offer outings and guidance. ADKX will be free for all on the day of the event. – Registration required: The Wild Center For the second year, The Wild Center, Third Act Upstate NY, and the North Country Clean Energy Hub will be co-hosting a celebration to raise awareness about the many benefits of electric vehicles (EVs), solar power and clean energy. Join us on September 27, 2025 for a family-friendly event where visitors can talk with local EV owners and experts showcasing their vehicles, visit with community organizations focused on clean energy, and attend programming about innovative solar solutions. Additionally, there will be many kid-friendly activities for families to engage in. Check back for detailed programming as we amp up for this event!
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September 28, 2025(3 events) – Registration requested: Adirondack Interpretive Center The Adirondacks have long been known for its breathtaking fall foliage, attracting people from all over the Northeast. The bright greens of summer turn to fiery reds, yellows, and oranges of autumn giving the forests a beautiful new palette. What better place to experience these magnificent colors than from Goodnow Mountain fire tower. Learn about the forest’s seasonal changes on the 4-mile round trip hike, considered moderately challenging, that culminates in a spectacular 360-degree view of Rich Lake, Huntington Wildlife Forest, the High Peaks, and surrounding areas. Dress for the weather. Meet at Goodnow Mountain Trailhead. – The Adirondack Experience The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake ADKX is pleased to welcome year-round Adirondack Park residents, with free admission on the second and fourth Sunday each month. Proof of residency such as a driver's license is required. Registration required: New York State Museum Explore the wild and wonderful world of fungi with the New York State Museum at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve! Join Dr. Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian, NYSM Curator of Mycology, for a beginner-friendly mushroom walk through the Hunger Kill Barrens, a forested habitat within the unique and ecologically rare Pine Bush. Discover the important role fungi play in this ecosystem and enjoy an engaging stroll through one of the Capital Region’s natural treasures. This walk takes place at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and involves uneven terrain—please wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared for outdoor conditions. |
September 29, 2025
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September 30, 2025(1 event) Take a walk and learn about the history of the Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail. The trail travels the railbed of the former Delaware & Hudson Railroad, known locally as the Slate Picker, which stretched 26 miles through the Slate Valley. This program will originate at the access point directly adjacent to the Slate Valley Museum. Park in the museum lot and meet right outside the museum's front entrance! |
October 1, 2025(1 event) – Registration requested: Adirondack Interpretive Center The Adirondacks have long been known for its breathtaking fall foliage, attracting people from all over the Northeast. The bright greens of summer turn to fiery reds, yellows, and oranges of autumn giving the forests a beautiful new palette. What better place to experience these magnificent colors than from Goodnow Mountain fire tower. Learn about the forest’s seasonal changes on the 4-mile round trip hike, considered moderately challenging, that culminates in a spectacular 360-degree view of Rich Lake, Huntington Wildlife Forest, the High Peaks, and surrounding areas. Dress for the weather. Meet at Goodnow Mountain Trailhead. |
October 2, 2025
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October 3, 2025
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October 4, 2025(1 event) Saratoga National Historical Park Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. |