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 October 2025

  • October 21, 2025 (3 events)


    October 21, 2025

    Registration required: Warren County Career Center

    Statistics show that approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to screen candidates for job opportunities. Find out how you can prepare and hear suggestions for getting the most visibility out of your online application.


    October 21, 2025

    New York State Museum

    Join us every Tuesday in October for Folklore & Frost, a local documentary series exploring the rich history and mysterious tales of Northern New York. Each episode highlights historic sites where unexplained occurrences and ghostly legends are part of everyday life. From haunted inns and old courthouses to mysterious apparitions and strange happenings, these stories bring the past—and the paranormal—to life.

    Schedule:

    • October 7: Folklore & Frost - Unexplained Occurrences
    • October 14: Folklore & Frost - The Big County and Beyond
    • October 21: Folklore & Frost - Legends of Early Downtown Watertown
    • October 28: Folklore & Frost - Haunted Happenings

    Step into the history, hauntings, and folklore of Northern New York and discover the stories that continue to intrigue and mystify the community.


    October 21, 2025

    Come join us on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. You don’t need to read the book to come to our meetings.

  • October 22, 2025 (4 events)


    October 22, 2025

    Registration required: Warren County Career Center

    Beyond Job Searches: Networking is your strategic tool for cultivating lasting relationships, fostering professional growth, and unlocking opportunities. It’s more than finding jobs; it’s a pivotal force propelling higher salaries and career advancement. Networking is the workout regimen your career muscle craves. Join us for an approachable journey to networking.


    October 22, 2025


    October 22, 2025

    Registration required: Caldwell-Lake George Library

    You are invited to be one of the first to hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai about her astonishing memoir, Finding My Way. Malala reintroduces herself to the world, sharing how she navigated life as someone whose darkest moments threatened to define her narrative—while seeking the freedom to find out who she truly is. Wednesday October 22nd at 7 PM via digital live-stream. Register and ask questions of the author here: https://libraryc.org/lakegeorgelibrary/99211


    October 22, 2025

    Registration required: Crandall Public Library

    You are invited to join us online and be one of the first to hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai about her astonishing memoir, Finding My Way. Malala reintroduces herself to the world, sharing how she navigated life as someone whose darkest moments threatened to define her narrative—while seeking the freedom to find out who she truly is.

    Thrust onto the public stage at fifteen years old after the Taliban’s brutal attack on her life, Malala Yousafzai quickly became an international icon known for bravery and resilience. But away from the cameras and crowds, she spent years struggling to find her place in an unfamiliar world. Finding My Way is a story of friendship and first love, of anxiety and self-discovery, of trying to stay true to yourself when everyone wants to tell you who you are. In it, Malala traces her path from high school loner to reckless college student to a young woman at peace with her past. Through candid, often messy moments like nearly failing exams, getting ghosted, and meeting the love of her life, Malala reminds us that real role models aren’t perfect—they’re human.

    Finding My Way is a vulnerable, surprising memoir that buzzes with authenticity, sharp humor, and tenderness. It is an intimate look at the life of a young woman taking charge of her destiny and is a deeply personal testament to the strength it takes to be unapologetically yourself. Register now for an online conversation you cannot miss!

    Registration is required and a high speed internet connection is recommended. Register for this author talk and check out other online author talks here: https://libraryc.org/crandalllibrary Programs will be recorded and available to view at a later date.

  • October 23, 2025 (4 events)


    October 23, 2025


    October 23, 2025

     


    October 23, 2025

    Registration required: Saratoga National Historical Park

    On October 7, 1777, the Second Battle of Saratoga began in field of ripening wheat at Stop 5 along today’s Battlefield Tour Road. By the end of the day, the United States had achieved a monumental victory which resulted in the surrender of General Burgoyne’s army 10 days later. However, questions have remained on how the battle unfolded. How exactly were the contending forces arrayed? How did the American Army achieve victory on that October day?

    In the fall of 2021, a team of researchers, archaeologists, and military veterans assembled at Saratoga National Historic Park under the auspices of American Veterans Archaeological Recovery (AVAR) to look for answers to some of these questions. Ben Powers will share how the project played out and what was discovered during this three-week exploration.

    Ben resides in Texas with his wife, K.C., and four children, Arthur, Michaela, Emma, and Jordan. He holds a master’s degree in strategic leadership from American Military University and served 24 years in the United States Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Ben is an author, YouTuber, and President of the Board of Directors of the American Veterans Archaeological Recovery Project (AVAR). He participated in fieldwork in Barber’s Wheatfield on the Saratoga Battlefield in the fall of 2021.

    Support for the Fall Lecture Series is provided by Friends of Saratoga Battlefield. Reservations are required due to limited space. Email us (SARA_Reservations@nps.gov) to reserve your seat!

  • October 24, 2025 (1 event)


    October 24, 2025

    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.

  • October 25, 2025 (3 events)


    October 25, 2025

    New York State Museum

    Join the New York State Museum for an afternoon of Halloween fun! Create creepy art projects, play ghoulish games, see spooky science specimens, go wild on the dance floor, and so much more. Costumes are encouraged—there will be a children’s costume parade at 2 p.m. to end the festivities. Come out for a spooktacular time!

    Note: This program does not provide any candy or snacks. 


    October 25, 2025

    Up Yonda Farm

    It’s our annual Trunk or Treat event (rain or shine).

    Dress up in your Halloween best and Trick-or-Treat among decorated vehicles. This event is open to all ages.

    This event is not possible without the support of our community bringing a decorated vehicle and treats. Register your vehicle!


    October 25, 2025

    Hudson Crossing Park

    Join us for the spookiest night of the year at HCP!

    From 4pm-6pm, carve pumpkins with us at the pavilion before lining the Sensory Trail with everyone's glowing creations. Once the sun goes down, take a stroll down the trail... If you dare!

    Details:
    -$10 per pumpkin if you use one of ours (bring your own at no cost!)
    -At the end of the night, you can take your jack o’lantern home (or leave it as a special snack for our resident wild life)
    -The Sensory Trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. This event is open to all ages, abilities, and disabilities.

    Come for the carving, stay for the glow, and make some fall memories with us at Hudson Crossing Park!

  • October 26, 2025 (2 events)


    October 26, 2025

    New York State Museum

    Join author Mark Ferrara, Professor of English at State University of New York at Oneonta and author of The Raging Erie: Life and Labor Along the Erie Canal (Columbia University Press, 2024) to discuss his recent book and some of the stories of the people who lived and worked along the banks of the canal, emphasizing the forgotten role of the poor and working class in this epochal transformation.

    Brian Keough, New York State Archivist will talk about and show examples of records documenting New York's canals from the earliest Erie Canal surveys to the completion and operation of the Barge Canal spanning 1794–1958 (bulk 1817–1926) and totaling over 2,560 cubic feet. These archival documents are part of the holdings of the New York State Archives and Records Administration, part of the Office of Cultural Education in the State Education Department.


    October 26, 2025

    New York State Museum

    Join Toss the Feathers for Musical Postcards from Irish Albany & Troy, a lively program of traditional Irish music, stories, and song that celebrates the remarkable history of the Irish people in the Upper Hudson Valley. Presented on the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal’s opening, this concert shines a spotlight on the thousands of Irish immigrants whose labor and spirit helped carve the Canal into existence. Through music, stories, songs, and slides that bring history to life, audiences will travel back to a time when Irish voices and fiddles echoed along the waterways of Albany and Troy.

    Presented as part of New York State History Month and the Erie Canal Bicentennial, this special concert honors the enduring legacy of Irish culture and community in New York State.

  • October 28, 2025 (4 events)


    October 28, 2025

    Registration required: Warren County Career Center

    Join us for this informal glimpse into potential stumbling blocks to finding a job and some resources and strategies to help you meet your goals. Whether you're facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns, or more - we're here to help connect you to resources!

     


    October 28, 2025

    New York State Museum

    Join us every Tuesday in October for Folklore & Frost, a local documentary series exploring the rich history and mysterious tales of Northern New York. Each episode highlights historic sites where unexplained occurrences and ghostly legends are part of everyday life. From haunted inns and old courthouses to mysterious apparitions and strange happenings, these stories bring the past—and the paranormal—to life.

    Schedule:

    • October 7: Folklore & Frost - Unexplained Occurrences
    • October 14: Folklore & Frost - The Big County and Beyond
    • October 21: Folklore & Frost - Legends of Early Downtown Watertown
    • October 28: Folklore & Frost - Haunted Happenings

    Step into the history, hauntings, and folklore of Northern New York and discover the stories that continue to intrigue and mystify the community.


    October 28, 2025

    Registration required: Warren County Career Center

    Goals are what take us forward in life. They are the first step to every journey we take. In this workshop we will explain how goal setting works, why goals are important, and take home more helpful resources to get you started. Remember: "if you aim for nothing, you'll hit it every time." Find out how to reach your dreams.


    October 28, 2025

  • October 29, 2025 (2 events)


    October 29, 2025

    Registration required: Caldwell-Lake George Library

    Coined as the “queen of British historical fiction,” Philippa Gregory returns to the infamous Tudor court with a tale that is both timely and timeless. We invite you to sit down with us for an intriguing conversation with Gregory about her newest novel Boleyn Traitor (out October 14, 2025) on Wednesday October 29th at 2 PM ET via digital live-stream.

    Register and ask questions of the author here: https://libraryc.org/lakegeorgelibrary/96288


    October 29, 2025

    Registration required: Crandall Public Library

    Coined as the “queen of British historical fiction,” Philippa Gregory returns to the infamous Tudor Court with a tale that is both timely and timeless. We invite you to sit down with us for an intriguing conversation with Gregory about her newest novel Boleyn Traitor (forthcoming October 14, 2025).

    Jane Boleyn watches from the shadows of the Tudor Court, where secrets are currency, every choice is dangerous, and even the faintest whisper can seal the fate of queens.

    For Jane, survival demands playing every role required of her: a loving wife who conceals her doubts, a devoted sister to Anne Boleyn at the height of her power, and an obedient spy who carefully wields her words. But in a court ruled by ambition and a tyrant’s sword, Jane must rely on her sharp wit and skillful maneuvering to outthink those around her, knowing that one wrong move could cost her everything.

    With a rich tapestry of new historical insights and lyrical language honed over decades of writing, Gregory's return to the Tudors is a new definition of this most fascinating era. As the world becomes more extreme and unpredictable, Jane’s story of survival and ingenuity offers a compelling parallel, serving as both a powerful historical narrative and an echo of the challenges we face. This is a riveting tale of loyalty and betrayal, ambition and love—one that should not be missed by readers this fall.

    Register today for this exciting glimpse into the perilous 16th century royal court!

    Registration is required and a high speed internet connection is recommended. Register for this author talk and check out other online author talks here: https://libraryc.org/crandalllibrary Programs will be recorded and available to view at a later date.

  • October 30, 2025 (3 events)


    October 30, 2025


    October 30, 2025

    Registration required: Saratoga National Historical Park

    What did it take for a six-man crew to fell trees in frigid 18th century Saratoga? How did African (American) women master the arduous task of laundry day at the Schuyler Estate? How did Lewis, one of General Philip Schuyler's coachmen, earn a shoutout from Benjamin Franklin for his skilled maneuvering of rural roads? Join us as we dig deeper into the tools, knowledge, natural objects and skills that local enslaved people mastered while in bondage and piece together what 18th and early 19th century life might have been like for African Americans in Saratoga and Washington counties.

    Dr. Shanleigh Corrallo is a scholar of African American history who has applied her research to positions in academia, government and public policy, and community advocacy. Through her work, Corrallo has developed programs and implemented policies that restore and uplift diverse communities across New York State that have been negatively impacted by social, economic and legal injustice. In her current role as a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow, she works with Skidmore College and the New York State Division of Parks and Historic Preservation to unearth and document the lives of individuals enslaved in Saratoga and Washington Counties, New York. In addition to collaborating with the NYS Office of Parks on a portfolio of projects commemorating 400 years of presence and contributions of African Americans in the State, Corrallo has developed an oral history series with local descendants that will be housed at Skidmore College. Outside of the fellowship, Corrallo is working on a book project with the University of Rochester Press on the Black Power Movement in Buffalo and Rochester, New York.

    Dr. Corrallo lives in the beautiful town of Schodack Landing, New York, with her beloved dog, husband, chickens and gardens.

    Support for the Fall Lecture Series is provided by Friends of Saratoga Battlefield. Reservations are required due to limited space. Email us (SARA_Reservations@nps.gov) to reserve your seat!


    October 30, 2025

  • October 31, 2025 (1 event)


    October 31, 2025

    New York State Museum

    Step back in time and join us for a fascinating 30-minute gallery tour of the Cohoes Mastodon, one of the New York State Museum’s most treasured fossils, led by NYSM Director of Research and Collections and Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, Dr. Robert Feranec. Discovered in 1866 during the construction of Harmony Mill No. 3 near Cohoes Falls, this impressive creature stood about eight-and-one-half feet high and weighed between 8,000 and 10,000 pounds.

    During the tour, you'll learn about the mastodon’s life 13,000 years ago, uncover the research behind its unique skeletal features, and explore the distinguishing traits that set mastodons apart from mammoths. Discover the remarkable story of survival, injury, and the ancient world through this iconic relic of our planet’s history!