Update (9/21/25): Mine works again after updating my phone to iOS 26. Please let me know if it’s still not working for you!
NOTE: Opening events is currently not working properly on some phones. We are hoping to have it fixed soon! In the meantime, check it out on a computer for full access or email aimee.e.holmes@gmail.com for information about a listed event.
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
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September 28, 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. |
September 29, 2025
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September 30, 2025(1 event) Enjoy an early fall walk on the Cider Day! Celebrate with some refreshing apple cider at the museum after the walk. 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(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. – Registration requested: Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) Join us for the return of Caffè Lena @ SPAC—a full day of free live music on the Charles R. Wood Stage.This year’s lineup features five bands that explore roots, global, bluegrass, pop, and indie-folk music, including Misty Blues, Tom Chapin, Chatham County Line, Farah Siraj, and Aleksi Campagne. This is a free event, please register to receive event update emails and helpful “Know Before You Go” information. Please note your email address will be added to SPAC and Caffè Lena’s mailing lists. This is a rain or shine event. Artist Lineup / Day at a Glance11:30 AM | Gates Open 12-12:50 PM| Aleksi Campagne 1:10-2:00 PM| Farah Siraj 2:20-3:10 PM | Tom Chapin 3:30-4:20 PM | Chatham County Line 4:40- 5:20 PM | Misty Blues |
October 5, 2025(1 event) Registration required: sdm246@cornell.edu We are hiking OK Slip Falls in Indian Lake. Meeting at the trailhead by 8:30am. 4-H membership is not required to participate.
While it is a longer hike (about 6.5 miles total), the trail only has short ups and downs. It is even one of my mother's favorite trails. She hiked it a few years ago with a torn meniscus in one knee and MCL in the other!
OK Slip Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in New York along with Niagara. The trail can be muddy with recent showers but there are no rock scrambles.
Let's Go Outside!
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October 6, 2025(1 event) 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. |
October 7, 2025(1 event) – Saratoga National Historical Park Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer leads a guided tour of the fields where the Battle of Bemus Heights - the second battle of Saratoga - was fought on October 7, 1777. The battle was one of the most decisive American victories of the Revolutionary War and put an end to the British scheme to capture Albany. Major new information has reshaped our understanding of Benedict Arnold's role in the battle, and discussing his heroism in the fight will be a highlight of the tour. No sign-up required; those interested should meet at "The Tide Turns" parking lot (stop 5); the tour will last for about one hour. |
October 8, 2025(2 events) – Saratoga National Historical Park Have you ever wondered what plants and creatures you are seeing as you traverse the park or your own backyard? Join us for a nature walk where Park Rangers will discuss park species, identification, and natural resource management. Saratoga is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna. We would like to introduce you to some of the citizen science programs that can be used for collecting observations while in the park or in your backyard. You can become a citizen scientist by participating in programs such as: iNaturalist, Seek, eBird, Nature's Notebook under the National Phenology Network, and Audubon's Christmas Bird Count. Having observations from data collected by volunteer citizen scientists, will help inform park resources staff about invasive species, population dynamics, time-sensitive interactions, range limits, species diversity, and the changing climate. Observations that are collected in the park will be compared to existing data. Data collected can also be used at the state and national level. Park Rangers will demonstrate how to use these applications during the program. Meet at the Visitor Center to join the hike and be prepared to walk 2 miles on uneven terrain. – Registration required: sdm246@cornell.edu  Let's go outside!
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October 9, 2025
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October 10, 2025
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October 11, 2025(2 events) – Saratoga National Historical Park Renowned blacksmith Jymm Hoffman will demonstrate 18th century techniques at the forge. Living Historian Anne Clothier will share the stories of Women in Healing from the time of the Battles of Saratoga. Living Historian Sara Evenson will discuss and demonstrate 18th century food. The Saratoga County 250th Commission will be there with their tent full of fun activities for the whole family! And you can visit General Philip Schuyler’s home. – Saratoga National Historical Park Tour Stops 2, 3, & 6More soldiers return to Saratoga! The park will host three small encampments on the original 1777 Revolutionary War battlegrounds. At Benedict Arnold's headquarters (tour road stop 2), Continental soldiers from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont will encamp within the American defenses, ready to defend against any British invasion. At Bemus Heights (tour road stop 3), New York's Continental artillery corps will ensure that no Redcoats pass the high bluffs and march on to conquer Albany. At Freeman's Farm (tour road stop 6), British soldiers of His Majesty's 24th Regiment will be on hand to restore legitimate government to the rebellious American colonies. All camps are free to visit and open to the public during the dates and times listed above. Soldiers will fire cannons and muskets throughout the event and perform other martial activities, while they and the camp's followers will cook food and sew clothing throughout the event. Make sure to ask the reenactors lots of questions! |
October 12, 2025(2 events) – Saratoga National Historical Park Tour Stops 2, 3, & 6More soldiers return to Saratoga! The park will host three small encampments on the original 1777 Revolutionary War battlegrounds. At Benedict Arnold's headquarters (tour road stop 2), Continental soldiers from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont will encamp within the American defenses, ready to defend against any British invasion. At Bemus Heights (tour road stop 3), New York's Continental artillery corps will ensure that no Redcoats pass the high bluffs and march on to conquer Albany. At Freeman's Farm (tour road stop 6), British soldiers of His Majesty's 24th Regiment will be on hand to restore legitimate government to the rebellious American colonies. All camps are free to visit and open to the public during the dates and times listed above. Soldiers will fire cannons and muskets throughout the event and perform other martial activities, while they and the camp's followers will cook food and sew clothing throughout the event. Make sure to ask the reenactors lots of questions! Saratoga National Historical Park Historian, blogger and reenactor Sherman Lohnes will present a brief history of the comings and goings of Brigadier General James Brickett and his Massachusetts militia troops during the siege of Saratoga in October 1777. |
October 13, 2025
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October 14, 2025(3 events) – Saratoga National Historical Park Discover the Siege of Saratoga. Following their defeat in the Battle of Bemus Heights, Burgoyne’s army struggled to retreat. They made it this far before being surrounded by superior American forces, beginning the short but unpleasant siege. Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer will lead a walking tour from the Saratoga Monument through part of Burgoyne’s camp. 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! – Registration required: Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) This is a hands-on workshop with instruction in rhythmic handclaps (palmas), arm movements (braceo), body posturing (marcaje), and footwork (taconeo) tailored to the participants experience level. The class is supportive and fun, and flamenco technique is woven into a short choreography. By the end of the class the participants will be able to “perform” a simple choreographed dance. |
October 15, 2025(1 event) – Registration required: Saratoga National Historical Park Experience the ambiance of an 18th Century house in the evening with a special candlelight tour through the Schuyler House! Entry is by tours only which will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Reservations are required for this special event. Visitors should be aware that the candlelight tours are low light and may make walking through the house challenging for some visitors. Capacity limits will be in effect for safety and protection of visitors and the historic resource. |
October 16, 2025
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October 17, 2025(1 event) – Saratoga National Historical Park Visit with a park ranger at the Saratoga Surrender Site in Schuylerville, NY to learn more about the surrender of General Burgoyne and his forces. |
October 18, 2025(2 events) – Celebrate the end of the harvest and the end of our regular season with a traditional barn dance right in the museum's Dutch style barn! Contra Dance Lesson (for all ages) from 2-3pm Featuring caller Fern Bradley and live music by traditional celtic band Hudson River Ceili. Registration required: Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) at the Arthur Zankel Music Center, 815 N Broadway, Saratoga Springs This evening-length performance is a band-generated theatrical experience, featuring music from Caroline Shaw and Sō Percussion’s Grammy-winning album Rectangles and Circumstance, as well as their first album Let the Soil Play Its Simple Part, with an interlude from Shaw’s pop duo Ringdown. Beginning with a lone spotlight on Shaw singing “I’ll Fly Away,” the performance builds as musicians gradually introduce lights and inventive instruments, culminating in an ecstatic full-ensemble experience featuring up-tempo songs like “Sing On” and “To the Sky”—a dazzling blend of DIY design and original music. In celebration of the Tang Museum’s 25th anniversary, this presentation of Who Turns Out the Light continues a long-standing artistic partnership between Sō Percussion and the Tang. The performance is co-presented with Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), which joins as a community partner during renovations of the Spa Little Theater—helping maintain strong connections to the region through collaborative programming. |
October 19, 2025(3 events) – Registration required: Hudson Crossing Park Join the garden keepers on a seed collection expedition in the park. Learn how to collect, store, stratify, scarify and winter sow seeds for growing your own native plants.
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. Saratoga National Historical Park When Burgoyne’s army surrendered at Saratoga, the agreement was that they could return to Europe. But Congress intervened, claiming that Burgoyne broke the deal himself by not surrendering all the stuff he was supposed to. Or did he? This program examines how a tiny uniform detail broke our nation's first treaty. Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer has called Saratoga National Historical Park home for more than two decades. Eric’s immense knowledge of military history and 18th century material culture, which have made him one of the foremost experts on the Saratoga Campaign, come together perfectly in this talk. |
October 20, 2025
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October 21, 2025
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October 22, 2025
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October 23, 2025(1 event) 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
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October 25, 2025(1 event) – 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: Come for the carving, stay for the glow, and make some fall memories with us at Hudson Crossing Park! |
October 26, 2025
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October 27, 2025
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October 28, 2025
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October 29, 2025
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October 30, 2025(1 event) 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 31, 2025
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November 1, 2025(1 event) Saratoga National Historical Park Want to appreciate the beauty of one of the last later sunrises of the year before the time change? Join Park Volunteer and Photographer David Truland and Park Ranger Kristin Vinduska to welcome a new day at the Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center Lawn on Saturday, November 1 at 7:00 am. Exchange photography tips and experience the beautiful fall scenery highlighted in the day's first golden light. This time of year is especially photogenic because of the fog that blankets the Hudson River first thing in the morning. |