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(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(3 events) 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! Join us for a special screening of Equal Protection: The Supreme Court’s Battle with Affirmative Action, a thought-provoking documentary that explores the complex history and uncertain future of college admissions in the United States. As two pivotal cases come before the Supreme Court in 2022, the film traces the origins of affirmative action policies, originally designed to address systemic discrimination, and examines how they have evolved through decades of legal and cultural debate. Featuring interviews with scholars, legal experts, and key participants, Equal Protection offers a compelling look at the role of the judiciary in shaping access to higher education and the broader implications for equal opportunity in America.  |
October 1, 2025(2 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. – Registration required: Lake George Land Conservancy Help us prepare the trails at Amy’s Park for the upcoming Race For The Lake. The race route needs to be marked with special signs to help runners find their way around the park safely. |
October 2, 2025(3 events) Registration required: Caldwell-Lake George Library Join us in conversation with Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key as they discuss Nuestra América and highlight inspiring stories of Latinos throughout history, as well as their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States on Thursday, October 2 at 2 PM ET via digital live-stream. Register and submit questions for the author here: https://libraryc.org/lakegeorgelibrary/95116 – Registration required: Crandall Public Library Join us in conversation with Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key as they discuss Nuestra América and highlight inspiring stories of Latinos throughout history, as well as their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States. The stories in Nuestra América cover each figure's cultural background and childhood, and their accomplishments or contributions to American history. A glossary of terms and discussion question-filled reading guide, created by the National Museum of the American Latino, encourages further research and exploration. The museum has featured twenty-three of these stories in its exhibition ¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States, the first exhibition to feature U.S. Latino history at the national level. Featuring beautifully illustrated portraits by Gloria Félix, this is a book that children (and adults) will page through and learn from again and again. A must have for every school and home library to help students understand the American story!  |
October 3, 2025(1 event) Registration required: New York State Museum Join Dr. Christina Rieth, State Archaeologist and Co-Director of the Cultural Resource Survey Program (CRSP), for a behind-the-scenes look at how the museum helps preserve New York’s history. Explore artifacts from CRSP projects on display in the lab and learn how they are studied, curated, and shared with the public. Discover how CRSP’s work supporting state agencies, protecting archaeological resources, and advancing research ensures that the stories of New York’s past remain accessible for generations to come. |
October 4, 2025(4 events) – Registration required: Lake George Land Conservancy Cat and Thomas Mts Preserve, Edgecomb Pond TrailheadJoin a Naturalist on a hike up Cat Mountain and learn about the Leave No Trace Seven Principles®. This is a great way to learn how to best care for our local trails and see some amazing views of the area. This longer hike is considered moderately challenging with views of Lake George and southern Adirondacks. Total length, 5 miles. 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 – Registration required: Up Yonda Farm Eastern chipmunks are characterized by their reddish-brown fur and white underbellies. They have five dark brown stripes running lengthwise down the body with whitish stripes in between. While you paint this chipmunk perched on a branch and showing its prominent tail, a Naturalist will share a Native American folktale about how the chipmunk got its stripes. Paint with Patrice classes are geared for beginners, but open to all ages and artistic abilities. Participants will use acrylic paints on an 8×8 inch stretched canvas and take home a finished painting. $17 per person in addition to Day Use Fee. Members $12. |
October 5, 2025(3 events) 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!
Join us for a hands-on celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a cherished tradition in China honoring family, friends, and the bountiful fall harvest. In this family-friendly activity, participants of all ages will create their own decorative crafts inspired by the full moon and autumn harvest. Learn about the history and customs of this important holiday, share stories of gratitude and good fortune, and take home a special creation to light up your own celebration. Join us for a special screening of Calico Rebellion: The Anti-Rent War and the Second American Revolution, an award-winning documentary that brings to life one of New York’s most dramatic but often overlooked chapters of history. In thefirst half of the 19th century, tenant farmers in New York State revolted against the patroon system—a system of land ownership implemented by the Dutch in New Netherland that prohibited farmers from owning their land outright—disguising themselves in calico gowns and leather masks to demand change. Their struggle, known as the Anti-Rent War, helped shape the future of American democracy and land ownership. Following the film, the filmmaker and members of the production team will lead a moderated discussion with the audience, offering insight into the making of the film, the legacy of the Anti-Rent movement, and the descendants who continue to preserve this story today. This program is presented as part of New York State History Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the people, events, and movements that shaped our state and nation. |
October 6, 2025(2 events) Baseball and New York City (NYC) have shared a love affair like no other—full of big players, big deals, big heartbreaks, and big comebacks! Throughout the evening, John Thorn, the official historian of Major League Baseball (MLB), will bring this epic romance to life. From the city's early courtship with the game to their dramatic breakups and joyful reunions, Thorn will reveal how NYC and MLB shaped each other's history—and captured the hearts of millions. The night kicks off with a reception at 5 p.m. when attendees can explore baseball treasures from the New York State Library, New York State Museum, and New York State Archives. State Librarian Lauren Moore will deliver opening remarks at 6 p.m., followed by Thorn’s talk covering the history of baseball in NYC from its earliest days to 1962, when, via the Mets, NYC again became a two-horse town. Afterward, New York State Museum historian Steve Loughman will take the mic to lead a lively conversation and audience Q&A with Thorn. "Whether you're a lifelong baseball fan, a proud New Yorker, or love a great story, this program promises history, heart, and a whole lot of fun," says Moore. About the PresenterJohn Thorn is in his fifteenth year as the Official Historian of Major League Baseball. His many baseball books over the past five decades include Total Baseball, Treasures of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Baseball in the Garden of Eden, and Our Game, which also supplies the title for his blog. 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(4 events)  – 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:
Step into the history, hauntings, and folklore of Northern New York and discover the stories that continue to intrigue and mystify the community. – 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(3 events) –
 Hillview Free Library (Diamond Point) Join us, the first Thursday each month, for a friendly game of Scrabble! We begin at 6:30pm, and play until all the tiles are done. High score takes home a prize! For teens & adults. |
October 10, 2025(1 event) Registration required: New York State Museum Step into the Ice Age of eastern New York with Curator of Archaeology Dr. Jonathan Lothrop on a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Corditaipe site collections at the New York State Museum. The Corditaipe archaeological site is an Ice Age encampment located in the upper Mohawk Valley, the homelands of the Oneida Nation. Since 2019, New York State Museum archaeologists and volunteers have been re-investigating the Corditaipe site to better understand its age and the nature of the Indigenous encampments. Join Dr. Lothrop to hear about our fieldwork to date and initial insights on life in the Ice Age of eastern New York. |
October 11, 2025(5 events) – Registration required: Lake George Land Conservancy New York State experiences a significant fall bird migration, offering fantastic birding opportunities. Join a Naturalist on the Cat Mountain trail along Edgecomb Pond to observe and record a diverse range of birds from waterfowl to raptors and songbirds. This 1.5 mile out and back hike will be relatively flat and provide ample time for observing species to later upload to eBird. Prior birding experience is not necessary and binoculars will be available for use. – 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! – Registration required: Hillview Free Library (Diamond Point) In this fun, hands-on program, become a detective and examine artifacts from the 19th & 20th centuries for clues about their purpose in the past. Participants will learn about antique household objects, that they have likely never seen before. Recommended for ages 5+. Join us for a screening of Tales of Gay Albany. This documentary by Adam VanBuren shares the voices and experiences of community members who built joy and connection in Albany’s gay nightlife scene of the 1980s and 1990s. Following the screening, filmmaker Adam VanBuren and NYSM Senior Historian Ashley Hopkins-Benton will lead a discussion on the power of community storytelling and the importance of preserving LGBTQ+ history. |
October 12, 2025(4 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. – 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. – Join us for screenings of the compelling documentary featuring Americans Who Tell the Truth artist Robert Shetterly and the inspiring lives of his portrait subjects. Also visit the installation Americans Who Tell the Truth now on display at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site, Lake Placid, NY. |
October 13, 2025
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October 14, 2025(5 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! – 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:
Step into the history, hauntings, and folklore of Northern New York and discover the stories that continue to intrigue and mystify the community. – 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(4 events) – Registration required: Up Yonda Farm Young Learners (ages 5-7) will explore the role of adaptations in different animals in the forest food web while elementary students (ages 8-10) will learn about the influence of habitat limitations on wildlife populations. $5 per person in addition to Day Use Fee. Members Free. – Hillview Free Library (Diamond Point) Gift Yourself an Hour of Peace with soothing sounds of crystal singing bowls, chimes, Tibetan bowls & more. Bring your yoga mat, pillows & blankets, or sit in one of our chairs. Robin Jay, World Peace®Karuna Reiki Master Teacher, Certified Sound Healer, will be your guide. $8.00 suggested donation. |
October 17, 2025(2 events) – 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. Get up close with history! Meet Senior Historian Aaron Noble across from our George Washington: An American Paradox exhibit, explore powder horns from the Museum’s collection, and let the kids enjoy a hands-on coloring activity. Ask questions, explore, and have fun with the past! |
October 18, 2025(4 events) – Registration required: Lake George Land Conservancy Join a Naturalist on a hike at The Pinnacle Preserve observing how the local trees are changing before winter, and learn some Adirondack tree identification. This hike is rated moderately challenging with rewarding views of Lake George to the east and the southern Adirondacks to the west. 3 miles round-trip. – Registration required: Hillview Free Library (Diamond Point) Kids become chefs in this tasty culinary story hour! Enjoy a reading of "The Boy Who Wanted to Cook" then whip up some fresh cream to top your fruit tart creation! Participants will also decorate a Chef bandana. Recommended for ages 4+ – 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(4 events) – Celebrate National Chemistry Week at the New York State Museum! Join chemists from the Eastern New York Local Section of the American Chemical Society for a free, family-friendly event exploring this year’s theme, The Hidden Life of Spices. Experience hands-on experiments, interactive demonstrations, and fun chemistry activities that reveal the science behind the flavors and aromas we encounter every day. Discover how chemistry shapes the world around us! – 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(2 events) – 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:
Step into the history, hauntings, and folklore of Northern New York and discover the stories that continue to intrigue and mystify the community. 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(1 event) |
October 23, 2025(3 events) –
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) 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) – 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. – 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! – 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(2 events) 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. 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 27, 2025
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October 28, 2025(2 events) – 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:
Step into the history, hauntings, and folklore of Northern New York and discover the stories that continue to intrigue and mystify the community. |
October 29, 2025
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October 30, 2025(3 events) 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(1 event) – 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! |
November 1, 2025(4 events) 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. – Registration required: Up Yonda Farm Come inside our inflatable planetarium, StarLab, to learn to identify some of the constellations in our sky and hear the mythology behind them. Please note that the StarLab is a small space that requires crawling into with seating on the floor. With its acoustics, participants will need to be able to sit quietly for the duration of the program. Recommended for those 7 years of age and older. $5 per person in addition to Day Use Fee. Members Free. – Registration requested: Hillview Free Library (Diamond Point) Learn the traditions of the Mexican celebration of The Day of the Dead. We will read "Mi Familia: Celebrating the Day of the Dead" and then decorate plaster sugar skulls. Pre-Registration appreciated. ALL ages welcomed! – Hillview Free Library (Diamond Point) The Witches bring peace, love, and healing wherever they go with their unique mini production combining sound, music, & dance. Each Witch has their own creative & unique style, & bring a smile to faces wherever they go! $5.00 suggested donation. |
