Special Events and Programs

 

Concert goers at Saratoga National Historical Park.

NPS Photo

August

History Caravan

Saturday, August 2
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center

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.

The McKrells Concert

Tuesday, August 5
12:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn

The McKrells will bring their rousing brand of Bluegrass to top of the hill next to the Visitor Center. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the exhilarating sounds along with the beautiful and historic views.Bluegrass Now magazine described our guests as follows: "Traditional suits-and-ties bluegrass The McKrells are not...Yes, it's Grass, mostly, but there's a lilt to the tunes, a bouncing drive to the melodies, and here and there a touch of melancholy that seems to go hand in hand with the Celtic folk persona." Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. This support was gained by the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.

Fort Ticonderoga Fife & Drum Corps

Saturday, August 16
1:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn

Listen to stirring tunes that eased the drudgery of a long march, or the many calls that regulated activity in a fort. Explore how drumbeats, trilling fifes, and songs created an 18th-century world of military music. Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. This support was gained by the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.

History Caravan

Saturday, August 16
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center

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.

Uniforming the Continental Army

Sunday, August 17
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn

The American Northern Army encamped at Saratoga Battlefield in 1777 included thousands of Continental soldiers from New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. These soldiers wore a variety of colorful uniforms made of wool or linen, all of which needed to be hand tailored. Their leather shoes were made by hand using a careful, painstaking process. Come to the park to see an 18th-century tailor and cordwainer (not a cobbler!) make these uniform parts using authentic period techniques.

"Weed Out" Invasive Species Volunteer Event

Tuesday, August 26
8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Visitor Center

Help us “weed out” invasive species at Saratoga National Historical Park! This volunteer event will take place on Tuesday, August 26 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Volunteers will walk along a 1-mile section of the Battlefield with park staff to treat targeted invasive species. Interested in volunteering? Email [e-mail] to sign up!

Volunteers should bring water, bug spray, gloves, and protective eyewear.

One species we will be targeting is oriental bittersweet. This plant is a very invasive climbing woody vine with drooping branches in tree crowns, forming thicket and arbor infestations.

This event will be canceled if there is inclement weather.

From Kosciuszko to Today: Poland and the United States

Saturday, August 30
1:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn

Join us as we partner with the Polish American Congress of Central New York in celebration of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish culture, and the enduring friendship between the people of Poland and the United States. Kosciuszko, a true believer in the ideals of the American Revolution, may have contributed more than any single person to the American victory at Saratoga by selecting the ground upon which they built their defensive positions. There will be music and literature along with discussions of Polish history. Following the program, a wreath-laying will take place at the Kosciuszko Monument at Tour Stop 2.

September

History Caravan

Saturday, September 6
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center

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.

Cancelled- Tinsmithing Demonstration

Saturday, September 13
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn

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.

Battle of Freeman’s Farm Walking Tour

Saturday, September 20
2:00 pm
Meet at Tour Stop 6

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.

Stars Over Saratoga

Saturday, September 20
8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn

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!

Soldier Encampment at the Battlefield

Saturday, September 20
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tour Stops 2 & 6

Sunday, September 21
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Tour Stops 2 & 6

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.

Finally, meet Lloyalist refugees seeking refuge from their American neighbors with General Burgoyne's army at Stop 9.

Make sure to ask the reenactors lots of questions!

History Caravan

Saturday, September 27
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center

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.

October

History Caravan

Saturday, October 4
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center

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.

Battle of Bemus Heights Walking Tour

Tuesday, October 7
1:00 pm
Tour Road Stop 5

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.

Soldier Encampment at the Battlefield

Saturday, October 11
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Sunday, October 12
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Tour Stops 2, 3, & 6

More 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!

Homefront at the Schuyler Estate

Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Schuyler House

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.

Siege of Saratoga Walking Tour

Tuesday, October 14
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Saratoga Monument

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.

Candlelight Tours

Wednesday, October 15
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Schuyler House

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. The reservation link will be posted here and opened to the public on September 10! 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.

Saratoga Surrender Day

Friday, October 17
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saratoga Surrender Site

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.