Special Events and Programs

 

Concert goers at Saratoga National Historical Park.

NPS Photo

September

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 Patch! 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!

Henry Knox 250th Display

Saturday, September 20 & Sunday, September 21
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visitor Center

Visit Saratoga250's new Knox's Noble Train of Artillery display, featuring a replica 18^th century sled built by local WSWHE BOCES students that will be used in the 250th commemoration in December. See if you have what it takes to deliver cannons through the wilderness by trying out our new Henry Knox Board Game!

Revolutionary Kids

Saturday, September 20
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visitor Center

Join Girl Scouts Brynn and Mackenzie from Troop 2790 as they premier their new "Saratoga's Revolutionary Girls" Patch Program. Learn about daily life for girls during the American Revolution, including what they wore, what daily chores they had, and how they played. Many of the requirements needed to earn this brand new patch can be completed here, including a visit to the park!

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.

Brickett's Brigade

Sunday, October 12
2:00 pm
Visitor Center

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.

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. Reservations can only be made at: Candle Light Tour of the Schuyler House Registration, Wed, Oct 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite.

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.

Breaking Convention: How a Fussy Detail about British Uniforms Doomed Burgoyne's Army to Captivity

Sunday, October 19, 2025
2:00 pm
Visitor Center

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 18^th century material culture, which have made him one of the foremost experts on the Saratoga Campaign, come together perfectly in this talk.

November

Saratoga Sunrise Photography Event

Saturday, November 1
7:00 am
Visitor Center Lawn

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.