Special Events and Programs

 
A large group seated in lawnchairs watches a band of musicians
Concert goers at Saratoga National Historical Park.

NPS Photo

June

History Caravan

Saturday, June 21
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.

Silent Wings: Raptor Rehab and Education

Saturday, June 21
1:00 pm
Visitor Center Patio

The Wildlife Institute of Eastern New York return to the park to present, “Silent Wings: Raptor Rehab and Education.” The program is designed for all ages to see live birds of prey up-close and to learn about their impressive adaptations and behaviors. (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.)

Remembering Lafayette’s Visit to the Schuyler House

Sunday, June 29
1:00 pm
Schuyler Estate

Saratoga National Historical Park and Saratoga 250 partner in marking the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Schuylerville and the Schuyler Estate. Lafayette’s 1824-1825 tour reignited interest in the American Revolution as large crowds greeted him wherever he went. Speakers will share stories about the visit, Lafayette himself, and his contributions to the creation of the United States. A a ¼-mile community procession along the historic Old Champlain Canal Towpath will begin at the Champlain Canal Gateway Visitor Center at 12:30 pm.

July

Citizenship Ceremony

Friday, July 4
10:00 am
Visitor Center Lawn

Saratoga National Historical Park welcomes 20 new American citizens!

Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Friday, July 4
2:00 pm
Visitor Center Patio

Many Americans first heard the stirring words of the Declaration of Independence in a public, community setting. Join us as we recreate that experience on the document's 249th birthday!

History Caravan

Saturday, July 5
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 Year that Broke Him: Benedict Arnold in 1777

Sunday, July 13
2:00 pm
Visitor Center

For hundreds of years, Benedict Arnold's name has been a synonym for "traitor." But he was an ardent fighter for the American Cause from the war's beginning, often enduring hardships and putting his life on the line in the fight against Britain. The year 1777 was a particularly difficult one for the American general; while he fought the British to secure American independence, he also battled Congress over promotions due - but denied- to him. This program delves into how 1777 broke Arnold's "Zeal and Cause" for the United States and placed him on the dark path he ultimately took to committing treason against his beloved country.

History Caravan

Saturday, July 19
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.

"For Nobler Action Beyond": the Memorialization Movement and Saratoga Battlefield

Tuesday, July 22
1:00 pm
Visitor Center

For 150 years, there was NO informational signage about the Battles of Saratoga anywhere on Saratoga Battlefield! Join Ranger Bill Valosin to find out how this changed.

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.

Tinsmithing Demonstration

Saturday, August 2
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.

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.

"A Most Noble Purpose": The Civilian Conservation Corps at Saratoga Battlefield

Tuesday, August 26
1:00 pm
Visitor Center

Saratoga Battlefield became a National Park in 1938. So how does a new park go from minimally developed to first class...in the Great Depression? Join Ranger Bill Valosin to find out more!

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.

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.

Soldier Encampment at the Battlefield

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

Sunday, September 21
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

More information to come soon!

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

Check back for more information!

Homefront at the Schuyler Estate

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

Monday, October 14
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
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.

Last updated: June 6, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

648 Route 32
Stillwater, NY 12170

Phone:

(518) 670-2985
Saratoga National Historical Park information desk available daily from 9am - 5pm. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message, and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

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