About this weekend…
Only 2 days left to donate a toy for Toys for Toga — so when you’re out and about tonight, tomorrow and Saturday, don’t turn up empty-handed. There are toy bins everywhere. For a list of drop-off locations (or to donate online), go to discoversaratoga.org. And watch the org’s podcast — below — about the drive’s importance to the local community (maybe have a Kleenex nearby).
But first, some news…
The new Marriott on S. Broadway opens next week
It certainly looks finished. The beautiful new hotel on S. Broadway that’s on the left as you leave downtown (between Thirsty Owl and Panza’s) has its lights on — and she’s a beauty. The AC Hotel by Marriott is set to open next Tuesday, reports the Albany Business Review in a story published yesterday. Since the brand originates in one of my favorite countries, Spain, the chic locale will have a Spanish restaurant, reports the outlet. They had me at “tapas.”
Empire State University picks up the Clarke House
The Empire State University Foundation is making moves — most recently, its acquisition of the Clarke House, a historic 1832 Greek Revival property located at 46 Circular Street. The venue — which boasts a screened porch, landscaped gardens and outdoor space — will be used for university functions such as alumni gatherings. After renovations including HVAC upgrades, accessibility improvements and historic preservation work, the Clarke House is expected to be operational by late summer 2026
And now…what to do this weekend.
Semi-regular, holiday weekend events calendar.
Abby Tegnelia and Sophia Olechowski
Thursday, Dec. 11
Two options: one inside, one out.
Girl Love – EP Release Party with opener Dustin Lowman: An Overit Home Grown Show
7-9 p.m., Caffè Lena
Homegrown talent: Girl Love is the solo folk project of award-winning poet and songwriter Laura Beth Johnson, based right here in Upstate New York. She’s known for her “dark blend of story and soul” and “haunting melodies, brash vocals and deeply personal storytelling.”
For more info and tickets, visit caffelena.org.
Artisanal Brew Works’ Trail of Lights
Thurs & Fri: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
A new nightly, must-see (and free!) holiday activity — for all ages. Think outside festive sparkle and a taproom with a full menu.
Full story!
Free event cleverly raises money for a mix of local charities.
Trail of Lights hours: Mon: closed; Tues & Weds: 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Thurs & Fri: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Sat: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; and Sun: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 12
Two options for Emerald Isle holiday vibes, two options for Grinch fun.
King Brothers Dairy’s Grinchmas
3-7 p.m.
Yummy Grinch-inspired ice cream treats at the farm store (plan to stay for dinner), plus photo ops with the green guy himself!
You’re a Mean One…
6-8 p.m., Paint & Drip (Wilton Mall)
At the new digs at the Wilton Mall! Beginners and budding artists of all ages are welcome (under 16 must come with an adult). Grinch stencils and talented teachers will be provided.
For more info and tickets, visit paintandsipstudios.com.
High Horse
8-10 p.m., Caffè Lena
At Caffè Lena, High Horse takes the stage. The venue is calling the quartet a “progressive-acoustic ‘boy band’ that blends the raw energy of alternative rock with the soul of Bluegrass, Old-time, and Celtic traditions.” Expect “four friends, three bows, and one pick” and “tight vocal harmonies and infectious good vibes.”
For more info and tickets, visit caffelena.org.
Danú: An Emerald Isle Christmas
7 p.m., Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College
There’s a sprinkling of tickets left for this Celtic treat that comes to us courtesy of SPAC; this traditional Irish ensemble will perform at Arthur Zankel while the Spa Little Theater undergoes its exciting renovations. “There’s just something about that Irish Celtic music at the holidays,” says SPAC president Chris Shiley. Indeed. See you there?
Full story!
For more info and to buy tickets, visit spac.org.
Saturday, Dec. 13
From history to day-drinking for a cause and more, we’ve got you.
Knox Fest
1 p.m.-end of concert, Fort Hardy Park
Knox Fest offers families a fun and meaningful way to connect with the history that shaped Saratoga County. This year marks the 250th anniversary of Henry Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery — a daring winter journey that helped turn the tide of the American Revolution. On Saturday, families can watch the historic artillery train arrive in Northumberland at 1 p.m., complete with re-enactors and replica cannons that bring the past to life. The celebration continues at Fort Hardy Park with a family-friendly festival (think games, hot cocoa, food trucks and a bonfire) until 4 p.m, when the festivities wrap up with a “Starlight in the Park” lantern walk — bring a lantern or flashlight to join in the fun.
The final Knox Fest event — an evening of period music — starts at 7 p.m. The free (but ticketed) candlelight concert takes place at the Arts Center on the Hudson in Mechanicville.
Knox Fest isn’t just entertainment—it’s a chance to honor our local roots and keep Saratoga’s revolutionary story alive for the next generation.
For more information and to secure your concert ticket, visit saratoga250.com.
SantaCON
1-8 p.m., Soundbar and Harvey’s (for registration)
Saratoga SantaCON — the Capital Region’s largest and most festive pub crawl — returns Saturday, hosted by Soundbar Saratoga, for its 15th year. This beloved tradition brings upwards of 3,000 holiday-clad participants to downtown Saratoga Springs, all to raise money for the Franklin Community Center. “Santas come from all over New York and the surrounding areas to take part in this festive crawl for a cause,” says organizer Brian Miller, who says the festive event raises about $15,000 per year.
Must be 21. For more information and to buy your tickets, visit SantaCON on eventbrite.com.
Paint & Jam with Erin Powers
6-8 p.m., Paint & Drip (Wilton Mall)
Paint & Drip’s first Paint & Jam at the sober art space’s new locale promises live music and a pretty winter scene. Beginners welcome!
For more info and to buy tickets, visit paintandsipstudios.com.
65th Anniversary Folk Heritage Series: The Kennedys Rockin’ Holiday Show
8-10 p.m., Caffè Lena
Vocalists/guitarists Pete and Maura Kennedy, a husband and wife duo, first met when Pete was playing guitar in Nanci Griffith’s Blue Moon Orchestra. Now, the musical couple is known for their “harmonies and blend of folk, rock, bluegrass, country and pop.”
For more info and tickets, visit caffelena.org.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Days of rest can start in January…Saratoga saved some heavy-hitters for Sunday.
Christmas Oratorio Tea
1 p.m. and 4 p.m., UPH
Modern dance at its finest — soulfully ushering in the holidays set to the exquisite music of Bach. This Oratorio Tea, restaged by Saratoga’s Beth Fecteau, will feature live music and choral accompaniment, including opera soloists. “There’s even a tea downstairs first, a dance tree, a whole celebration,” says UPH director Teddy Foster.
For more information and tickets, visit atuph.org.
Kongero
7-9 p.m., Caffè Lena
Kongero, a four-woman a capella group from Sweden, is expected to blow everyone away on Sunday. “Their voices are utter perfection,” says UPH’s executive director, Sarah Craig. “This is a very high level art form, crystalline harmonies and dissonances that are just amazing.” Part of the venue’s Nordlys Global Voices series, Kongero’s music has been called “at once groovy and ethereal,” their concerts an “unforgettable journey through the landscape of Nordic song.”
“They have a deep, broad knowledge of Scandinavian traditional music, but they also bring that repertoire into the present with their own original songs,” Craig says. “You’re going to hear anything else like this in the area, and there are only a few tickets available for the public. It’s very special.”
To grab one of those last tickets, visit caffelena.org.
Paint Your Pet!
2-4 p.m., Paint & Drip (Wilton Mall)
Who doesn’t want a painting of their pet? Upon booking, you’ll be asked to email in a picture or two of your little one, so when you arrive they’ll have an outline ready to go.
For more info and to buy tickets, visit paintandsipstudios.com.
Christmas Dreaming with Stella Cole
3 p.m., Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College
Last but very much not least (see you there?), Stella Cole arrives in Saratoga for her much-anticipated Saratoga debut. “The younger generation, Gen Z, is infatuated with a vintage sound and feel, and Stella’s a 26-year-old jazz vocalist who speaks to that moment,” SPAC president Chris Shiley says of Cole.
Full story!
For more info and to buy tickets, visit spac.org.
Got an event (or story!) to share? Respond to this email or reach Abby at abby@saratogadispatch.com.
ICYMI (special busy holiday edition)…
Back-to-back SPAC and one very long and cold night: Oh, what a (2) night(s) in Saratoga
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