2026 Fall Events in Saratoga Springs & Saratoga County
Explore Fall Festivals, Family Activities & Local Events in Saratoga County
by Jordan Golisano-VanNeil | September 18th, 2026 | Email – LinkedIn
Fall Community Events
Fall brings out the best of Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County. Crisp air, colorful Adirondack foliage and beloved seasonal traditions that are perfect for getting out and enjoying the community. From fall festivals and family-friendly events in Saratoga Springs to local art shows and seasonal celebrations, there’s something for everyone to look forward to.
Whether you’re a longtime local, visiting the Capital Region, or simply searching for things to do in Saratoga Springs this fall, there are plenty of ways to explore, support local businesses and enjoy the season. Here are some Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County fall events to add to your 2026 calendar.
Fall Art in the Park
September 26, 2026 | Congress Park, Saratoga Springs
Kick off the fall season with Fall Art in the Park, a free community event in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs.
Hosted by Saratoga Arts, the event brings artists together at Congress Park for a day of shopping, creativity and community. Visitors can browse artwork from a variety of genres while enjoying live music, food and family-friendly activities.
The 2026 event is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 10AM – 4PM
It’s the perfect way to spend a crisp September day in Saratoga Springs while supporting local and visiting artists.
Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest
September 26, 2026 | Downtown Saratoga Springs
The 11th Annual Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest returns September 26 at 11AM – 2PM, bringing giant pumpkins and seasonal festivities to downtown Saratoga Springs.
With giant pumpkins, fall-themed activities, plenty of photo opportunities, live music and shopping at local farmers’ market vendors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s the perfect autumn event for families and anyone who enjoys celebrating the season. And because it takes place on the same weekend as Fall Art in the Park, visitors can make a full day of exploring downtown Saratoga Springs.
Lake George Balloon Festival
September 17–20, 2026 | Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport
Just a short drive north of Saratoga Springs, the Lake George Balloon Festival is another spectacular fall event to add to your calendar.
The annual festival brings over 60 hot air balloons to the skies above Lake George and Saratoga County, creating a colorful autumn backdrop that is hard to beat. Visitors can enjoy balloon launches, family-friendly activities, food, entertainment and the chance to watch dozens of colorful balloons take flight.
The event is especially beautiful during the fall season, when the surrounding Adirondack landscape begins showing off its autumn colors.
Saratoga Book Festival
October 1–4, 2026 | Downtown Saratoga Springs
Book lovers have another reason to visit downtown this fall. The Saratoga Book Festival returns October 1–4, bringing authors, readers and literary enthusiasts together for a community-wide celebration of books in Saratoga Springs.
Primary Venues:
- Saratoga Springs Public Library: 49 Henry Street
- Universal Preservation Hall: 25 Washington Street
- Caffè Lena: 47 Phila Street
- Saratoga Arts: 320 Broadway
- The Children’s Museum at Saratoga: 65 South Broadway
- Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College: 815 North Broadway
Featured Authors:
- Julia Alvarez
- Chris Bohjalian
- Eric Idle
- Joan Lunden
- John Searles
The festival is another great opportunity to explore downtown while connecting with the area’s thriving arts and cultural community. Whether you’re an avid reader or simply looking for something different to do this fall, the Saratoga Book Festival offers plenty to discover.
Saratoga Showcase of Homes
October 3–4 & October 10–11, 2026 | Saratoga County
For those who love architecture, interior design and beautiful homes, the Saratoga Showcase of Homes is one fall event worth putting on the calendar.
Celebrating its 30th year in 2026, the Showcase features homes throughout Saratoga County and gives attendees the opportunity to explore new construction and exceptional residential design during two fall weekends.
Beyond showcasing local builders and homes, the event also supports charitable organizations through its fundraising efforts.
The 2026 Showcase of Homes builders:
- Amedore Homes
- Barbera Homes/Park West LLC
- Belmonte Builders
- Kodiak Construction
- Kohler Homes
- Homes by Malta Development
- Spa City Builders
- Talarico Construction
- Trojanski Builders
- Urvalek Builders
- Witt Construction
- BT Land Development
Whether you’re a homeowner looking for inspiration, thinking about building or renovating, or simply enjoy seeing some of the area’s newest homes, the Showcase offers a unique way to experience Saratoga County real estate.
Saratoga Fall Fest
October 24, 2026 | Downtown Saratoga Springs
One of Saratoga Springs’ most anticipated fall traditions returns to downtown this October.
The 25th Annual Fall Fest will take place on Saturday, October 24, from 12PM–3PM on Broadway. The family-friendly celebration will feature live music, games, seasonal treats, trick-or-treating at downtown businesses and the famous Pumpkin Roll down Caroline Street.
Families can also participate in a pumpkin scavenger hunt, dress up in costume and explore downtown Saratoga Springs while enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. With activities for all ages, Fall Fest is a great example of what makes Saratoga Springs such a vibrant community: local businesses, families and organizations all coming together to celebrate the season.
Autumn Sunday Strolls
September–October 2026 | Saratoga Springs
Fall is also an ideal time to explore Saratoga Springs’ history and architecture.
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s Autumn Sunday Stroll series offers guided walking tours highlighting different neighborhoods, buildings and stories throughout the city. For longtime residents and newcomers alike, these tours offer a chance to see familiar Saratoga streets from a different perspective while learning more about the city’s rich architectural and cultural history.
The Autumn Sunday Strolls return each Sunday from September 13 through October 25, with guided walking tours taking place from 10:30AM to 12PM Hosted by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, each 90-minute tour highlights a different neighborhood, landmark or piece of Saratoga Springs history.
With cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, fall provides the perfect backdrop for exploring Saratoga Springs on foot.
Experience Fall in Saratoga Springs & Saratoga County
Fall events are more than things to do on a Saturday afternoon—they’re part of what makes Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County such a vibrant place to live. From seasonal festivals and arts programming to family-friendly activities and longstanding local traditions, these events bring neighbors together, support local businesses and organizations, and create opportunities to make memories close to home.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly events in Saratoga Springs, planning a weekend downtown, exploring local homes during the Saratoga Showcase of Homes or simply looking for a reason to enjoy the changing seasons, there’s plenty to look forward to this fall.
Mark your calendar, grab a sweater and get ready to experience some of the best fall events in Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County. And if you’re considering making the Saratoga area your home, getting involved in the local community is one of the best ways to experience what makes this region so special.
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