Skip to main content

AUG

3-9

Turning Point Festival 2025

August 3-9, 2025

Share
Copy link
URL has been copied successfully!

In a village where redcoats once marched and cannon echoed across the Hudson, history is not a footnote—it’s a festival. From August 3–9, Schuylerville, NY, known as “America’s most historic village,” invites travelers and local families to join Turning Point Historical Week, culminating in the 30th Annual Turning Point Parade.

A Mile March That Shaped the World

  • Start Time:

    1:00pm, Parade steps off on August 3rd along Broad Street, Schuylerville, NY.

  • Location:

    Broad Street, Schuylerville, NY

Parade Information

This annual commemoration of America’s Turning Point victory at Saratoga enters its 30th year thanks to our friends with The Turning Point Parade. The parade takes place on Broad Street in Schuylerville, look for Saratoga250 in the parade.

Follow this link for details.

Parade steps off August 3rd at 1pm sharp. View along Broad Street in Schuylerville, NY. The Turning Point Parade is one of the largest parades in Upstate New York! The parade marches on for one and one-half hours.

Over 100 units—marching bands, veterans, fire departments, living historians, and cultural organizations—will walk the route where General John Burgoyne surrendered in 1777. Spectators line Broad Street not just for the spectacle, but to witness a living tradition of liberty.

But the parade is just the beginning.

Historical Week Programming

Monday, August 4th

Colonial Life for Kids
Time: 11:30 a.m.
What was it like to grow up in the colonies? Join Joy Hanchett at the Schuylerville Public Library to explore the daily experiences of 18th-century children. Learn about their education, chores, health, and pastimes—and sample a sweet treat from the era!
• Location: Schuylerville Public Library, 52 Ferry Street
• Duration: ~1 hour
• Ages: 6–12 recommended; all are welcome
• Hands-On History

Twilight on the Trails
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Experience Hudson Crossing Park by the light of the full moon. As dusk settles, observe crepuscular creatures—foxes, deer, bats, and fireflies—on this sensory-rich, family-friendly walk.
• All ages welcome
• All abilities welcome
• Group size limited to 20 — register early!
• Registration required: www.hudsoncrossingpark.org/twilight-on-the-trails

Tuesday, August 5th

Writing the Revolution
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Join Anne Clothier, Assistant to the County Historian, to explore how words helped shape the Revolution. Examine replicas of 18th-century broadsides and letters, then try writing with a quill, printing with a block, and setting type. Toys and games from the era will also be available.
• Location: Schuylerville Public Library, 52 Ferry Street
• Duration: ~1 hour
• Ages: 6–12 recommended; all are welcome

Hikes & History Cruises
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Blend local history and ecology on this boat-and-hike adventure. Participants are split into two groups: one hikes ¾ mile along a mowed trail while the other enjoys a Mohawk Maiden Cruises boat ride. Groups switch halfway at the Canal Overlook.
• Distance: ¾ mile
• Duration: 1+ hour
• Suggested: Water, sun protection, bug spray, and sturdy shoes
• Best for ages 12+
• Registration required: www.hudsoncrossingpark.org/hikes-and-history-cruises

Women of the Saratoga Campaign
Time: 6:30 p.m.
We know the names—Burgoyne, Arnold, Schuyler—but what about the women? Anne Clothier shares powerful stories of women who served, suffered, and persevered during the Saratoga Campaign.
• Location: Schuylerville Public Library, 52 Ferry Street
• Duration: ~1 hour
• Women’s history
• All ages welcome

Wednesday, August 6th

Native New York
Time: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Drop in to explore Indigenous life in the Saratoga region. Charlene DuBuque, Director of Education at the Saratoga County History Center, leads hands-on sessions about food, shelter, and seasonal traditions of Northeastern Woodland Nations.
• Location: Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitors Center, 30 Ferry Street
• Drop-in | Plan for ~1 hour
• Hands-On History
• All ages welcome

Stories Beneath Our Feet: A Walk Through Hudson Crossing Park
Time: 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Join historian Mike Bielkiewicz for a walk along the Champlain Canalway Trail. Discover the land’s deep history—from First Nations to Burgoyne’s “Bridge of Boats” to canal-era industry and the Underground Railroad.
• Location: Meet at the Dix Bridge area, Hudson Crossing Park
• Distance: 1.5 miles
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Suggested: Water, sun protection, bug spray, and sturdy shoes
• All ages welcome

Thursday, August 7th

Schuyler’s Saratoga
Time: 4:00–5:15 p.m.
Take a walking tour of Schuylerville with Town Historian Sean Kelleher, Vice Chairman of Saratoga 250. Visit the grounds of General Philip Schuyler’s estate and learn about his Revolutionary leadership.
• Location: Gateway Visitors Center, 30 Ferry Street
• Distance: 1 mile
• Duration: 1 hr 15 min
• Suggested: Water, sun protection, bug spray, and sturdy shoes
• On-site parking available
• All ages welcome

An Evening with General Schuyler
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Experience the Revolution through the eyes of General Philip Schuyler in this first-person portrayal by local historian Jon Jasewicz.
• Location: Gateway Visitors Center, 30 Ferry Street
• Duration: ~1 hour
• Living History
• All ages welcome

Friday, August 8th

Saratoga County Water Works
Time: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Explore the science and history of water with educator Charlene DuBuque. Kids test pH levels, trace log drives, and compare waterwheel technologies in this hands-on STEM activity.
• Location: Gateway Visitors Center, 30 Ferry Street
• Drop-in | Plan for ~1 hour
• Hands-On History
• All ages welcome

Trails of Revolution: Knox, Schuyler, and the Winter That Forged America
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Join Saratoga Historian Sean Kelleher for a vivid look at the 1775–76 winter campaign that changed the course of the war. Learn how Henry Knox hauled cannon from Ticonderoga and how General Schuyler’s actions helped lift the Siege of Boston.
• Location: Gateway Visitors Center, 30 Ferry Street
• Duration: ~1 hour
• All ages welcome

Saturday, August 9th

19th Annual Cardboard Boat Races Festival
Time: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join Hudson Crossing Park for “Boats and Beacons: Landmarks Along the World’s Canals,” celebrating the Erie Canal Bicentennial. Teams build and race boats made entirely of cardboard and duct tape across the Hudson! Tower-building contests, food vendors, and awards for creativity make this a highlight of the summer.
• Location: Fort Hardy Park Beach, Schuylerville
• Info & registration: www.hudsoncrossingpark.org/cardboard-boat-races
• Family-friendly
• Multiple prize categories
• Cardboard only — creativity required

Turning Point Festival at Fort Hardy Park
Time: Starts at 4:00 p.m.
Cap off the week with live music, food trucks, local drinks, and fireworks over the Hudson River. Bring your family, appetite, and a chair for this can’t-miss summer tradition!
• Location: Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville
• Suggested: Water, bug spray, sun protection, and a chair
• Family-friendly

Why Is This Important?

The Turning Point Parade & Festival commemorates the American Victory at the Battles of Saratoga on October 17, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War.  In the months prior to October 8, 1777, the British suffered about 2,000 casualties. Burgoyne’s forces, now down to about 6,000 men, took refuge in a fortified camp on the heights of Saratoga (today’s Schuylerville).

There an American force that was approaching 20,000 men surrounded the exhausted British army.  Faced with such overwhelming numbers, Burgoyne surrendered on October 17, 1777. By the terms of the Convention of Saratoga, Burgoyne’s depleted army marched out of camp “with the Honors of War” and stacked their weapons along the west bank of the Hudson River at Fort Hardy. Saratoga was a decisive and important victory. It was the turning point of the American Revolution.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Step back in time at the Freeman’s Farm Anniversary Encampment at Saratoga National Historical Park. Experience living history demonstrations, reenactors, and programs that bring the pivotal events of 1777 to life.

Honor Saratoga’s Revolutionary patriots and the heritage of their victory with the local Daughters & Sons of the American Revolution.

Enjoy Saratoga250’s Siege Living History Weekend, a two-day event full of historical interpretation and activities.

Join Saratoga National Historical Park (SNHP) to watch the renowned story featuring the Schuyler sisters on the lawn of their father’s Saratoga estate as the Schuyler sisters take center stage in the hit Broadway musical, “Hamilton!”

On behalf of the Town of Saratoga, the Village of Schuylerville, the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission, and the Campaign for Saratoga 250, we are honored to host students and families of young children to participate in the annual Surrender Day Ceremony, marking the 249th anniversary of the American victory at the Battles of Saratoga.

On the 249th anniversary of the Surrender at Saratoga, explore the sites where history was made! Saratoga250 in partnership with Saratoga National Historical Park will have five sites open and staffed where you can learn about the event known as the Turning Point of the American Revolution!

Join us for an evening of history and harmony as we mark the 249th anniversary of the British surrender at Saratoga. This commemorative concert features 18th-century music performed by the renowned Musicians of Ma’alwyck, joined by award winning soprano Vedrana Kalas, and is punctuated by the insightful historical insights of featured speaker Eric Schnitzer, Saratoga NHP Ranger and Military Historian, who will share firsthand accounts of the surrender from diverse perspectives.

Saratoga250 will have a presence at the Saratoga County Revolutionary Run for Veterans, a 5k run at Fort Hardy Park which benefits Saratoga County Veterans.

Watch history come alive at the 250th Battles of Saratoga Reenactment. Two days of live muskets and maneuvers, October 9–10, 2027 in Saratoga, NY.

Join the Turning Point Parade marking 250 years since the Surrender at Saratoga. October 17, 2027, 10am in Schuylerville, NY.

    Keep America’s Turning Point Alive icon-star-red

    Keep America’s Turning Point alive for generations to come by making a tax-deductible donation to the Campaign for Saratoga 250, Inc. Our certified 501c3 nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting awareness, education, and preservation of critical assets of the Battles of Saratoga. Your support will help promote historical awareness of new generations of people across the region, nation, and globe.