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Turning Point Festival 2026

August 8, 2026

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In a village where redcoats once marched and cannon echoed across the Hudson, history is not a footnote—it’s a festival.

Event Details

  • Start Time:

    TBA

  • Location:

    TBA

  • Suggested:

    Water, bug spray, sun protection, and a chair

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!

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

The popular Hannaford Kidz Expo returns as a FREE, family event with something for everyone, including character meet-and-greets, face painting, bounce rides, arts and crafts, mini-golf, and even a reptile room. For the grownups! You’ll find everything your kids need in one convenient location: summer camps, health care, sports clubs, amusement parks, dance studios, and more!
Travel back in time and enjoy a tavern-inspired feast featuring traditional recipes and historic ambiance at Brookside Museum.
The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum hosts a public screening of Henry Knox: Resolve Forged by Revolution, a new short film honoring the 250th commemoration of Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery.
Saratoga 250 presents a public screening of Henry Knox: Resolve Forged by Revolution, a short film bringing to life one of the American Revolution’s most remarkable achievements.
Step back in time and explore the fashion of the 18th century at “Sign of the Golden Scissors Workshop – Women’s Attire” a special public program and hands-on workshop led by Emily Stringham of At the Sign of the Golden Scissors.
Volunteers will assist with winter debris pickup, landscape preparation, and cleaning interpretive signage for the busy visitor season.
Immerse yourself in a full day of education and discovery featuring renowned authors and historians sharing insights into one of the most pivotal moments in American history at the Turning Point Symposium.
Join us for our popular bus tour with speaker and author, Jim Richmond, following the route of the 1780 Ballston Raid.
Celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day in true Saratoga style at the historic Saratoga Racetrack! Join Saratoga 250 on July 4th for a patriotic community gathering that honors our nation’s founding and the region’s pivotal role in American history. Enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with tradition, pride, and celebration at one of Saratoga’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime way to mark this milestone anniversary together.
Combine America’s Turning Point with family fun at the Saratoga County fair with our 18th century era games and live historians.

    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.