AUG
8
Turning Point Festival 2026
August 8, 2026
Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville
In a village where redcoats once marched and cannon echoed across the Hudson, history is not a footnote—it’s a festival. Enjoy food, music, and family fun at this celebration of the American Revolution’s turning point.
Event Details
- Start Time:
4:00 PM
- Location:
Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville, NY
- Suggested:
Water, bug spray, sun protection, and a chair
The week concludes with the Turning Point Festival on August 8, 2026—a celebration along the Hudson River that blends music, food, and fireworks with place-based storytelling. It is a reminder that heritage tourism thrives not only in preservation, but in community life, where history is experienced alongside hospitality. 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
JUL 2-4
Saratoga Towns Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday
Join Saratoga 250 on July 4th for a patriotic community gathering that honors our nation’s founding and the region’s role in American history.
JUL 4
Fourth of July Citizenship Ceremony & Concert
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by welcoming ten new citizens of the United States!
JUL 4
America’s 250th Independence Day with Saratoga 250
Join Saratoga 250 on July 4th for a patriotic community gathering that honors our nation’s founding and the region’s role in American history.
JUL 8
Sharing the Spirit of America – Simultaneous Reading of the Declaration of Independence
‘Sharing the Spirit of America’ is the simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence across the country on July 8th.
JUL 8
Community Reading of the Declaration of the Independence
Join the Old Saratoga Historical Association for a community reading of the Declaration of Independence on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 6PM, held at Town of Saratoga Town Hall.
JUL 19
Community Declaration Reading
Join SNHP and Saratoga250 for a community reading of the Declaration of Independence, on the date when news reached this region.
JUL 21-26
America’s Turning Point @ the Saratoga County Fair
Combine America’s Turning Point with family fun at the Saratoga County fair with our 18th century era games and live historians.
AUG 2
Turning Point Parade 2026
Come to The Turning Point Parade celebrate America’s victory that changed the world in 1777.
AUG 5
Tchaikovsky Spectacular Evening 2026
The opening night of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s season at SPAC features Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, accompanied by cannon firing.
AUG 8
Turning Point Festival 2026
Come to The Turning Point Parade & Festival to celebrate America’s victory that changed the world in 1777.
Keep America’s Turning Point Alive 
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.








