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Turning Point Festival 2026

August 8, 2026

Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville

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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. 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

Saratoga National Historical Park (SNHP) Freeman’s Farm Anniversary Encampment

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.

DAR Wreath Laying Ceremony at SNHP

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

Victory Season at Saratoga Siege Living History Weekend

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

Victory Season at Saratoga: Surrender Day Ceremony

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.

Victory Season at Saratoga: Celebrate Surrender Day!

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!

Victory Season at Saratoga 249th Surrender Concert Commemoration

Join us for an unforgettable evening listening to 18th century music by the Musicians of Ma’alwyck, accompanied by soprano vocalist, Vedrana Kalas and Featured Speaker, Military Historian & Author, Eric Schnitizer will intersperse first hand accounts of the major British surrender at Saratoga from a diverse set of perspectives.

Revolutionary Run for Veterans at Fort Hardy Park

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.

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    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.

    Learn More