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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

LaFayette Marker Unveiling Ceremony

Join us for an unveiling of the new LaFayette Trail Marker outside the Gateway Visitor Center and learn more about the Marquis de LaFayette’s return trip to Olde Saratoga!

Saratoga250 at Saratoga Pride Fest

Visit the Saratoga250 Booth at the Saratoga Pride Fest to learn about all the upcoming events that highlight our revolutionary history!

Revolutionary Road Trip: National Book Release & Saratoga Screening

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs. Join Emmy-nominated PBS host Darley Newman for a live screening, expert panel, book signing & reception on June 30, 2026.

Women & Children in the American Revolution

Join Anne Clothier as she explores the experiences of women and children during the fight for American Independence. Discover the lives of those on the homefront through stories from those who lived in the Saratoga area during the 1770s, as well as images, maps, documents and hands-on 18th century activities.

Fourth of July Citizenship Ceremony & Concert

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by welcoming ten new citizens of the United States!

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.

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.

Community Declaration Reading

Join SNHP and Saratoga250 for a community reading of the Declaration of Independence, on the date when news reached this region.

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.

Turning Point Parade 2026

Come to The Turning Point Parade celebrate America’s victory that changed the world in 1777.

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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