Here are some suggestions for events and activities happening this weekend in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, and the weather report to help with planning.
NYC Ballet at SPAC
The New York City Ballet has returned to Saratoga Performing Arts Center for its 59th season in Saratoga Springs.
Friday starts with a 2 p.m. performance of Robbins, Balanchine & Peck. “Family Night” begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Enjoy pre-show lawn games and activities followed by a 7:30 p.m. performance of Coppélia, a tale of a mad inventor and the life-like doll he creates that will feature a large cast of children from the Capital Region. Coppélia was commissioned by SPAC and premiered in Saratoga in 1974.
A series of workshops is set for Saturday morning followed by a 2 p.m. performance of Coppélia; Style Night at SPAC at 5:30 p.m.; a 7:30 p.m. performance of Robbins, Balanchine & Peck; and a post-performance after-party.
Check here for additional information and a full schedule of performances.
Saratoga Race Course opening weekend
The 2025 Saratoga summer meet started Thursday, and opening weekend features the Grade III Coronation Cup on Friday and the Grade I Dunkin’ Diana on Saturday.
Fans who pay admission on Friday will receive a Saratoga Race Course T-shirt while supplies last.
Cash will not be accepted at the track for admission, food and beverage, parking or programs (with the exception of the official Saratoga store). Reverse ATMs, also known as cash-to-card kiosks, are available.
Once
The contemporary musical “Once” comes to the Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany starting Friday through Aug. 10.
Fall in love with the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant who connect over their shared passion for music on the streets of Dublin. Over the course of one fateful week, an unexpected friendship quickly evolves into an inspirational musical collaboration. As the music soars to powerful new heights, the unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than an everyday romance.
This weekend’s shows are scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday at 251 N. Pearl St., Albany.
For additional information, including pre-show events, schedules and tickets, click here.
Chester Block Party
The town of Chester Block Party, Drone and Fireworks show is 5-10 p.m. Saturday at the Maple Avenue Baseball Field.
Bring blankets and folding chairs to enjoy a free community family fun day featuring musical group Hudson Valley and food trucks leading to a spectacular drone and fireworks show when the night sets in.
Delaware & Hudson Canal turns 200
Wurtsboro will celebrate 200 years of the Delaware & Hudson Canal with a community event scheduled for 12-10 p.m. Sunday in the Sullivan County village.
The event pays tribute to the historic waterway with a parade, exhibits, live entertainment, activities and a special re-enactment of Philip Hone's groundbreaking speech.
Check out the event Facebook page for more information.
Electric City Comic Con
The tenth Electric City Comic Con takes place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday in the Karen B. Johnson Library at 99 Clinton St., Schenectady.
Hosted by the Schenectady County Public Library, the Comic Con features authors, artists, vendors, panels, programs, food trucks and of course, the Cosplay Costume Contest.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.scpl.org.
