The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is a staple for local Saratogians and tourists alike, from Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival in late June, New York City Ballet’s performances, movies with soundtracks played live by the Philadelphia Orchestra, and summer long concert line-ups. There is so much to do at SPAC, especially in the summer months.
SPAC is a very popular attraction during the summer because it offers great opportunities to get together with friends and family and enjoy great music in a beautiful amphitheater. But what exactly does SPAC have to offer? In this article, you will look into the history, events, and culture of this Saratoga Springs staple.
The SPAC amphitheater is the heart of the Saratoga Spa State Park, and is an amphitheater surrounded by many of the park’s attractions: geysers, streams, golf courses, and springs. This summer, the venue will be celebrating its 60th anniversary, as it was built in 1964 by Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller. The New York City Ballet (NYCB) and the Philadelphia Orchestra companies were quick to establish their annual summers at the performing arts center 2 years later in June of 1966. Quick to follow, musical artists soon took interest in the new theater, starting with Harry Belafonte as the first Special Event concert at SPAC on June 29th, 1967. Following its success, artists such as Simon & Garfunkel and the Supremes played in 1968, stars like Aretha Franklin, Olivia Newton John, Bruce Springsteen, and the Grateful Dead also performed at the venue, but in the 1980s. Nowadays, groups like the Dave Matthews Band make regular appearances in Saratoga during the summer to perform at this amphitheater.
Tickets now get sold out rapidly, and it’s common to see close to all 5,200 seats and all 20,000 lawn spots occupied with enthusiastic people enjoying their summer with the arts. Not only does SPAC provide musical enjoyment, but there’s also food, too! SPAC has many smaller factors that contribute to its extensive property, not just the large amphitheater. The Julie Bonacio Family Pavilion is a great spot to enjoy picnics or some concession snacks before a show. The Hall of Springs, also known to many SSHS upper classmen as a great place to have prom photoshoots, is a banquet venue close to the amphitheater and overlooks the reflecting pool. The Spa Little Theater is another part of SPAC that provides performances of modern dance, jazz, classical, and pop on a smaller level of 500 seats and can be found at 19 Roosevelt Drive. Formerly known as The School of the Arts, prior to the COVID 19 Pandemic, The SPAC School of the Arts (SOTA) is a school of many different varieties of arts such as ballet, singing, acting, contemporary, tap, and even musical instrument lessons for all ages.
Coming up, The Adirondack Trust Company is holding their annual Festival of Young Artists (FOYA) event on Sunday, 6/2 at 2pm, when people can enjoy this free event promoting young adults in poetry, visual arts, music, and acting. SPAC’s grounds will be filled with displays, games, and activities. Also in June, the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival will start on Saturday June 29th and last two days, 22 artists from genres of jazz, funk, blues, indie, and pop will perform alongside delicious food, a fair, and many more summer activities.
Live Nation Concerts have already started at SPAC this summer season with 4 concerts: Hozier on 5/19, Parker McCollum/George Birge/Corey Kent White on 5/24, The Beach Boys on 5/25, and the latest on Memorial Day, Khruangbin/John Carroll Kirby. Music Artists will be in and out of Saratoga all summer long, until the last concert of the season on September 8th, with a performance by Pit Bull. During this exciting and very busy time for SPAC, Dave Matthews Band, The Philadelphia Orchestra’s “Harry Potter In Concert,” the NYCB’s ballets of “Jewels,” “On and Off Stage,” “Contemporary Choreography,” and “Swan Lake & Stars and Stripes” from July 9th through 13th, John Legend, James Taylor, and many more are performing at our very own, Saratoga Performing Arts Center. SPAC is a staple to our city and is not only there to provide entertainment for the tourists feeding into Saratoga due to the Track season, but to us, the locals, SPAC is where memories of family, friends, music, and arts are made.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center | Saratoga Performing Arts Center (spac.org)