Chowderfest

Enjoy music, activities and endless chowder at Saratoga’s 20th Annual Chowderfest.

Crowds of people at Chowderfest in Downtown Saratoga. | Photo Courtesy of Discover Saratoga

Mark your calendar! One of Saratoga’s most highly-anticipated events is coming up on Sat., Feb. 2nd, 2019. Presented by the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau and DeCrescente Distributing Company, Chowderfest features delicious choices from over 80 vendors—including some of the best restaurants and caterers in Saratoga County. Aside from the many choices of chowder, there will be live music and family-friendly activities.

To participate, simply pick up a ballot, or print one from any establishment participating in Chowderfest. Then, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., try as many chowders as you would like at $1 a cup. Place your vote for your favorite chowder at DiscoverSaratoga.org/Vote by 5 p.m. See if your favorite chowder was a winner by attending the Awards Ceremony at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center at 6:30 p.m.

Official Chowderfest Recipe Books are Now Available

Try recipes from your favorite Saratoga restaurants, and learn fun facts about the popular event. Commemorative Chowderfest Recipe Books are available for just $10 at Impressions of Saratoga and the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center.

Take Amtrak to Chowderfest

Enjoy downtown Saratoga and delicious chowder via Amtrak to the Saratoga Station in Saratoga Springs—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!

Pick up your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car from Saratoga Station. Click here to reserve your car or call the Saratoga office today at 518-587-0687.

Where to Stay in Saratoga Springs

Looking for a getaway opportunity? Spend the night and experience all the Saratoga area has to offer. Book a room at the Pavilion Grand in Downtown Saratoga Springs, and spend the weekend experiencing rich history, cultural hotspots and amazing spas with the New York By Rail two-day itinerary, Horses, History and Health.

Saratoga Beer Week

The 8th annual Saratoga Beer Week welcomes beer enthusiasts for five days of craft beer tasting.

Visitors enjoying hundreds of local and imported craft beers at Saratoga Beer Week. | Photo Courtesy of America-on-Tap

The Capital Region of New York is hosting a five-day celebration of beer. The 8th annual Saratoga Beer Week kicks off Feb. 19 in the town of Saratoga Springs. Different beer-centric events will be held in various locations, encouraging visitors to explore the area.

Whiskey Night

The first “specialty” event of Saratoga Beer Week does not feature any stouts or lagers, but spirits. The Saratoga City Center encourages patrons to “drink neat” on Thursday, Feb. 21. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. whiskey samples and original specialty whiskey cocktails will be served, along with live music and food from the casino. The entry fee of $60 also includes a souvenir sampling glass, so Whiskey Night attendees can continue to “warm their spirits” after the night ends.

Cider Night

Saratoga Beer Week will celebrate Cider Night for the fourth year running on Friday, Feb. 22. More than 30 different cideries from around the country will be providing a variety of hard ciders at the Saratoga Springs Center, located on 522 Broadway. Tickets are priced at $30 online. The cider-drinking festivities will commence at 6 p.m. and will end promptly at 9 p.m. Outdoor food will not be allowed, but pretzel necklaces are highly encouraged.

Beer Summit

The crowned jewel of Saratoga Beer Week is the Beer Summit, a central part of the celebration since its inception. “Spa City’s” top breweries along with premier selections from in and out-of-state are supplying the event with their very best on Feb. 23 at the Saratoga Springs Center. The sight of more than 160 styles of craft beer will make any beer enthusiast’s mouth water. Three hours of drinking from either 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. are included with the $40 general admission ticket. A $55 VIP ticket will get you four hours of drinking, a food voucher, and a commemorative Saratoga Beer Week Beer Summit hat.

Event Information for Saratoga Beer Week

• Free parking is available throughout Downtown Saratoga.
• Designated Driver tickets are $10 and are available at the door only.
• If the event sells out in advance, DD tickets will still be available at the door.
• Group Tickets will NOT be available for purchase on the day of the event (in-person or online).
• Must be 21 years or older, no children can attend.
• Last POUR will be 10 minutes prior to each sessions’ end. This means no samples will be poured after this time.
• No outside food or beverage – BUT, pretzel necklaces are encouraged.
• ID check will begin approximately 30 minutes prior to doors opening.
• There will be a line upon entering but it will move quickly.
• Everyone who has their ticket, can proceed to the same entry line.
• Attendees may not leave with any beer, no exceptions will be made.
• Event is rain or shine.

Take Amtrak to Saratoga Beer Week

Enjoy hundreds of craft brews via Amtrak to Saratoga Springs Station in Saratoga Springs, NY—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!

Get picked up from Saratoga Springs Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Saratoga Springs office today at 518-587-0687.