The fall equinox begins at 8:44 a.m. Sunday, marking the official start of autumn. That means you have two reasons to celebrate this weekend: the end of summer and start of fall. Here's several activities to choose from as you make plans.
Farm Aid 2024
Thirty-nine years after organizing the first Farm Aid concert to raise awareness about the loss of family farms, Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp will headline a prestigious lineup that also includes Dave Matthews at Farm Aid 2024. The show starts at noon Saturday at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Farm Aid has raised nearly $80 million to support family farms and agriculture.
Saratoga Toycon 2024
If you're in Saratoga area for the weekend, you can stop by the Saratoga Toycon 2024 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in the Hyatt Place Hotel in Malta. It's $5 for adults; kids are free.
Adirondack Balloon Festival 2024
The Adirondack Balloon Festival 2024 takes off at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury on Saturday and Sunday with flights, food, music and more.
Activities start at 5 a.m., followed by morning flights of up to 80 balloons at 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. each day.
Saturday features musical acts by the Sam Luke Trio and The RasinBeats; a 5 p.m. flight of up to 50 balloons; and the 7:45 p.m. performance of Lighting up the Night – Airport Moonglow.
Gates close at 10 a.m. Sunday. Events are weather permitting.
Putnam County Wine & Food Fest
The 13th Putnam County Wine & Food Fest is happening this weekend at Wells Park, 98 Oak St., Brewster.
The fest boasts a robust selection of wines, ciders and spirits, along with arts and crafts, food trucks, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment.
Admission to the event, which is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, is $25 in advance and $30 at the gate. For guests 21 and over, that includes a tasting glass and access to sampling.
A designated driver entrance fee is $15.
Kids 15 and under are free.
Head of the Hudson Regatta
The 36th Head of the Hudson Regatta kicks off the fall rowing season starting at 8 a.m. Sunday at the Albany Boat Launch at the Corning Preserve.
Dozens of clubs featuring athletes of all ages and skill levels will compete on the river.
The event, which is open to the public, offers multiple viewing points along the course, local food and brews.
It starts north of the I-90 bridge, upstream of the Albany Rowing Center boathouse, and finishes at the Riverfront Amphitheater at Jennings Landing.
Traveling Vietnam Wall
The Traveling Vietnam Wall is available for visits this weekend at the 300-acre Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls, Dutchess County. A full schedule of events accompanies the replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Live music kicks things off at 12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday concludes at 6 p.m. with a ceremony, candlelight vigil, keynote speaker Karl Rohde, a Silver Star Recipient and a wreath-laying.
The closing ceremony is set for 2 p.m. Sunday.
French and Indian War Reenactment
Sticking with the military history theme, Rogers Island in Fort Edward is hosting a French and Indian War Reenactment and Encampment from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, offering visitors a chance to experience history firsthand. The event is hosted by the Fort Edward Garrison.