Find the Best Summer Events In & Near Clifton Park, NY for 2025: Fairs, Festivals & Fun
Summer is packed with great ways to get outside and enjoy the season across the Capital Region. From outdoor concerts and street festivals to artisan markets and family fun, these are some of the best summer events in and near Clifton Park, NY to add to your calendar for 2025.
Capital District Renaissance Festival
The Capital District Renaissance Festival brings medieval times to life at Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont. Visitors enjoy jousting, sword-fighting, artisan vendors, and costumed performers. Families can explore a kid-friendly kingdom, take part in a knighting ceremony, and enjoy food inspired by the era.
New in 2025 are a pub crawl and a princess tea party, with both single-day and weekend passes available.
Good Karma 5K Run/Walk
The annual Good Karma 5K blends fitness and philanthropy at Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park. Hosted by Good Karma of the Capital Region—a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to improving children’s lives through education and nutrition—the event includes a 5K, yoga warm-up, and kids fun run. Participants can also enjoy Indian street food, henna, and music.
All proceeds support AIM for Seva and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY, making this a feel-good event all around.
Schenectady County SummerNight
Schenectady’s biggest block party, SummerNight, transforms downtown into a lively celebration with live bands, food trucks, art vendors, and games.
A massive crowd gathers along State Street for this free event, which ends with a dazzling fireworks show. It’s one of the region’s most anticipated summer nights, just a short drive from Clifton Park.
Performing Arts at the Common
Clifton Park’s summer entertainment series at the Common invites residents and visitors to enjoy live music and performances under the stars. The open-air stage hosts a variety of local acts throughout the season. Bring a chair or blanket and settle in for a relaxed evening with friends or family.
Saratoga County Fair
Each summer, the Saratoga County Fair transforms the fairgrounds in Ballston Spa into a hub of family fun. It features carnival rides, agricultural contests, games, food vendors, and nightly entertainment. From livestock shows to tractor pulls, it’s a nostalgic tradition locals return to year after year.
July 4th Celebration at Clifton Common
Clifton Park celebrates Independence Day with a full afternoon of activities, music, and fireworks at Clifton Common. This hometown tradition draws locals of all ages for a festive day that wraps with a colorful display lighting up the night sky.
Markets at Round Lake
The Markets at Round Lake offer a two-day, three-market experience in one eclectic village setting just south of Clifton Park. Shoppers can browse the Makers Market, Food Market, and Book Market, which feature top regional artisans, specialty food vendors, and authors. This thoughtfully curated event is one of the area’s most unique seasonal draws.
Clifton Park Elks Car, Truck & Bike Show
The Elks Lodge in Ballston Lake hosts this annual event, where car, truck, and bike enthusiasts gather to show off their vehicles and enjoy a day of awards, raffles, and refreshments. It’s a casual, community-centered way to celebrate summer with a bit of horsepower.
Altamont Fair
The Altamont Fair is a longtime favorite among Capital Region residents, offering a classic county fair experience at the Altamont Fairgrounds. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of attractions including a large carnival midway, live music, animal exhibits, pig races, dock-dog shows, and even a full circus. With fair food staples and family-friendly entertainment all included in admission, it's a festive summer tradition that appeals to all ages.
Mabee Farm Arts & Crafts Festival
Set on the scenic grounds of Mabee Farm in Rotterdam Junction, this arts and crafts festival blends local creativity with historical charm. Guests can browse handmade goods, enjoy live music, and watch traditional craft demonstrations—all while exploring one of the oldest farmsteads in the region.
Capital District Scottish Games
The Altamont Fairgrounds come alive each summer with the Capital District Scottish Games. This cultural celebration features bagpiping, Highland dancing, traditional athletics like the caber toss, and authentic food and drink. It’s a spirited event that attracts visitors from across the Northeast.
Little Italy StreetFest
Schenectady’s Little Italy neighborhood comes to life with its annual street festival celebrating Italian-American heritage. With authentic food, live music, artisan vendors, and family activities, the event offers a flavorful and fun way to experience the community’s cultural roots.
Plan Your Summer Fun
From car shows and cultural festivals to outdoor markets and live performances, summer events are the perfect way to make the most of the season. Mark your favorites and plan your summer trip!
See more things to do in the events calendar >>
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