(June) Founded in 1978, Freihofer’s Jazz Festival was originally known as the Newport Jazz Festival Saratoga, and is informally known as the Saratoga Jazz Festival. Held in Saratoga Springs over one weekend in late June, the festival presents a full lineup at each of two separate locations on the grounds of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Over the past three decades it has presented the most popular jazz artists of the times, from Chick Corea to Ray Charles to Arturo Sandoval. The SPAC’s amphitheater features mainstream acts (which range from jazz to pop and R & B) and features music from 12 noon to 12 midnight both days. The second stage at the SPAC’s Gazebo features newer and more experimental acts; the music there runs from 12 noon to about 5 pm.
The Festival has many regular attendees, some of whom start lining up at 6 a.m. to get their usual seats, so early attendance is recommended. Doors usually open at 10 am, and parking at the festival is free.
- Public Transportation: Poor
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good (handicap accessibility throughout SPAC grounds)
- Performances/Programs: Over 20 performances programmed over two days at two different stages
- Admission: Saturday: $65 adults, $55 children 12 & under; Sunday: $58 adults, $51 children; Lawn seating either day: $44 adults, $5 children.
