Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) | Albany

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is one of the most prestigious open-air performing arts venues in the United States. Located in the heart of Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs, New York, SPAC offers a rich and diverse lineup of world-class performances, from classical ballet and orchestral music to major contemporary music concerts and community events.

Resident Companies

New York City Ballet
SPAC has been the summer home of the New York City Ballet since 1966. The ballet season typically runs in July, featuring a mix of full-length classics and contemporary works. In 2025, the company will perform from July 9 to 12. Highlights include:

Coppélia (full-length)

Jerome Robbins' The Four Seasons

George Balanchine’s Stravinsky Violin Concerto

Mystic Familiar, a new work by Justin Peck

These performances feature a full orchestra and include open rehearsals and educational events.

The Philadelphia Orchestra
Another long-standing resident company, the Philadelphia Orchestra performs at SPAC every August. Their 2025 season runs from August 6 to 23 under the direction of Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The season includes:

Verdi’s Requiem

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony

Guest performances by Renée Fleming and Cynthia Erivo

SPAC often complements these performances with pre-concert talks and community programming.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
This ensemble presents a series of intimate chamber music concerts at SPAC, often in the Spa Little Theater. Programs highlight masterworks from the classical repertoire performed by world-class musicians in a personal setting.

Popular Music and Special Events

SPAC collaborates with Live Nation to present a full calendar of major contemporary music acts each summer. Concerts take place on the Broadview Stage and attract large audiences from across the Northeast.

Notable 2025 performances include:

Matt Rife (May 18)

Breaking Benjamin and Staind (May 23)

Jason Aldean (May 25)

Coheed and Cambria & Mastodon (May 26)

Avril Lavigne (May 27)

Vampire Weekend (June 4)

Glass Animals (June 7)

Thomas Rhett (June 12)

Mumford & Sons (June 21)

Rod Stewart Farewell Tour (date to be announced)

The 3rd Annual Summer SPACtacular on May 30 serves as the season’s official kickoff, combining live performances, food, and fireworks to raise funds for SPAC’s arts and education programs.

Venues and Facilities

Main Amphitheater
SPAC’s main performance venue is an amphitheater with covered seating for approximately 5,200 and lawn space for up to 20,000 additional guests. The venue is known for its excellent acoustics, scenic backdrop, and relaxed atmosphere. Lawn ticket holders often bring blankets and picnic baskets for a more casual experience.

Spa Little Theater
This 500-seat indoor venue hosts chamber music concerts, jazz performances, lectures, and off-season events. In 2025, it will undergo a $12 million renovation to improve accessibility, technical systems, and audience comfort, with reopening planned for fall 2026.

Park Setting and Community Programs

SPAC’s location in Saratoga Spa State Park offers a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural enrichment. The park includes mineral springs, hiking and biking trails, historic bathhouses, and the Gideon Putnam Resort. This environment creates a serene and engaging setting for visitors attending performances.

SPAC also prioritizes education and community outreach. Year-round programs include:

Arts education for schools

Family programs

Free concerts and workshops

Health and wellness activities incorporating music and movement

Culinary and literary arts events

These programs aim to make the arts accessible to a broader audience, particularly underserved communities.

Visitor Information

Parking is available throughout the state park, with shuttle service provided during major events.

Food vendors operate on-site during performances, and many visitors bring their own picnics.

Tickets can be purchased through SPAC’s website and Live Nation. Discounted pricing is available for students, seniors, military members, and SPAC members.

Conclusion

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is more than a concert venue; it is a vibrant cultural institution offering unforgettable artistic experiences in an extraordinary natural setting. With its prestigious resident companies, varied programming, and community-driven mission, SPAC remains a cornerstone of Saratoga’s identity and a must-visit destination for lovers of the arts.