Friday, January 12
MLK Saratoga is kicking off the long weekend with the 9th annual Dr. King Challenge—a family-friendly evening of music by DJ Hollyw8d and other performing artists, plus food, cash bar, art projects for kids, face-painting, a photo booth, dancing and more—at the Saratoga Springs Holiday Inn at 5:30pm. Like all of MLK Saratoga’s events, the Dr. King Challenge is free and open to the public, though donations are appreciated.
Saturday, January 13
What’s cooler than watching giant monster trucks jump, flip and wheelie around a giant dirt arena? Watching them do those things in the dark! This Friday and Saturday, Albany’s MVP Arena will host Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party, featuring a laser light show, spectacular theatrical effects, dance parties, toy giveaways and even a special appearance from a transforming robot. Go early for the Crash Zone Pre-Show Party on the competition floor, where you can see the trucks up close and get autographs from the drivers.
For those looking for a reason to day drink, head to Kings Tavern from 1-4pm to support Saratoga native Alexandra Torres, who this April will be running the Boston Marathon with the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team to raise money for cancer research. Alexandra, a physician assistant in the Neuro-Oncology department at the Boston institute, has watched her mother, Michele, battle two forms of cancer over the last nine years, and aims to raise $14,000 to support new lines of cancer research ahead of the marathon. This Saturday’s fundraiser will feature live music, food, drinks and prizes. For more information and to donate, click here.
Also on Saturday is another MLK Saratoga event: a film-screening and discussion presented in partnership with Yaddo and SPAC. Vision Portraits follows filmmaker and Yaddo artist Rodney Evans on a scientific and artistic journey in which he questions how the potential loss of his remaining eyesight might impact his creative future. In the film, Evans introduces us to three artists, each of whom have had to adapt because of loss of sight. The evening, which will be hosted at The Pines at SPAC, will kick off with a reception by Kindred Saratoga at 5pm, followed by the screening and discussion. Admission is free but reservations are required. Afterwards, head to Frederick Allen Lodge on Beekman Street for an evening of food, drinks, live music and dancing at the Beloved Community Party.
Sunday, January 14
Rock Voices, a community rock chorus based in Saratoga, will present its first of three 2024 performances at Saratoga Springs High School’s Lowes Auditorium this Sunday at 4pm. More than 100 voices will join together to sing songs by Chicago, Van Halen, the Jonas Brothers, Simon & Garfunkel, Katy Perry, Elton John and more. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $8 for students.
Monday, January 15
A day off from school means a block party of a different sort. On Monday from 11am-1pm, the Saratoga Springs YMCA will host a Lego block party with building stations for all ages. Build and race a Lego car, create a DUPLO train, or check out the bounce house. This event is free for Y members and $5 for nonmembers.
MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service, and AmeriCorps encourages you to use the day to volunteer to improve your community. You can give back in Saratoga this Monday at the library, which will host volunteer opportunities such as a food drive, card-making and other craft projects all morning long.
On Monday afternoon, MLK Saratoga will present another community celebration, this one hosted by “Soulist” Garland Nelson and featuring a keynote by filmmaker, artist, activist, dancer and educator Hettie Barnhill, who will speak about Dr. King’s enduring legacy. More information on this and other MLK Day events can be found here.