SPAC 60Saratoga Springs, NY (May 7, 2026) – As it marks six decades as a premier cultural destination, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) today announced a series of special initiatives and promotions celebrating its landmark 60th anniversary season. Highlights include the debut of a new visual arts exhibition, This Place Loves You Back, alongside a limited-edition Fireworks on the Lawn Stewart’s Shops ice cream flavor, a collection of vintage Milton Glaser poster prints, and a special “Anniversary Night” celebration commemorating SPAC’s 1966 opening.

“As we celebrate 60 years, we’re honoring the artists, audiences, and moments that have shaped this place, while inviting our community to be part of what comes next. From the quiet memories held on our grounds to the joy of gathering together on a summer night, this anniversary is a celebration of connection—through art, through nature, and through one another,” says Elizabeth Sobol, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

New VisualArts@SPAC Exhibit: This Place Loves You Back

Unveiled today, May 7 and on view in The Pines at SPAC, This Place Loves You Back is a new visual arts exhibition by artist Whitney Browne. Drawing from SPAC’s archives, the exhibition highlights the intimate, in-between moments that define the audience experience—capturing the spirit of connection that has lived on SPAC’s grounds for generations.

Whitney Browne is a photographer who has spent more than a decade developing experimental, movement-based photography methods. Working with performing arts and cultural institutions, her work captures the moments around the stage as much as those upon it.

Of the exhibit, Browne says: “Looking through the archives of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, certain patterns begin to appear—not only the performances on stage, but the quieter moments around them. Over time, places that hold this kind of shared attention begin to gather memory. They accumulate stories, traditions, friendships, and the quiet imprint of the people who have passed through them. This exhibition moves through those traces—photographs and fragments of time. If you have ever sat here, listened here, or looked around and felt yourself part of the moment, you are part of that history too. This place has been paying attention to you, too. And, in its own way, this place loves you back.”

The exhibition features photography by Francesco D’Amico, Dave Bigler, Jake Ritz and Juan Soler of Ironglass Productions, Bryan Lasky, Erica Miller, Rebecca Loomis, and Shawn LaChapelle, offering a layered portrait of SPAC as a deeply personal gathering place.

The exhibition is open to ticketed guests prior to evening performances of BalletX, New York City Ballet, and The Philadelphia Orchestra, inviting audiences to explore the exhibit as part of their SPAC experience. Additional viewing times may be added; visit spac.org for the full schedule.

Limited-Edition Stewart’s Ice Cream Flavor: Fireworks on the Lawn

In partnership with Stewart’s Shops, SPAC has introduced a limited-edition ice cream flavor inspired by one of its most beloved traditions. Fireworks on the Lawn—a creamy vanilla ice cream with a tart cherry swirl and red and blue Pop RocksTM—will be available May 18 through August 30 at Stewart’s Shops locations throughout the Capital Region, bringing a taste of SPAC’s summer magic to the community.

Stewart’s Shops will also be onsite at SPAC serving free scoops during The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists on May 31, as well as Family Nights @ SPAC on July 10 prior to New York City Ballet’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and on August 5 prior to The Philadelphia Orchestra’s opening night performance of Tchaikovsky Spectacular. Free ice cream is available while supplies last.  

From the Archives: Vintage Milton Glaser Poster Collection

SPAC will also release a special collection of vintage poster prints from the archives by legendary graphic designer Milton Glaser, known for his iconic I Love New York logo and groundbreaking visual style. Glaser created a series of celebrated posters for SPAC in 1980, 1982, and for its 25th anniversary in 1990—often featuring a whimsical satyr motif that blended classical mythology with bold, modern design.

A curated selection of digital prints, signed posters, and limited edition signed and numbered silkscreens will be available for purchase, offering audiences and collectors the opportunity to own a piece of SPAC history. To purchase or learn more, visit spac.org/shop.

Anniversary Night @ SPAC

New York City Ballet: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Thursday, July 9

SPAC will commemorate the anniversary of its opening night on July 9, 1966—when New York City Ballet first took the stage with A Midsummer Night’s Dream—with a special “Anniversary Night” celebration held in conjunction with the company’s July 9 performance.

Audiences are invited to arrive early and enjoy a festive pre-performance gathering beginning at 5:30 p.m., featuring complimentary wine and beer tastings, treats by Nothing Bundt Cakes, souvenir photo opportunities, and other onsite activations celebrating SPAC’s 60th birthday. The pre-show experience is included with a ticket to the performance. Visit spac.org for tickets and information.

$19.66 Anniversary Lawn Ticket Offer

Co-Sponsored by the Times Union and Skidmore College

As part of the celebration, SPAC’s previously announced $19.66 Anniversary Lawn Ticket offer invites audiences to experience world-class performances at a historic price point—honoring the year SPAC opened. The promotion is valid for New York City Ballet performances from July 8–11 and most performances by The Philadelphia Orchestra from August 5–22 (exclusions apply).

Tickets are available now at spac.org (online purchases subject to service fees). Beginning May 16, tickets may also be purchased in person at the SPAC Box Office with no additional fees. Additional restrictions may apply; visit spac.org for details.

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SPAC’s 60th anniversary is being celebrated throughout 2026 with a series of special performances, events, and initiatives that honor its legacy as a home for world-class artists while highlighting its continued evolution as a year-round cultural destination. To follow along and be the first to receive updates, visit spac.org and follow Saratoga Performing Arts Center on social media.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), located in the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, is one of America’s most prestigious outdoor amphitheaters. Its exquisite setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs draws lovers of arts, culture and nature for performances by resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Saratoga Jazz Festival, and concerts by Live Nation. SPAC also hosts imaginative programming such as Caffè Lena @ SPAC and initiatives in culinary, literary, healing and visual arts.  

 

SPAC is a 501c3 charitable organization. Donations and proceeds from fundraising events benefit the Center’s thriving education program, community outreach efforts, and the vibrancy of its programming. For more information visit spac.org.