Last year was an all-around bummer for the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). The pandemic put the skids on all of its live programming, including SPAC’s entire Live Nation slate (sorry, Dave fans). Although this summer was far from “back to normal,” SPAC was able to welcome back longtime residents New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra for limited schedules during the summer months, as well as a handful of rock shows. The majority of Live Nation’s pop, rock and country concerts, however, were pushed back to leaf-peeping season, only adding to the unusualness of this year. At press time, many of those shows still had tickets available. Here’s what to expect from SPAC this September and October.

Scheduled Shows

September 5: Alanis Morissette with special guest Garbage

September 12: Outlaw Music Festival 2021

September 13: Maroon 5 (cancelled)

September 14: The Black Crowes Present: Shake Your Money Maker

September 17 & 18: Dave Matthews Band*

September 19: Flogging Molly/Violent Femmes

September 28: Jonas Brothers: The Remember This Tour

October 3: Zac Brown Band: The Comeback Tour

*For the DMB performances, Live Nation is requiring all fans to provide printed proof of a negative COVID test within 48 hours of the event, or full vaccination for entry. Visit livenation.com for updated safety information on all Live Nation concerts.

What’s New at SPAC?

• SPAC concert-goers are finally able to experience the organization’s already year-old updates, including a brand-new main concessions and restroom building, rooftop terrace and open-air covered pavilion. 

• Live Nation has extremely strict protocols for its touring acts. If there is a cancellation, you’ll be able to find out about it at livenation.com, as well as via emails sent to ticket-holders.

• When New York State legalized the use of recreational marijuana this past spring, the law stated that anyone, 21 years or older, could smoke weed anywhere they could also
puff a cigarette or cigar. The SPAC lawn, Saratoga potheads will be happy to know, is one of those places.

• If you’re looking for more arts immersion than even the Jo Bros can provide, check out SPAC’s brand new School of the Arts, located in the studios behind the National Museum of Dance building. Classes for students of all ages begin September 20. Sign up at spacschool.org.