5th Annual Witch Walk & Dance 2026 in Saratoga Springs NY

Details

The 5th Annual Witch Walk & Dance organized by Witch Walk SOSA will take place in downtown Saratoga Springs, NY on Saturday, October 17th 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Ongoing for 20 years and in Saratoga for its 5th year, a not for profit Animal Organization Benefit Event.

Registration: Wristband Presale until 10/14 $25 After 10/14 $30

or Venmo Witch Walk SOSA@witchwalksosa

The Witches Are Back in Saratoga! 

Mark your calendars—on Saturday, October 17, 2026 (2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.), the 5th Annual Witch Walk & Dance Animal Benefit returns for its 5th year in Downtown Saratoga Springs, NY.

This one-of-a-kind fundraiser brings together 500+ participants, raising thousands for animal charities while supporting local businesses. Witches of all kinds take to the streets in their most imaginative attire—decorated hats, flowing costumes, and broomsticks in hand—to dance, wander, and celebrate for a great cause.

• Witch Way Wanderers Dancers – Inspired by Germany’s Wolfshager Hexenbrut, our troupe performs joyful, flash mob-style dances throughout the day, often teaching a few spectators along the way.
• The Witch Way Market in Congress Park 10:00 a.m- 2:00 p.m. by Jessica owner of The Dark Gem Shoppe
• Registration & Basket Raffle – 2:00–4:00 p.m. at 37 High Rock Ave (City Center Parking Garage, lower level). Pick up your wristband, exclusive 2025 enamel pin, and browse raffle baskets donated by local businesses and talented witches.
• Citywide Dancing – Performances begin in the new High Rock Park and continue at downtown locations until 9:00 p.m. With an early performance in Congress Park during the Market.
• Dance Practices – Open to all, held every Wednesday, 5–7 p.m. (see FB page Witch Walk SOSA for updates). Final dress rehearsal: October 14, City Center High Rock Park.

What began in Ballston Spa in 2005 has become an annual tradition, now thriving in Saratoga Springs. Each year, the Witch Walk grows more colorful, inclusive, and creative adding new features like a Basket Raffle, the Witch Way Market vendor event organized by The Dark Gem Shoppe, and Witch Dancing for all with our evergrowing group the Witch Way Wanderers! 

Why We Love It

Participants explore local businesses, join in the dances, and enjoy a spirited night out with friends old and new. The witches bring a unique charm to downtown celebrating fall, Halloween, and everything October is meant to be.

Stay tuned, new event additions will be announced leading up to the event.

For updates and information, follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Stay connected with the official Witch Walk SOSA event updates:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/witchwalkSOSA 
• Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/witchwalksosa/ & @  
• Webpage:
• Eventbrite:
• Venmo:  
• Not active yet

Registration: Wristband Presale until 10/14 $25, After 10/14 $30 

Donations and Wristband sales by:

 Venmo WitchWalk SOSA@witchwalksosa or 

Eventbrite https://5th-annual-WitchWalk-Dance.eventbrite.com

(Final list of participating venues will be confirmed by ticket sales date)

With your official Witch Walk wristband, enjoy special drinks, discounts, and surprises at some of Saratoga’s favorite spots:

Caroline Street

• The Misfit – 1 Caroline St
• Saratoga Tin & Lint Co. – 2 Caroline St
• Lucy’s Bar – 5 Caroline St
• Saratoga City Tavern – 19–21 Caroline St
• Desperate Annie’s – 12 Caroline St
• Bourbon Room – 8 Caroline St
• Spa City Tap & Barrel – 13 Caroline St
• Soundbar – 6 Caroline St
• Clancy’s – 43 Caroline St
• Trotters – 45 Caroline St

Putnam Street

• The Ice House – 70 Putnam St
• Putnam Place – 63 Putnam St

Phila Street

• Bailey’s – 37 Phila St
• Harvey’s – 14 Phila St
• Fillies- 39-41 Phila Street

Lake Ave

• Parting Glass Pub 40-42 Lake Ave
• Whitman Brewing Co. 39-40 Lake Ave

Extra Witchy Perks TBD 2026

• Magic Moon – 17 Phila St
• • First 75 participants showing their wristband receive a free gift
  • Plus 10% off all purchases all day with a wristband.

Animal Charities for 2026 include:

Whispering Willow Wild Care https://www.whisperingwillowwildcare.org/ 

Operation At Ease http://operationatease.org 

Alfie's Rescue https://alfiesrescue.com  

Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist http://hopeanimalrescue.org 

Whiskers Animal Benevolent League (518)458-CATS (2287) https://www.ewhiskers.com/

Past Animal Charities

Adirondack Chapter of North Shore Animal League Therapeutic Horses Of Saratoga Estherville Animal ShelterLucky Puppy Rescue

Old Friends at Cabin Creek

ADK Spay and Neuter

North Shore Animal League

Saratoga County Animal Shelter | Adopt a Dog or Cat in Saratoga NY!

Mr. Mo Project - Donate Foster and Fundraising for Senior Dogs

Animal Welfare League of the Capital District AnimaLovers

Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley |

Troy NY - Operation Snip

Witches Kittens

Kitten Angels Cat Rescue Upstate New York

German Shepherd Rescue of NY, Inc.

North Country Wild Care 

Estherville Animal Shelter

PLEASE READ: Wristbands, Donations & Participation Info

Each year, we receive many questions asking: “Do I need a wristband to participate in The Witch Walk and Dance?” The answer is YES please.

A $25/$30 donation ($35 at the door) is strongly encouraged to participate in the Witch Walk SOSA events including the walk, the dance, and any related activities. This donation also allows you to claim that you are officially participating in this charitable event supporting the animals in need.

Why is there a donation required? Because this is not just a costume outing or a night at the bars, it’s a fundraising event to benefit animal rescues and nonprofit organizations. There are some necessary costs (advertising, insurance, wristbands, and annual enamel pins), but the majority of your donation goes directly to the charities we support.

For over 20 years, Witch Walk SOSA and our dance troupe, The Witch Way Wanderers, have participated in and organized this event entirely through volunteer time, effort, and personal contributions. No one asks, “What do I get out of it?” because it's all about giving back to those who have no voice: the animals.

What do you get for your $25? You get the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped a worthy cause and you become part of a magical tradition that makes a real difference. Just like you wouldn’t run in an Alzheimer’s or Breast Cancer Walk without donating, this is no different. It’s a cause-driven event.

For those who prefer not to do the pub crawl, we also offer witch dance practices as another fun and meaningful way to participate and contribute.

Even if you purchase a wristband and are unable to attend, your donation still goes directly to the animals in need and for that, we thank you.

Transparency Matters: All donations and beneficiaries have been posted publicly on our Facebook and Instagram (@witchwalksosa) since 2021.

Thank you for your understanding, your support, and your belief in the magic of giving.

 Witch Walk SOSA & The Witch Way Wanderers

Founded in 2005 in Ballston Spa, NY, Witch Walk SOSA (Southern Saratoga) began as a small fundraiser and has since grown into a vibrant annual tradition raising thousands of dollars for animal organizations.

Today, the event calls Downtown Saratoga Springs home, drawing over 500 witches each year and featuring the lively Witch Way Wanderers Dance Troupe. Together, we’re expanding the magic with plans for:

• A Witches Ball & Vendor Market
• A Parade through Saratoga (some day)
• Year-round Witch Dances by the Witch Way Wanderers
• A Witches Wander filled with fun, costumes, and community spirit

While our roots began in Ballston Spa, the village is no longer our host. Please note: The Friday-before-Halloween pub crawl in Ballston Spa is not affiliated with Witch Walk SOSA.

• It does not include the Witch Way Wanderers dances
• Donations collected at that event do not support our cause

Stay connected with the official Witch Walk SOSA event updates:

• Facebook: @witchwalksosa
• Instagram: @witchwalksosa & @witchwaywanderers

The Witch Way Wanderers are our spirited dance troupe, inspired by the Wolfshager Hexenbrut Witches of Germany. Made up of dancers of all ages and backgrounds, they bring joy, laughter, and a touch of magic wherever they perform.

• Performances: Public events, fundraisers, parades, and community celebrations
• Charity Focus: No fees are charged for non-profit or fundraising events; private/corporate bookings help support animal welfare through Witch Walk SOSA
• Mission: To spread joy, raise funds, and invite others to join the dance!

PURCHASE TICKETS OR DONATE HERE

https://www.venmo.com/u/witchwalksosa

https://5th-annual-WitchWalk-Dance.eventbrite.com

Also remember all the staff and organizers are volunteers for the Walk as well as for The Dance. No one is paid for their time and efforts so please be kind. We all want to have a fun night so good energy and intentions are welcome!

Thank you to Wolfshager Hexenbrut for their wonderful choreographies that have allowed us to create an even larger community and draw for this event over the years.

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Event Host

Witch Walk SOSA