Saratoga New Year’s Eve 2025 headlining acts announced

Ben Folds, Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads to perform

Event will feature free outdoor concert by Tops of Trees and fireworks display

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Ben Folds is coming to the Spa City this winter to help festivalgoers ring in the new year as part of Saratoga New Year’s Eve 2025.

Widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of his generation, Ben Folds is an Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter-composer who has created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records.

His New Year’s Eve performance will cap off the evening’s entertainment at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads will perform as the headlining act at the historic Universal Preservation Hall as part of the New Year’s Eve celebration.

In this unique experience, Jamaican-born frontman Mystic Bowie reimagines and infuses fresh life into the Talking Heads’ classic catalog with his high octane mix of roots reggae and ska. Since debuting his musically revolutionary Talking Dreads project in 2015, the charismatic singer and performer has electrified audiences at hundreds of shows across North America – spinning the heads of initially skeptical Talking Heads fans, and getting everyone else grooving along to the infectious, joyous rhythms and jubilant spirit of his native island.

These and other performances by Los Sugar Kings, Dogs in a Pile, Lindsey Kraft and Tops of Trees were announced by event organizers on Thursday during a press conference at City Hall in Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga New Year’s Eve is a two-day event to be held on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Presented by Death Wish Coffee, this year’s event was organized through a partnership between the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Discover Saratoga, the Saratoga Springs City Center, the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association, the City of Saratoga Springs, Proctors Collaborative and Caffe Lena.

The celebration will kick off with a free outdoor concert by local funk band Tops of Trees on Ellsworth Jones Place, located just outside of the Saratoga Springs City Center, along with a spectacular fireworks display launched from the top level of the City Center’s parking garage. This portion of the event, held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve is designed to offer a family-friendly option that is available to the public at no cost.

Following performances at the Belmont on Broadway festival and the Saratoga’s All-American Celebration earlier this year, this eight-piece rock and soul ensemble is ready to rock Saratoga Springs for one last time in 2024.  

Afterward, Saratoga New Year’s Eve ticketholders can enjoy more live entertainment from nationally recognized acts.

Live entertainment will be offered at multiple downtown Saratoga Springs venues including the Saratoga Springs City Center, Universal Preservation Hall, Caffe Lena and Putnam Place.  

“We are honored to have been invited by the City, the Chamber, Discover Saratoga and the City Center to collaborate on this exciting downtown Saratoga event,” said Jean Leonard, President of Proctors Collaborative. “UPH is proud to contribute to the dynamic atmosphere that makes Saratoga such a special place to live and visit, and we are pleased to contribute our resources in a way that enhances the energy and spirit of this special celebration.”

Lindsey Kraft, opening act for Ben Folds at the Saratoga Springs City Center, is a multi-faceted artist – actress, singer and composer. Folks may recognize her from various TV roles including Netflix’s Grace and Frankie, HBO’s Getting On and most recently Netflix’s Obliterated. On New Year’s Eve, she’ll be performing her brand of theatrical pop songs including songs from her one-woman musical, “love, me.”

Los Sugar Kings – a Boston-based quartet known for its dynamic live performances, rich harmonies, intense musicianship and ability to transcend genres – is set to appear at Caffe Lena, a musical landmark and the longest running folk venue in the country.

“It’s great to be jumping back into downtown New Year’s eve programming after a few years of pivoting to an online celebration,” said Sarah Craig, Executive Director of Caffe Lena. “We’re excited to heat up the cold night with the sounds of the sunny Caribbean. Los Sugar Kings are a joyful, celebratory band and we fully expect a little dancing to break out.”

Craig added, “2025 marks Caffe Lena’s 65th anniversary. Joining this community celebration is the perfect way to kick off our special year.”

Dogs in a Pile will return to Putnam Place for not just one but four concerts. “Putnam Place is excited to be part of Saratoga New Year’s Eve 2025,” said Gary Fox of the downtown music venue. “This year Putnam is featuring a four-day run of shows with the big up and coming jam band Dogs in a Pile on Dec. 28, 29, 30 and 31.”

The festivities will conclude on New Year’s Day with the Saratoga First Day 5K, a fun and healthy tradition for runners and anyone looking to start 2025 off right.  

Ticket sales will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at www.saratoganye.com. Tickets start at $25 each. Limited VIP packages will be available as well.

“I love Saratoga New Year’s Eve – being together with so many of my neighbors for the music, fireworks and the First Day 5K,” said Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “Everyone is invited whether you purchase a VIP ticket to be seated in the front row or you want to bring the kids to see the fireworks.”

“Discover Saratoga is excited to be part of the Saratoga New Year’s Eve celebration. It’s a wonderful opportunity for both locals and visitors to come together and experience everything that makes Saratoga special—from our vibrant downtown to our rich cultural attractions,” said Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga. “Events like this not only foster community spirit but also contribute significantly to the economic impact on Saratoga County, driving tourism and supporting local businesses. We look forward to ringing in the New Year with excitement and gratitude for all who make Saratoga such a special place.”

“No longer just the ‘August place to be,’ Saratoga Springs is, indeed, a year-round destination,” said Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford. “For the last few years, our New Year’s celebration has been an excellent representation of that fact and, this year will be no exception.”

“The Saratoga Springs City Center is proud to be part of the long-standing tradition of live performances on New Years Eve in Saratoga,” said Ryan McMahon, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs City Center. “We love seeing our guests that have returned year after year for decades to celebrate together. Saratoga County is a special place and events like this add to the vibrant cultural texture of the community.”

“The DBA and its members are grateful to have another community event showcasing our downtown! We invite everyone to celebrate the end of an amazing year for our city by dining at one of our great restaurants and shopping in our stores, all while enjoying all that Saratoga New Year’s Eve has to offer,” said Deann Devitt​​​​, president of the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association. “We look forward to another great event and another exciting year with our members, community and our partners at Discover Saratoga, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the Saratoga Springs City Center, the City of Saratoga Springs and Proctors Collaborative.”

Local company Death Wish Coffee is once again supporting this community event by returning as a presenting sponsor of Saratoga New Year’s Eve. Additional event sponsors are Adirondack Trust Company, Druthers Brewing Company and the Saratoga Springs Special Assessment District, along with promotional sponsors WNYT NewsChannel 13, The Daily Gazette, Nippertown and the Saratoga Regional YMCA. 

Further details and a full entertainment schedule for Saratoga New Year’s Eve 2025 will be announced online in the coming weeks.

More information about Saratoga New Year’s Fest 2025 is available online at www.saratoganye.com, where anyone interested in attending is encouraged to sign up for regular updates.

About the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce: Since 1918, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has been opening doors and closing deals for businesses throughout the Saratoga County community. Guided by a strong and sustainable vision, the Chamber leads the way in maintaining and strengthening a healthy business climate, initiating constructive community action, and creating a community where all can thrive.