Town Events

Historic Preservation Commission
Historic Preservation Commission

The Town of Clifton Park, together with the Historic Preservation Commission, is committed to protecting and preserving the Town’s history. The Clifton Park Historic Preservation Commission is a volunteer body appointed by the Town Board with the purpose of preserving and enhancing Clifton Park’s historic resources. They provide technical assistance to owners of historic properties, advise the Town Board and Planning Board on matters of preservation and educate the residents of Clifton Park on the treasures of their heritage. The Commission meets at Historic Grooms Tavern at 7:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Town residents interested in serving on the Commission can contact us at parksrec@cliftonpark.org.

First Fridays at Historic Grooms Tavern
First Fridays at Historic Grooms Tavern
Check out these free, family friendly presentations at Historic Grooms Tavern!

The Tavern is located at the corners of Grooms and Sugar Hill Roads in Clifton Park (290 Sugar Hill Road). Parking is off of Grooms Road to the rear. Please enter the building from the back entrance. Presentations typically run 1-2 hours, and all have a chance to explore the Historic Tavern afterward. All programs are free, require NO registration, and are open to the public.
Questions? Contact Parks and Recreation Department at 518-371-6667 or email parksrec@cliftonpark.org.

*No registration required*
Session Session Dates Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
NEW YORK BIGFOOT SOCIETY 11/07/2025 Historic Grooms Tavern 0/0
Moonlight Hikes
Moonlight Hikes
(All ages welcome)
View nature in a new light and discover the beauty of nature illuminated by moonlight, as we explore Clifton Park trails and preserves under the full moon. Enjoy peaceful trails and a unique perspective on the wilderness after dark. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to nighttime adventures, these walks promise beautiful moments in nature. Don’t miss out – immerse yourself in the magic of the full moon with us!
 
Each walk will be of easy to moderate difficulty, child friendly, and will last approximately 45 minutes.
Please dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy shoes/boots, and bring flashlights or headlamps.
Free, but pre-registration is required. Event may be cancelled in poor weather.
All walks will take place at Garnsey Park, 1481 NY-146, just east of Nott Road & Wing Road
Session Session Dates Days of Week Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
Beaver Moon 11/04/2025
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M
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W
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F
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 Garnsey Park, 1481 NY-146 20/30
Register
Cold Moon 12/04/2025
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M
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W
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F
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 Garnsey Park, 1481 NY-146 10/30
Register
Pumpkin Smash!
Pumpkin Smash!
DON'T TRASH IT, SMASH IT!
Instead of letting your old pumpkins haunt the landfill, have a fun time SMASHING them into compost!
Bring pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, and gourds for a SMASHING GOOD TIME!
You SMASH them, and we will COMPOST them!
 
Saturday November 8
Bowman Orchards 10:00am-2:00pm
Sunday November 9
Bowman Orchards 10:00am-2:00pm
St. Edward's Church 12:00pm-2:00pm
 
Can't make it to the Pumpkin Smash? Drop off pumpkins at the Transfer Station during normal business hours (for free!)
Let's keep pumpkins out of the landfill!

Hosted by the Town of Clifton Park G.R.E.E.N Committee
Family Moonlight Cross Country Ski
Family Moonlight Cross Country Ski
(All ages welcome)
Join us for our free Family Moonlight Cross Country Ski! Ski, snowshoe, or (if no snow) hike! These evening events will be held at either the Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve or Garnsey Park (depending on snow conditions) on the below dates when snow conditions permit. Everyone is invited to participate and must bring their own ski equipment. A limited number of headlamps will be available. There will be a warm-up fire, and the Shenendehowa Nordic Club will provide hot drinks and marshmallows. Consult facebook.com/groups/ShenNordic for where to where to meet.
For more information, call 518-371-6667 before 5pm, or visit www.shennordic.org/events
Dates: November 27, January 1, January 29, February 26, March 26, April 23
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Site: Garnsey Park, 1481 NY-146 or Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve, depending on weather conditions
Letters to Santa
Letters to Santa

Santa Claus is eagerly waiting to hear from you this holiday season! 
Write your letters, and share your wishes, dreams, and holiday cheer with Santa!

How to participate:

  • Write your letter: Grab some paper and pens and let your creativity flow! Tell Santa how you've been good this year, or anything else you'd like to share.
  • Drop off your letter: Bring your letter to our special "North Pole Mailbox" located at Town Hall. The mailbox will be available from November 28 - December 19. You can also mail your letter to Santa before December 19 at: Attn: “Letters to Santa” 1 Town Hall Plaza, Clifton Park NY 12065.
  • Get a reply: Make sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope! Santa's helpers at Town Hall will ensure you get a personalized reply from Santa himself!
Cross Country Ski Lessons
Cross Country Ski Lessons
Embrace the magic of winter and discover the joy of cross-country skiing! The Town of Clifton Park, in partnership with the Shenendehowa Nordic Club, invites you to join us for beginner-friendly cross-country ski lessons. Whether you are brand new to the sport or looking to brush up on the basics, this is the perfect way to get outside, get active, and make the most of the snowy season. Lessons will be offered as snow conditions allow, all ages are welcome, and families are encouraged to participate together! Pre-registration is required, and participants must bring their own ski equipment.

Dates: (Thursdays) January 8, January 15, February 12, February 28, March 5, March 12, March 19
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fee: $10/night
Site: Clifton Park Senior Community Center


Pre-registration is required.
Registration is in office only at the Parks & Recreation office at Town Hall.
Bring your own equipment. Recommended establishments that rent equipment:
Freeman's Bridge Sports, Glenville
Sports Page, Queensbury
Play It Again Sports (for purchase), Latham
Shen Nordic Club may have a limited amount.

Park at Dark
Park at Dark

Kick off Winterfest 2026 with
Park at Dark!
Friday February 6, 2026
Enjoy music, bonfires, hot cocoa and smores, and take a horse drawn carriage ride through Town Center Park!
Parking is available at both east and west entrances of Town Center Park, as well as along Maxwell Drive and in 5 Municipal Plaza.
Free, family friendly event!
Please visit CliftonParkNY.gov or Facebook at "Clifton Park - Parks and Recreation" for more details!

Winterfest
Winterfest

Winterfest!
Saturday February 7, 2026
A town-wide celebration of winter!

Enjoy the beloved "Taste of Clifton Park Soup Contest", sledding, horse-drawn carriage rides, outdoor story time, family festival, hot cocoa & smores, outhouse races, ice fishing, and so much more! 
Stay tuned for full details on Facebook!