Witch Walk SOSA
The Witches Are Back in Saratoga!
Mark your calendars—on Saturday, October 18, 2025 (2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.), the Annual Witch Walk & Dance Animal Benefit returns for its 4th 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.
Event Highlights
- 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
- 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 City Center Park and continue at downtown locations until 9:00 p.m.
- Dance Practices – Open to all, held every Wednesday, 5–7 p.m. (see FB page Witch Walk SOSA for updates). Final dress rehearsal: October 15, City Center Park.
A Growing Tradition
What began in Ballston Spa in 2005 has become a 19-year tradition, now thriving in Saratoga Springs. Each year, the Witch Walk grows more colorful, inclusive, and creative—adding new features like a Witches Wander, vendors, and music.
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.
2025 Updates
Stay tuned—new event additions will be announced soon! For updates and information, follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Registration: Wristband Presale until 10/15 $25, After 10/15 $30 Donations and Wristband sales by Venmo WitchWalk SOSA@witchwalksosa or Eventbrite Parking and maps link: https://www.discoversaratoga.org/plan/transportation/maps-and-parking/
Witchy Pub Crawl Specials
(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
Putnam Street
Phila Street
Extra Witchy Perks
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 2025 include:
- Whispering Willow Wild Care
- Operation At Ease
- Estherville Animal Shelter
- Troy NY - Operation Snip
- Witches Kittens
- Kitten Angels | Cat Rescue Upstate New York
- German Shepherd Rescue of NY, Inc.
- North Country Wild Care
Past Animal Charities
- Adirondack Chapter of North Shore Animal League
- Therapeutic Horses Of Saratoga
- Whispering Willows Wild Care
- Operation at Ease
- Estherville Animal Shelter
- Lucky Puppy Rescue
- Old Friends at Cabin Creek
- ADK Spay and Neuter
- North Shore Animal League
- Alfie's Rescue
- Saratoga County Animal Shelter | Adopt a Dog or Cat in Saratoga NY!
- Mr. Mo Project - Donate Foster and Fundraising for Senior Dogs Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist
- Animal Welfare League of the Capital District AnimaLovers
- Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley | https://k9adopt.org/
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.
A $25/$30 donation ($35 at the door) is required 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.
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 19 years, Witch Walk SOSA and our dance troupe, The Witch Way Wanderers, have 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 are 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
About Witch Walk SOSA 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 & Bazaar
- A Parade through Saratoga
- Year-Round Witch Dances by the Witch Way Wanderers
- A Witches Wander filled with fun, costumes, and community spirit
A Note About Ballston Spa
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
- Webpage: https://witchwalksosa.squarespace.com/
The Witch Way Wanderers
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 however donations are required; private/corporate bookings help support animal welfare through Witch Walk SOSA
- Mission: To spread joy, raise funds, and invite others to join the dance
