Spring in Saratoga brings a full lineup of community events, and one of the most recognizable is the Rotary Art Show. It’s coming up this weekend at West Valley College, with more than 125 artists displaying their work. The event has been part of Saratoga life since the mid‑1950s and continues to support local charitable organizations through its proceeds. Co-chairs Maria Guldner and Archana Vahalia invite all and say, “It’s a great day for families and neighbors to spend time together while supporting the arts. There will be food, wine, great art and neighborly comradery.” Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. www.saratogarotaryartshow.org
Art show weekend includes the Saratoga Music Boosters Pancake Breakfast, another longstanding community tradition. Student musicians from Saratoga High School and Redwood Middle School will perform throughout the morning, representing band, orchestra, jazz, percussion, color guard and choir. Enjoy pancakes, sausage, strawberries and a range of beverages, along with raffles, a live auctionand a bazaar. Sunday, May 3, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Saratoga High School. Tickets are $25 at www.saratogamusicboosters.org.
There are two more chances to see Saratoga High School’s spring musical “Urinetown” at the McAfee Center on campus. The Tony Award-winning musical promises plenty of laughs. Word around town is that opening night was a hit. For tickets to the May 1-2 performances, visit www.saratogatheatrearts.org.
Back by popular demand, Saratoga Nights returns on Thursday, May 7, 5-7 p.m. in the Saratoga Village Center parking lot. The first Thursday of each month through October, you’ll find live music, food vendors, wine and beer gardens, and a chance to spend time in the Village. It’s a great way to enjoy an evening outdoors while supporting local businesses. www.saratogachamber.org
The Foothill Club invites the community to a program featuring Hakone Gardens on Sunday, May 17. “Japanese Landscape Design: The Art of Creating Harmony in Natural Spaces” will feature Hakone’s Executive Director Meredith Lee and curator Jacob Kellner. The program will cover the history and principles of Japanese garden design and include a live demonstration. It’s a look behind the scenes of our local treasure. www.foothillclub.org
Another notable event was the 2026 Chefs of Compassion Gala, the 15th annual fundraiser supporting West Valley Community Services. The event was a sold-out success, and early reports indicate it raised more than $1.75 million for housing, healthcare and food security programs serving families facing hunger and homelessness in the West Valley. The evening featured a friendly competition among three chefs, each challenged to turn food pantry staples into gourmet dishes. As one of the judges, I had the chance to sample and vote on my favorites. The participating chefs — Andrew Thai of Be.Stéak.Ă, Rohit Kumar Behera of JAKS Santa Clara, and Mariano Zasso of Locanda Sorrento — donated their time and talent, and in my book, all three were winners. www.wvcommunityservices.org
One of Saratoga’s most significant annual events is the Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the Saratoga Foothill Club. Now in its 99th year, it is the city’s oldest continuous tradition. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. on May 25 in Blaney Plaza and continues up Oak Street to Madronia Cemetery for a 10 a.m. observance. Flags and laurels are placed on all 1,436 veterans’ graves, offering a clear reminder of the day’s purpose. The ceremony honors those who lost their lives in service to the country, as well as veterans and active‑duty members in the armed forces.
If you have business or social news about Saratoga, I’d love to know: debby@debbyrice.com.
