Malta, New York 2025

Malta is a town in Saratoga County, New York, United States. The population was 14,917 at the 2020 census. Malta is a community 23 miles north of Albany, the state capital of New York. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.1 square miles.

Malta knows how to party! Year-round, Malta hosts community events that draw visitors from all over the greater Capital District. Malta's annual Derby Day, which takes place the first Saturday in May, features a day of fun, food, and races, then caps off the night with a live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby on a giant screen. And for rocking this side of the Mississippi, July's Rock 'n' Roll Gym Flea Market will be tough to beat. They close down Route 9 in Malta and fill it with vendors selling everything from A to Z. They also feature food, music, and special activities for kids. They cap the event off with an after-party at the Fairgrounds. If you like fairs, the Saratoga County Fair runs for five summer days, including top-name concerts, 4-H exhibits, premium steed pulls, and demolition derby events. Starting in mid-February, get ready for a new season of outdoor events.

Malta is home to the historic Saratoga County Fairgrounds, a more-than-100-year-old venue that draws crowds all year long. Spring through fall, they play host to horse shows, cattle shows, dog agility trials, car races, and RV rallies. But the biggest draw is still the annual county fair. Over the years, it has grown from a one-day event to a 10-day extravaganza of food, fun, and entertainment for the whole family. The fair features fireworks, live music, a demolition derby, truck and tractor pulls, animal exhibits, education displays, and great food. It's a traditional county fair that shows you what rural America is all about!

Malta has great attractions that never fail to attract residents and visitors alike. The popular Malta Drive-In has been around since 1948. It's open from spring through fall, depending on the weather - and has always been a family-owned and family-friendly place. Even the playground is a classic. In fact, the Malta Drive-In has been named a top-10 drive-in theater in the country. The Premium Twin Cinemas are another option if the weather doesn't cooperate. Indoors and climate-controlled, they feature 3D digital movies on two screens. In the summer, grab a blanket and a picnic and head to the Shenendehowa Adirondack Meadows, which is a hotspot for bird watching and a great spot to launch your kayak or canoe. You can bask in the sun at their sandy beach or stay cool along the shaded trails. Maybe you'll spot one of the many hawks that make this area a popular destination for birders. Visit the Pimpernel's Gentleman's Farm and Homestead, a grass-roots project that offers tours of its gardens, draft horses, chickens, homesteading workshops, and bee and butterfly gardens. The area features 138 acres of open space with walking trails and picnic areas. There are also special events such as the spring Faire, Harvest Home, and a summer concert series.

In Malta, it might not be a mall, but it sure has the flea market vibe down. The eclectic mix of vendors at the weekend-long Rock 'n' Roll Gym Flea Market keeps the whole family entertained. Find vintage clothing, vinyls, band T-shirters, antiques, handmade crafts, food, and more.

Outside Attractions:

Irish Hollow Hounds

Irish Hollow Hounds is a dog-friendly, 15-acre meadow nestled in the foothills of the Adirondacks and surrounded by woodlands. Visit with your leashed pup and explore its agility field, hiking trails, and brook that encourages splashing. They even host weddings.

Lindy's Taxidermy

Lindy's Taxidermy has been working on stuffing your wildest dreams since 1974. This unique shop is a taxidermist's dream come true and features a full-service taxidermy studio, as well as an exotic bird collection, wolves, a black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, black panther, and white tiger.

In the adjoining town of Round Lake, you'll find a unique assortment of shops to peruse. Since 1976, A. Keefe's gun shop has been pleasing collectors with its many different models of new and used firearms for sale. They also have archery equipment and offer lessons, including women's classes.

Now that you're in Round Lake, step into Holly's Hearth & Home Interiors. A unique little shop located in a historic home that was built in 1840, Holly's has an ever-changing inventory of antiques and repurposed items, like an 8-foot doors turned table topped with glass. You'll find all kinds of furniture, collectibles, and handmade jewelry.

Malta loves to dish up the classics. Craving Italian? Check out Mama Mia's. They serve up many different pasta dishes, including a tasty puttanesca, as well as calamari, bruschetta, 14" subs, and much more. Their portions are gigantic - you'll definitely take home some leftovers. Their staff is sweet, attentive, and super accommodating. The locally owned restaurant has been featured on TV, earning a spot as one of Rachael Ray's 5 Favorite Italian Restaurants on the food network. Cue the Cheers theme song - "Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name." Well, the locals' go-to is the Hank's Place, where their jukebox plays tunes from the '50s to today and their friendly bartenders serve up ice-cold beer, burgers, fries, and chicken. If you're a fan of diners, Café Madison is where the locals go. They offer a full breakfast menu, homestyle favorites and sandwiches, freshly made soups, and salads, served with pie, cake, or a brownie. Their diner is a family-owned business that has been there for more than 30 years. You might catch the owner, John, frying up the eggs at the grill. If you're headed to the flea market, Rock 'n' Roll Gym Flea Market or Malta Drive-In, keep your eyes peeled for Smack's BBQ. This roadside foodie treat has a great - and large - assortment of pulled pork, beef brisket, Philly cheesesteaks, and chicken tenders. And don't forget about their biscuits or giant zeppoles. Their food stand sets up at Rock 'n' Roll Gym Flea Market and Malta Drive-In.