TGIF.

I know it's been a while - the brief hiatus after track season wasn't quite as brief as I expected, but on the first day of fall it seemed appropriate to roll back into the Weekend Insider Friday biz column.

Fall is upon us and Saratoga County is welcoming crisp autumn nights this weekend with a number of events, harvest-themed festivals and celebrations. Rain or shine, it's that time of year to sip hot apple cider, plan your Halloween costume and indulge in a pumpkin pie or pumpkin spice latte (a personal favorite).

We still have a whole season before the snow piles up on our doorstep (we hope) so get out there and usher in the harvest season with flair this weekend. Enjoy!

SKL

SATURDAY

Get lifted at the Adirondack Balloon Fest

• The 39th annual Adirondack Balloon Festival. Now almost in its 40th year, the four-day Adirondack Balloon Festival is one of the largest in the region. The opening ceremony was held Thursday, Sept. 22 where visitors watched 12 balloons take off marking the start of this weekend's festivities. Over 60 massive, bright-colored balloons will take off all together this weekend and with an array of entertainment for the whole family. Some highlights include provided breakfast, food and drink vendors on-site, a craft fair and kids activities. The festival takes place at two locations, the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury and Crandall Park in Glens Falls. A can't miss event. Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport and Crandall Park, Glens Falls. Happening now through Sunday, Sept. 25. (For more information and complete schedule of events visit http://www.glensfallsregion.com/things-to-do/balloon-festival/). FREE.

 Bring the ladies to the N.Y. Women's Expo

• N.Y.Women's Expo - Halfmoon. The largest show for women in the state is here in Halfmoon this weekend with over 150 exhibits celebrating all things female. The latest trends in beauty, health, fashion, beauty, home decor and more will be available in a variety of goods and services accessible at the event. Even non-traditional "women's" services in areas including education, legal advice, wireless and automotive will be available to guests. There will be informational sessions and seminars as well as several fashion shows running each day of the expo. A portion of the event proceeds will go to the Northeastern N.Y. Susan G. Komen for the cure organization. Shop, relax and learn with the girls this weekend. Free samples and complimentary services always a plus! Sportsplex in Halfmoon, 6 Corporate Drive, Halfmoon. Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25.12 to 6 p.m. (479-3976). $5 pass good for both days.

Take advantage of free yoga in Malta

• Yana Yoga Open House. Never one to miss out on free yoga, I couldn't help but add this to this weekend's top picks (well, my top picks...). Anyway, Yana Yoga will be offering free snacks, beverages and classes throughout the day: 9-10:15 a.m. Invigorating Yoga Flow; 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. Beginner Yoga Flow; 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Yoga for Christians; 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. Healthy Hot Yoga Flow. Yana Yoga, Malta Commons, Malta. Saturday, Sept. 24. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (522-5472 www.yanayoga.net). FREE.

Celebrate fall with Saratoga Polo

• Saratoga Polo Association & Chrysler Fall Festival. Get down to the polo fields before the season comes to a close this weekend for their fall festival. In addition to horses and polo, Chrysler will put on a "Hot Rods and Hot Bikes" show with trophies going to the winners. Elvis impersonator Donny Romaines will keep the swinging 50s music going all day. The event is rain or shine and each vehicle costs $10 for entry. Another exciting highlight - the beer tasting pavillion, where guests 21 + can sample the best craft brews from across the Capital District. Part of the day's proceeds will go to benefit the Times Union Hope Fund. Saratoga Polo, 2 Bloomfield Road, Greenfield. Saturday, Sept. 24. 1 to 6 p.m. $10 (584-8108 www.saratogapolo.com). $10

Usher in October with Saratoga's own Oktoberfest

• Oktoberfest at the Saratoga County Museum/Brookside. In true German tradition (other nationalities welcome) visit Brookside Museum this Saturday night for Saratoga's own Oktoberfest. The evening features live German music and entertainment, beer, food and a wine tasting. Proceeds help raise funds for the museum's educational programs and both a silent and live auction will take place as well. Brookside Museum, Ballston Spa. Saturday, Sept. 24. 6 to 11 p.m. (885-4000 www.brooksidemuseum.org). $40 each, $75 couple.

SUNDAY

Celebrate fall at the Henry Street Harvest Festival

• 2nd Annual Harvest Festival.  Henry Street will shut down for several hours on Sunday afternoon to celebrate the 2nd annual Harvest Festival benefiting local non-profit Gateway House of Peace. Businesses will offer their own specialty events including bead crafts at Saratoga Beads, a beer tasting and live Irish music at the Parting Glass and a "cut-a-thon" featuring hair cuts and extensions at Simplicity - a Salon. In addition, local crafts and artisans will set up shop alongside food and drink vendors and two stages will feature live music throughout the event. Another fall must. Henry Street, Saratoga Springs. Sunday, Sept. 25. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (423-518).