When winter starts to loosen its grip on Upstate New York, baseball fans know exactly what time it is — Hot Stove season. And there’s no better place to celebrate than Cooperstown, where Hot Stove Weekend returns March 20–22, 2026, bringing together writers, historians, designers, and fans who live and breathe the game.
Hosted by Friends of Doubleday, this intimate three-day event is a fundraiser for historic Doubleday Field and offers a rare chance to connect with baseball’s past, present, and future — right in the Home of Baseball.
With limited tickets available, Hot Stove Weekend is designed for fans who appreciate the stories behind the stats and the community behind the game.
What Is Hot Stove Weekend?
Hot Stove Weekend is a multi-day baseball celebration featuring expert speakers, exclusive tours, social events, and fan traditions — all set against the iconic backdrop of Cooperstown.
Proceeds benefit the ongoing preservation and programming of Doubleday Field, one of the most storied ballparks in America.
Tickets are limited to approximately 50 attendees, making this a uniquely personal experience for baseball fans.
Weekend Schedule at a Glance
Friday, March 20
Welcome Mixer | 7–9 PM
📍 Upstate Bar and Grill
Kick off the weekend with drinks, conversation, and baseball talk in a relaxed setting with fellow fans and presenters.
Saturday, March 21
Speaker Presentations | 10 AM–3 PM
📍 Village Hall Ballroom, 22 Main Street
Enjoy a full day of engaging talks and discussions featuring nationally respected baseball voices:
- Howard Bryant — Acclaimed author, journalist, and Emmy Award–winning producer
- Adam Darowski — Creator of the Hall of Stats and SABR researcher
- Todd Radom — Legendary sports graphic designer and author
Doubleday Field Tour | 4 PM
Step onto the historic field, toss a ball around, take photos, and experience baseball history firsthand.
Pack Night | 6–10 PM
📍 Cooperstown Co-works
A fan-favorite tradition. Bring a box of unopened baseball card packs from any era to trade, open, and relive the joy of collecting — with pizza, beer, and great conversation included.
Sunday, March 22
Cooperstown Bat Company Factory Tour | Noon–1:30 PM
📍 Hartwick, NY
Wrap up the weekend with a behind-the-scenes look at handcrafted baseball bats made just outside Cooperstown.
Why Baseball Fans Love It
Friends of Doubleday President Jeff Katz has called Hot Stove Weekend a long-awaited return, noting that events like Pack Night bring out “the best kind of baseball community — passionate, welcoming, and deeply nostalgic.”
It’s not just about listening to speakers — it’s about sharing stories, discovering new perspectives, and reconnecting with what makes baseball special.
Make a Weekend of It
Hot Stove Weekend pairs perfectly with an early-spring getaway to Cooperstown. Visitors are encouraged to explore Main Street shops, local restaurants, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Select local lodging partners, including the Railroad Inn, are offering special discounts for attendees.
Event Details
📅 Dates: March 20–22, 2026
📍 Location: Cooperstown & Hartwick, NY
🎟️ Tickets: $125 (limited availability)
🌐 More Info & Tickets: friendsofdoubleday.org
If baseball is part of your DNA, Hot Stove Weekend is the perfect way to welcome the season — one story, one card pack, and one great conversation at a time.
