Named one of the world's greatest sporting venues, tradition comes alive at the Spa every summer in Saratoga Springs, NY. Stay up to date by subscribing to The Inside Post.
2026 Saratoga Schedule
The 2026 Saratoga summer meet kicks off on Friday, July 3!
Read about everything happening at the track this weekend.
Opening Weekend features an Independence Day celebration to remember, with Grade 1 racing, patriotic food & drink specials, commemorative performances, and much more.
For the best value, get a July 4th Weekend Admission Pass!
>> SARATOGA SUMMER SAVINGS <<
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Week 2 of the Saratoga summer meet features three stakes, including the G2 Bowling Green on Saturday, July 11.
Plus, don't miss the Spa FC Soccer Jersey Giveaway on Friday, July 10!
Featuring the G1 Dunkin' Diana among five total stakes! Don't miss the Saratoga Belt Bag giveaway on Friday, July 17.
The G1 Coaching Club American Oaks for fillies headlines a jam-packed racing week!
Featuring:
- First Responders Day on Thursday, July 23
- 'Meet Me at the Spa' Pin Giveaway on Friday, July 24
- PDJF Day on Saturday, July 25
- Kids Day on Sunday, July 26 (including Horse Plushie giveaway)
The Jim Dandy is a crucial prep race, but also a party in its own right! Fans get a thrilling preview of horses to watch a few weeks later in the Travers.
In 2025, Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty proved best in the Jim Dandy. Later in the meet, he would successfully complete the Jim Dandy-Travers double, en route to Horse of the Year honors.
Featuring a straw cowboy hat giveaway on Sunday, August 2!
Whitney Day is a staple of summer racing at Saratoga! The $1 million Whitney attracts top older horses and has been won by many of thoroughbred racing's biggest stars.
Each year, Saratoga is bathed in pink in honor of Marylou Whitney, one of racing's finest ambassadors. Don your best outfit and join the Best in Pink fashion photo contest!
And don't miss the Whitney Pin giveaway on Friday, August 7.
Wednesday, August 12 is Adirondack Day at the track! Plus, the newly renamed G1 Christophe Clement Turf headlines an exciting week of racing at the Spa.
And don't miss Sunday, August 16 featuring the 2nd Annual Corgi Cup + Corgi Cup Pin Giveaway!
Six stakes are on tap this week, including the G1 Alabama pres. by Keeneland Sales.
Featuring a Mini Lawn Jockey Statue giveaway on Sunday, August 23. Including a super rare gold edition!
Travers Day is the centerpiece of the Saratoga calendar, and one of the biggest days of racing anywhere in the world! The DraftKings Travers attracts elite horses from the spring's Triple Crown and later-developing stars alike.
Saratoga goes all-out for Travers Day: Extravagant fashion, raucous crowds, and superstars (both equine and human) make for a day you absolutely cannot miss!
Then on Sunday, August 30, get a Saratoga Summer 2026 Pin giveaway!
The final week of the 2026 Saratoga summer meet is Fan Appreciation Week, featuring ticket discounts, concessions specials, and giveaways! The meet concludes on Labor Day.
Get the Saratoga Flannel Shirt giveaway on Monday, September 7 – closing day at the track.
Things To Do at the Track
Michelob Ultra, the official beer sponsor of FIFA World Cup 26™, will host FIFA World Cup 26™ Viewing Parties in partnership with Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service each day of Opening Weekend. Fans on-track will enjoy big-screen televisions in the Backyard Festival Tent with the opportunity to take home official giveaways from Michelob Ultra and other FIFA World Cup 26™ partners, while supplies last. Drink specials, soccer-themed décor, interactive activations and an inflatable soccer shootout game will be part of the entertainment. For more information, visit NYRA.com/soccer.
Breakfast at Saratoga invites guests to enjoy a morning buffet on the Clubhouse Porch while thoroughbreds train on the main track!
Breakfast is held every live racing day from 7:00 to 9:30am, excluding Travers Day and Labor Day. Breakfast is available on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not accepted.
NYRA STAR is a free kids club, offering:
- Backstretch Tram Tours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings during the summer meet
- Paddock & Winner's Circle Tours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons during the summer meet
- Family Zone open daily, featuring games and activities on Sundays during the summer meet
More exciting events and exclusives are coming in 2026. Register your child(ren) for free!
Family Sundays feature free family-friendly games and educational activities from 11:00am-4:00pm in the Family Zone, a smoke and alcohol-free interactive play area for children. Visit each Sunday for a different theme!
Every Saturday and Sunday of the Saratoga meet, fans of all ages can meet and pet a retired thoroughbred at Horse Sense.
Located in the backyard near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.
Bet from anywhere with NYRA Bets, the official betting app of Saratoga Race Course! Signing up is fast, easy, and secure. New members receive a sign-up bonus. Start winning today with NYRA Bets!
Live teller windows and self-service terminals are also located throughout the racetrack. Self-service touchscreen terminals are easy for even a novice bettor to use. Always double check your tickets before leaving the window or self-service terminal.
The Low Roller Contests begin July 9 (week 2).
Offered every Sunday (excluding August 2) in the Paddock Suite, fans can learn betting strategies and tips from an expert handicapper. Tickets start at $95 and include admission, Post Parade program, and a table seat within the climate-controlled, shared suite overlooking the saddling area. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.
The Purdy's Summer Music Stage features live music performed by local acts across all 46 days of the summer meet! Located at the gazebo in the backyard near Dunkin'.
Plus, enjoy plenty more live entertainment around the track every day of the summer meet!
No visit to Saratoga Race Course is complete without sipping the track's very own natural spring water!
Located in the backyard behind the paddock, the Big Red Spring is named in honor of two legendary horses who bore the nickname "Big Red" – Man o' War and Secretariat.
Complimentary cups are available from the nearby Guest Services booth.
The Community Booth at Saratoga Race Course is a unique opportunity for local charities to showcase their mission and engage with thousands of racing fans on a select day during the summer meet. Since its inception, hundreds of organizations have successfully utilized the booth to raise awareness and accept donations.
The Community Booth is located in the backyard next to the Jockey Silks Porch. Be sure to stop by!
Saratoga Guest Services
PLEASE NOTE: All information will be updated in advance of the 2026 summer meet.
The gates at Saratoga Race Course open to fans at 11:00am on most live racing days, unless noted otherwise.
Fans who wish to claim a coveted backyard picnic table should arrive early with their own tablecloth. Gates open at 7:00am for early entry, and on marquee race days, all tables are claimed within minutes!
Coolers are permitted at Saratoga Race Course. Coolers are allowed in the backyard, building and apron, and must be kept off tables, off seats and out of aisles.
Coolers may contain food and alcoholic beverages in plastic containers or cans; no glass permitted. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted during Thursday-Saturday (June 4-6) of the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.
All coolers are subject to search by NYRA security at any time.
See the comprehensive Saratoga dress code, and read more about what to wear.
Get Saratoga's grounds map, parking map, and interactive seating map here.
Physical Address of Saratoga Race Course: 267 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Find Saratoga's Interactive Seating Map here for a more detailed look at hospitality options.
Cash will not be accepted for food and beverage purchases, admission, parking, or programs (with the exception of the official Saratoga store) during the 2026 Saratoga summer meet. Credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets, and other mobile pay options, like Apple Pay, will be accepted for non-wagering purchases.
Fans may still want to carry cash on race day if they plan to place wagers on-track. Reverse ATMs, also known as cash-to-card kiosks, will be available at multiple locations throughout the venue.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the facility via the NYRA-WIFI network.
There are First Aid facilities located on the ground floor of the Grandstand beside the Fourstardave Sports Bar, and in the backyard near Gate B.
In the event of an emergency, notify a NYRA Peace Officer or other NYRA employee.
Lost & Found is located in the Security office, at the far end of the Grandstand on the mezzanine level.
Accessible seating is available for purchase in the Clubhouse and Grandstand of Saratoga Race Course. To order tickets by phone, please call us at (800) 814-7846 or (518) 584-6200 x3568.
NYRA urges you please report ethics issues or concerns to NYRA’s Ethics Officer by email at [email protected] or via NYRA’s confidential ethics hotline at 1-800-605-1340.
