Open House presented by Hannaford Supermarkets Sunday, July 17th - 11am - 4pm

Free Admission

Visitors get a free sneak-peek into the popular summer meeting just five days prior to the start of the 142nd racing season. Saratoga's Open House is fun for the whole family, with a full day of games, activities, live music, food, pony rides, behind-the-scenes tours, mascot races, handicapping seminars, and non-wagering horse racing. Proceeds from the day's events benefit dozens of local non-profit organizations.

Opening Day Friday, July 22

Forty fabulous days of world class racing begin Friday, July 22nd – don’t miss it!

Hat Contest Sunday, July 24th

It’s an annual tradition that signals the start of the summer meet – the 20th annual Hat Contest. Enter your favorite hat piece in one of the following categories:

• Kreative Kids is for youngsters 18 and under.
• Fashionably Saratoga invites contestants to don their most beautiful hats.
• Uniquely Saratoga are, well, unique. Past efforts in this category have even included a battery operated horse race atop a hat.

Registration begins at noon in the grandstand. The contest unfolds on the track apron after the second, third and fourth races. Great prizes will be awarded to the top three contestants in each category.

College Day Friday, July 29th

College students are invited to Saratoga Race Course to earn scholarships, win great prizes and enjoy America’s Racetrack! All college students, with valid college ID, will receive free grandstand admission and will be invited to register to win a $1,000 scholarship after each race!
The first 1,000 college students will receive a commemorative t-shirt.

Other great prizes will be given away throughout the day including: IPODs, I-Tune cards, restaurant gift cards and more. Plus, students can enjoy activities with FLY 92 and more in the backyard.

Not a college student? You can still get in the College Day spirit, too. Simply wear your favorite college gear to the Spa and you could be spotted to win prizes!

Party at the Spa presented by Coors Light Friday, July 29th Friday, September 2nd

Saratoga fans can enjoy two “Party at the Spa,” presented by Coors Light events this summer.  Party at the Spa features a first post of 2:30 pm with the last race starting before “full twilight” hits Saratoga.

Then, stay after the races for live music at The Paddock Bar, near the clubhouse admission gates. 

Bands: July 29th - Rockjunky, September 2nd - Sean Dolan Band

Mid-Summer St. Patrick’s Day presented by Bailey’s Wednesday, August 3rd

Irish eyes will be smiling….and dancing in the middle of summer for the third annual Mid-Summer St. Patrick’s Day at Saratoga Race Course. Enjoy traditional Irish food and drink while taking in Irish music and dance from the Orange County AOH Pipe and Drums and the Boland School of Dance. Also, show your spirit in the first ever Backyard Decorating Contest. Judges will roam the backyard to find the fans with the best Irish-themed picnic display!  Register to win a trip to Ireland from Celtic Tours and Aer Lingus.

Rivalry Day Friday, August 5th

It’s a celebration of one of the oldest, most famous rivalries in sports: New York vs. Boston. Don a jersey or cap of your favorite team and join us for a day of “fandom at the Spa” as NY travels to Boston for a key summer series.

Fans who wear team gear will receive $2 off grandstand admission and will have the chance to register for great giveaways throughout the day including game tickets, team merchandise and more.

Meet former Yankee centerfielder “Mick the Quick” and former Red Sox pitcher Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Jockey Silks Room.

Stay after racing to watch that night’s NY-Boston game at The Post and on giant screens.

Galloping Grapes: A NY Wine Event at the Track Sunday, August 7th 12 noon - 6pm, approx.

Sip and sample some of New York's best wines in the much anticipated return of the Galloping Grapes wine festival at the Spa. Raise a glass of your favorite red or white in the backyard to benefit the Times Union Hope Fund. 

Ticket price: $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

For ticket information, please visit http://gallopinggrapes.eventbrite.com/

Foxwoods Mardi Gras at the Spa Wednesday, August 10th

The French Quarter will descend upon the Spa City as Mardi Gras comes to Saratoga Race Course. Celebrate the purple, green and gold spirit of Bourbon Street with live jazz and zydeco music, traditional New Orleans fare and carnival atmosphere. Pick up your Mardi Gras beads at the track entrances and then be  sure to check out a special Zydeco dance performance trackside!

Fabulous Fillies Day Friday, August 19th - Festivities All Day Long

Join in the “pink” atmosphere as we celebrate women and the glamour they bring to Saratoga Race Course during Fabulous Fillies Day.

Held just one day before the Spa’s premier filly race, the Alabama, ladies will have opportunity to peruse an array of displays at  B 95’s “What Women Want – Saratoga style” in the backyard featuring products and information focused on fashion, health care, personal improvement and leisure.

Trackside will also take on a pink hue with several filly and mare races that day.

16th Annual Travers Stakes Festival August 20 – 28

More info to come!

Travers 1864 Restaurant Week August 21 – 25

Celebrate the Travers Stakes - "The Mid-Summer Derby" - the oldest major stakes race in the country for 3-year-olds by visiting the restaurants below to receive a three-course meal priced at
$18.64*, the year of the first Travers.

Click here for a list of participating restaurants.

Stewart’s Ice Cream Eating Contest Wednesday, August 24th

The coolest way to beat the summer heat, racing fans will come to the Spa spoon-in-hand as they prepare to compete in the ultimate in chilly contests – the Stewart’s ice cream eating on Wednesday, August 24th. Registration is at Noon at the Jockey Silks Room.

Contestants will be divided into three age groups - kids, teens and adults - as they battle to see who can down a pint of ice cream the fastest. The competition will unfold outside the jockey silks area at Saratoga Race Course.

The winner will receive gift certificates for free ice cream courtesy of Stewart’s Shops.

Travers Celebration presented by Macy’s and Northeastern Fine Jewelry Thursday, August 25th -7:30 pm - 11 pm

It's a Celebration like none other: the official party of the $1M Travers Stakes.

Join us as the Travers Celebration returns with an exciting new format to honor celebrate this year's Mid-Summer Derby contenders.

Enjoy a lavish outdoor cocktail party featuring exquisite food stations, elaborate beverage offerings, energetic live music from the New York Players & dancing under the stars.
Tickets are $175 with proceeds to benefit Backstretch Employee Services Team (B.E.S.T.) and the Times Union Hope Fund.

For tickets and more information, please call 518-383-6183 or visit http://traverscelebration.eventbrite.com/

American Red Cross Battle of the Brews Friday, August 26th - Noon - 4:30 pm

A “pint” sized competition will bring big brewers to the backyard on the eve of the 142nd running of the Travers Stakes as Saratoga Race Course hosts the 13th annual “Battle of the Brews.”

A frothy backyard battle, patrons 21 years and older will have a chance to sample some great microbrews and then and then offer critiques in categories like “people’s choice,” and “judge’s choice.”

Admission to the Battle of the Brews is $30. Proceeds benefit the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter.

Travers Eve Party Friday, August 26th - 7-10 pm

The excitement of the 142nd running of the Travers Stakes takes over downtown Saratoga for a few furlongs.  Meet jockeys for autographs from 7:30-8:30, enjoy strolling entertainment including Reggie and the Red Hot Feetwarmers and Sparkles the Tall Juggler or stop by participating stores and restaurants for a Travers-themed giveaway.

Hannaford’s Halloween In August Wednesday, August 31st

Halloween comes early at the Spa as we celebrate the fun (and sweets) of Halloween in August! Kids, come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume and trick-or-treat at some of Saratoga Race Course’s most historic landmarks, or enter the Halloween costume contest in one of the following categories: Creative Creatures – “most unique costume”; Spooky Spirits – “scariest costume” or Ghastly Groups: “best group costume.” Registration will begin at noon in the grandstand.

Salute to Veterans Thursday, September 1st

The Spa pays tribute to those who have served our country with a special pre-racing ceremony.
All veterans and active military receive complimentary admission with military with ID, courtesy of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.

Family Fun Fest Sunday, September 4th and Monday, September 5th

On the final two days of the142nd racing season, families are invited to experience fun, games, and entertainment at Saratoga Race Course’s annual Family Fun Fest, to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region.

The two-day festival will take place on Sunday, September 4th from 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Monday, September 5th, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. During this time, the backyard area will host a variety of family-friendly attractions such as carnival games, face painting, caricatures, spin art, giant inflatables and pony rides.

Juggler and stilt walker Sparkles will entertain both young and old and there will be a magic show, too. Kids can also climb Coca-Cola’s inflatable rock wall, try the Adrenaline Rush obstacle course, or bounce in the Bounce Around house.

Proceeds from activities at the Family Fun Fest benefit Ronald McDonald Charities of the Capital Region. The non-profit organization provides comfort, support and respite for families of seriously ill children in a compassionate, home-like environment.

Times Union Labor Day Weekend BBQ Sunday, September 4th and Monday, September 5th

The Spa will provide fans with one last chance to indulge in a traditional red, white and blue afternoon at America’s Racetrack featuring a quintessential Labor Day barbecue lunch that is so popular that it’s now two days.

For $24 ($14 for kids ages 3 – 12), fans can enjoy an all-American barbeque that features hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, salad, dessert and more at the track’s At the Rail tent. The price includes Clubhouse admission and an official “Post Parade” program.

For reservations, call 1-888-516-NYRA.

Event details subject to change.