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.
Forty fabulous days of world class racing begin Friday, July 22nd – don’t miss it!
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:
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Join in the “pink” atmosphere as we celebrate women and the glamour they bring to Saratoga Race Course during Fabulous Fillies Day.
More info to come!
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 Click here for a list of participating restaurants.
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.
It's a Celebration like none other: the official party of the $1M Travers Stakes. For tickets and more information, please call 518-383-6183 or visit http://traverscelebration.eventbrite.com/
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.”
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.
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.
The Spa pays tribute to those who have served our country with a special pre-racing ceremony.
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.
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. Event details subject to change. |





























