Well, it’s been quite a few years since we’ve done one of these! And we’re late out of the gate, and a bit abbreviated for now, but I hope to get the full summer list posted sooner rather than later, and within the next day or two I’ll add upcoming dark day activities to this post.

My list is fairly idiosyncractic, focusing on racing-related events and non-profits that are dear to my heart. If you’d like me to include an event that doesn’t fall under either of these two categories, get in touch about advertising. You’ll find my email address under the “About” tab.

Happy Saratoga, best of luck, have fun, and here’s to safe trips for everyone.

Friday, July 14

At the track

• $150,000 Coronation Cup for three-year-old fillies on turf
• $135,000 Wilton Stakes for three-year-old fillies on dirt 

Community Outreach Booth: Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga

Summer Concert Stage: Twangbusters

Morning workouts: Both the Oklahoma training track and the main track are open to the public during morning training on race days. The full track facility is open from 7 – 10am, so that you can wander the grounds, grab a box seat, and enjoy coffee and breakfast as you watch horses train. Food and drink are available on-site; you can also bring your note. Note that you will need to vacate the facility at 10am.

The Oklahoma access is restricted to the area around the Whitney Viewing Stand. The stable area is not open to the public. Oklahoma hours are 7 – 10am. 

Buffet breakfast at the track: Located on the ground floor of the clubhouse, the buffet is open from 7 to 9:30am every racing day, excluding Travers Day (August 26) and Labor Day, and costs $30 for adults, $12 for children under 12. Tables offer a view of morning training. 

Backstretch tram tour: Free guided tours of the backstretch begin at 7:30 am and conclude at 9am, with trams departing approximately every 15 minutes from the clubhouse entrance. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Offered every racing day except Travers Day (August 26) and Labor Day

Taste NY Pavilion: Located in the backyard at the eastern end of the grandstand the Pavilion offers New York-made food and beverages, available for sample and purchase. It’s open Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and among its products are New York craft beer, hard cider, wine, spirits, cheese, chocolate and gelato (must be 21 and over to sample and purchase alcoholic beverages). 

In town and around

Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour presented by CDTA. Tours are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays throughout the meet, beginning on July 14 and concluding on Friday, September 1. Enjoy a buffet breakfast during morning training at Saratoga Race Course before boarding a CDTA trolley to Song Hill Thoroughbreds (Wednesdays) or  Old Tavern Farm (Thursdays and Fridays). Visits include a 60- to 90-minute guided walking tour. Tickets are $85 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under and include breakfast, a round-trip trolley ride, and admission to the races in the afternoon. Tickets must be reserved in advance and inventory is limited. 

Tom Durkin tours at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. On Thursdays, Fridays (except August 4), and Saturdays, former NYRA racecaller Tom Durkin will lead tours of the Museum. Tickets are $30 for Museum members and $35 for non-members. Tickets sell fast and can be purchased here. 

Oklahoma Training Track tour. Offered from June to October, the walking tour covers approximately 1.5 miles and lasts for an hour. Tours leave from the Museum at 9am. Reservations are required and must be received at least 48 hours in advance of the tour date; space is limited. Tickets are $10 for students (ages 10-17 and college students with college ID) and $15 for adults; Museum members get 50% off. Tour attendees receive a coupon for $5 off regular admission to the Museum. Wear sturdy working shoes; you can purchase tickets here. 

Saturday, July 15

At the track

• The Grade 1 $500,000 Diana for fillies and mares, four years old and up, on turf
• The Grade 3 $175,000 Kelso for horses four years old and up, on the turf
• The Grade 3 $175,000 Sanford for two-year-olds on the dirt

Community Outreach Booth:  United Way of the Greater Capital Region

Summer Concert Stage: Diva & The Dirty Boys

Morning workouts: Both the Oklahoma training track and the main track are open to the public during morning training on race days. The full track facility is open from 7 – 10am, so that you can wander the grounds, grab a box seat, and enjoy coffee and breakfast as you watch horses train. Food and drink are available on-site; you can also bring your note. Note that you will need to vacate the facility at 10am.

The Oklahoma access is restricted to the area around the Whitney Viewing Stand. The stable area is not open to the public. Oklahoma hours are 7 – 10am. 

Buffet breakfast at the track: Located on the ground floor of the clubhouse, the buffet is open from 7am to 9:30am every racing day, excluding Travers Day (August 26) and Labor Day, and costs $30 for adults, $12 for children under 12. Tables offer a view of morning training. 

Backstretch tram tour: Free guided tours of the backstretch begin at 7:30 am and conclude at 9am, with trams departing approximately every 15 minutes from the clubhouse entrance. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Offered every racing day except Travers Day (August 26) and Labor Day

Taste NY Pavilion: Located in the backyard at the eastern end of the grandstand the Pavilion offers New York-made food and beverages, available for sample and purchase. It’s open Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and among its products are New York craft beer, hard cider, wine, spirits, cheese, chocolate and gelato (must be 21 and over to sample and purchase alcoholic beverages). 

“Sampling Trifecta”: Sample wine and spirits including Cutwater Ready to Drink cocktails at the Cutwater Gazebo, across from Guest Services; Josh Cellars wines at the Josh Cellars Wine Bar inside Gates C & D; and the Pony Punch featuring Casa Noble tequila just outside The Porch. Samples will be available from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last, to guests 21 and older, with valid ID.

In town and around

Tom Durkin tours at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. On Thursdays, Fridays (except August 4), and Saturdays, former NYRA racecaller Tom Durkin will lead tours of the Museum. Tickets are $30 for Museum members and $35 for non-members. Tickets sell fast and can be purchased here. 

Saturday Morning Socials: Free admission from 9-11am at the Racing Museum Enjoy complimentary coffee, doughnuts, and bottled water and a handicapping seminar and book signing by Richard Eng, author of “Betting on Horse Racing for Dummies.” Books will be available for purchase. 

Oklahoma Training Track tour. Offered from June to October, the walking tour covers approximately 1.5 miles and lasts for an hour. Tours leave from the Museum at 9am. Reservations are required and must be received at least 48 hours in advance of the tour date; space is limited. Tickets are $10 for students (ages 10-17 and college students with college ID) and $15 for adults; Museum members get 50% off. Tour attendees receive a coupon for $5 off regular admission to the Museum. Wear sturdy working shoes; you can purchase tickets here. 

Sunday, July 16 

At the track

• The Grade 3 $175,000 Quick Call Stakes for three-year-olds on turf 

Community Outreach Booth: Operation Adopt a Soldier 

Summer Concert Stage: Get Up Jack

Morning workouts: Both the Oklahoma training track and the main track are open to the public during morning training on race days. The full track facility is open from 7 – 10am, so that you can wander the grounds, grab a box seat, and enjoy coffee and breakfast as you watch horses train. Food and drink are available on-site; you can also bring your note. Note that you will need to vacate the facility at 10am.

The Oklahoma access is restricted to the area around the Whitney Viewing Stand. The stable area is not open to the public. Oklahoma hours are 7 – 10am. 

Buffet breakfast at the track: Located on the ground floor of the clubhouse, the buffet is open from 7am to 9:30am every racing day, excluding Travers Day (August 26) and Labor Day, and costs $30 for adults, $12 for children under 12. Tables offer a view of morning training. 

Backstretch tram tour: Free guided tours of the backstretch begin at 7:30 am and conclude at 9am, with trams departing approximately every 15 minutes from the clubhouse entrance. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Offered every racing day except Travers Day (August 26) and Labor Day

Taste NY Pavilion: Located in the backyard at the eastern end of the grandstand the Pavilion offers New York-made food and beverages, available for sample and purchase. It’s open Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and among its products are New York craft beer, hard cider, wine, spirits, cheese, chocolate and gelato (must be 21 and over to sample and purchase alcoholic beverages). 

Saratoga Low Roller Contest: Play every Sunday and Thursday at the track. Pre-register on contest days outside the Fourstardave Sports Bar. There is a $40 buy-in, of which $30 will go to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.

Brunch at the 1863 Club: Tickets start at $100 and include admission, a table seat for the day with a view of the track, brunch buffet, soft drinks, two mimosa or Bloody Mary drink tickets per person, Post Parade program book, tax and gratuity. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or online at Ticketmaster.com.

Berkshire Bank Family Sundays: Every week, find a variety of free activities, games, attractions and educational experiences from 11am – 4pm at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone in the backyard. This week’s theme is Beach Day and will feature a DIY craft station, surf simulator, a steel drum performer and more.

In town and around

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation walking tour: Every Sunday, the Foundation offers a guided tour of Saratoga’s architectural history. All tours begin at 10:30am; tickets are $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. Space is limited, so purchase in advance by calling 518 587 5030. There are no physical tickets, and walkers should check in at the meeting location. 

This week’s tour is “Commemorative Broadway,” focusing on its plaques, monuments, and memorial signs and the stories of the people and events they memorialize. Meet at Stewart’s at 521 Broadway at the north end of the street, near Roohan Realty. Tours take place rain or shine and last about 90 minutes. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to be on your feet for the duration. 

Bark, Brew, & Tattoo: Join local pet adoption agency HOPE (Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist) at the Saratoga City Center from noon to 6pm for a fundraising event featuring tattoo artists, craft breweries, small business vendors, entertainment, food from local restaurants, demonstrations, and rescue shelters. This 501c3 non-profit hosts community fundraising events and is dedicated to ending the negative stigma attached to Bully breed dogs. Learn about responsible dog ownership and the harm of breed-specific legislation while enjoying the entertainment on offer. Proceeds are donated to regional no-kill animal shelters that care for Bully breeds. 

A $25 ticket includes admission and beer tokens; non-alcohol admission is $10 and children 12 and under are free.  Note: VIP Ticket allows for 11am entry. This allows you to enter the event one hour before general admission, giving you first access to artists and vendors. You can purchase tickets here.