Welcome (a little late) to Saratoga 2026. I’m getting back to this after a few years away, after I heard last summer that people missed having a go-to resource for what’s going on during the summer meeting.
I focus on:
- events at the track
- events that support racing-related non-profits
- events that illuminate Saratoga’s rich history
- racing-related events
Have an event you’d like publicized? E-mail me if it has something to do with racing or Saratoga history, or if it’s a non-profit that might be of interest to a local and racing audience.
If you want to advertise a commercial or other event, please get in touch and we’ll talk.
How this works:
At the top of each week’s list are ongoing or weekly events; following that is a daily rundown of what’s happening at the track and beyond. I’m happy to answer questions (if I can) about anything that’s going on, or at least point you in the right direction.
Here we go…
Ongoing/weekly throughout the summer
At Saratoga Race Course
Morning workouts at the track. Free every racing day.
You can experience morning workouts at both the training track and the main track.
Training track: Enter off of East Avenue. The gate opens at 7 a.m. and visitors are allowed access up until the Whitney Viewing Stand, on race days only. Access beyond that point is limited to credentialed personnel. Workouts generally end by about 10:30 a.m.
Main track: Open from 7 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on race days. You can wander throughout the grounds and facility; a favorite spot to watch workouts is from the clubhouse boxes, where you can listen to a host talk about the horses on the track and the history of Saratoga Race Course. You can bring your own coffee and breakfast, or purchase on-track at the Dunkin stand.
Buffet breakfast at the track: Every racing day from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., excluding Travers Day and Labor Day. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations aren’t accepted. $30 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under.
Backstretch tram tours: Trams depart from the Wright St. entrance to the track (near the 1863 Club) every 25-30 minutes, beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 9 a.m. Visitors disembark on the backstretch for a walking tour of the stable area that lasts approximately 45 minutes. Free.
Third race call to benefit Backstretch Employees Service Team. Up to six people each racing day can observe Frank Mirahmadi call the third race. Cost is $150 per person and includes a champagne toast from the clubhouse roof; all proceeds directly benefit BEST, which helps provide primary care, mental health services, and other vital resources for backstretch workers. Tickets are fully tax-deductible. This event is not available for children under age 10. You can check availability and purchase tickets here.
Taste NY Pavilion. Customers 21 and older can taste and purchase New York State-produced beverages Thursdays through Sundays in the backyard behind the grandstand towards the top of the stretch, including War Cannon Spirits’ Freeman’s Farm at Saratoga Bourbon Whiskey serves as the foundation of the Victory at Saratoga specialty cocktail, created in partnership with Saratoga 250 to commemorate America 250 celebrations and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga.
Horse Sense. Every Saturday and Sunday, fans of all ages can pet a retired Thoroughbred from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense located in the backyard towards the top of the stretch. The educational exhibit includes information about the life and career of a Thoroughbred.
Family Sundays at the Saratoga Family Zone. Enjoy a variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational assignments inside the Family Zone, in the backyard towards the top of the stretch.
Introduction to handicapping. Every Sunday (excluding August 2), customers can learn betting strategies from a handicapper in the air-conditioned Paddock Suite, the upper level of the hospitality area overlooking the paddock. Tickets start at $95 and include admission, Post Parade program, and a table seat within the shared suite overlooking the saddling area. Tickets can be purchased here.
At the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame
Curator’s Tour: “Capturing Greatness: A Life’s Passion.” From 3 – 4 p.m., Barbara Livingston will conduct a tour of her new exhibit, on now through December 31. The exhibit features her photographs and selections from the many photo collections she has acquired and preserved. Free for Museum members, $25 for non-members. You can buy tickets here. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Avenue.
A Discerning Eye – The Art of Sir Alfred Munnings: Selections from a Private Collection. From the Museum website: “Artist Sir Alfred J. Munnings (1878–1959) studied, rode, bred, and lived with horses, instilling him with an extraordinary perception of the equine form and spirit. His work was widely admired during his time, and he was sought after by royalty and wealthy horse owners for commissions. Portraits of thoroughbreds and animated, vivid racing scenes established Munnings as a master of British Sporting Art. Munnings’ peers acknowledged his artistic talent by electing him President of the Royal Academy in 1944. This exhibit will feature a remarkable private collection that explores a variety of subjects, demonstrating his versatility and mastery of the dynamic equine and human connection.” This exhibit closes on Sept. 13.
Racing at the Dawn of the United States. From the Museum website: “In 2026, the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The Museum is marking the occasion with an exhibit that explores the history of thoroughbred horse racing from the American colonial period to the emergence of the United States as a new republic in the early nineteenth century. The exhibition invites visitors to learn about the early history of the sport, highlighting key figures, races, and horses of the time. It features selections from the Museum’s collection and is enhanced with loans from Keeneland Library, the New York Racing Association, Cate Masterson, and Charles V. Wait.” This exhibit closes on Dec. 27.
Another must-see stop on your visit to Saratoga, this farm for retired Thoroughbreds is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Saratoga. Visit Naughty New Yorker, A Shin Forward, Diversity, Be Bullish, and 10 others, and get an escorted tour to learn about their racing days and how they came to be at the farm.
Through the month of July, the farm is open for tours Thursday through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
From August 1 – September 5, tours are available Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Reservations are not needed and there is no admission fee. The farm welcomes donations to help keep the horses supplied with plenty of carrots and peppermints.
Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tours
Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; every Wednesday beginning July 29. No tours will take place on Travers Day, August 29.
Tour stops:
- Wednesdays (beginning July 29): Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga
- Thursdays: Old Friends at Cabin Creek
- Fridays: Old Tavern Farm
- Saturdays: Sugar Plum Farm
The tour package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a horse farm, and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Tickets are $144.40 for adults, $40.65 for children 12 and under. Tours begin at 7 a.m. at Saratoga Race Course. To purchase tickets, click here.
Thursday, July 16
At the track
$75,000 Jonathan Kiser Novice Memorial, four-year-olds and up, 2 ⅜ on the turf over hurdles
Low Roller Contest. Register on contest days outside the Fourstardave Sports Bar. $40 buy-in, $30 of which goes 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.
In the Community Outreach booth: Veterans & Community Housing Coalition
Friday, July 17
$150,000 De La Rose, fillies and mares four-year-olds and up, 1 mile on the turf
Giveaway: Saratoga belt bag. Free with paid admission, while supplies last.
In honor of National Tattoo Day, two artists from the Saratoga Tattoo Company will be at the Jockey Silks Porch beginning at 11 a.m. Get your tattoo at the track for $50, first-come, first served.
Cody’s Wish Book Signing: Journalist and Saratoga Special writer Paul K. Halloran Jr. will sign copies of his book Cody’s Wish: A Boy, a Racehorse and Fight for Life at the Jockey Silks Porch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Belmont Jewel and High Noon Samplings: free samples of the Belmont Jewel featuring Redemption Bourbon outside the Jim Dandy Bar, and samples of High Noon Ready to Drink Cocktails at the High Noon Clubhouse Grill. Noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last, for fans 21 and older.
In the Community Outreach Booth: Saratoga Senior Center
Saturday, July 18
Grade 3, $225,000 Coronation Cup, 3-year-old fillies, 5 1/2 furlongs, turf
Grade I, $500,000 Diana for fillies and mares, 4 years old and up, 1 1/8 miles, turf
FIFA World Cup viewing party for the third-place playoff in the Backyard Festival Tent with giveaways from Michelob Ultra and other World Cup partners while supplies last. Also on offer will be beverage specials, soccer-themed décor, interactive activations, and an inflatable soccer shootout game.
NÜTRL and Whitman Brewing Company Samplings: free samples of NÜTRL vodka seltzer at the NÜTRL Gazebo and craft beer offerings from Saratoga’s Whitman Brewing Co. at the Whitman Brewing Portable. Available from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last, for fans 21 and older.
Horse Sense. Every Saturday and Sunday, fans of all ages can pet a retired Thoroughbred from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense located in the backyard towards the top of the stretch. The educational exhibit includes information about the life and career of a Thoroughbred.
In the Community Outreach booth: ReRun, proving Thoroughbred aftercare, retraining, and adoption opportunities
Beyond the track…
Saturday Morning Social at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 9 – 11 a.m. The Museum will offer free admission and complimentary coffee and doughnuts. The morning’s programming will start at 9:15 a.m. with a special presentation by author and longtime Museum docent, John Oliver, about George Washington’s complicated history with Saratoga, followed by a handicapping seminar at 10 a.m. with Daily Racing Form’s Mike Beer, who will analyze the day’s race card. Author Michael Batcheller will be on hand to sign copies of his book Forging the Triple Crown: The Early History of Horse Racing’s Signature Series, 1918-1948. Copies will be available for purchase. 191 Union Avenue.
Sunday, July 19
Grade 3, $225,000 Quick Call, 3-year-olds, 5 1/2 furlongs, turf
Introduction to handicapping. Every Sunday (excluding August 2), customers can learn betting strategies from a handicapper in the air-conditioned Paddock Suite, the upper level of the hospitality area overlooking the paddock. Tickets start at $95 and include admission, Post Parade program, and a table seat within the shared suite overlooking the saddling area. Tickets can be purchased here.
Low Roller Contest. Register on contest days outside the Fourstardave Sports Bar. $40 buy-in, $30 of which goes 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.
FIFA World Cup viewing party for championship game in the Backyard Festival Tent with giveaways from Michelob Ultra and other World Cup partners while supplies last. Also on offer will be beverage specials, soccer-themed décor, interactive activations, and an inflatable soccer shootout game.
Horse Sense. Every Saturday and Sunday, fans of all ages can pet a retired Thoroughbred from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense located in the backyard towards the top of the stretch. The educational exhibit includes information about the life and career of a Thoroughbred.
Family Sundays at the Saratoga Family Zone. Enjoy a variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational assignments inside the Family Zone, in the backyard towards the top of the stretch.
In the Community Outreach Book near the Jockeys Silks Room: Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
Beyond the track…
Sunday Stroll with the Saratoga Springs Preservation Society. Explore Saratoga’s historic West Side, once home to the city’s Irish and Italian immigrants and Black community. Learn about architecture, residents, stores, clubs, and the effects of urban renewal and revitalization. Meets at the entrance of the Gideon Putnam Burying Ground, located on South FranklinSt. $15 for SSPF members, $20 for non-members. Tickets available here.
Tuesday, July 21
Brooklyn Backstretch 