Saratoga County, New York

Saratoga County is full of summer fun, world-class horse racing, the arts, family festivals and so much more now through Labor Day.

The big event of the year is the 150th Anniversary of thoroughbred racing at the Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga150, with over 200 events planned through September.  Signature Saratoga150 events include a Floral Fete and Ice Cream Social on August 2, certain to be the biggest birthday party the city has ever seen, a World Premiere serenade to Saratoga150 by the Philadelphia Orchestra, a $15,000 wagering contest and more.  This celebration is centered around the world-class racing at the historic Saratoga Race Course July 19 through Labor Day. A 40-day meet with fast action, fun family festivals and special events throughout the season, including Hats Off to Saratoga July 19 & 20, Final Stretch Music Festival August 31 – September 1, and headlined by the Travers Stakes on August 24.
There are numerous art events throughout the summer months including the longest running jazz festival in the country which will fill two stages with famed and up-and-coming performers during the Saratoga Jazz Festival in late June.  The New York City Ballet will once again grace the stage of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center July 9-13, followed by the Philadelphia Orchestra Aug 7-24.  The National Dance Museum has a new exhibit, En Pointe!, all about pointe shoes' history and myths.  This is coupled with their public art project of 24, 5-foot tall pointe shoe sculptures that will be on display throughout the city.  Other cultural events include, Opera Saratoga, Saratoga Chamber Music Festival, the National Ballet of Canada and the Aspen Sante Fe Ballet.
More fast-paced horse action can be found during another Saratoga tradition over a century old with the 2013 Saratoga Polo season July 12 through September 1 at the historic Whitney Fields.  There is always something going on at the Saratoga Casino & Raceway with live harness racing all summer, alongside 1700 slot machines, electronic gaming table, eateries and a nightclub. •

For more information, visit saratoga.org