The Saratoga Race Course summer meet kicks-off on Friday, July 3rd, 2026, and runs through Labor Day.

The season kicks off with the July 4th Racing Festival, which serves as Opening Weekend, part of a 46-day meet spanning 10 weeks.

Racing takes place on a mix of four- and five-day weeks throughout the summer. While Mondays and Tuesdays are the primary Dark Days, the schedule includes an additional Dark Day on Wednesdays through July 26th. 

The traditional five-day race week (Wednesday–Sunday) resumes on July 29th.

The 2026 summer season concludes with a special six-day closing stretch from Wednesday, September 2nd, through Labor Day, Monday, September 7th.

The full 2026 Stakes schedule has been officially announced, featuring 73 Stakes worth over $23.5 million dollars in total purses.

As always, coolers are permitted at Saratoga Race Course in the backyard, building, and apron areas, as long as they are kept off tables, seats, and out of aisles.

The coolers may contain food and alcoholic beverages in cans or plastic containers—glass is not allowed. NYRA security may inspect all coolers at any time.

With apologies to Mungo Jerry– and if you don’t know Mungo, ask your parents:

In the summertime when the weather is high/ You can reach right up and touch the Spa/ When the weather’s fine/ You got racing, you got fillies on your mind/ Have a drink, have a drive/ Go out and see what you can find.