On August 24th, 2024, horses and jockeys will race as one in the 155th Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course! Check out what's going on to celebrate the Midsummer Derby and how to enjoy Saratoga's most popular day of the year.
Local Travers Events
August 23
26th Annual Travers Soiree at Saratoga National Golf Club: Join the LifePath's team for an unforgettable evening of celebration at the 26th Annual Travers Soirée. Set against the stunning backdrop of Saratoga National Golf Club on the Eve of Travers, this event promises to be truly extraordinary! Get your tickets here.
Travers Weekend Makeup lesson: Get ready for Travers Weekend with an amazing make up application opportunity with a regional Jane Iredale Make Up artist at Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness. Register here!
August 24
Saratoga Bridges Travers Day at the Races: Join Saratoga Bridges for Saratoga's most thrilling racing day. The event includes premium seating, a delicious buffet, one complimentary cocktail, general admission to the Clubhouse, post parade program and a special gift. Click here for more info.
Horsin Around at UPH Travers Watch Party: Want to watch the big race but don't want to deal with the crowds? Get your ticket to Universal Preservation Hall's Travers Watch Party! Complete with a 24' screen so you don't miss a second! Click here for more info.
Enjoy the Midsummer Derby
Morning
If you're looking to claim a spot in the picnic area for Travers Day, wake up early, get in line and be ready to run! Uphold a Saratoga track tradition with a simple tablecloth on a picnic table or chair and a blanket on an open space to solidify your spot for the day!
photo: Elario Photography
Breakfast on the porch is not available on Travers Day so grab something to eat before making your way to the track. Downtown Saratoga is less than a mile from Saratoga Race Course and features multiple breakfast spots for you and your Travers Day squad. Grab a coffee and bagel at Uncommon Grounds, a stack of waffles or pancakes at Sweet Mimi's, a classic breakfast at Country Corner Cafe, a delicious plate at Compton's, or a homemade English muffin sandwich at Walt Cafe. See a full list of breakfast spots here.
Afternoon
Enjoy your day at the track! In between the races and hopefully the winnings, stop by the many booths placed throughout the track. Pick out a new hat or fascinator at Hat-sational, grab a classic chicken sandwich at Hattie's, sip on DeCrescente Distributing Company and Saratoga Eagle products sold throughout the venue and enjoy the day with close friends.
Take the kids to play on the Saratoga Race Course playground located near Gate A! The paddock is also a hit for kids to watch horses saunter with their trainers before the races.
Check out the new Jim Dandy bar featuring the drink of the summer, the Saratoga Sunrise! Rehydrate with the water that put Saratoga on the map at the Red Spring located in the picnic area by the paddock!
Night
Whether you're looking to head to dinner after the final race or straight to a party, we've got you covered. Make sure to book a reservation for dinner a bit in advance at one of the many restaurants located in Downtown Saratoga or around the County. If you're looking to continue the good vibes and grab something informal later, then head over to The Horseshoe Inn & Grill or Siro's for live music, an outdoor bar and a time to remember.
photo: Siro's
After a sit down dinner or live music and dancing, majority of patrons will make their way to Caroline Street to close out the night. Stacked with various bars, Caroline Street is the go to destination in Saratoga for nightlife. Looking for a late night snack? Pop into Esperantos, or D'Andrea's right on Caroline Street for pizza before you head home.
Haven't gotten your tickets for Travers yet? Get them today on the NYRA website.
