On August 23rd, 2025, horses and jockeys will race as one in the 156th 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 Events
August 21
- Paint & Travers at Saratoga Paint & Sip Studio. Paint a beautiful horse with passionate and qualified artists. Beginners are welcomed and encouraged.
August 22
- 27th Annual Travers Soiree at Saratoga National Golf Club: Join the LifePath's team for an unforgettable evening of celebration at the 27th 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.
- Tote Bag Giveaway at Saratoga Race Course. Functional and fashionable, this tie-dye cotton Saratoga tote bag is the ideal trackside accessory available on Travers eve. The Saratoga tote is perfect for stashing racing forms, sunscreen, or Spa souvenirs.
August 23
- Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. This year's field is headlined by Kentucky Derby & Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty, who aims to add to his legacy. The DraftKings Travers is scheduled for 6:14pm ET.
- 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
- Back to the Future in Concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the unforgettable movie classic, Back to the Future is the 1.21-gigawatt blockbuster that topped the 1985 box office chart, spawned two wildly successful sequels and stamped an enduring imprint on pop culture.
- Sunset Saturdays at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Presented by Saratoga Casino Hotel & The Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association, enjoy giveaways, food trucks, theme nights, drawings & heart-pounding harness action!
August 24
- Jonas Brothers at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. See the JoBros live in Saratoga and sing along to their new album as well as hits like "Burnin' Up," "Sucker," and "Year 3000."
- Sunday Strolls with Saratoga Preservation Foundation. The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation presents their Summer Stroll Series of historic walking tours beginning on Sunday, June 15 through Sunday, August 31 from 10:30am - 12pm.
More on our events calendar here!
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: Michael Gallitelli
Breakfast, breeding farm and backstretch tram tours will not be offered on Travers Day. Downtown Saratoga is less than a mile from Saratoga Race Course and features multiple breakfast spots for you and your 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, a breakfast burrito at The Nook Cafe 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, a beer from Whitman Brewing, 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.
Visit the Taste NY Tent also located near Gate A, for free samples from local vendors including Keuka Spring Vineyards, Whitman Brewing and others around New York State. 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: The Horseshoe Inn & Grill
On Caroline Street, West Ave Chicken & West Ave Pizza dish out slices and chicken sandwiches within The Night Owl until 2am. Just down the block, Esperanto keeps the crowd fed with their signature Doughboys—warm pockets of pizza dough stuffed with chicken, cheese, and Buffalo sauce—served late into the night. Right across the street, Pizza 7 has every pizza you could imagine ready for you after a night of fun. Burgers more your style? Check out Herbie's Burgers inside The Ice House open late and serving up the best smash burgers, fries, chicken tenders and milkshakes for your tastebuds to enjoy. Vegetarian and vegan options also available. Leaving at more of a reasonable time? Order authentic tacos from Taquero Tacos & Donuts until 11pm. Curb your sweet tooth and order home made donuts along with them.
Haven't gotten your tickets for Travers yet? Get them today on the NYRA website.
