On Deck

Event time: May the Fourth be with you leading up to Derby Day.

A scene from last year’s Derby Day Party at Prime. (Andrea Zappone)

Last week, we debuted “On Deck,” a roundup of the week’s top events in Saratoga. We’re keeping the ball rolling this week, which is highlighted by several Kentucky Derby watch parties this weekend.

Wednesday, May 3

After a long, cold winter, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is finally moving outside to High Rock Park this week. Stop by from 3-6pm this Wednesday, or plan on going Saturday morning before the Derby Day festivities begin.

Thursday, May 4

Forget what happened a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away—this week, Saratoga Star Wars fans have two ways to celebrate May 4. First, Spa City Tap & Barrel will host Star Wars–themed trivia beginning at 7pm, complete with $5 cocktails and a $100 grand prize. Contact Tap & Barrel to reserve your table.

If trivia’s not your shtick and you’re looking to let your artsy side out this week, don’t miss Saratoga Paint & Sip Studio’s May the Fourth be With You project. Guests can choose between two pictures—one of R2D2 and one of BB8—and be guided through all the steps to painting the legendary robot! Tickets are $45

Saturday, May 5

On Saturday, you’re going to have to make a choice: What Derby Day party will you attend? Here’s what you have to choose from.

• The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s annual Derby Party, featuring food and drink samples and a 1970s theme in honor of the 50th anniversary of Secretariat winning the Triple Crown.

• Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar’s Derby Day Party at The Lodge (tickets are $135, but there’s an open bar)

• Prime at Saratoga National’s popular Derby Day Party featuring music by NY Players

• The Horseshoe Inn’s Race to the Roast Kentucky Derby–inspired pig roast featuring food, drinks and music by North & South Dakotas

• Dock Brown’s Lakeside Tavern’s viewing party with $7 mint juleps and live music

If you’re not into horse racing, you can also check out downtown’s Margarita and Mimosa Fest going on from 4-8pm, or Saratoga Comic Con which returns to the City Center all day Saturday and Sunday.