On Deck
Belmont Week is finally here—and there are lots of ways to celebrate.
Tuesday, June 3
Embrace the Belmont: Impress your friends—and listening bystanders—at the Belmont Stakes with your newfound handicapping skills and expert analysis capabilities, gained at this event to benefit Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga from 5:30-7:30pm at UPH. Light bites and bevs will be available.
Wednesday, June 4
Belmont on Broadway: Kick off the Belmont Stakes Festival with a free concert on Broadway headlined by Gin Blossoms, a rock band most commonly known for their ’93 single, “Hey Jealousy,” which made it to No. 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 the same year.
Thursday, June 5
The Belmont Gala: Hosted by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, this exclusive fundraising event entails an evening of fine dining, live music, and celebration of incredible sportsmanship. Limited tickets are available, so grab yours ASAP.
Revel at the Races: We’re on Belmont time now, which means the weekend begins on Thursday. Head to The Night Owl for a high-energy night brought to you by Sports Illustrated and complete with live music and premium hospitality. Did we mention G-Eazy is headlining, and Thursday & Friday Belmont tickets are included with your purchase?
Mostly Modern Festival Kick-Off: A performance by the American Modern Ensemble will mark the start of the sixth season of the Saratoga-based Mostly Modern Festival. The event, spanning from June 5-20, will bring together living composers from across the globe for 10 concerts at the world-class Arthur Zankel Music Center.
Friday, June 6
The Belmont Ball: After Friday’s races, keep the celebration going with an evening of cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Tickets are $650, but you’ll be well rewarded with a plethora of Michelin starred chefs and restaurants, and all proceeds go towards equine charities.
Belmont Bites and Brews: For those on a tighter budget, head to 191 Union Avenue after the day’s races for a free event from the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame complete with food trucks, local brews, and more.
Saturday, June 7
Belmont Stakes: Alas, it’s the day (most) Saratogians have been eagerly awaiting. A blockbuster Belmont Stakes Day is promised for Saturday, with a racing card featuring eight stakes races—including the Grade 1 Woody Stephens, Metropolitan Handicap, Resorts World Casino Manhattan, and Jaipur.
Sunday, June 8
Belmont Family Fun Festival: A free, carnival-style conclusion to the Belmont Stakes Festival will take place from 10am–2pm at the National Museum of Racing. Expect family-friendly entertainment including a bounce house, a magic show, a rock climbing wall, face painting, live animals, and classic (complimentary!) circus snacks.
—Graciella