On Deck
Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day festivities, plus a 20th anniversary party, where to get Brooks' BBQ, and the Chopped-style fundraiser going on TONIGHT.
Monday, May 4
Chopped: Tonight, Noah’s Italian is channeling the energy of hit TV show Chopped at an event to benefit Chef Noah Frese’s Blood Cancer United Visionaries of the Year campaign. There’s still time to get tickets, which include entry, an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, live music, an auction, and the opportunity to try each dish in the Chopped competition and each drink in a Battle of the Bartenders.
Tuesday, May 5
Cinco de Mayo: Tuesday is Cinco de Mayo, and you have a few opportunities to get your Mexican food fix. Beginning at 4pm, Mexican Connection will be serving up specials, giveaways, and raffles from its trackside location. Over at Spa City Tap & Barrel, Chef Matt Richardson will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo pop-up that pairs tacos (chicken, pork carnitas, venison al pastor, and ground beef) with margs and good vibes. And Cantina will open its main floor at noon, serve happy hour from 3–6pm, start taco Tuesday specials at 4pm, open the rooftop at 4pm, and welcome DJ Trumastr to the roof from 5–8pm.
Wednesday, May 6
Brooks’ BBQ: If barbecue is more your jam, head to the Saratoga Center for the Family’s Brooks’ BBQ fundraiser, going on Wednesday from 3–6pm. Meals come with half a barbecue chicken, a baked potato, coleslaw, a roll with butter, a bottle of water, and a dessert for $20. Proceeds help the Center strengthen children, families, and our community by reducing the effects of abuse, trauma, and family dysfunction through advocacy, education, and mental health therapy.
Thursday, May 7
Lucia 20th Anniversary Event: Lucia turns 20 on Thursday! To celebrate, the beloved Saratoga Marketplace boutique is hosting an event from 5–8pm—stop by for bubbly, sweet treats, 20 percent off your purchase, and a complimentary gift when you spend $75 or more. You can also enter to win two $50 Lucia gift cards on Instagram.
Friday, May 8
Horses for Mental Health: May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS) is teaming up with Saratoga Arts for an evening of art, film, and connection. Stop by the arts center from 5–7pm for light refreshments by Saratoga Winery, two mini films introducing the work of THS, to participate in a community painting project, and to meet with other impact sector organizations working in the mental health space. The event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, May 9
Historic Homes Tour: The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s annual tour of historic Spa City homes is back, and you’re invited. On Saturday, explore a handful of homes on Saratoga’s East Side, and attend two special programs going on throughout the day: An Early History of Women’s Education in Saratoga Springs with Matthew Veitch (at 9am) and On This Spot: 69 Caroline Street with Carol Godette (at noon). The tour itself goes on from 10am–4pm. Can’t make it? A virtual tour will be available June 11–15.
Sunday, May 10
Mother-Lovin’ 5K: Saratoga’s Mother’s Day morning tradition returns to the Spa State Park this Sunday. Kelly’s Angels’ 14th annual Mother-Lovin’ 5K will kick off from Orenda Pavilion at 9:15am, but get there early for day-of registration, an auction, and the Kids’ Fun Run. Proceeds from the race support Kelly’s Angels’ work to support families whose lives have been forever changed by life-threatening illness or the loss of a parent or sibling.
Mother’s Day Brunch: Family brunch has become a staple of Mother’s Day festivities, and this year, Saratoga restaurants are pulling out all the stops. Check out brunches hosted by Salt & Char, Thirsty Owl, Diamond Club Restaurant, Excelsior Springs Event Center, Artisanal Brew Works, Noah’s Italian, Heritage, Bocage Champagne Bar, Brook Tavern, Saratoga Winery, and more, or Lucky Puppy Rescue’s “Mutter’s Day” Celebration at Kindred and Henry Street Taproom.
History That Doesn’t Suck: Just in time for America’s 250th anniversary, Professor Greg Jackson will bring a live version of his hit History That Doesn’t Suck podcast to the Universal Preservation Hall stage. Jackson’s Sunday performance starts at 7:30pm and will tell the epic tale of “The Unlikely Union” from the American Revolution through the Civil War.
—Natalie