On Deck: Opening Week Edition
New York City Ballet, The Orchard Project and—oh, yeah—the opening of Saratoga Race Course.
Tuesday, July 9
It may be opening week for the track, but it’s also NYCB week! New York City Ballet rolls into SPAC tonight for NYCB On and Off Stage, a unique “behind the curtain” experience that features excerpts from this upcoming week’s ballets. Part of NYCB’s 75th anniversary tour, this week’s SPAC residency is highlighted by Jewels and Swan Lake. See the full schedule of performances here.
The Saratoga Lake Association is hosting its first-ever Summer Barbecue and Social tonight at Dock Brown’s. Beginning at 6pm, the evening will be complete with food, live music, corn hole, a “name the mystery drink” game, raffles and more. Tickets are $35 for SLA members and $45 for non-members. Tickets are available online or can be purchased at the door with cash.
Wednesday, July 10
See members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department put their uniforms to a new use this Wednesday at the 2nd annual RISE vs SSPD basketball game and BBQ. Going on at 4 Adelphi Street at 11am, the game will pit local police officers against residents at the Adelphi Street shelter in a friendly game of hoops. Burgers and hot dogs will be served throughout the event, and spectators are encouraged to bring a donation to the shelter (breakfast items, snacks, coffee, coffee cups, paper towels, paper plates, cutlery, laundry pods, cleaning products, etc.).
The track doesn’t open until Thursday, but track season officially starts Wednesday at Siro’s Cup. The annual gala—held trackside at Siro’s—will feature music by Ten Most Wanted, dancing, an open bar and light fare by Chef Noah Frese. This year’s honorees are the late Senator Howard Charles Nolan Jr. and Hall of Fame trainer William I. Mott.
If you want to get out of town right before Saratoga’s peak season kicks into high gear, head down to Freedom Park in Scotia, where Cryin’ Out Loud will be performing a family-friendly show. Bring chairs and coolers, and don’t forget to stop at Jumpin’ Jacks for ice cream!
Thursday, July 11
Saratoga Race Course’s summer meet kicks off this Thursday with a full card of racing highlighted by the $175,000 Schuylerville Stakes. Afterwards, head downtown for the Downtown Business Association’s Celebrate Saratoga, a free evening of live music by Soul Session, kettle corn and the announcement of this year’s NYRA window decorating contest winner.
The Tang Teaching Museum’s annual Upbeat on the Roof concert series kicks off on Thursday with The Future of Broadway, a performance of contemporary show tunes from works-in-progress musicals presented in conjunction with The Orchard Project. Music begins on the Tang lawn at 6pm, but families with little ones can arrive a half-hour early to pick up a craft-making kit. Each week’s show will feature a different craft suitable for kiddos age 5 and up.
While the Upbeat on the Roof live music series continues on Thursdays through August 15, The Orchard Project’s Summer Arts Festival is this weekend only. Known as a launching pad for some of Broadway’s biggest stars (think Alan Cumming and Esperanza Spalding), The Orchard Project has been bringing the stars of tomorrow to Saratoga for nearly a decade. Check out this year’s works in progress on Friday at The Inn at Saratoga and Saturday at Saratoga Winery.
Friday, July 12
This weekend, bounce on over to Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa for Big Bounce America, the biggest touring inflatable event in the world. Featuring seven massive inflatable attractions—including the world’s largest bounce house, a 900-foot-long obstacle course, a customized sports arena and a space-themed wonderland—Big Bounce America will run from Friday to Sunday. Reserve your time slot here.
Saturday, July 13
Remember Hunter Werner, aka Wingman of the Year? He’s back for a live dating show coming to Putnam Place this Thursday at 8pm. Bachelorette Sophia will take the stage with several eligible bachelors; it’s up to you, the audience, to be their wingmen! Stick around after the show for a set by DJ King Bully at 11:30pm, and sign up for Wingman of the Year’s speed-dating event, coming to Albany’s Lionheart on the Green on Monday.
Monday, July 15
Did you know that Saratoga Race Course founder John Morrissey and his wife, Susannah, were Troy residents? On the first dark day of the 2024 racing season, the couple will be honored by local leaders and members of the horse racing community at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Troy, where they’re both buried. While the Morrisseys reached the pinnacle of high society in the mid-1800s, Susannah fell into poverty after John’s death. Though she was buried next to her husband, her name was never inscribed on his 25-foot monument. More than 125 years later, that will change. Monday’s program begins at 5pm and will feature speakers including Adelphi Hotel GM Helen Watson, Saratoga Living’s own Brien Bouyea, Saratoga mayor John Safford, and Saratoga jockeys Dylan and Katie Davis.
Back in Saratoga, the horse racing world will come together at the Principessa Elena Society to enjoy gumbo for a good cause. That’s right—jockey Kendrick Carmouche will be making his famous gumbo to support Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Tickets are $40 and include gumbo, rice, salad and dessert, plus live entertainment and great company.