Saratoga Racing Season's Complete Social Calendar
These 30 fundraisers are poised to make the Spa City summer sparkle.
Gala season is already in full swing in Saratoga, but now that the track is open, the city’s social scene really starts amping up. Every nonprofit wants a piece of the racing season excitement, which bodes well for those of us who love an excuse to dress up and bid on silent auction items we don’t really need. So grab your calendars: Here’s a pretty-darn-comprehensive guide to Saratoga’s summer social season.
July 8
Siro’s Cup
Siro’s Restaurant
Saratoga’s 33rd annual night-before-the-real-opening-day bash returns to Siro’s to benefit the Center for Disability Services. Read our 2023 Siro’s Cup Recap.
July 11
Red, White & Luau
Gavin Park
For the first time ever, Veterans & Community Housing Coalition will be hosting a casual, family-friendly fundraiser complete with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and a bounce house.
July 14
Palamountain Benefit
Surrey-Williamson Inn
Skidmore College will raise money for its Joseph C. and Anne T. Palamountain Scholarship Fund at a century-old manor across North Broadway from campus. Read our 2022 Palamountain Benefit recap (scroll down the page).
July 16
Legacy of Impact Event
Heritage at Saratoga National
Comfort Food Community invites you to this evening event celebrating the people and partnerships that make fighting rural hunger possible.
July 18 & 19
Bark, Brew & Tattoo
Saratoga Springs City Center
Live tattooing, craft breweries, small business vendors, entertainment, food, and more are coming to the City Center to help end the stigma surrounding Bully breed dogs.
July 18 & 19
Concert for a Cause
Artisanal Brew Works
Listen to 20 local musicians who are donating their time to support Shelters of Saratoga at Artisanal Brew Works’ two-day music fest.
July 23
An Unbridled Affair
Saratoga National
CAPTAIN Community Human Services brings its annual event to Saratoga National’s tent overlooking the 18th hole. Read our 2024 Unbridled Affair recap.
July 26
Old Friends at Cabin Creek Cocktail Party
Excelsior Springs Event Center
Old Friends at Cabin Creek brings together its supporters for a casual evening to toast the retired Thoroughbreds in the Greenfield Center farm’s care.
July 27
Gumbo with Kendrick Carmouche
Principessa Elena Society
Kendrick Carmouche isn’t just a top jockey—he also makes a mean gumbo! Try it at this annual fundraiser for Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
July 28
Paint & Sip
Fourstardave Sports Bar
This evening of painting and refreshments will support the work of the Backstretch Employee Service Team (BEST).
July 29
The Saratoga Hospital Gala
Polo Meadow at Saratoga Casino Hotel
This year, the biggest bash of the summer is a clambake to support the Saratoga Hospital Foundation.
July 30
Summer Salsa Soirée
Saratoga Arts
Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet hosts an evening of aperitivos, salsa dancing, and music with a performance by SSYB summer students.
August 1
Racing & Rosé
National Museum of Racing
Watch, prosecco in hand, as horse racing’s leading ladies walk the Sculpture Gallery runway wearing looks by Miss Scarlett Boutique’s Jen Marcellus. Read our 2025 Racing & Rosé recap.
August 1
Phillip Phillips Benefit Concert
Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga
Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga’s annual outdoor concert for a cause has moved to mid-summer and will this year feature American Idol winner Phillip Phillips of “Home” and “Gone, Gone, Gone” fame.
August 4
Croquet on the Green
Gavin Park
It’s game on at AIM Services’ annual midafternoon croquet tournament and garden party. Read our 2022 Croquet on the Green recap.
August 4
Fire Feast
Pitney Meadows Community Farm
Open-fire cooking and farm-fresh vibes take center stage at Pitney Meadows’ signature summertime soirée. Read our 2025 Fire Feast recap.
August 5
Charity Basketball Game
Saratoga Springs Recreation Center
The top jockeys in the country battle it out with the top horsemen…in a competitive basketball game that’s open to the public. Tickets support the New York Race Track Chaplaincy and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Read our 2022 Charity Basketball Game recap (scroll down).
August 5
LALO Tequila for Aftercare
The Adelphi Hotel
Drink tequila; support the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Simple as that.
August 7
Museum Ball
National Museum of Racing
For the 50th time, the National Museum of Racing will open its doors for a black-tie gala on the night of the 2026 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
August 10
Fashionable Fillies
The Hall of Springs
Now at a new location, The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation’s Fashionable Fillies luncheon brings the ladies of horse racing together to help members of the racing community in need. Read our 2025 Fashionable Fillies recap.
August 12
New York Race Track Chaplaincy Brunch
Saratoga National
This year’s Chaplaincy brunch honors NYRA Chairman Marc Holliday and his wife Sheree with the John Hendrickson and Marylou Whitney Award for their generous support of the New York backstretch community.
August 16
BEST Day at the Rail
1863 Club
The Backstretch Employee Service Team hosts a first-of-its-kind lunchtime soirée honoring Dr. Alex Cardiel for his dedication, care, and service to the backstretch workforce.
August 17
Casino Night
National Museum of Racing
The Racing Museum is teaming up with the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund for a night of high-stakes fun at the museum.
August 23
A Tribute to Transforming Lives
1863 Club
Natalie Sillery’s famous fashion show and brunch will once again take over the 1863 Club to raise money for Building on Love and Living Resources. Read our 2023 Tribute to Transforming Lives recap.
August 24
Pickle for the Ponies
Saratoga Springs Recreation Center
The public is invited to take on jockeys and other members of the racing community in a tri-level pickleball tournament to benefit Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. Read our 2025 Pickle for the Ponies recap.
August 25
TRF Polo Classic
Bloomfield Polo Farm
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is reimagining its summer fundraiser as a polo match to support its mission of providing dignified lifetime care for retired racehorses.
August 27
Racing for the Children
Universal Preservation Hall
Help honor NYRA Executive Vice President Glen Kozak and Fasig-Tipton Director of Client Relations Anna Seitz Ciannello at Belmont Child Care Association’s annual dinner and auction.
August 27
St. Jude Gala
Saratoga National
Cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, and a special message from a St. Jude patient family are what’s in store for this 14th annual gala.
August 28
Travers Soirée
Saratoga National
Albany nonprofit LifePath brings its 28th annual Travers Eve fundraiser to Saratoga National for an evening to support Meals on Wheels and other programs that help keep older adults independent and connected.
August 28
Travers Eve Wine and Cheese
National Museum of Racing
Mazzone Hospitality presents this pre-Travers evening of refreshments in the Racing Museum’s Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Courtyard.
—Natalie