Quick Info About the 2026 Horse Racing Season at Saratoga Race Course
Learn About Dates, Tickets, and More
Looking for everything you need to know about Saratoga Race Course and the 2026 summer racing season? You’re in the right place! Get quick details on the schedule, tickets, parking, and more.
Key Dates for the 2026 Summer Racing Season
The summer season at Saratoga Race Course will be expanded in 2026, running for 10 weeks instead of the traditional eight-week meet.
This includes 51 days of thoroughbred racing, with a highlighted five-day Belmont Stakes Festival in June. The 4th of July Racing Festival will also return to Saratoga for its second season.
The track will then host a series of four-day racing weeks, Thursday through Sunday, from Thursday, July 9, through Sunday, July 26. After these weeks are concluded, the five-day racing week begins on Wednesday, July 29.
The 2026 meet schedule will conclude with a six-day closing week from Wednesday, September 2, through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.
- Belmont Stakes Racing Festival: June 3 - 7, 2026
- July 4th Racing Festival (Opening Week): July 3 - 5, 2026
- Whitney Day: August 8, 2026
- Travers Day: August 29, 2026
- Closing Day (Labor Day): September 7, 2026
View the Full 2026 Racing Calendar
2026 Saratoga Race Course Summer Post & Gate Times
- Regular Days (Thurs–Sun / Wed starting July 29): Gates open at 11:00 AM with a 1:10 PM first post.
- Regular Saturdays: Gates open at 11:00 AM with an earlier 12:35 PM first post.
- Whitney Day (Saturday, August 8): Gates open early at 10:00 AM with an 11:45 AM first post.
- DraftKings Travers Day (Saturday, August 29): Gates open early at 9:00 AM with an 11:05 AM first post.
- Labor Day Weekend (September 5–7): Gates open at 11:00 AM; post times will be announced at a later date.
2026 Summer Meet Admission
The Saratoga summer meet offers a range of ticketing options to suit different group sizes and seating preferences.
Please note that Saratoga Race Course is a cashless venue. Cash is not accepted for admission, food, drinks, parking, or programs (with the exception of the official Saratoga store), though reverse ATMs are located throughout the track to convert cash into prepaid cards.
General admission tickets start at just $7 in advance.
Summer Cooler Policy
Coolers are allowed at Saratoga Race Course but must follow specific guidelines. They’re permitted in the backyard, building, and apron areas, but must be kept off tables, seats, and out of aisles.
Coolers can include food and alcohol in plastic or cans—glass containers are not allowed. For the 2026 season, all ice inside standard-sized coolers must be contained within sealed bags upon arrival to allow for faster screening. Because of this rule, all fans carrying coolers must enter through designated inspection lanes located exclusively at Gate B (Union and East Ave.) and Gate C (Nelson Ave.). All coolers remain subject to search by NYRA security at any time.
Summer Parking Info
- General Parking is FREE (there will be a long walk)
- Preferred Parking and Trackside Parking are available
- Paid parking is also available from private entities (lawns, parking lots, etc.)
- Find more information on parking here »
Still have more questions? Check out the Race Course FAQ Page!
