July 4th Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course

About this event

Experience the Thrill of Opening Weekend at the Spa!

The gates fly open for the highly anticipated 2026 Saratoga summer meet with the spectacular July 4th Racing Festival. Running from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, this blockbuster three-day opening weekend pairs elite thoroughbred racing with festive holiday celebrations. Whether you love lightning-fast dirt sprints, prestigious Grade 1 turf routes, or the unique spectacle of steeplechase jumping, this festival has it all.

Festival Highlights & Daily Schedule

All Weekend Long: FIFA World Cup 26™ Viewing Party

Head over to the Backyard Festival Tent all three days of the festival for a massive viewing party hosted by Michelob Ultra and Saratoga Eagle. Entry is free with track admission, and fans can take home official giveaways from Michelob Ultra and other World Cup partners, while supplies last!

Friday, July 3: Opening Day Kickoff

• Gates Open: 11:00 AM | First Post: 1:10 PM
• Details: Welcome back the summer meet with an afternoon highlighted by the $200,000 Schuylerville Stakes for blazing-fast 2-year-old fillies, alongside premier turf matchups in the Wild Applause and the Saranac.
• Track Premium: Grab a commemorative premium Tumbler Giveaway presented by Saratoga 250 (available with paid admission, while supplies last).

Saturday, July 4: Independence Day 250 Celebration

• Gates Open: 11:00 AM | First Post: 12:35 PM (Note the earlier post time)
• Details: Celebrate America's 250th anniversary at the most historic sporting venue in the country! Saturday's card boasts a massive turf double featuring the $750,000 Belmont Derby (G1) and the $600,000 Belmont Oaks (G1), alongside the historic $500,000 Suburban Handicap (G2) and the $225,000 Sanford Stakes (G3).
• Holiday Festivities: Enjoy $1 Carnegie Deli hot dogs at all typical concessions, plus complimentary samples of Subourbon Life ready-to-drink cocktails for fans 21+.
• Family Fun: Keep the kids entertained with Revolutionary-era music, pony rides, a petting zoo, and classic carnival games.
• Track Premium: Early arrivals can collect the holiday-edition Tumbler Giveaway presented by Saratoga 250 (available with paid admission, while supplies last).

Sunday, July 5: Turf Showcase & Saratoga Sunday

• Gates Open: 11:00 AM | First Post: 1:10 PM
• Details: The holiday weekend wraps up with a grass-lover's paradise. Watch elite athletes soar over fences in the grueling $150,000 Leo O'Brien (G1) Steeplechase, followed by a clash of older turf milers in the $225,000 Kelso Stakes (G3), and a flat-out grass sprint in the $200,000 Harvey Pack.
• Family Fun: Bring the family for another full afternoon of kid-friendly activities, including pony rides, a petting zoo, carnival games, and Revolutionary-era entertainment.

Important Gate Info: Giveaways are highly coveted and distributed while supplies last to fans entering with paid admission. Arrive early to secure your commemorative Saratoga 250 trackside souvenirs!