“The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports”: Kentucky Derby Events in Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Horse racing’s Triple Crown will begin Saturday, May 2 with the Kentucky Derby and conclude on Saturday, June 6 with the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. Here’s how to celebrate the first and most famous of these races in the Spa City.

Handicapping Seminar: Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m.

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is hosting a Kentucky Derby handicapping seminar with Tom Amello and Michael Veitch. The event includes analysis of key Kentucky Derby preps and predictions for the upcoming 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The seminar is included with paid museum admission and is free for museum members. There will also be racing trivia during the seminar for a chance to win prizes.

Racing Museum Derby Party: Saturday, May 2, 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Racing Museum is also hosting its annual Derby-themed fundraiser featuring samples of local brews and spirits, as well as signature bites from local restaurants. While exploring the museum and its exhibits, guests can enjoy entertainment in the Hall of Fame before a live airing of the Kentucky Derby. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Derby attire with an award for best dressed being presented by Natalie Sillery of Saratoga Trunk before post time.

Schedule of Events:

• Coverage of the Kentucky Derby undercard throughout the Museum

• Samplings from local restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and wineries, as well as a range of non-alcoholic options, including craft soda, matcha, coffee, and mocktails

• Live music by Ted Coleman

• Awards for the best Derby attire

• Race-day-inspired 50/50 Raffle and silent auction

• Photobooth sponsored by James’ Lawn Services

• Live airing of the Kentucky Derby in the Hall of Fame

Tickets can be purchased here: https://1049a.blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/10th-Annual-Derby-Party-Fundraiser.

Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar Derby Day: Saturday, May 2, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A Derby Day party benefitting Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar will be held at the Lodge at the Saratoga Casino Hotel. The event includes an open bar, televised racing on large-screen TVs, food, and on-site wagering.

Tickets are available here: www.eventbrite.com/e/sponsor-a-scholar-derby-day-party-tickets-1986521982726.

Kentucky Derby Patio Kickoff Party: Saturday, May 2, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

At The Wild Horse on Caroline Street, Derby season will kick off in style with food, drink specials, a patio party, and live music by Funk Evolution. There is no cover for the event. Wild Horse’s patio and inside bar will open at noon.

Derby Day at Saratoga National: Saturday, May 2, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Saratoga National Golf Club is hosting its own Derby party, which includes food, drinks, music by the New York Players (who bill themselves as “dance party experts”), and handicapping and announcing by Anthony Stabile (aka, “The Big A”).

For additional info and tickets, visit heritageatsaratoganational.com/product/derby-day-2026/.

Derby Day for a Cause: Saturday, May 2, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

PSB Transitions of Saratoga, a nonprofit that supports children and families in crisis, is hosting a fundraiser at the historic Canfield Casino, with a bar sponsored by Kindred and the Henry Street Taproom. The event includes an open bar, hor d’oeuvres by PDT Catering, a live broadcast of the race, and live music performed by Soul Session. Guests can also participate in a “Best in Show” contest that features bow ties, hats, and shoes. 100% of event proceeds will directly support the Saratoga Recreation Department.

Tickets can be purchased here: www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/derby-day-for-a-cause.

Margarita & Mimosa Fest: Saturday, May 2, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Although not a Kentucky Derby event per se, the 10th annual Saratoga Margarita & Mimosa Fest on Derby day is described as part bar hop, part cocktail celebration with live music, DJs, and giveaways. Participating venues across the Spa City include Night Owl, Putnam Place, Bourbon Room, Tap & Barrel, Parting Glass Pub, Whitman Brewing Co., Clancy’s Tavern, The Misfit Bar, and Icehouse.

Tickets are available here: www.eventbrite.com/e/saratoga-margarita-mimosa-fest-kentucky-derby-weekend-sat-may-2-tickets-1712460588719.