Belmont Festival 2026 in Saratoga Springs: What Visitors Need to Know
The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival is back in Saratoga Springs for one final year, and the excitement is already building. From Wednesday, June 3 through Sunday, June 7, 2026, Saratoga will once again become the center of the horse racing world as thousands of visitors travel to the Spa City for one of the most anticipated events of the summer.
Whether you are visiting for the races, attending one of the many downtown events, or considering making Saratoga Springs your summer home away from home, here’s everything you need to know about Belmont week.
What is the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival?
The Belmont Stakes is the third and final race of the Triple Crown. While the historic race is traditionally held at Belmont Park on Long Island, ongoing renovations have brought the event to Saratoga Race Course for the third year. The 2026 festival marks the final year the Belmont will be hosted in Saratoga before returning to Belmont Park in 2027, and includes elite horse racing, major stakes races, entertainment events, and celebrations throughout Saratoga Springs.
When is the Belmont Festival?
The 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival runs from Wednesday, June 3 through Sunday, June 7, with Belmont Stakes Day taking place on Saturday, June 6. Many visitors arrive several days early to enjoy the full festival experience and explore everything Saratoga Springs has to offer.
What Events are Happening During Belmont Week?
While the racing is the main attraction, Belmont week has become much more than what happens at the track.
Belmont on Broadway
One of the most popular events is Belmont on Broadway, a free downtown concert that transforms Broadway into a giant street festival. This year’s event features performances by Fitz and the Tantrums and Vertical Horizon, drawing locals and visitors to downtown Saratoga.
World Class Racing
Each day of the festival features major stakes races, culminating with the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday evening. Racing fans can enjoy multiple championship-caliber races throughout the week, making every day worth attending.
Downtown Saratoga Events
Restaurants, shops, bars, and local businesses throughout Saratoga Springs embrace the festival atmosphere with special events, extended hours, live music, and celebrations throughout the city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Belmont Week
Is Belmont Week Busy in Saratoga Springs?
Yes. Belmont week is one of the busiest tourism periods of the year in Saratoga Springs. Hotels, restaurants, and vacation rentals often book months in advance, and downtown activity increases significantly throughout the festival.
Do I Need Tickets to Attend?
Most racing events at Saratoga Race Course require admission tickets. Some downtown events, including Belmont on Broadway, are free to attend. Ticket availability varies depending on the day and seating options.
Is Belmont Week Family Friendly?
Absolutely. In addition to the racing, families can enjoy Saratoga’s parks, shops, museums, restaurants, and many community events happening throughout the week. Saratoga Springs offers activities for visitors of all ages.
How Far is Saratoga Race Course from Downtown?
One of the unique aspects of Saratoga is how walkable the city is. Many visitors stay downtown and can easily walk, bike, or take local transportation and shuttles to the track.
Why Many Visitors Choose Seasonal Rentals
After spending a few days in Saratoga during Belmont week, many visitors discover why the city has become one of the Northeast’s most sought-after summer destinations. The combination of horse racing, vibrant downtown events, outdoor recreation, fine dining, shopping, and community charm keeps people coming back year after year. For many, renting a home for the track season provides a more comfortable and flexible experience than staying in a hotel.
Track season rentals allow visitors to enjoy Saratoga like a local while having space for family, friends, and extended stays throughout the summer.
Looking for a Saratoga Track Season Rental?
If you’re planning to spend time in Saratoga this summer, Julie & Co. Realty, LLC offers a variety of track season rental opportunities throughout Saratoga Springs. Whether you’re looking for a downtown condo, luxury home near the track, or a seasonal retreat for the summer, we can help you find the perfect property.
Browse our available track season rentals today and experience everything Saratoga Springs has to offer during one of the most exciting times of the year!
Written by Rebecca Shoemaker