Summer is waning, teachers and students are preparing to return to school, but there are still time to enjoy what's left of August with family and friends. Here are five suggestions from the Spectrum News 1 team for things to do this weekend around the Capital Region and Hudson Valley areas.
The 155th running of the Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course
The Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers is the signature race of the summer meet and historic racetrack. This year’s Midsummer Derby features an eight-horse field packed with the nation’s best 3-year-olds.
Gates open at 9 a.m. Saturday. The first post time is 11:40 a.m. The Travers takes off around 6:10 p.m. Admission is $25 in advance, $30 on Saturday.
The field includes Thorpedo Anna, which is looking to become the first filly to win the Travers in 109 years.
Former Philadelphia Phillies and MLB star Jayson Werth owns more than two dozen thoroughbreds, including Dornoch, who will run in the Travers Stakes on Saturday.
Also, trainer Whit Beckman, a Louisville native who worked under trainers Chad Brown and Todd Pletcher, is looking for his first Travers win since venturing out on his own three years ago.
Albany LatinFest
The LATINFEST is a fantastic chance to enjoy Latin culture. The family-oriented festival highlights the diverse sounds of Hispanic music, food and arts.
Presented by the Albany Latin Festival Association, the annual event will be staged in Albany's Washington Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.
Full Moon Arts Festival
The Warwick Performing Arts Center in Orange County hosts performance and visual art in a natural lakeside setting from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.
Guests can enjoy interactive experiences, live music, dance performances and join artists in hands-on workshops. There’s a curated craft market, vendors, an outdoor cash bar and lots of food.
Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and children 6-18, with special discounts for families and groups.
The rain date is Sunday, Aug. 25.
Dutchess County Fair
The last two days of the Dutchess County Fair are this weekend at the Fairgrounds, located at 6596 Route 9 in Rhinebeck.
The Dutchess County Fair bills itself as the second-largest county fair in New York state. The agriculture-based event offers lots of attractions, including carnival rides, live music, concerts, historical and educational exhibits. Yes, there's lots of food and beverage options, as well, so bring your apetite.
The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Rides start running at 11 a.m.
Children 11 and under are admitted free. Tickets for Rides/wristbands must be purchased.
Parking is free.
Wheelerville Trails Mountain Bike Festival
Experience this Adirondack adventure in Caroga, Fulton County, now in its third year.
The Live Free and Fly Downhill Race returns this year. which brings in riders from across the U.S. The Jump Jam, Height Competition and Wheelie Competitions also attract skilled riders. The event features guided tours and skilled clinics, new trails, a new skills area for kids and bigger and better jumps.
Hours for Saturday are 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Activities on Sunday run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.