Home / Race Course Guide / Belmont Stakes Guide / Belmont on Broadway

2026 Belmont on Broadway: A Festive Community Event in Saratoga Springs, NY

Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026

There's no better way to celebrate the historic Belmont Stakes in Saratoga Springs than with Belmont on Broadway! Get the details on this festival of live music and special events centered around the Belmont.

horse race on a dirt track with the stands in the background

Official Event Schedule

Make sure you don't miss a minute of the festivities. Here is the full timeline for Wednesday's events:

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Art vendors from AIM Services, Living Resources, and Saratoga Bridges on Broadway. These three local nonprofits support differently abled adults whose artwork will be featured.
2:00 PM: Doors open for the VIP pre-show experience at Universal Preservation Hall (25 Washington St., Saratoga Springs) featuring a Belmont green carpet and custom photo wall.
4:00 PM: Chelsea Handler at UPH (Note: Pre-approval is required for photography during this set).
7:00 PM – 7:45 PM: Vertical Horizon on Broadway.
8:15 PM – 10:00 PM: Fitz & The Tantrums on Broadway.

2026 Belmont on Broadway Highlights

Headlining Performances and Free Outdoor Concert

The main attraction of the evening is a free, large-scale outdoor concert held directly on Broadway in front of the Saratoga Springs City Center. Multi-platinum soul-pop outfit Fitz and the Tantrums will headline this final iteration of the event, bringing their danceable catalog of hits to the street stage.

Alternative rock band Vertical Horizon will kick off the musical performances as the opening act.

Concert Time: The outdoor performances run from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Admission: The concert is completely free and open to the general public.
Weather Policy: All stages and workshops are sheltered under covers and pavilions, meaning the show will go on rain or shine.

Exclusive Ticketed VIP Experience

For the first time, Universal Preservation Hall is hosting an upgraded, ticketed VIP Experience to complement the evening festivities. The premier highlight of the VIP package is an exclusive stand-up comedy performance by seven-time New York Times best-selling author and television host Chelsea Handler as part of her tour.

VIP Schedule: The comedy pre-show begins at 4:00 PM at Universal Preservation Hall.
Perks and Amenities: Ticket holders receive complimentary parking at the City Center garage, green carpet entry with a branded photo wall, a keepsake lanyard, and a commemorative poster.
Concert Hospitality: During the outdoor concert, VIP guests gain access to a private viewing tent at Ellsworth Jones Plaza and an indoor hospitality lounge on the second floor of the City Center featuring private restrooms, light bites, and a cash bar.
Ticket Availability: Tickets and optional Cocktail Lounge Day Pass upgrades are available online through atuph.org or chelseahandler.com.

Important Attendee Safety and Comfort Rules

To maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for the thousands of anticipated visitors, event organizers have implemented strict ground rules within the festival footprint. Sidewalks along Broadway must be kept entirely clear for pedestrian traffic, and the entire event space has been designated as a smoke-free zone.

Prohibited Items: Security personnel will turn away individuals carrying coolers, backpacks, large bags, strollers, or weapons of any kind. Glass bottles and pets are also strictly prohibited.
Seating Policy: No public seating is provided. Attendees who need a seat are permitted to bring a personal folding chair, provided it is not enclosed inside a carrying bag.
Alcohol Regulations: Outside alcohol is strictly forbidden. Furthermore, local ordinances prohibit patrons from carrying open alcoholic beverages out of downtown bars or restaurants into the street.

<< Back to the Belmont Stakes Guide

Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!