Want to make the best of your track season weekends? Reporter Suzanna Lourie has the scoop on some of the area's top weekend highlights including everything from a pint-sized wrestling match to a night of 70s-themed disco fever.

Enjoy!




Watch the races then continue the festivities at the track

• Party at the Spa. The first of this season’s two “Party at the Spa” events this summer is this Friday at the Saratoga Race Course. Presented by Coors Light, the event kicks off with a first post of 2:30 p.m. with the last race starting before dusk. But, as Saratoga racing fans know, the party never stops after the day’s final race. Head over to the Paddock Bar for live music featuring the band Rockjunky and start your weekend off right at the track. A great choice for those college students celebrating Friday’s college day at the track. Saratoga Race Course. 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Friday, July 29. 2:30 p.m. (718-641-4700 www.saratogaracecourse.com). $3 Grandstand admission, $5 Clubhouse.

Check out a pint-sized face-off at Northern Lights

• Champion Midget Wrestling. Feeling like trying something new this weekend? Get down to Northern Lights to watch live Capital District champion midget wrestling on Friday! Wow. Enough said. This has got to be the top pick of the weekend – when else are you going to have the chance to watch this quirky, bizarre sporting event so close to home? Maybe there is mud involved… Northern Lights. 1208 Route 146, Clifton Park. Friday, July 29. 7 p.m. (371-0012 www.northernlightslive.com). $15 Advance, $20 Day of, $25 VIP.

 Join the National Museum of Dance for drinks, disco dancing and dozens of prizes

• Disco Fever. Another fantastic Friday event this week is the National Museum of Dance’s fundraiser “Disco Fever.” The museum’s recent New Action Committee teamed up with the Metro to present this 70s-inspired evening. Ticket prices include access to an open bar (wine, beer and St. Germain cocktails), live DJ entertainment by Crush 105.7, dancing and appetizers. There will also be a disco dance contest with prizes awarded to the male and female who show off their best “Saturday Night Fever” moves. Dance contest prizes have been donated by D’Andrea’s Liquor and Mary Martin & Co. For those who want to keep on dancing downtown, the Albany Aqua Ducks will be providing free trolley rides to the Metro downtown. Put on your dancing shoes and best funk attire to dance the night away and help the National Museum of Dance continue presenting some of the region’s finest dance-related exhibitions and events. National Museum of Dance. 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Friday, July 29. 8 p.m. until midnight. (584-2225 www.dancemuseum.org). $55 Advance, $65 At the door.

Calling all teens and young adults – Introduce yourself to the orchestra at SPAC this Friday.

• Philadelphia Orchestra: Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. Ever been curious about the world-class Philadelphia Orchestra that comes to SPAC every summer, but felt too clueless to enjoy it? This Friday, Skidmore College teams up with the Saratoga Performing Arts Center to present a basic overview of the Philadelphia Orchestra. A perfect chance for anyone from their teens to their 30s who wants to get their footing in classical chamber music knowledge. The event is narrated by David Hyde Pierce and consists of three of the best-known compositions by Britten, Stravinsky and Beethoven. Saratoga Performing Arts Center. 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs. Friday, July 29. 8 p.m. (584-9330 www.spac.org). Tickets start at $20.

SATURDAY, JULY 30.

Pig-out with burgers and beer at the Taste of Country National BBQ Championship.

• Taste of Country National BBQ Championship. Over 20 BBQ pit masters will gather to compete for the title of the National BBQ champion at Saratoga Casino and Raceway for this Saturday’s Taste of County National BBQ Championship. Guests will be able to sample some of the United States’ best barbecue at this fun outdoors event, which include the necessary beer garden and features live music by James Wesley, Phil Vassar and other local artists to be announced. A special bonus for guests who show their ticket stub at the Player’s Extra Club in the casino will receive $20 worth of free slot play. Saratoga Casino and Raceway. 342 Jefferson Street, Saratoga Springs. Saturday, July 30. 11 a.m.— 10 p.m. (584-2110 www.saratogacasino.com) $15 Advance, $20 At the door.

Celebrate Dave with Big Eyed Phish at the Paddock Lounge

•  Live at Paddock: Big Eyed Phish. Missing Dave Matthews’ presence at SPAC this year? You’re not the only one. Dave fans can check out the region’s top Dave Matthews Tribute Band, Big Eyed Fish, at the Paddock Lounge this Saturday. The event kicks off with a p.m. “social hour” that runs until 8 (a social 3 hours) and features 2 for 1 drink specials. The band starts their set at 9 p.m. The Paddock Lounge. 6 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs. 9 p.m.—1 a.m.  (www.paddockloungesaratoga.com, www.bigeyedphish.com). FREE.

Check out Kentucky’s own Sleeper Agent live at the Den

• Sleeper Agent at Putnam Den. Sleeper Agent is a fast-paced garage pop six-piece group hailing all the way from Bowling Green, Kentucky. The band’s sound is rooted in southern rock and soul music and features duo male/female vocal stylings. Sleeper Agent has an upcoming debut album, “Celebrasian,” due out in September and produced through Mom & Pop Records. After gaining acclaim across the Midwest (their sound has been compared to the White Stripes) this sounds like another night of top-notch alt-rock presented by WEQX 102.7 at the Den – other guests for the evening include: Viva Brother, 1,2,3, and Kitty. Putnam Den. 63A Putnam Street, Saratoga Springs. Saturday, July 30. 7—10 p.m. (584-8066 www.putnamden.com). Call for ticket price.

SUNDAY, JULY 31.

Bring the family to celebrate National Dance Day – try your hand at exotic dance styles from belly-dancing to conga moves.

• National Dance Day. The National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs joins the nation in celebrating National Dance Day. Brought  to you by the creators of the hit TV show “So You Think You Can Dance,” the National Dance Day event features an interactive program where Usher wannabes can test out their skills in different dance styles including hip-hop, swing, belly-dance, aerobic dance, and choreographed dance. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Dizzy Feet Foundation, a national organization dedicated to supporting and increasing awareness of dance education in the U.S. National Museum of Dance. 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Sunday, July 31. 1—4 p.m. (584-2225 www.dancemuseum.org). $6 Adult, $4.50 Student/Senior. FREE Under 12.

Take a trackside Sunday stroll at Saratoga Race Course

• Summer Stroll: Trackside: Racing in Saratoga. Of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s 13 walking tours of the city, the trackside tour is perfect for both local racing fans and out-of-towners alike. The tour takes guests on a walk by the exteriors of the Reading Room, the National Museum of Racing and then into the Saratoga Race Course. Inside the track, visitors will have the exclusive chance to learn all about the history of racing in Saratoga Springs from guide Georgia Horner while visiting the Oklahoma Track, the Fasig-Tipton horse sales pavilion and stables. The tour runs rain or shine, reservations encouraged, but not necessary. Get behind the scenes of the Saratoga Race Track, the only place to be this summer. SE Corner of Nelson Avenue and Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Sunday, July 31. 10:30 a.m.—12 p.m. (587-5030 www.saratogapreservation.org). $5 Members, $8 Non-members.