Hello and welcome to a special Travers weekend edition of the Insider Roundup. There's something happening this weekend everywhere you look so keep reading to get the scoop on Travers-related events and other unique offerings including a trip inside the wizarding world of Hogwarts for Harry Potter fans, and an intimate massage class for couples. Enjoy! 

FRIDAY

Sample and vote for the best handcrafted beers in the region this Friday

• Battle of the Brews. Head to the backyard this Friday at the track to quench your thirst and help raise money for the Adirondack/Saratoga chapter of the American Red Cross. DeCrescente Distributing and the Red Cross have teamed up with the region's best breweries to present the 14th annual Battle of the Brews. Guests will have the opportunity to sample some of New York's finest craft brews and vote on their favorite company and variety. Vendors will face off in hot competition to ensure you, the drinker, comes back for more and votes them grand cerveza champion. Some participating breweries include: Anchor Brewery, Blue Moon Brewery, Brooklyn Brewery, Davidson Brothers, Harpoon Brewer, Long Trail, Magic Hat, Olde Saratoga Brewery and many more.  Must be 21 + to enter. Ticket price includes sampling, light food and commemorative track beer glass. Backyard, Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Friday, August 26. Noon to 4 p.m. (792-6545 www.saratogaracetrack.com). $25

Celebrate Saratoga summer at the Travers Eve Downtown Party

• Travers Eve Downtown Party. Stroll down Broadway with friends and family to be a part of the annual Travers eve festivities in downtown Saratoga. The streets will be hopping with live entertainment, music and more as excitement for the running of the 142nd Travers Stakes builds. There will also be a jockey autograph signing and many downtown businesses and restaurants will be offering special track-themed giveaways. Broadway & Downtown, Saratoga Springs. Friday, August 26. 7 to 10 p.m. (584-7064 www.saratogaracetrack.com). FREE.

Taste Wine for Travers

• 13th Annual Travers Wine Tasting Benefit. This annual event is held to benefit senior services of Albany's Meals on Wheels program and other senior-related services. While spending money for a good cause, guests will also have the chance to sample gourmet appetizers and entrees from Capital District restaurants. To whet the pallet, guests can also sample over 100 wines and craft brews from around the world. A live and silent auction will be held. Usher in Travers with style at the National Museum of Racing. National Museum of Racing, 191 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Friday, August 26. 7 to 10 p.m. (463-4381 http://www.seniorservicesofalbany.com/event_travers.htm). $135-$150 

SATURDAY

 Watch the 142nd running of the Travers Stakes

• The Travers Stakes. An obvious must for the weekend. Join the crowd and celebrate the 142nd running of Saratoga's most famous race at Saratoga Race Course. Save your money to bet a few bills on the 1.25 mile long, $1 million Travers, also known as the "Mid-Summer Derby" for 3-year-olds. Gates open at 7 a.m. on Saturday with the first post time at 11:35 that morning. Bring your coolers, fabulous track hats, friends and family for an unforgettable day at the races. Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Saturday, August 27. (584-7064 www.saratogaracetrack.com). $3 Grandstand, $5 Clubhouse.

Harry Potter fans - journey to NYC for the adventure of a lifetime

• Bus Trip to Harry Potter Exhibit at Times Square Discovery Center. Witches, wizards and muggles alike will love the new Harry Potter Exhibit in New York City. Brought to you by the Friends of the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library, this bus trip to the big city is open to children, families and the general public. The bus departs the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library parking lot at 7:30 a.m. on the dot. After an enchanting day exploring the wizarding world, the bus will depart the exhibit at 6 p.m. getting families home at a reasonable hour. Price includes transportation and tickets to the exhibition. Times Square Discovery Center, Manhattan. Saturday, August 27. 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (505-1303 http://www.cliftonpark.org/friendsofcphl). $70 Adults, $45 Children.

Celebrate summer at the CP community fair

• 2011 Summer Community Fair. It's not summer until you've been to the fair. Families looking for a fun outing this weekend in a calmer atmosphere than the track have the chance to check out the Clifton Park Community Fair on Saturday. Each year the Shenendehowa Adult Community Center hosts the fair, which features an array of activities like crafts, demos, a bounce house, food vendors, face painting, a petting zoo, book sale, Chinese auction and much much more. Admission is free and there's fun for everyone at this day-long event. Shenendehowa Adult Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. Saturday, August 27. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (383-1343 http://www.shenacc.org). FREE.
  

Give back to Bridges on Travers day

• Saratoga Bridges Travers Day at the Races. One of Saratoga's most renowned charities, Saratoga Bridges, will hold its 22nd annual Saratoga Bridges Travers Day fundraiser event. Guests arrive 30 minutes before the first post and can stay well through the day's last race. Ticket price includes lunch, open from noon to 3 p.m., where guests can dine on selections from a fully catered buffet. Along with gourmet bites, ticket price includes one free cocktail, admission to the Clubhouse and a Post Parade program. Proceeds will help Saratoga Bridges continue running programs for adults with developmental disabilities across the Capital District. Carousel Restaurant, Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Saturday, August 27. 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.(587-0723 www.saratogabridges.org). $125 Per person.

Get cozy with a couples massage

• Couples Massage Class. Couples have the chance to spend quality time together bonding through the art of massage this Saturday. Learn the tricks of the trade so in the future you and your significant other can utilize massage to relieve each others tension. You'll learn muscle relaxant techniques and motions to relieve achy muscles. A great way to grow closer to that special someone while also pampering yourself in a soothing setting. Why not? Try something new this Saturday. Kaivlya Massage Therapy, 7 Wells Street Suite 201, Saratoga Springs. Saturday, August 27. 3 to 5 p.m. (209-1150 www.kaivlya.massagetherapy.com). $60 Per couple.

SUNDAY

 Go back to 1874 on Broadway

• Summer Stroll: A Very Good Year: Broadway in 1874. The Preservation Foundation presents the 10th in a series of 13th walking tours of historic Saratoga Springs this Sunday. Walk down Broadway and learn all about how the street looked and felt back in 1874 - one of Saratoga's golden years in the Gilded Age. Hear about the three world famous hotels and the wealthy, sophisticated socialites who stayed there during the time. Did you know the Grand Union hotel on Broadway was the biggest in the world during its heyday? Learn about the hotel and other hidden secrets of Saratoga in the late 19th century. NW Corner of Congress Street & Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Sunday, August 28. 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (587-5030 www.saratogapreservation.org). $5 Members, $8 Non-members.

OR...

In case of Hurricane Irene cancellations...
Grab some hot coco, stay insider and be safe!