SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Saratoga Springs "Beer Week" begins with a range of beer specials. The event is seen as a winter alternative to the racetrack, and gets into full gear Thursday and Friday with rare beers and seminars.

A number of New York breweries will also be featured throughout the week. Beer Week ends Saturday.

Tickets for individual sessions are for sale online. Organizers say the event was sold out last year.