The Meadowlands Racetrack has live harness racing every Friday and Saturday night, with a 6:20 p.m. post time, but there are plenty of other happenings, including chances to win $100 and even a new car. Plus, festivals featuring wine, seafood, burgers, and so much more leading up to Hambletonian Day on Aug. 3.
Fans can enter Horseplay by picking up a free horse at the promotions table and throwing the horse into the car for a chance to win $100 and an entry into the Friday, Aug. 2 drawing for a new 2024 Toyota Camry.
Wine Festival
On Saturday, June 22, the vino will flow at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment for the Meadowlands Wine Festival.
Doors open for VIP Admission ($65) at 4 p.m.; General Admission starts at 5 p.m. for $45 in advance or $50 at the door; wine is poured until 9 p.m. Get tickets here to experience wines from around the world, live harness racing, music, and food.
Pro Wrestling
The Brendan Byrne Brawl produced by Independent Superstars of Pro Wrestling is a family-friendly live pro wrestling event on Saturday, June 29.
Featuring seven action-packed matches, the event includes Crowbar vs. ISPW champion Rey Calitri and Big Vito vs. Rick Recon and takes place in between the live harness racing. Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 the day of the event.
Fan Appreciation
Fan Appreciation Night is Saturday, July 6 from 6 to 11 p.m., $1 hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, soda, and $2 draft beer. Guests can purchase these specially priced concessions at the Café, on the Victory Terrace, and in the Backyard. Guests are encouraged to stay after the races for the free fireworks display.
Comedy Night
Comedy Night, produced by Heavyset Comedy, is Friday, July 12 at 7 p.m., featuring headliner Jamie Wolf, the 2019 Philly Phunniest. The lineup also includes Jason Choi, Sharon Simon, and Will Gallagher.
Starting at 9:30 p.m., the second show will be headlined by Derek Drescher, featuring Kyle Vaters, Monique Latiese, and Katie Heneghan. Tickets are $20.
Meadowlands Pace with DJ and Fun
The Meadowlands Pace — the track’s signature nighttime event — takes place on Saturday, July 13. The first race kicks off at 6:20 p.m. and admission and parking are free. There is $2.5 million in stakes up for grabs with the top 3-year-old pacers competing for the title.
During the races, fans can ride a mechanical shark, dance with DJ ALX, and get a commemorative t-shirt (while supplies last). More details are here.
Burger Battle On Pace Night
Also on Pace night is the annual Meadowlands Racetrack Burger Battle. The contest offers a $1,500 grand prize, $1,000 for second place, $500 for third, and $500 for the best burger patty.
This free event runs from 5 to 11 p.m., and fans are encouraged to come out and taste some of the best local burgers from over 20 food trucks.
Fans can enter for a chance to win a seat at the official judging table. Two fans will be selected, with judging taking place at 7 p.m.
The Battle is open to area food trucks & restaurants. Battle details are here. Burgers can be any combination of meat and toppings. Judging is based upon 60% taste and 40% presentation. To register, email Rachel Ryan
Participating food trucks for the event include:
- Delicious Lola Josefa’s
- Rods Fish N Chips
- Cat Like Reflexes
- Magic Mikes Smoked Meats
- Clydes Homemade Italian Ice & Ice Cream
- Bitch’n Bacon
- Eat My Balls
- The Mozzarella God
- Antojitos de mi Tierra
- Latin Bites
- Totally Nutz
- Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn
- Carnival Concessions
- DAW Concessions
- Freakin Empanadas
- Fire & Coal BBQ Grill
- Michael’s Backyard BBQ
- Holy Grail Burgers
- Rolling Pita
- Top Tea Plug
- Love JoJo’s Cookies
Seafood Festival
Save Saturday, July 27 for the Seafood Festival from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is free and live racing begins at 6:20 p.m. featuring eliminations for the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks.
There will be a raw bar in the backyard and various food trucks serving some of the best seafood in the Garden State, including fried clams, fish tacos, crab fries, lobster rolls, and much more. The Backyard Grill and Bar will be featuring a shrimp cocktail and more.
Interested in being a vendor? Email Rachel Ryan raryan@playmeadowlands.com with your Food Truck Name and menu offerings. Cost to participate is $100.
Participating food trucks include:
- Delicious LoLa Josefa’s
- Rods Fish N Chips
- Star Of The Sea Seafood
- Cat Like Reflexes
- Clydes Homemade Italian Ice & Ice Cream
- Bitch’n Bacon
- Cousins Maine Lobster
- Eat My Balls
- The Mozzarella God
- Antojitos de mi Tierra
- Latin Bites
- Naya Shushi On Wheels
- Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn
- Carnival Concessions
- Angry Archies
- Freakin Empanadas
- DAW Concessions
- Fire & Coal BBQ Grill
- Totally Nutz
- Top Tea Plug
- Love JoJo’s Cookies
- Creole Soul
Hambletonian Day
The $1 million Hambletonian Day race is Saturday, Aug. 3, with over $3.5 million on the line as the top trotters and pacers compete to be crowned champions. Doors open at 10 a.m., with the first race at noon.
Admission is $5 and includes a commemorative Hambo baseball cap for adults and children. In addition to great harness racing, fans can enjoy carnival rides, games, food trucks, pony rides, live music, and more. The day also includes a special appearance by Carson Kressley! Full Hambletonian Day details can be found here.
For a complete list of nightly events, promotions, and an updated racing calendar, visit PlayMeadowlands.com. Make dining reservations for the Pink buffet here or call 201-The-BigM (201-843-2446).
