Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment is gearing up for a jammed-packed summer, with racing fun kicking off at the track’s Championship Meet on May 5, with races continuing through Hambletonian Day on Aug. 5.
Every Friday and Saturday night, fans can look forward to live racing with a 6:20 p.m. post time. Spectators can also enter the Horseplay contest for a chance to win $100 and an entry into the Aug. 4 drawing of a 2023 Toyota Camry.
Beer Fest & Kentucky Derby
On May 6, horse racing enthusiasts can expect an action-packed day and night of simulcast and live racing action, along with the the annual international beer festival, with includes two Meadowlands-area breweries.
Look for the Meadowlands Media feature story on Friday, May 4 spotlighting Clifton’s Ghost Hawk Brewing Company and Carlstadt’s Bolero Snort Brewery, both appearing at the Meadowlands Racetrack’s annual Beer Festival.
See also: Two of the Meadowlands Racetrack’s Biggest Festivals Returning
The simulcast of the Kentucky Derby has a post time of 6:57 p.m. and is the 12 of 14 races. Meadowlands Racetrack fans can participate in the $1,000 Derby Hat contest and the $100 in wager promotion. Afternoon dining is available.
The 7th Annual Beer Fest on May 6 begins at 4 p.m. for VIP ticket holders, with general admission starting at 5 p.m. More than 60 breweries are participating. VIP tickets are $65; regular admission is $45 in advance and $50 at the door. For tickets, click here.
Charity Handicapping Contest
The Meadowlands Racetrack is hosting a night of races for a worthy cause in the fourth annual Charity Handicapping Contest on May 13. The contest is a free handicapping challenge open to 501C3 organizations, with a $15,000 total donation/prize pool, where all ten charities receive a donation. To participate, email Rachel Ryan at raryan@playmeadowlands.com by May 4.
Wiener Dog Derby
On June 3, fans can watch dachshunds race down the track’s stretch in between live harness racing at the Wiener Dog Derby. To register a dachshund, click here.
Sweepstakes
There will be $30,000 up for grabs at the Meadowlands Racetrack on July 22 in the second annual Jackpot Sweepstakes. The evening will start at 6:45 p.m. and the cash prizes will increase as the night goes on, with the final drawing at 11:30 pm. To pre-register, click here.
Wine Festival
The Meadowlands Wine Festival will be held on June 24, where VIP doors will open at 4:00 p.m. and General Admission will start at 5:00 p.m. Attendees can enjoy an evening of great wines from around the world, live-harness racing, music and food. VIP tickets are $65 with regular admission costing $45 in advance and $50 at the door. To purchase tickets, click here.
Fan Appeciation
Fan Appreciation Weekend is on June 30 and July 1, with $1 hot dogs, popcorn, soda and $2 Budweiser and Bud Lights on both nights. Following the races on Friday night, there will be a free firework show.
Meadowlands Pace
On July 15, the Meadowlands Pace takes place with $2.5 million in stakes on the line, the top 3-year-old pacers will compete for the Meadowlands Pace title. Fans can also ride the mechanical shark, dance with DJ ALX and grab a commemorative t-shirt.
Hambletonian Day
The Meadowlands Racetrack’s Summer Events conclude on Aug. 5 with the $1 million Hambletonian Day, the greatest day in harness racing. Over $3.5 million is at stake, and spectators can enjoy carnival rides and games, food trucks, pony rides, live music and more. Admission is $5 and includes a commemorative Hambo baseball cap. To purchase tickets, click here.
To see a full list of all the Meadowlands Racetrack’s events, click here.
