Live racing will return to the Meadowlands Racetrack on Friday, Sept. 3, with a 6:20 p.m. post time.

Racing happens every Friday and Saturday night and admission and parking are free.

Saturday, Sept. 4 is the return of the popular Wiener Dog Derby. Fans will watch dachshunds dash down the track’s stretch in between live harness racing.

On Saturday, Sept. 11, the beer will flow for the annual Meadowlands Racetrack Craft Beer Fest. Doors open for VIP ($85) at 4:30 p.m. with General Admission ($45) at 5:30 p.m., and beer is poured until 9:30 p.m. Fest-goers will experience an evening of the best craft beer, cider, live harness racing, music and food the Garden State has to offer with over 30 breweries and cideries participating. New Jersey favourites attending include: Ghost Hawk Brewing, Ashton Brewing, NJ Beer Co, 902 Brewing, Toms River Brewery, Bolero Snort, Broad Street Seltzers, Untied Brewing, Angry Dad and Seven Tribesman.

The fifth annual Battle for the Best Burger is slated for Saturday, Sept. 18. The contest offers a $1,500 grand prize with $1,000 for second place and $500 for third. This free event runs from 5-10 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come out and taste some of the best local burgers from area food trucks and restaurants including Magic Mike’s Smoked Meats, The Mozzarella God, Carnival Concessions, The Empanada Truck, Twelve Truck, Spanky’s Gourment Grub, DAW Concessions, Cheeseburger Cheeseburger, Smokin’ Joe’s, Super Stuffed Burgers, The Rolling Pita, Latin Bites, Grumpy’s Shack, The Original Golden Brown and Rods Fish and Chips. Plus enjoy tasty treats from Clyde’s Homemade Italian Ice & Ice Cream.

Then on Saturday, Sept. 25, the sixth annual Meadowlands Racetrack Chili Cook Off takes over the track. This year the cook off features $4,750 in cash prizes in the Salsa, Homestyle Chili and Chili Verde categories. Grand prize winners in all three categories will earn a spot in the International Chili Society’s 55th annual World Championship Chili Cook-off. Racetrack guests are also welcome to be part of the fun. They are encouraged to sample the chili and vote for their favourite. Fan favorite voting begins 8 p.m.

For more information on the nightly events, promotions and updated racing calendar, visit PlayMeadowlands.com.

(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)