On Saturday, May 6, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment will host an exciting day and night of live racing and simulcasting, including the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs.

Grandstand doors open at 9 a.m. with free parking and free admission. Outdoor table dining at the Café is available which can be reserved by clicking here.

Victory Rooftop Terrace will also open at 12 noon and feature a DJ. Guests can grab a specialty cocktail including mint juleps and mojitos served in an official commemorative 2023 Kentucky Derby glass for $10.

Ladies are welcome to express their fashion sense and style by entering the $1,000 Derby Hat Contest with no boundaries on how over-the-top the headwear can go. The most creative hat wins the $500 grand prize. Sign up between 2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., with the judging at 5 p.m. in the Winner’s Circle.

Plus all guests over 18 years of age can enter the $100 Derby Win Wager contest.  Ten lucky contestants will be selected to place a $100 win wager on any horse of their choice in the Kentucky Derby.  Online entry is available by clicking here.

For added convenience, those just wanting to make wagers on the Derby can utilize the walk-up teller located in Lot M.  The teller will be open both Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

After the Derby, guests are welcome to enjoy a night of live harness racing at the Meadowlands with the first post time set for 6:20 pm. 

Pink, the tiered dining room with perfect views of the live racing action, will feature a few Southern inspired options on the $64.95 buffet. Pink will open early at 4 p.m. and reservations are strongly recommended.  To reserve a table, call 201-THE-BIG-M (201-843-2446).

Prizes continue into the night with 10 $100 win wagers on live harness racing. The 10 contestants will be selected throughout the night. Online entry is available by clicking here.

Fans can also participate in the Horseplay Car Giveaway by picking up a free horse to toss. Horses can be picked up at the Players Club desk or Horseplay table in front of the Winner’s Circle. Participants attempt to throw their numbered horse into the window of a moving car. A winner, randomly chosen from all the horses that make it into the car, will receive a $100 betting voucher. Each night’s winner will be entered into a grand prize drawing to win a brand new 2023 Toyota Camry on, Friday, Aug. 4. After the horse toss each night, children get to pick up all the horses left on the track and receive a free ice cream from The Café.

Also on Saturday, May 6, the Meadowlands hosts the annual Beer Fest.  Doors open for VIP ($65) at 4 p.m. with General Admission ($45 in advance or $50 at the door) at 5 p.m.; beer will be poured until 9 p.m. Fest-goers will experience over 60 breweries and cideries including local New Jersey favourites. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

To round out this great day, Fanduel is hosting MMA legend Brandon Moreno for a UFC 288 Watch Party. Fans can attend from 8 p.m - 10 p.m. and grab a selfie with Moreno in the second floor Gallery. The event is free to attend. 

(Meadowlands Racetrack)