Spring has sprung and Meadowlands Racetrack executives are already thinking about summer, encouraging fans to mark their calendars for its popular foodie events.

First up on the 2025 event calendar is the Battle of the Meats, scheduled for Saturday, May 17. The track has combined two of its most popular events – the BBQ Extravaganza and Burger Battle into one huge food truck event.  Nearly $5,000 USD is up for grabs for area food trucks, with $500 USD top prizes for the best brisket, chicken, pulled pork, ribs and a People’s Choice BBQ award. A $500 USD grand prize will be awarded, along with $250 USD for second place, $100 USD for third place and a $500 USD prize for the best-tasting burger patty in the burger competition. To up the ante, there is a $1,000 USD top prize for the best bite. This free event runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Two lucky fans will win a spot at the judging table and get to sample all this delicious food.

Twenty-six food trucks are registered for the Battle of the Meats, including Magic Mike’s Smoked Meat, Eat My Balls, Kimchi Smoke BBQ, Clydes Italian Ice, Latin Bites, Wild Bills Soda, Btch’N Bacon, Angry Archies, Carnival Concessions, DAW Concessions, Why Not Burgerz, Gimmie Hibachi, Cat Like Reflexes, The Quarry Food Truck, The Original Delicious Lola Josefa’s, Shugar Shack Soulfood, The Henn & The Hog, Antojitos de mi Tierra, Fire and Coal BBQ, Lots of Meat BBQ, The Empanada Truck, Michael’s Backyard BBQ, Chef J’s Latin Dragon, Jersey Johnny’s House of Dogs and Bennetts BBQ.

Meadowlands Pace Night is scheduled for Saturday, July 12 and will feature exciting racing and numerous food trucks to feed hungry fans. In addition to the food and racing, there will be live music, games and other entertainment, making it a fun-filled night for the whole family.

The always popular Seafood Festival is set for Saturday, July 26, when the live race card will feature eliminations for the $1 USD million Hambletonian and the $500,000 USD Hambletonian Oaks. Fans can enjoy a wide array of delicious seafood bites, including fish tacos, crab fries, lobster rolls, fried clams, fried fish and more. This pay-as-you-eat event runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Registered vendors include Latin Bites, Angry Archie’s, Antojitos di mi Tierra, DAW Concessions, Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn, Star of the Sea Seafood, The Mozzarella God, Eat My Balls, Cousins Maine Lobster, Bitch’n Bacon, The Best in Zest, Lots of Meat BBQ, Chef J’s Latin Dragon, Vagabond Kitchen and Tap House, Shugar Shack Soulfood, Gimmie Hibachi, These Freakin Empanadas, Wild Bill’s Soda, Kimchi Smoke BBQ, Clyde’s Homemade Italian Ice and Ice Cream, and Cat Like Reflexes. 

The 100th running of the Hambletonian will be on Saturday, Aug. 2. Numerous food trucks will be on site, keeping fans happily stuffed while they watch the world’s greatest harness racing.

Restaurants, food trucks and vendors interested in participating in these events can contact Rachel Ryan at [email protected] to secure a spot.

Details on all Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment events can be found at playmeadowlands.com.

(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)