The Meadowlands Racetrack’s Championship Meet will get underway on Friday, May 3 and run through Hambletonian Day, Saturday, August 3.
Live racing will take place at the track every Friday and Saturday night with a 7:15 p.m. post time. The Championship Meet will feature over $7 million in stakes races, as well as event-filled weekends.
Every live race night fans can enter ‘Horseplay.’ Pick up a free horse at the promotions table and throw the horse into the car for a chance to win $100 and an entry into the Friday, August 2 drawing for a brand new 2019 Toyota CHR.
On Saturday, May 4, join Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment for an exciting day and night of simulcast and live racing action, including the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. Fans can enter the $1,000 Derby Hat contest and the $100 win wager promotion and enjoy the $39.95 Derby Lunch Buffet in the Gallery. For reservations call 201-THE-BIG-M (201-843-2446).
On Saturday May 18, the beer will flow for the fourth Annual Spring Beer Fest. Doors open for VIP ($75) at 4:30 p.m. with General Admission ($35) 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. Tickets can be purchased at PlayMeadowlands.com/beerfest.
The fourth Annual Battle for the Best Burger is slated for Saturday, June 8. The contest offers a $1,500 grand prize with $1,000 for second place and $500 for third. This free event runs from 12 noon - 10 p.m. and fans are encouraged to come out and taste some of the best local burgers.
Country will come to the Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday, June 15 for Country Fest with Thompson Square. This country powerhouse duo will play all their romantically #1 hits including ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not’ and ‘If I Didn’t Have You.’ Doors for the show open at 2:30 p.m. with the Jason Wicks Band getting the party started at 4 p.m. The headliner, Thompson Square will electrify the crowd beginning at 6 p.m. The party continues with live racing at 7:15 p.m. and Lauren Davidson on the stage. Tickets are just $20 in advance or $30 at the door and can be purchased at PlayMeadowlands.com/thompsonsquare.
Saturday, June 22nd is the return of the popular Wiener Dog Derby. Fans watch dachshunds dash down the track’s stretch in between live harness racing. Dachshunds can register at http://playmeadowlands.com/event_detail.aspx?id=17168
On Saturday, June 29, the vino will flow at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment for the Summer Wine Festival. Doors open for VIP Admission ($75) at 4:30 p.m. with General Admission ($35) at 5:30 p.m. and wine is poured until 9:30pm. Fest-goers will experience an evening of great wines from around the world, live harness racing, music and food. Tickets are available at PlayMeadowlands.com/winefest.
Saturday, July 6 is Fan Appreciation & Fireworks Night. Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs, popcorn, soda and draft beer. Plus following the races fans are encouraged to stay for the free fireworks show.
Then on Saturday, July 13 the fourth Annual BBQ Battle returns to the track on Crawford Farms Meadowlands Pace Night. $2,000 is up for grabs in the Battle with $500 top prizes for the best brisket, chicken, pulled pork and ribs. There is also live music and carnival rides for the kids. Plus on the track, the top three-year-old pacers compete for the $650,000 Crawford Farms Meadowlands Pace title.
The always popular Seafood Festival is scheduled for its sixth year on Saturday, July 27. The Pink buffet, overlooking the live racing action, will feature a special seafood-themed spread including lobster, mussels and clams. There will also be a raw bar in the Backyard and a variety of food trucks serving up some of the best seafood in the Garden State. A new addition to the day is a chowder cook-off! Restaurants and home cooks can enter for a chance to win $500.
The race meet will wrap up on Saturday, August 3 with the greatest day in harness racing - $1 million Hambletonian Day. Over $3.5 million will be on the line as the top trotters and pacers compete to be crowned champions. Doors open at 10 a.m. with first race at 12 noon. Admission is $5 and includes a commemorative Hambo baseball cap for adults and a horse gym bag for children. In addition to the great harness racing, fans can enjoy carnival rides and games, pony rides, face painters, live music and much more.
For a complete list of nightly events, promotions and updated racing calendar please visit PlayMeadowlands.com. Dining reservations for the Pink buffet or Victory Sports Bar located in the FanDuel Sportsbook can be made by calling 201-The-BigM (201-843-2446) or by visiting Playmeadowlands.com/dining.
Looking to book a corporate event or private party? Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment has unlimited event possibilities – from a rooftop terrace with skyline views, to Trackside to private Skybox Suites. Book a Party today by emailing [email protected].
Reminder, guests must be 18+ to wager; 21+ to gamble on sports. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
(Meadowlands Racetrack)