The Meadowlands Racetrack kicks off the Championship Meet on Friday, May 1st, with live racing every Friday and Saturday night with a 6:35 pm post time. The Championship Meet features over $8 million in stakes races and event-filled weekends ...
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- April 28, 2026 -- The Meadowlands Racetrack kicks off the Championship Meet on Friday, May 1st, with live racing every Friday and Saturday night with a 6:35 pm post time. The Championship Meet features over $8 million in stakes races and event-filled weekends.
Each 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 7th drawing for a brand new 2026 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid.
Come to the track on Saturday, May 2nd, for an exciting day and night of simulcast & live racing action, including the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. Fans are encouraged to wear their best fascinator or hat to win cash in the $1,000 Derby Hat. Afternoon dining for both the Lounge and the outdoor Café can be purchased at https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/meadowlandsracetrack/2026-derby-day-dining
The fun continues on Saturday, May 9, at our annual food truck Burger Battle.
From 5:00 p.m.-11 p.m. in the Backyard, fans can grab some delicious burgers and food truck eats from some of the best local food trucks and restaurants in the area. Once again, admission and parking are free.
$3,500 is up for grabs in the Battle with a $1,500 grand prize, $1,000 second place prize, and $500 third place prize, plus the $500 prize for the best-tasting burger patty.
Twenty-seven trucks are already registered for the Burger Battle, including:
Smash & Dash Burger Co
Sliderz N Bowlz
Savage Burger
Kimchi Smoke
The Hen and the Hog
The Pita Bowl
Burgers & More
Bites & Delights
Uncle Eddie’s Touch of Sauce
Latin Bites
Kitchen 787 NJ
The Lemon Bar
Lots of Meat Barbecue
Eat My Balls
Clyde's Homemade Italian Ice & Ice Cream
Cat Like Reflexes
Carnival Concessions
Tiny Hot Cakes
Scrumps & Yum
Sugar Shack Eatz
Wild Bill’s Soda
Beastro Cuisine
DAW Concessions
Super Stuffed Burgers
Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn
Michael’s Backyard BBQ
Why Not Burgerz
The annual Meadowlands Racetrack Beerfest takes place on Saturday, May 16th. Doors open for VIP admission at 4:00 pm, with General Admission at 5:00 pm, and beer is poured until 9:00 pm. It is an afternoon and evening of craft beer and horse racing, both live harness racing and the Preakness Stakes. For tickets, visit https://playmeadowlands.com/event/meadowlands-racetrack-beer-fest/
The track’s monthly handicapping contest schedule continues on Saturday, May 23. There is no entry fee (a $100 live money bankroll is required) for players, and the prize pool, guaranteed at $1,000 and funded by the track, will be paid out to the top four finishers. Full details are available here.
Highlighting Saturday, May 30, is the fan favorite Corgi Cup. This family-friendly event features corgis racing in the track’s Backyard party space in between live harness racing. This year, we have expanded the competition to 100 doggy contestants across 10 heats. The exciting Corgi Cup Final takes place under the lights on the track at 9:25 pm. Admission and parking are free.
For a complete list of nightly events, promotions, and an updated racing calendar, please visit PlayMeadowlands.com. Dining reservations for the Pink buffet can be made by calling 201-The-BigM (201-843-2446) or visiting https://playmeadowlands.com/dine/.
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 alokshin@playmeadowlands.com.
As a reminder, guests must be 18+ to wager and 21+ to gamble on sports. Have a gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
