Preakness Festival dates, schedule announced

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The Preakness Festival, a relatively new Maryland event that intends to bring the essence of the Preakness Stakes into communities across the state, is underway.

Running from Friday, May 8, to Sunday, May 17, the 2026 festival is back as event organizers released the schedule and lineup of celebrations, parties and tributes for the next week and a half leading into the 151st Preakness Stakes. 

A series of free and ticketed events will look to bring Marylanders together in celebration of one of Maryland’s most iconic traditions, a release says. First Lady Dawn Moore is the co-chair of the festival, which held its first-ever event last year to celebrate Preakness’s 150th year.

“The Preakness Festival is an opportunity for all to celebrate Maryland’s rich equine history while embracing the culture and diversity of our communities,” Moore said according to a release. 

“As co-chair of the Preakness Festival, I am proud that this year we are expanding our community partnerships from Baltimore City to Anne Arundel, Howard and Prince George’s counties — as we build an inclusive economy around one of our most beloved traditions, and invite Marylanders and visitors from around the nation to experience the best this state has to offer.”

The 2026 Preakness Festival will feature farm tours, film screenings, music festivals, horse racing observances and tributes, and more celebrating the state’s equestrian history and heritage. 

According to event organizers, here is the lineup for the upcoming festival:

• Off to the Races in Anne Arundel County: Through May 17
• Preakness Festival Market and Movie Night (free): Friday, May 8; 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• A Toast to Preakness Brunch (ticketed): Saturday, May 9; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
• Maryland Horse Farm Tour (free): Sunday, May 10; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Mother’s Day at the Races (ticked): Sunday, May 10; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Governor’s Classic Golf Tournament (ticketed): Monday, May 11; 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Alibi Breakfast (ticketed): Thursday, May 14; 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Black Eyed Susan Day: Friday, May 15; 11:30 a.m.
• Black Eyed Suzy Party: Friday, May 15; 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Preakness Party: Friday to Sunday, May 15 to 17
• AFROPEAK (ticketed): Saturday, May 16; 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• 5th Annual George “Spider” Anderson Music & Arts Festival (free): Saturday, May 16, at 1 p.m.

The Preakness Stakes, the thoroughbred racing Triple Crown’s middle jewel, is set to occur at Laurel Park on May 16 as the Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course undergoes renovations.

More information and updates on the festival are available at www.preaknessfestival.com.