The popular Weiner Dog Derby returns to Meadowlands Racetrack June 22 for its second year, and there also will be live harness racing during the event. Photo courtesy of Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment
New Jersey is home to an array of outdoor options in the summer, but it can be difficult to find a place that the whole family can enjoy. Meadowlands Racetrack has a little bit of fun for everyone, from live harness racing to food competitions and everything in between. Following is the racetrack’s 2019 summer event lineup:
Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment’s Championship Meet runs through Hambletonian Day, Aug. 3. Live racing takes place every Friday and Saturday with a 7:15 p.m. post time. The Championship Meet features more than $8.5 million in stakes races as well as event-filled weekends.
Every live race night fans can enter Horseplay. Pick up a free toy horse at the promotions table, and throw the horse into the car for a chance to win $100 and an entry into the Aug. 2 drawing for a 2019 Toyota C-HR.
Country comes to the Meadowlands Racetrack on June 15 for Country Fest with Thompson Square. This country powerhouse duo will play their romantic No. 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. as the Jason Wicks Band gets 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. while Lauren Davidson is on the stage. Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door and can be purchased here.
June 22 is the return of the wildly popular Wiener Dog Derby. Fans watch daschunds dash down the track’s stretch in between live harness racing. Daschunds can register here.
If wine and food is your perfect pairing, check out Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment’s Summer Wine Festival June 29. Photo courtesy of Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment
On June 29, the vino will flow at Meadowlands Racetrack for the Summer Wine Festival. Doors open for VIP Admission ($75) at 4:30 p.m. and General Admission ($35) at 5:30 p.m., and wine is poured until 9:30 p.m. Festival-goers will experience an evening of great wines from around the world, live harness racing, music and food. Tickets are available here.
July 6 marks Fan Appreciation Night & Fireworks Night with $1 hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn and soda and $2 draft beer from 7 to 11 p.m. Following live harness racing, an enthralling fireworks display will take place to honor Independence Day. The best place to be will be atop Victory Terrace Rooftop Bar with great views of the racing action, city skyline and fireworks along with a full-service bar and rooftop grill. All guests are in for an amazing show that will begin 10 minutes after the last race at approximately 11:10 p.m. Then, on July 13, the 4th annual BBQ Battle returns to the track on Crawford Farms Meadowlands Pace Night. $2,000 is up for grabs in the BBQ Battle with $500 top prizes for the best brisket, chicken, pulled pork and ribs. There also will be live music and carnival rides for the kids while the top 3-year-old pacers compete for the $600,000 Crawford Farms Meadowlands Pace title.
The always popular Seafood Festival is scheduled for its sixth year on July 27. The Pink Buffet, overlooking the live racing action, will feature a special seafood-themed spread including lobster, mussels and clams. There also will 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, and restaurants and home cooks can enter for a chance to win $500.
The Seafood Festival showcases the Garden State’s best spreads from the ocean year after year, drawing visitors from the tri-state area. Photo courtesy of Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment
The racing calendar wraps up on Aug. 3 with the greatest day in harness racing — $1 million Hambletonian Day. More than $3.5 million is on the line as the top trotters and pacers compete to be crowned champions. Doors open at 10 a.m. with first race at noon. Admission is $5 and includes a commemorative “Hambo” baseball cap for adults and a horse-themed 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 more.
For a complete list of nightly events, promotions and updated racing calendar, 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 (843-2446) or by visiting Playmeadowlands.com/dining.
Looking to book a corporate event or private party? Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment has an array of event possibilities – from a rooftop terrace with skyline views, to Trackside and private Skybox Suites. Book a party today by emailing catering@playmeadowlands.com.
Reminder, guests must be 18+ to wager; 21+ to gamble on sports. Have a gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
