​2015 Preakness Events

Dozens of races run around the state each spring, but none are more prestigious than Preakness, where 14 thoroughbreds compete at the hallowed Pimlico Race Course for the middle jewel of the famous Triple Crown. Now in its 140th year, it has become a major Maryland institution, where the race itself is just part of the fun. Here are 16 events leading up to the big day.

PREAKNESS PREGAMES:

Kentucky Derby Party at Ryleigh’s Oyster
May 2: Pregame for Preakness by watching the first leg of the Triple Crown at Ryleigh’s Oyster in Hunt Valley. Starting at 3 p.m., enjoy festive mint juleps and sagamore crushes (orange juice based crushes with Bulleit whiskey) as well as tons of Southern-inspired fare while taking in the action in Louisville. Ryleigh’s Oyster Hunt Valley, 22 W. Padonia Road, 410-539-2093.

Karaoke for the Cause
May 7: Make it a Throwback Thursday for the record books by jamming to some classic karaoke tunes from 6-9 p.m. Raffles for Orioles and Black-Eyed Susan Day tickets will be featured with proceeds benefitting Susan G. Komen Maryland and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Mt Washington Tavern, 5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903.

Turf Valley Preakness Celebration Balloon Festival
May 14-16: Take in the sights and sounds of this massive family-friendly festival in Ellicott City boasting tons of hot-air balloons, food and craft vendors, and live entertainment in honor of the Preakness Stakes. Turf Valley, 2700 Turf Valley Road, Ellicott City, 410-465-1500.

Pre-Preakness VIP Party
May 16: The Greene Turtle in Towson will open its doors bright and early to kick off the Preakness Day festivities with plenty of boozy breakfast specials. Starting at 8 a.m., sip $1 beers, jumbo rails for $3.75, $5 bloody marys, and $5 mimosas while loading up on breakfast sandwiches for $4.99 and free donuts and pastries while supplies last. The Greene Turtle. 408 York Road, Towson, 410-825-3980.

BMORE Around Town All-Inclusive Preakness Package
May 16: Transportation to and from Pimlico, an all-you-can-drink MUG Club ticket to InfieldFest, and boozy brunches featuring $3 Bud Lights and $12 mimosa pitchers are all included in this package offered by a handful of local bars including Mother’s Grille and Claddagh Pub. Locations vary, bmorearoundtown.com.

Drop Dead Gorgeous Preakness Stakes Party
May 16: The fun doesn’t have to end once the races do. If you’re up for another jockey-themed bash, head to Mosaic Nightclub in Power Plant Live at 9 p.m. for a post-game party featuring DJs Thomas Neal and Sal Flip. Bartenders will be giving away prizes for guests with the most outrageous hats and bowties, and all attendees dressed to the theme will be given a free Black-Eyed Susan martini. Mosaic Nightclub, 4 Market Place, 443-568-5308.

PIMLICO PARTIES:

Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch
May 10: Toast your mom with bubbly on the Pimlico Terrace, with beautiful views of the famous track and delicious eats like lobster mac and cheese, prime rib, and Belgian waffles. Pimlico Terrace, 5201 Park Heights Ave., 301-725-0770.

Preakness Position Draw
May 13: The equine excitement starts early with the Preakness Post Position Draw, where officials pull the positions for Saturday’s star-studded race. International Pavilion at Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave., 410-542-9400.

Sunrise at Old Hilltop Tours
May 13-15: Watch the sunrise on the Grandstand Apron, tour the Preakness Stakes Barn, and watch the horses run their morning workouts during a short, sneak-peak between 6-9 a.m. Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave., 887-206-8042

Black-Eyed Susan Day
May 15: On Preakness eve, join in the fun of Black-Eyed Susan Day with a women’s networking lunch; an infield concert featuring ’90s alternative mavens Vertical Horizon, Fuel, and Gin Blossoms; and the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, where 13 fillies compete in the second race of the renowned filly Triple Crown. Proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen Maryland and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave., 887-206-8042.

Female Handicapper Challenge
May 15: Learn how to “bet like a girl” at the $30,000 Female Handicapper Challenge & Seminar. Handicappers will hold a special session for fans, revealing their bets for the Black-Eyed Susan, Pimlico Special, and Preakness races.
Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave., 887-206-8042.

Celebrity Jockey Autographs
May 15: Meet and greet your favorite jockeys at 10 a.m on the first floor grandstand.
Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave., 887-206-8042.

True Chesapeake Oyster Company
May 16: The St. Mary’s County-based company is the exclusive oyster provider for the Preakness Stakes. Their slightly salty Skinny Dippers will be shucked in the Maryland Jockey Club in the Corporate Village, Turfside Terrace, and other premium seating and VIP tents. 5201 Park Heights Ave., 887-206-8042.

InfieldFest
May 16: Horses, shmorses. At InfieldFest, enjoy live music from two Grammy-nominated artists—EDM trance DJ Armin van Buuren and actor-cum-rapper Childish Gambino—on two stages, plus unlimited beer refills with MUG Club tickets.
Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave., 887-206-8042.

140th Preakness Stakes
May 16: The 140th Preakness Stakes finally arrives, with 14 of the nation’s fastest horses and best jockeys competing for the coveted middle jewel of the famous Triple Crown.
Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave., 887-206-8042.

Canter for the Cause
Rescheduled to May 24: Ride the same track as racing legends like Seabiscuit and Secretariat from 6-11 a.m. For $25-50, bring your horse to walk, trot, canter, and gallop around Pimlico’s historic loop.
Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave., 887-206-8042.