Get your saddles ready for the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 18, a cherished Baltimore tradition which has rode its way into the hearts of millions. The world-famous horse race takes place at the Historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore’s Pimlico neighborhood and has been running annually since 1873.
In those years, the event has turned into more than just a race. It is a full-scale entertainment event featuring premier entertainers thrilled to bring their talents to Baltimore. Preakness Live, now relocated to offer a view of the Preakness final stretch, will be headlined by the internationally popular rapper Jack Harlow, known for his hit songs “What’s Poppin” and “First Class.” Preakness Live will also be complete with numerous pop-ups showcasing Baltimore’s rich culture.
Even if you can’t make the live event, Baltimore has plenty of places to experience the full Preakness thrill. The Point in Fells, a casual, American restaurant with a craft kitchen and handcrafted cocktails, is hosting Preakness Weekend On Point, a weekend complete with Black Eyed Susans, Preakness-themed cocktails, and the race playing on multiple big screens!
The Preakness Stakes also makes for prime at-home viewing. Invite your friends and Spinnaker Bay neighbors for a Preakness-themed viewing party with all the appropriate fixings! Black Eyed Susans are the signature drink of the race and add a refreshing twist to any watch party. A delicious mix of pineapple, orange, lime juice, vodka, and elderflower liqueur, the drink will be a fixture in your apartment well past Preakness weekend.
One way to make all viewing party attendees feel closer to the action is to introduce betting squares to the mix. Whether your party has high-stakes gamblers or people simply looking to have a casual, good-time, betting squares are a great way to up the excitement of the event and make it a memorable time for all of your guests! Some other ways to give your watch party Baltimore flair is to cook up some local cuisine favorites, such as crab cakes or Berger cookies, a delectable dessert for all occasions.
Whether you’re a die-hard horse racing fan or you’re on the more casual side, Preakness Weekend has something for you to enjoy. From deep tradition to invigorating performances to refreshing cocktails, the Preakness Stakes is a Baltimore staple which goes beyond just racing and into the culture of the city itself.