Baltimore celebrates the Preakness Stakes, horse racing’s second jewel of the Triple Crown, with a week of fun and interactive festivities. Race to Preakness: A Baltimore Celebration features Happy Hours in Center Plaza, Pee Wee Preakness for youngsters, Downtown Lunchtime Happenings and a Pre-Preakness Inner Harbor Party with a fireworks finale. Race to Preakness: A Baltimore Celebration is presented by the City of Baltimore and produced by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts. Additional support is provided by Maryland Jockey Club, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Lexington Market and WBAL-TV.
Schedule of Events
Race to Preakness Happy Hour at Center Plaza
Monday, May 13 – Thursday, May 17
5pm – 8pm
Center Plaza at 110 W. Fayette Street
Join in Race to Preakness after a long day at work with live music, drink specials, a crab derby race, fun games and surprises in Center Plaza throughout the week. The events are produced in partnership with Downtown Partnership of Baltimore.
Monday, May 13 J Pope and the HearNow, hip-hop
Featuring Game Night
Tuesday, May 14 June Star, Americana
Featuring Hospitality Industry Night
Wednesday, May 15 Jah Works, reggae
Featuring Lexington Market Crab Derby Race
Thursday, May 16 DJ Impulse
Featuring The Night Brunch, Baltimore’s top roving brunch event
Race to Preakness Lunchtime Happenings
Wednesday, May 15 – Friday, May 17
Downtown lunch-goers can join in the festivities by enjoying live music, fun games, races in some of downtown’s squares and plazas as they grab a bite to eat all in celebration of Preakness. The events are produced in partnership with Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore and Downtown Partnership of Baltimore.
Harbor Market
McKeldin Square at 101 E. Pratt Street
Wednesday, May 15 and Friday, May 17
11am – 2pm
Pratt Street Market
Transamerica Plaza at 100 Light Street
Thursday, May 16
11am – 2pm
Pee Wee Preakness
Wednesday, May 15
11am – 1pm
Patterson Park at Eastern and Linwood avenues
Young jockeys compete on bouncy balls and in sacks for the Pee Wee Crown of racing. Performances by Baltimore Hoop Love and One-Step MagiCompany, hands-on crafts and more activities are planned for a non-stop afternoon of fun in the park. The event is produced in partnership with Baltimore City Recreation and Parks.
Race to Preakness Inner Harbor Party & Fireworks Finale
Presented by Maryland Jockey Club
Friday, May 17
5pm – 9pm
West Shore Park at 401 Light Street
The night before the 144th running of the Preakness Stakes is hot with music, dancing, food, drinks, drone racing, games and a spectacular fireworks finale by Pyrotecnico. Party-goers can enjoy the alternative music of Super City, the Latin sounds of Zakke, and the soulful sounds of Funsho from “The Voice” television show.