March Mania 1st & 2nd Rounds
2026-03-19 11:00 - 23:30, 2026-03-20 11:00 - 23:30, 2026-03-21 11:00 - 23:30, 2026-03-22 11:00 - 23:30 (America/New_York)
Reserve a seat in the Lounge for the first and second rounds!

March Mania Sweet 16
2026-03-26 11:00 - 23:59, 2026-03-27 11:00 - 23:59
Regional seminfals where the winners advance to the Elite 8!
Catch all of the college basketball action at the Fanduel Sportsbook and the Lounge at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. We have massive HDTVs, table service and plenty of self-service and teller operated wagering machines.

March Mania Elite 8
2026-03-28 11:00 - 23:59, 2026-03-29 11:00 - 23:59
The top 8 teams face off!
Catch all of the college basketball action at the Fanduel Sportsbook and the Lounge at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. We have massive HDTVs, table service and plenty of self-service and teller operated wagering machines.

March Mania Final 4
2026-04-04 18:00 - 23:59
The top 4 teams face off!
Catch all of the college basketball action at the Fanduel Sportsbook and the Lounge at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. We have massive HDTVs, table service and plenty of self-service and teller operated wagering machines.

March Mania Championship
2026-04-06 20:30 - 23:00
It all comes down to the Championship Game!
Catch the action at the Fanduel Sportsbook and the Lounge at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. We have massive HDTVs, table service and plenty of self-service and teller operated wagering machines.

Must be 21+ to wager on sports. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler

UFC 327 Watch Party
2026-04-11 20:00 - 23:59

Carmine's Kitchen Takeover at the Meadowlands
2026-04-18 17:00 - 23:00
Join us for an evening with Carmine’s NYC at the Meadowlands in honor of the late, great Carmine Abbatiello!
This event is a one-night celebration that brings Carmine’s signature abundant, family-style favorites to the Meadowlands community, while honoring Carmine Abbatiello. Carmine’s was named in his honor by restaurateur Arthur J. Cutler —making this partnership and tribute especially meaningful for fans and guests.
The Buffet is a display of Carmine’s favorites:

Caesar Salad
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Guest Favorite – Chicken Parm
Tiramisu

Dinner is $54.95 plus tax and gratuity ($70.13 total) and includes a live racing program.
Tickets
A portion of the proceeds ($20 per ticket) will be donated to the Purple Haze Adoption Program – created to ensure that retired
Standardbred horses find a second career. Alicart/Carmine’s has generously donated the food for this one-time event.
The Meadowlands will also have a tribute to Abbatiello and speak to some of his family and friends throughout the evening.
Horsemen and Trotters members looking to dine in Trotters can call 201-460-4079.

About Carmine Abbatiello
Hall of Fame driver Carmine Abbatiello, one of harness racing’s most successful and popular drivers throughout a career that spanned more than four decades, passed away Tuesday (Jan. 27), his family announced. He was 89.
Mr. Abbatiello, who drove in his first race in 1956, was a fixture on the New York-New Jersey circuits, and over the years captured numerous driving titles in the region – most notably a combined total of nearly 20 at Roosevelt and Yonkers. He attended high school on Staten Island and from there worked eight years with his brother Anthony, another Hall of Famer, before going on his own in 1964.
In 1959, Mr. Abbatiello tied for the driving title at Freehold Raceway before winning multiple crowns there in the early 1960s. He also was a driving champion at Monticello Raceway during the early days of his career.
Mr. Abbatiello enjoyed his first top-25 finish in the national driver standings in 1962, with his 83 victories ranking No. 21. He ranked in the top 20 the next four seasons before breaking out in 1968 with 237 triumphs and $854,482 in purses to finish No. 3 and No. 6, respectively, in those categories in the national standings.
Mr. Abbatiello led the sport in purses in 1975 ($2.27 million) and again in 1978 ($3.34 million), when he shared Harness Tracks of America’s Driver of the Year Award with Herve Filion. In addition, Mr. Abbatiello ranked among the top five in purses on 11 other occasions. He had a total of nine years among the top-five winningest drivers, including second-place finishes in 1970 (with 294 victories), 1978 (387) and 1979 (393).
His final year with more than 1,000 drives came in 1989. At the end of that season, Mr. Abbatiello ranked No. 2 all-time in wins, with 6,944, and No. 4 in purses, with nearly $47.7 million. He ended his career with 7,170 victories and $50.3 million in purses.
Known as “The Red Man” because of his bright red driving colors, Mr. Abbatiello was elected to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 1985. Among other accolades, he received Harness Horsemen International’s Man of the Year Award in 1982, the same year he was feted with Carmine Abbatiello Night at Roosevelt Raceway – only the second driver, after Billy Haughton – to receive the honor.
Such was Mr. Abbatiello’s popularity that he appeared in a beer commercial and had a restaurant – the famed Carmine’s in New York City, launched by Arthur J. Cutler – named in his honor.

Tickets

March for Babies Walk
2026-04-25 08:00 - 16:00
Join us and March of Dimes for our annual March for Babies walk! All are welcome to sign up and come out for the day.
More than a yearly walk, March for Babies is a community. Families, friends, and co-workers can connect while raising critical funds for research, education, advocacy, and programs and services so moms and babies get the best possible start.Because together, each step forward leads to a healthy future for us all. March for Babies. Every step counts!
Registration: 8am
Event Time: 10am
Join Today

2026 Kentucky Derby Day Simulcast
2026-05-02 09:00 - 23:59
The greatest two minutes in sports – the Kentucky Derby – takes place on Saturday, May 2 and the Meadowlands Racetrack is the best place to watch and wager. Racetrack doors open at 9 am with first Churchill Downs post at 10:30am. Live harness racing kicks off at 6:20 pm and the Kentucky Derby post time is 6:57pm.
Dining

Café reservations must be pre-paid
$125 per 4-person table
Waited service
Guarantees track admittance and seating

Ticket purchase price is also a food credit that can be used at the Cafe on Derby Simulcast Day towards racetrack staples like chicken wings, french fries, cheesesteaks, burgers, pretzels, popcorn, ice cream and more. The credit is valid on Saturday, May 2, 2026 only.
Purchase a table

Lounge reservations must be pre-paid
$75 Bar Seat
$150 2-Person Table
$300 4-Person Table
$300 3-Person Couch
$500 5-Person Couch
Waited Service
Guarantees track admittance and seating

Ticket purchase price is also a beverage and food credit to be used at the Victory Bar & Kitchen on Derby Simulcast Day towards delicious fare including burgers, nachos, salads, sandwiches and more. The credit is valid on Saturday, May 2, 2026only.
Purchase a table

Derby Day Pink Buffet

View Menu
Seating opens 4:00 pm
Buffet opens 4:30 pm

Reservations
Promotions

$1,000 Derby Hat Contest

$1,000 total in cash prizes
Register between 2pm – 5pm in the Clubhouse Lobby.
Judging will take place in the Winner’s Circle around 5pm
Prize breakdown: First Place: $500; 2nd Place: $250; 3rd Place: $100; 4th Place: $50; Fanciest: $100

$1,000 Win Wager Drawing

Meadowlands Racetrack Best Burger Battle
2026-05-09 17:00 - 23:00 | Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford, 07073, United States
Saturday, May 9, 2026 – Come out to purchase and taste some of the best burgers in the area as local joints compete for cash prizes and title of Best Burger! Plus plenty of other food trucks serving everything from empanadas to ice cream to bbq
Think you have the best burger in town? Impress the judges on Saturday, May 9 for a chance at $3,000 in cash prizes. Open to area food trucks & restaurants!
Battle Details:

5-11 pm in the Backyard. Entrants must be ready to sell by 4pm and can sell any food items in addition to burger.
$1,500 Grand Prize, $1,000 2nd Place; $500 3rd Place; $500 Best Tasting Patty
$100 Entry Fee for vendors (must be paid prior to 7/8)
Entrants must prepare 6 burgers for 7:00 p.m. judging . Burger can be any combination of meat and toppings. Judging is based upon 60% taste and 40% presentation
To register please email Rachel Ryan

Food Trucks: coming early 2026

Meadowlands Racetrack Beerfest
2026-05-16 16:00 - 21:00 | Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford, 07073, United States
Over 60 participating producers including dozens of local breweries!

Ticket Type
Cost
Time
General Tastings
Seminars
Buffet
Exclusive Tastings

General Admission
$45 online;
$50 day of
5 – 9 PM
✅
✅
❌
❌

VIP
(limited to 200)
$70
4 – 9 PM
✅
✅
✅
✅

Buy tickets
Please note that all tickets will print time 5:00-9:00pm even though VIP opens at 4:00pm
Festival Highlights (subject to change):
* Beers from around the US
* DJ ALX
* Live horse racing beginning 6:20pm
* The Preakness Stakes Simulcast
Confirmed NJ Breweries:

7 Tribesmen
United Brewing Co.
Bolero Snort
Carton – new for 2026
Departed Soles
Mud Hen
Hoboken – new for 2026
Ghost Hawk Brewing
Bonesaw Brewing
Montclair Brewery
Double Tap Brewing
Leaning Fathers Brewing – new for 2026
Asturia Brewing Company – new for 2026

Must be 21 & older to attend. No refunds given. Event subject to ISSUANCE OF NJ ABC permit.

Corgi Cup
2026-05-30 17:45 - 23:00
Corgis streak to the finish in our 2nd Meadowlands Racetrack Corgi Cup on Saturday, May 30, 2026!
Fans are welcome to come out and watch these adorable doggies compete.
Corgi Races begin 5:30pm
First harness race 6:20pm
Admission: Free
Parking: Free
non-competition dogs not allowed

Approximate Corgi Cup Post Times:

5:45 pm (before Race 1)
5:55 pm (before Race 1)
6:00 pm (before Race 1)
6:08 pm (before Race 1)
6:17 pm (before Race 1)
6:40 pm (after Race 1)
7:00 pm (after Race 2)
7:25 pm (after Race 3)
7:50 pm (after Race 4)
8:45 pm (after Race 6)
Final: 9:25 pm (after Race 8)

$1,700 in Total Prize Money – Qualifier winners earn $100 betting voucher – 1st place in Final wins a $500 betting voucher
Open to first 100 entrants (there will be up to 10 qualifiers – top dog in each qualifier moves on to the Finals)
There will be 10 Corgis will be in the Final.
Qualifiers will be run in between the live harness races. The Final will be held once all Qualifiers are complete.
Online registration must be completed and the latest rabies vaccination certificate, photo and town license attached.
Only dogs permitted in the track and in each race are Corgis. All canines must be currently licensed and up to date on all shots including rabies vaccination.
Only canines registered to participate are allowed at the track. No canine “viewers”
Only registered participating dogs are allowed onsite. No “canine viewers” allowed.

Meadowlands Racetrack Wiener Dog Derby
2026-06-06 17:45 - 23:00
Wiener takes all in the 8th annual running of the Meadowlands Racetrack Weiner Dog Derby on Saturday, June 6, 2026!
Bring the whole family out to watch this cute and hilarious doggy event. Fans can watch these cute races up close in the Backyard.
Admission: Free
Parking: Free
No outside Pups allowed – only participating dogs will be allowed onsite
Wiener racing begins 5:45 p.m. Harness racing begins 6:20 p.m.

Approximate Wiener Dog Derby Post Times:

5:45 pm (before Race 1)
5:55 pm (before Race 1)
6:00 pm (before Race 1)
6:08 pm (before Race 1)
6:17 pm (before Race 1)
6:40 pm (after Race 1)
7:00 pm (after Race 2)
7:25 pm (after Race 3)
7:50 pm (after Race 4)
8:45 pm (after Race 6)

Final: 9:25 pm (after Race 8)

$1,700 in Total Prize Money – Qualifier winners earn $100 betting voucher & dog goodie bag – 1st place in Final wins a $500 betting voucher & goodie bag
Open to first 100 entrants registered by June 6 (there will be up 10 qualifiers (10 in each) – top dog in each qualifier moves on to the Finals)
There will be 10 “Wiener Dogs” in the Final.
Qualifiers will be run in between the live harness races. The Final will be held once all Qualifiers are complete.
Online registration must be completed and the latest rabies vaccination certificate, photo and town license attached.
Only dogs permitted in the track and in each race are dachshunds. All canines must be currently licensed and up to date on all shots including rabies vaccination.
Only canines registered to participate are allowed at the track. No canine “viewers”
Only registered participating dogs are allowed onsite. No “canine viewers” allowed.

Winefest
2026-06-20 16:00 - 21:00
Over 30 participating producers and dozens of varietals!

Ticket Type
Cost
Time
General Tastings
Seminars
Buffet
Exclusive Tastings

General Admission
$45 online;
$50 day of
5 – 9 PM
✅
✅
❌
❌

VIP
(limited to 200)
$70
4 – 9 PM
✅
✅
✅
✅

Buy tickets

Event Details

Dozens of wine producers from around the globe highlight Meadowlands Racetrack’s annual Wine Fetst!
Hours
Event runs 5-9pm and is RAIN OR SHINE. VIP doors open an hour early at 4pm.
🎟️ VIP: 4-9pm
🎟️ GA: 5-9 pm

Festival Highlights (subject to change):
🍷 Wines from around the globe
🎵 DJ ALX
🐴 Live horse racing starting 6:20pm
🍷 Wine/Brand List:

Concha Y Toro
Delicato
Terlato
Santa Margherita
Palm Bay Imports
JFV
Boost Beverage
Oyster Bay

🎟️ VIP $70
Includes admission, special food access, tasting glass, exclusive VIP tastings and 1 additional hour of sampling (limited to 200.)
VIP is $75 day of at the gate.
🎟️ GENERAL ADMISSION $45
Includes admission, tasting glass and 4 hour sampling
GA is $50 day of at the gate.
All ticket holders have access to samplings, pairings, educational seminars and more.
Must be 21 & older to attend. No refunds given. Event subject to issuance of NJ ABC permit.

subject to NJ ABC Approval

EDW Lucha Live at the Meadowlands Racetrack
2026-07-04 17:00 - 22:30
Saturday, July 4 – Come and see LOS MINI ENMASCARADOS (Mini Masked Wrestlers) perform the unique Mexican Cultural Art of Lucha Libre in the ring.
They will show off their flying aerials, scissor kicks, wheelbarrow holds and defend their titles to become champions!
Don’t miss this dynamic cultural spectacle performance by certified Lucha Libre wrestlers.
This family friendly event kicks off at 7pm with doors opening at 5:30pm. Matches will take place between the live harness racing.
Buy tickets

Tickets

General Admission (GA): $25 online / $30 at the door day of. Standing room only. Guests can bring in their own chairs or blankets.
VIP Picnic Table: $300 includes admission for 6 people at a picnic table in a private section
1st / 2nd Row Ringside: $75. Best seats in the house! Seats will be folding chairs or bleacher benches.

Details:

Doors Open 5:30 pm
Show Kicks off 7:00 pm

Event is rain or shine

Meadowlands Pace
2026-07-11 18:00 - 23:30
Saturday, July 11, 2026 – The Biggest Party in Harness Racing – the Meadowlands Pace, our signature event! First Race kicks off at 6:20pm. Admission and parking are free.

Festivities

T-Shirt Giveaway
Begins 5 p.m.; first 5,000 guests.

Rides and Games
including mechanical shark, 3-in-1 sports game, toxic obstacle course, dart soccer, and carnival games

Live Music
from DJ Alx

More Fun
Face Painters, Glitter Tattoos & Balloon Animals

$500 Win Wager Giveaways
5 winners will have a chance to place a $500 win bet on a designated race.
Must be on site to win.
Enter Here

Food Trucks

The Hen and The Hog
Kimchi Smoke BBQ
Clydes Italian Ice
Latin Bites
Wild Bills Soda
Lots of Meat Barbecue
Michael’s Backyard BBQ
Bada Bing Bites
Btch’n Bacon
Tacoholics
Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn
Bites & Delights
Shugar Shack
Lots of Meat BBQ
Tiny Hot Cakes
Rhythm Ribz
Burgers And More Truck
Scrumps And Yum Yum
Pita Bowl NJ
Curbside Culinary Creations
Eat My Balls

Stakes

Purses estimated

$800,000 Meadowlands Pace
$400,000 Hambletonian Maturity
$300,000 WR Haughton Open Pace
$300,000 Stanley Dancer
$300,000 Del Miller Memorial
$200,000 Jerry Silverman
$175,000 Dorothy Haughton Open Mare Pace
$40,000 Miss Versatility Mare Trot Leg 3

Dining
Guarantee your spot to dine and watch an epic night of stakes races on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

The Lounge

Center of the action with front row seat to Victory’s giant screens. 2- and 4- top tables and bar seats available.
Ticket purchase acts as food and beverage credit for Victory Sports Bar menu

Pink Buffet

Tiered dining room with great views of the live racetrack action
Buffet features salads, sides, main courses, carving station and delicious desserts

Outdoor Cafe Table

Table for 4 near the Winner’s Circle
$125 per table – price is a credit towards cafe food and drink purchase

For all things Meadowlands Pace, like news, past winners, and more click here.

2nd Annual Chicken Run
2026-07-25 18:00 - 23:00

Meadowlands Racetrack Seafood Fest
2026-08-01 17:00 - 23:00
Join us for our Annual Meadowlands Racetrack Seafood Fest & the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks Eliminations – Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 5-11 pm. Admission is free. Live racing begins at 6:20 pm featuring eliminations for the Hambletonian & Hambletonian Oaks.
Enjoy fresh and delicious seafood from area food trucks and restaurants. Plus our Backyard Grill and Bar will be featuring a shrimp cocktail and more! Some food options include lobster rolls, fried clams, fried fish, grilled shrimp, shrimp tacos, crab fries and more.
Food Trucks: coming early 2026
Interested in being a vendor? Email Rachel Ryan raryan@playmeadowlands.com with your Food Truck Name and menu offerings. Cost to participate is $100.

Hambletonian Day 2026
2026-08-08 10:00 - 19:00
Harness Racing’s Greatest Day – Millions in racing stakes and fun for the entire family – Saturday, August 8, 2026!
DOORS OPEN 10 AM
FIRST POST 12 NOON
$5 ADMISSION
Admission Tickets
Admission includes commemorative 101th Hambletonian hat for adults & kids

Fun & Festivities

$1,000 Hat Contest
Judged by special guest Carson Kressley. Sign up between 10 am – 1:30pm in the Clubhouse Lobby.
First Prize $500 / 2nd Place $250 / 3rd Place $100
4th Place $50 / Fanciest $100

Live Music
from DJ Alx

Swag & Autographs
FanZone Tent will have free swag giveaways all day plus a Driver/Trainer Autograph Session 10:30 am – 12 noon.

Food Trucks

Btchn Bacon
Clydes Homemade Ice Cream & Italian Ice
Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn
Burgers And More Truck
Bada Bing Bites
Bites And Delights LLC
The Empanada Truck
Touch of Sauce BBQ
Latin Bites
Shugar Shack
Vagabond
Rhythm Ribz
Lots Of Meat BBQ
Big John’s Gourmet Burgers

Carnival Games & More
Inflatables, games, axe throwing, rock wall, and more throughout the Backyard.

Trotters Gold Beer
Collaborative Golden Ale from Ghost Hawk Brewing commemorating the 101st edition of the Hambletonian. Availabilty announced soon. 16oz Can – $8.00. 21+ TO PURCHASE AND CONSUME.

Dining

Please see the dining tab here for details.

Stakes

$1 Million Hambletonian
$500,000 Hambletonian Oaks
$300,000 John Cashman Memorial
$275,000 Cane Pace
$275,000 Sam McKee Memorial
$175,000 Lady Liberty
$150,000 John R. Steele
$90,000 Shady Daisy

Purses are estimated.

Thank You Hambletonian Sponsors

BBQ Extravaganza
2026-08-29 17:00 - 23:00
On Saturday, August 29 enjoy a great BBQ at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment – Admission is FREE! Chow down on some delicious BBQ from the best food trucks & restaurants in the area – The event is from 5- 11 pm.
Live racing begins at 6:20 pm
Food Trucks: coming early 2026
Vendors can compete for $2,500 in prize money – details below:

BBQ Extravaganza Prizes: $500 prize for the best brisket, chicken, pulled pork, ribs & people’s choice.
Entrants must be ready to sell by 5pm
Entrants must prepare six plates for judging. Turn-in times: chicken @ 7 pm, pulled pork @ 7:30 pm, brisket @ 8 pm, ribs @ 8:30 pm. Winners will be announced at 9:30pm
Open to area food trucks & restaurants – To register or for more info: email Raryan@playmeadowlands.com
A $100 entry fee must be paid before August 24
