by Katherine O. Rizzo (first published in the May 2025 Equiery)

On May 17, the Pimlico buglers will call horses to the post for the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes. To celebrate this milestone, Maryland’s First Lady Dawn Moore, co-chair of the Preakness 150 Festival Committee, has brought several Maryland farms, businesses, organizations and political figures together to create a statewide program that it is calling, “More Than a Race” to transform Maryland into a hub of culture, entertainment, and community engagement.

“The Preakness Festival is not just about honoring a storied tradition, it’s about building an inclusive future,” Maryland’s First Lady Dawn Moore stated in a March 13 press release. “Featuring a series of events taking place across our great state, this festival is an invitation for all Marylanders to take part in something that is truly special. Together, we will create a legacy of celebration, opportunity, and economic impact that extends far beyond race day.”

Festival Schedule
The first event on the Preakness Festival 150 calendar is the annual Bourbon & Bowties party on May 8, which sold out within a few days after ticket sales went live. The party will be at the B&O Railroad Museum in downtown Baltimore and is presented by QG Community Charities. The annual fundraiser features local and nationally recognized spirits, live charity auction and top-rated bourbon, beer, wine and food.

The 4th Annual George “Spider” Anderson Music and Arts Festival takes place on May 10 from noon until 6pm. Located on Park Heights Avenue, this event is free to the public and honors George “Spider” Anderson, who in 1886, was the first African-American jockey to win the Preakness Stakes. Presented by Park Heights Renaissance, the day is a community festival showcasing regional and local talent. The festival also includes a resource fair, and vendor village along with food trucks and culinary stalls. Musical performers include MC Lyte and Doug E. Fresh. The day’s festivities are co-sponsored by Maryland Horse Council member City Ranch Inc. and the City of Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon M. Scott.

May 11 will be a celebration of mothers with a Mother’s Day at the Races program at Pimlico. The ticketed event is presented by MHC Industry Professional member Maryland Jockey Club and includes several race day experience options that include bottomless mimosas and non-alcoholic beverages as well as catered meals and spectacular views of the day’s races. Tickets may be purchased at pimlico.com.

May 11 is also the Maryland Horse Farm Tour which is free to the public and spans five counties rich in Maryland Thoroughbred racing history. The tours are co-sponsored by the MHC members Maryland Horse Breeders Association, Maryland Horse Industry Board and Maryland Standardbred Breeders Association along with Maryland Million Ltd., Maryland Racing Commission and the Maryland Horse Library. Click here for a list of participating farms.

The Governor’s Open Golf Tournament takes place on May 12 at the Baltimore Country Club in Lutherville. This ticketed event brings together business leaders, community advocates, and top athletes for a day of friendly competition and networking. Tickets may be purchased at preaknessfestival.com.

Music lovers can gather at the Pier Six Pavilion at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore on May 14th for the Magic of Maryland Music Celebration. The waterfront concert features DJ D-Nice, Club Quarantine 5 Live, and the BSO with conductor Igmar Thomas. More musicians may be added to the lineup and tickets are still available as of press. Tickets may be purchased at preaknessfestival.com.

The Government House Festival Fundraiser is a private evening of philanthropy, networking, and celebration to support community-driven initiatives around Maryland. The event takes place at the Government House of Maryland in Annapolis and by invitation only.

Returning Preakness Traditions
In additional to the Preakness Festival 150 activities, Pimlico will be hosting its traditional Preakness week festivities including Sunrise Tours.

Sunrise Tours are free to the public and give visitors a behind the scenes look at Pimlico. The tours run May 13-16 from 6-9am. Spectators can also spend some time rail-side watching Preakness Stakes hopefuls, and other Preakness week runners, during their morning workouts.

This year, there are also two Historical Tours scheduled for May 10 (at 2pm) and May 11 (at 10am) which give a more in-depth tour of the historical track. These are also free to public.

The Alibi Breakfast is a Preakness tradition that dates back to the 1930s. It started with a few journalists and horsemen swapping stories and predictions on the Pimlico clubhouse steps and has grown over the years to be an annual ticketed event. The Alibi Breakfast is a great opportunity to join horsemen and media to celebrate history, this year’s runners and media award winners. Tickets may be purchased at pimlico.com.

Please visit preaknessfestival.com, pimlico.com and preakness.com for tickets and schedule updates.