Every year, on the third Saturday in May, all eyes are on Baltimore for the annual running of the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing. But this year is sure to be memorable, not only because Saturday, May 17 marks the race’s 150th anniversary, but because it will also be the last time the event is held at Pimlico Race Course before the track and facilities undergo long-awaited construction and upgrades. (Preakness will move to Laurel Park in 2026 before making its slated return to Pimlico in two years.)
Naturally, the city is bursting with big hats and Black-Eyed Susans in anticipation of the milestone. This week, get out there and celebrate with the following drink specials, movie screenings, race-day watch parties, and of course, tons of Maryland pride.
Preakness Pregames
5/14: The 10th-Annual America’s Best Racing Pre-Preakness Party
Sip cocktails, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and enter into a silent action at Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s annual soiree that supports the Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation and raises awareness for the Ed Brown Society—an organization that creates opportunities for young people of color to gain equine industry exposure. Per tradition, the evening will be held at Mt Washington Tavern. Mt. Washington Tavern. 5700 Newbury St. 7-10 p.m.
5/15: Charm’tastic Preakness
Travel back in time to explore the history of the Preakness through vintage souvenirs from the very first race 150 years ago. All the while, sample Wisher beet vodka, the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards’ gold-winning sip, in cocktails like the Blossom in Bloom—Wisher, orange blossom water, peach puree-infused syrup, and St. Germain—and the Wishes and Kisses—made up of Wisher, strawberry puree, soda, and rose water. In keeping with the theme, Maryland-style food specials will include a crab baguette and pit beef and cheddar pull-aparts. 202 East Pratt St., 4-7p.m. Free admission
5/16: Preakness Festival Movie Night: Secretariat
Baltimore Peninsula is kicking off its outdoor movie season with a special showing of Secretariat under the stars at Rye Street Park. Before the trusty thoroughbreds sprint around the track on Saturday, grab your picnic blanket to relax and enjoy the story of the famed Triple Crown-winning horse on Friday evening. No need to bring your own snacks—local food trucks will park nearby. The film will roll at 8 p.m., but arrive as early as 6 p.m. to enjoy live music and family-friendly activities. Rye Street Park adjacent to Rye Street Tavern, Free admission
Race-Day Ragers
5/17: Preakness at the Pool
Raw and Refined, the cool pool bar on the Canton waterfront, is kicking off summer a little early with a splash bash in honor of race day. Beginning at noon, take a dip, play pong, jam to live DJ tunes, and sip specialty cocktails while catching the race on multiple flat screens. Raw and Refined, 2723 Lighthouse Point E. $29
5/17: Preakness Party at Lighthouse Point Marina
Walk, drive, or boat to the waterfront in your best horseracing attire to enjoy a classic Black-Eyed Susan served by the experts at Pusser’s Landing, coming soon to Canton. After you grab a drink, participate in the marina’s inaugural Duck Derby, a rubber duck race supporting the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Oyster Restoration Program, or Preakness Hat Contest judged by local fashion experts. RSVP for free to secure your spot. 2780 Lighthouse Point E, 2:30-4 p.m. Free admission
5/17: Preakness Party on the 13th Floor
Head up to the top floor of the historic Belvedere Hotel to watch the race while feasting on Maryland-inspired delicacies like mini crab cakes and Old Bay deviled eggs, as well as other snacks ranging from popcorn to pimento cheese crostini. The dress code is “Race Day Chic,” so wear your biggest hats and boldest prints for snaps in front of the festive photo backdrop. 1 East Chase St. 3-8 p.m.$57
5/17: Stakes Soiree
At the Sagamore Pendry Hotel in Fells Point, enjoy on-theme bites such as mini pimento cheese biscuits and Eastern Shore crab dip from executive chef Mike Grande while enjoying live music in the courtyard, whose centerpiece is its 3,500-pound bronze “Horse and Bridle” statue by artist Fernando Botero. Of course, there will also be tons of Sagamore Spirit rye cocktails and Black-Eyed Susan-inspired florals. 1715 Thames St., 4-7p.m.
5/17: Preakness Watch Party at Poe’s Nest
If you’re looking to place your bets outside the racetrack, head to Poe’s Nest inside the Horseshoe Casino in South Baltimore, where you’ll be able to catch every heart-racing moment on giant TV screens with friends and fellow race day enthusiasts. 1525 Russell St., 4 p.m. Free admission
Springtime Sips
Cece’s Roland Park: The Derby has the Julep, Belmont has the Belmont Jewel, and we have the beloved Black-Eyed Susan, the citrus-based concoction that traditionally incorporates bourbon, vodka, and schnapps. Head to Cece’s in Cross Keys to sip the official drink of the Preakness, on special for $12 this weekend. The bar team will also be shaking up Southsides—the famous mint, gin, and citrus cocktail popularized by the Maryland Hunt Cup crowd—in honor of the big day. 10 Village Square, 410-801-1933
Guinness Open Gate Brewery: Through May 18, enjoy Guinness’s Preakness 150 Lager at its Halethorpe facility or at Pimlico Race Course. The limited-edition beer (4.5 percent ABV) is a special version of the brewery’s fan-favorite rice lager, and pays homage to the springtime soiree with its floral notes. 5001 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe.
Wine Village in Baltimore: If you find yourself at the pop-up Wine Village at West Shore Park, stop by the Eiskeller (“ice house”) booth for a frozen version of the Preakness classic. The icy Black-Eyed Susan slush blends whiskey, vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and sour mix. Another local creation: the Orange Crush slush with classic vodka, triple sec, orange juice, Sprite, and a little white wine for good measure.