Beneath overcast skies, runner-up contender Cloud Computing upset betting favorites Always Dreaming and Classic Empire in Saturday’s 142nd running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. Always Dreaming—the Kentucky Derby winner that was favored to win the Preakness at odds of 4:5—lagged behind in the final furlong, making way for Cloud Computing to charge to victory.

Though Cloud Computing’s win eliminates the potential for a Triple Crown victory—a feat that hasn’t occurred since American Pharaoh won all three races in 2015—the horse’s success marks a major win for jockey Javier Castellano, trainer Chad Brown, and owner Seth Klarman, who just so happens to be from Mt. Washington.  

“[Klarman] grew up in Baltimore,” Brown told NBC Sports after the race. “He used to come out, buy a seat, and watch racing—that’s how he got involved. He’s very deserving.”

Aside from all of the excitement happening on the track, the infield at Maryland horseracing’s marquee event—which drew a crowd of more than 125,000 this year—also saw plenty of celebrations. In true InfieldFest fashion, fans trekked through the muddy terrain to sip cocktails, down drafts of beer, and jam to live music on two stages.

Organizers with The Maryland Jockey Club make it a priority to mix up the lineup each year, featuring both national names and local acts. In keeping with that objective, this year’s bill of performers included country singer-songwriter Sam Hunt, EDM superstar Zedd, honky-tonk hitmakers LOCASH (a duo which includes Baltimore native Chris Lucas), and pop-punk rockers Good Charlotte—whose frontmen Benji and Joel Madden hail from Waldorf.

“I always wanted to go to Preakness,” said Joel, as he raised a red Solo cup addressing the crowd. “I just want to raise a glass and propose a toast to the host-with-the-most. It’s good to be home.”

In between performing familiar favorites (think “The Anthem” and “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”), the band also played a few new songs off of their 2016 album The Youth Authority. At one point, the rockers even initiated a “Seven Nation Army” chant to express their love for the Baltimore Ravens.  

Speaking of the birds, many of them (including kicker Justin Tucker) were spotted roaming around the infield Saturday. Other noteworthy attendees included Under Armour founder Kevin Plank, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, and actor Kevin Spacey—who films his Netflix show House of Cards in Charm City and performed the traditional “riders up” command just before post time.

From revelers donning the state’s colors in the infield to fans sipping traditional Black-Eyed Susan cocktails in the clubhouse, the 2017 Preakness Stakes were full of Maryland pride.

Benji Madden summed it up best as he concluded Good Charlotte’s set on the DuKuyper stage: “We started this band 21 years ago in Charles County,” he said, thanking the community for its support. “Every single night that we’re on stage playing shows, we always feel so grateful to be from Maryland.”

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

 EAT

May 20: BMI Farmers’ Market

Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.

Start your weekend off right with an early Saturday trip to the farmers’ market. Now in its ninth year, the Baltimore Museum of Industry market returns with its South Baltimore tradition along the Inner Harbor. Bring the family or friends to shop fresh produce, local meat, fresh-baked breads, fragrant flowers, and handmade crafts by local artisans. With picnic tables along the waterfront, spread out a breakfast feast and soak up the morning sun.

 DRINK

May 20-21: Wine in the Woods

5950 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia. Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$40.

Head to the hills of bucolic Howard County where Columbia’s beloved vino tradition will be back for its 25th year. Amidst the lush trees of the Symphony Woods, join more than 25,000 wine-lovers as you sample the star goods from more than 30 Maryland wineries, like Boordy Vineyards, Linganore Winecellars, Red Heifer, and Great Frogs. Enjoy live music, shop local vendors, and soak up the sips with more than two-dozen food options. 

 SEE

May 20: Preakness Stakes

Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave. Doors: 8 a.m. Post time: 6:45 p.m.

Racing fans will gather for the 142nd time to cheer on this second jewel of the Triple Crown. Partake in the tradition as part of the ever-raucous InfieldFest (which this year features country star Sam Hunt, rising country duo LoCash, and Waldorf’s own pop-punk favorites Good Charlotte) or during one of many events leading up to the big day. Above all, revel in the chance to see America’s next great horse racing champion.

 HEAR

May 19-20: Baltimore Podcast Festival

Single Carrot Theatre, 2600 N. Howard St. 7-11 p.m.

Now in its second year, the Baltimore Podcast Festival returns with a lineup of rising stars in the Charm City podcast scene. Enjoy two days of audible entertainment with six acts each night and live audience recordings that could give NPR a run for their money. On Friday, hear Rouxde Cooking School, a comedy cooking podcast by freelance food writer John Houser III, and Buzzed in Baltimore, helmed by our very own digital editor and drinks expert Jess Mayhugh. On Saturday, catch Section 336, featuring local sports commentary, and MTR, focused on geek culture and weird news from across the globe.

 DO

May 19: SunSets

Exit the Apple Art Space, 2334 Guilford Ave. 7-10 p.m. Free.

Modeled after the salon gatherings of the Harlem Renaissance in New York, this one-year-old monthly meet-up returns to explore and interpret the theme of grace. At Exit the Apple in Mount Vernon, join members of the local creative community for a night of artistic expression, exchange, and discussion, featuring producer/artist Elissa Blount Moorhead, live music by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Carolyn Malachi, and free wine.

While Maryland is graced with hoards of horse races throughout the spring, the Preakness Stakes are by far the largest event. For the 142nd year, this second jewel of the Triple Crown returns to the Land of Pleasant Living with plenty to do beyond the main event, from barn tours and crab races to live music and hot air balloons.

THE HORSES

SUNRISE AT OLD HILLTOP
5/16-19. Watch the sunrise at Pimlico with an escorted tour of the Preakness barn and an inside look at the horses’ morning workouts. Pimlico Grandstand Apron, 5201 Park Heights Ave. Tue.-Fri. 6-9 a.m. Free. 410-542-9400.

BLACK-EYED SUSAN DAY
5/19. The day before the Preakness, see 3-year-old fillies run in one of Pimlico’s oldest races.  Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave. 8 a.m. $40-60. 410-542-9400. 

142ND PREAKNESS STAKES
5/20. The nation’s top thoroughbreds compete for the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave. 9:30 a.m. $40-650. 410-542-9400.

THE PARTY

THE TAVERN DERBY 
5/6-6/10. Throughout racing season, the experts behind the bar at Mt. Washington Tavern will be mixing up a selection of classic cocktails to honor each jewel of the Triple Crown. Sip on traditional racing drinks including the “Preakness Mule,” “Belmont Stakes Jewel,” and the “Tavern Julep,” which fuses muddled mint, simple syrup, and local Sagamore Spirit rye. All drinks are served in a commemorative, take-home glass. 5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903

LEXINGTON MARKET CRAB RACE FESTIVAL
5/18. At Lexington Market’s brand-new Preakness event, enjoy Faidley’s raw bar eats, happy hour, music, and a live crab race to coincide with the horses. Lexington Market, 400 W. Lexington St. 5-8 p.m. Free-$5.

INFIELDFEST 
5/20. Country takes over this year’s infield music festival with rising star Sam Hunt as the headlining act as well as country duo LOCASH (which is one part Baltimore native). Waldorf’s own Good Charlotte also rocks out their ’90s hits. The Infield at Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave. 7 a.m. $110-155. 410-542-9400.

SAGAMORE RACING & RYLEIGH’S OYSTER PREAKNESS PARTY
5/20. Sip classic cocktails made with Sagamore Spirit whiskey, eat endless oysters, and see the show live on the big screen in Hunt Valley. Ryleigh’s Oyster, 22 Padonia Road, Hunt Valley. 4 p.m. Free. 410-539-2093.

BMORE AROUND TOWN PREAKNESS PARTY PACKAGES

5/20. The party experts at Bmore Around Town are offering two all-inclusive deals for revelers headed to InfieldFest. In addition to an all-you-can-drink MUG Club ticket to the concert, the party packages also include round-trip transportation (with beer on the bus) departing from Mother’s in Federal Hill and Claddagh Pub in Canton. Both bars will be offering drink specials and discounted brunch fare before the buses hit the road. Multiple locations including Claddagh Pub, 2918 O’ Donnell St., $140, 410-533-4220.

ALL-INCLUSIVE PREAKNESS PACKAGE AT MAD RIVER
5/20. Bypass Uber surge charges by partaking in this all-inclusive party—which includes bus transportation to and from Pimlico, a MUG Club ticket to InfieldFest, and a pregame at Mad River in Federal Hill. Starting at 8 a.m, enjoy a bottomless breakfast buffet and two-hour open bar access before heading to the track. Bus departs from Mad River Baltimore, 1110 S. Charles St., 8 a.m., $140, 410-727-2333

THE PEOPLE

4TH ANNUAL AMERICA’S BEST RACING PRE-PREAKNESS PARTY

5/17. Start Preakness weekend off right with eats, drinks, and raffle prizes (including a pair of tickets to the main event on May 20) at this annual race-themed fundraiser. Head up to Mt. Washington Tavern’s top-floor Skybar to snack on complimentary hors d’oeuvres, sip classic cocktails, and partake in a silent auction to benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance—which works to find homes for retired racehorses. Mt. Washington Tavern, 5700 Newbury St., 7-11 p.m., $10, 410-367-6903.

PREAKNESS PACKAGE AT THE IVY HOTEL
5/19-21. Mt. Vernon’s posh hotel will be offering festive accommodations for guests visiting Charm City during Preakness weekend. Aside from its ultra-exclusive high-tea service and gourmet dining options, The Ivy will also serve Black Eyed Susan cocktails upon arrival, feature a selection of fancy hats for guests to borrow for Preakness Day, and offer complimentary shoe-shining services after the race. The Ivy Hotel, 205 E. Biddle St., 410-514-6500

ALIBI BREAKFAST
5/18. Following a 1930s tradition, this Preakness Week breakfast allows trainers, jockeys, and horse owners to provide racing fans insight into what it takes to win the Triple Crown. Pimlico Race Course Terrace Dining Room, 5201 Park Heights Ave. 9 a.m. $50. 410-542-9400.

PREAKNESS CELEBRATION BALLOON FESTIVAL
5/18-20. This mile-high festival will color the sky with 25 gorgeous hot air balloons, with crafts, entertainment, and food on the ground. Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship. Thu. & Fri. 2 p.m., Sat. 6 a.m. $20-35. 410-442-5566.

PREAKNESS UNDER THE STARS

5/20. Take in sweeping skyline views at this race-day watch party on the rooftop patio at the Lord Baltimore Hotel. Dress to the nines in your Triple Crown attire (the hotel will be giving away prizes to guests wearing the most festive hats) to enjoy all-inclusive eats and drinks while tuning into all of the action at Pimlico. LB Skybar at the Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W. Baltimore St., 4-7 p.m., $75, 410-539-8400

HATS & HORSES
5/22. Don bowties and big hats for this jockey-theme fundraiser, featuring local eats by Baltimore’s best chefs, to benefit Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland. Grand Lodge, 304 International Cl., Hunt Valley. 5:30-9 p.m. $150. 410-558-0827.