23 saved#4,193 of 6,224

Preakness Stakes

Get ready for thundering hooves and thrilling finishes - it's Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in the Triple Crown of horse racing!

Saturday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEThird Saturday in May

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYSports

SUBCATEGORYRaces

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to witness exhilarating action on May 18, as the mighty thoroughbreds race for glory on Preakness Stakes! This exciting tradition dates back to 1873 and is the second jewel in the Triple Crown of horse racing. Named after a horse named Preakness, who won the Dinner Party Stakes on the day the Pimlico opened, the event has seen many legendary winners etching their name in the annals of horse racing history. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a casual viewer, the day promises adrenaline-pumping moments, stunning victories, and fantastic celebrations! Let's brace ourselves for the thundering hooves and thrilling finishes!

DEALS & OFFERS

2026’s deals have wrapped

See who celebrated this year, and browse offers from past years.

Offers wrapped for 2026

Preakness Stakes ran on May 16. Here’s who celebrated with offers this year.

1 brand offered a deal this year

eSeats Travel

See past offers

TIMELINE

Preakness Stakes Timeline

First Preakness Stakes

The first Preakness Stakes horse race took place, with Survivor winning the inaugural race.

War Cloud and Jack Hare Jr.

In an unprecedented event, War Cloud and Jack Hare Jr. tie for victory, marking the only double-win in Preakness Stakes history.

Triple Crown Winner

Assault wins the Preakness Stakes and subsequently becomes a Triple Crown winner, the seventh in American horse racing history.

Filly Winner's Circle

Racing filly Winning Colors became the first and only filly to win the race since Nellie Morse in 1924.

American Pharoah's Triumph

American Pharoah wins the Preakness Stakes in a downpour on his way to becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Preakness Stakes

Host a Preakness-themed party

Invite some friends and family over for a race-viewing party. Have everyone dress in race day attire (think hats and dresses for the ladies, seersucker suits for the men), prepare some finger foods, and serve Black-Eyed Susans, the official drink of the Preakness.

Do a Betting Pool

Stir up some friendly competition by organizing a betting pool. Even if you disregard financial bets, having some kind of consequence for incorrect guesses (like doing dishes) will make the event more exciting!

Go to the race

If possible, witness the race live at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The electrifying atmosphere, the sounds of thundering hooves and cheering crowd, and seeing the horses up close is an unbeatable experience.

CREATE

Create a Racecourse in your backyard

Create a mini racecourse in your backyard or nearby park. Have some fun horse races with your friends using stick horses and celebrate your own version of the Preakness.

LEARN

Learn about previous winners

Take some time to read about famous past winners of the Preakness Stakes and their inspiring stories. This not only adds depth to your understanding of the race but also allows for a greater appreciation for the hard work and determination that goes into winning such an esteemed title.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Preakness Stakes

Offers a Chance to Learn about Horse Racing History

Celebrating Preakness Stakes gives us a chance to delve into the rich history of horse racing and discover inspiring stories of past winners. It not only enriches our knowledge of this esteemed sport but also instills a greater appreciation for the dedication and determination that goes into claiming the titles.

It's an Exciting Festival of Horse Racing

The Preakness Stakes is one of the most exhilarating horse racing events in the world, offering adrenaline-pumping action, impressive athletic prowess and nail-biting finishes. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, it's virtually impossible not to get caught up in the thrill of the race.

It Encourages Friendly Competition

Preakness Stakes Day provides a great opportunity to engage in some healthy competition with friends and family. Whether it's through dressing up in race day attire, participating in a betting pool, or hosting your own mini racecourse, celebrating Preakness Stakes fosters community spirit and friendly rivalry.