Maryland Leaders Create Preakness Festival for 2025

Several members of the Maryland government and tourism sectors have announced the creation of the Preakness Festival, a celebration of the Preakness Stakes that will take place across Maryland for the first time in 2025.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore, First Lady Dawn Moore, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott and the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland previewed plans on Wednesday for the creation of the festival. Coinciding with the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes in 2025, the event will feature free and ticketed cultural aspects, arts activities and other programming across the state. Initial planning and funding for the festival was made possible through the Maryland Lottery’s Major Events Fund.

“The Preakness Festival will mark a significant evolution in Maryland’s approach to equestrian events,” said Terry Hasseltine, Maryland Sports Commission executive director and Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland president. “Our goal is to deliver holistic experiences that will positively impact communities across the state, drive tourism, and solidify Maryland’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class events. We are excited to lead this effort in collaboration with our great partners.”

In May, the Board of Public Works approved an agreement to transfer ownership of Pimlico Race Course to the state of Maryland, guaranteeing the home of the Preakness Stakes and establishing Pimlico as the year-round home of thoroughbred racing. The agreement also ensures full renovation of Pimlico facilities, including the racetrack and hotel and event space construction; and a $10 million investment through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to promote housing, job training, workforce development and other local priorities within the Park Heights community.

“For this to be Maryland’s decade, it has to be Baltimore’s time,” said Wes Moore. “We cannot have a growing, thriving state if our state’s largest city isn’t growing and thriving too. Preakness 150 will be more than a celebration — it will help us build a legacy in this city and this state. A legacy of progress; a legacy of opportunity; a legacy of growth and a legacy of leaving no one behind.”

Maryland’s equine industry accounts for 25 percent of the state’s agricultural base, roughly 28,000 jobs and $3 billion in estimated economic impact. Festival programming is intended to expand impact in the equine industry and capture growth in major affiliated industries like tourism and hospitality.