The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes is set to make history on May 17, 2025, at Baltimore’s iconic Pimlico Race Course, with a $2 million purse, a trackside transformation of live entertainment, and a city-wide celebration honoring tradition and innovation. As the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, this year’s Preakness promises to be more than just a race it’s a cultural moment for Thoroughbred racing in Maryland and beyond.
Led by 1/ST, the company at the forefront of modernizing horse racing and entertainment, Preakness 150 will feature a revolutionary format that blends premier racing action with immersive live performances and community engagement. With Grammy® Award-winning artists T-Pain and Wyclef Jean headlining the music lineup, the stage is set—literally and figuratively for a once-in-a-generation event.
Departing from tradition, Preakness 150 introduces a newly integrated live entertainment layout, moving the main performance stage trackside beneath the LED board, just north of the iconic cupola. This change will allow fans to enjoy musical performances—including a nationally televised live set by Wyclef Jean—from grandstand seats, VIP areas, and hospitality spaces. T-Pain will close out the celebrations with a high-energy set following the final race.
NFL Hall-of-Famer Ray Lewis will host the new 21+ Infield Fan Zone, a massive covered activation powered by Element Electronics. This experience includes unlimited beer and wine, live music, food villages with Baltimore’s top vendors, and 60+ streaming screens to ensure fans never miss a moment of the action.
Meanwhile, NBA legend Carmelo Anthony returns as host of the AfroPreak Lounge, which expands in its fourth year to bring together Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latino music, cuisine, and fashion into a vibrant infield celebration.
This milestone edition will see the Preakness 150 champion receive the coveted Woodlawn Vase, crafted by Tiffany & Co.—recognized as the most valuable trophy in American sports. In honor of the race’s legacy, a special ceremonial cupola display, also created by Tiffany & Co., will be showcased on site.
For premium guests, Aston Martin returns as presenting partner of the 1/ST Chalet, where two iconic models will be on display. Guests will be treated to an Aston Martin-themed cocktail and a menu curated by Michelin-starred Chef Fabio Trabocchi, adding a layer of culinary prestige to the day’s festivities.
Preakness 150 will also spotlight Baltimore’s Park Heights neighborhood and its rich history in racing. On Friday, May 16, the 101st George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes will honor local leadership through the George E. Mitchell Fellowship Grant and Park Heights Renaissance, with special appearances by the Mitchell family.
Art takes center stage through the fourth annual “The Art of Racing” competition, whose winning piece, “Winning Colors” by Steve Luhn, will be featured on limited-edition merchandise. Proceeds will benefit Park Heights Renaissance’s mission to build a thriving, equitable community.
As part of city-wide celebrations, Preak Weeks—a three-week initiative spotlighting 19 Baltimore-based businesses—is back for its third year. Organized with HeidnSeek Entertainment, the campaign encourages residents to explore local restaurants, boutiques, and organizations, with chances to win Preakness tickets via QR code activations.
