TrekUnity
When
May
Attendance
~130,000
Admission
Ticketed
Setting
Outdoor
The Preakness Stakes is the second jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown, run two weeks after the Kentucky Derby at historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore each May. The winner is draped in a blanket of Black-Eyed Susans, and the raucous infield party (InfieldFest) draws a young crowd for music alongside the racing.
Preakness weekend turns Baltimore into a celebration, pairing the pageantry of the grandstand with a giant outdoor festival, and it's an easy add-on to the city's harbor, crab houses, and history.
Want to go? Turn Preakness Stakes into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
Third Saturday in May
Admission
Ticketed — from infield GA to grandstand seats
Parking
Limited near Pimlico — use rideshare or the shuttle from downtown on race day.
Nearest airport
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) — ~25 min
Typical weather
Warm Mid-Atlantic May — 70s °F; a chance of a spring shower, so plan for the infield.
Official website
Location
Baltimore, MD
Where to stay
Sagamore Pendry Baltimore
Luxury hotel on the Fells Point waterfront.
Hotel Revival
Colorful boutique hotel near Mount Vernon.
Inner Harbor hotels
Central base near dining and attractions.
Where to eat & drink
Thames Street Oyster House
Fells Point seafood and crab.
Faidley's (Lexington Market)
Famous Maryland crab cakes.
LP Steamers
Classic Baltimore steamed-crab house.
Nearby attractions
Inner Harbor
Baltimore's revitalized waterfront and aquarium.
Fells Point
Historic cobblestone waterfront neighborhood.
Fort McHenry
Birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + harbor
- •Fly into BWI
- •Afternoon: Inner Harbor + Fells Point
- •Dinner: steamed crabs
2Race day
- •Morning: head to Pimlico
- •Afternoon: the Preakness + InfieldFest
- •Evening: celebrate
3History + depart
- •Morning: Fort McHenry
- •Lunch: Faidley's crab cakes
- •Head to BWI
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Rideshare or shuttle to Pimlico; race-day parking is tight.
- Choose your vibe: grandstand pageantry or the infield party.
- Eat Maryland crab while you're in town.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Preakness Stakes?
The third Saturday in May, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
What is InfieldFest?
The Preakness infield party — a big outdoor festival with live music that runs alongside the racing.
What should you eat in Baltimore?
Maryland crab — steamed crabs and crab cakes at spots like Faidley's and LP Steamers.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Preakness Stakes or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.