You're probably used to the same routine every May. You grab a drink, head to Baltimore, and wait for the "Run for the Black-Eyed Susans" at the historic—if slightly crumbling—Pimlico Race Course. But if you’re asking when is the Preakness this year, you need to know that 2026 is throwing a massive curveball at every tradition we’ve grown to love.
The short answer? The 151st Preakness Stakes is happening on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
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But here is the kicker. For the first time in basically forever, the race isn’t actually at Pimlico.
The 2026 Shift to Laurel Park
Because of a massive $400 million renovation project aimed at saving the sport in Maryland, Pimlico is currently a construction zone. It’s a mess of rebar and dust. Consequently, the 2026 Preakness has moved roughly 20 miles south to Laurel Park.
If you’ve never been to Laurel, it’s a different vibe. It’s smaller. It’s more intimate. Honestly, it’s a bit of a logistics puzzle for the organizers, but it's where the history will be made this year.
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Key Dates for Your Calendar
- Black-Eyed Susan Day: Friday, May 15, 2026.
- Preakness Stakes Day: Saturday, May 16, 2026.
- Gate Opening: 9:00 AM on Saturday.
- Estimated Post Time: 6:45 PM ET.
Why the Date Matters for the Triple Crown
The schedule of the Triple Crown is a delicate dance. Two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes. That middle spot is where dreams usually go to die. If a horse wins at Churchill Downs, the pressure on May 16 will be suffocating.
The distance remains the same: 1 3/16 miles. It's shorter than the Derby, which is why we often see a "speed horse" take the crown.
Getting Tickets in a Smaller Venue
Since Laurel Park doesn't have the same sprawling capacity as Pimlico, tickets are going to be a nightmare to find the longer you wait. There is no "Infield Fest" this year in the way you remember it. The space just isn't there.
- Online Only: You can’t just show up at a window. Everything is digital through the official Preakness site.
- Pricing: Expect to pay a premium. General admission is starting around $210, but hospitality packages are easily clearing $1,500.
- Location: 198 Laurel Race Track Road, Laurel, MD 20725.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Race
A lot of folks think the race is cancelled or "off" because of the Baltimore construction. That's totally false. The Maryland Jockey Club is dead set on keeping the tradition alive, even if it means racing in a temporary home.
Another misconception? That the horses will run slower or differently. While the track surface at Laurel is excellent, the tighter turns might favor horses with tactical speed. Keep an eye on the "Derby survivors"—those who finished well in Kentucky but didn't necessarily win.
Early Names to Watch
Experts like Michael McCarthy and Bob Baffert are already eyeing this date. After Journalism took the 150th running last year, the bar is high. We’re looking at early favorites like Barnes and Citizen Bull, though the official field won't be set until the post-position draw on Monday, May 11.
How to Prepare for Race Day
If you're going, don't try to drive yourself. Traffic on Route 1 and the Parkway is going to be legendary for all the wrong reasons. Use the shuttle services from downtown Baltimore or D.C.
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Pack light. The security at Laurel is going to be tight because they are squeezing a Triple Crown crowd into a local track’s footprint.
Next Steps for Racing Fans:
- Verify your travel: If you booked a hotel in Baltimore, remember you’re now a 30-minute drive from the actual track.
- Check the Weather: May in Maryland can be 90 degrees or a total monsoon. Laurel’s dirt track handles moisture differently than Pimlico.
- Secure Tickets Now: Don't rely on secondary markets. Use the official Ticketmaster portal to avoid getting scammed with fake digital passes.
The 2026 Preakness will be one for the history books, mostly because it's the "Lost Year" away from its true home. But May 16 is still the day, and the stakes haven't changed one bit.