Explore summer fun and entertainment all in one place! Enjoy live music, a variety in dining options, the excitement of live horse racing, nonstop casino action, and relax in style at Prairie Meadows Hotel!
2026 LIVE HORSE RACING SEASON AT PRAIRIE MEADOWS
NOW – SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
A full schedule of live horse racing continues at Prairie Meadows with excitement in each race through September 26, 2026. Friday and Saturday races have a post time* of 5pm, and Sunday and Monday races at 4pm. Experience the excitement as majestic Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses race around the one-mile track. Watch and wager trackside or at the indoor viewing area on Level 4. Enjoy trackside entertainment, a variety of food options, free admission, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere during the races on the Track Apron and on Level 4. See the full details here!
UPCOMING SPECIAL RACE DAY EVENTS & THEME NIGHTS*
Experience the thrill of live horse racing and make it even more memorable with special race day events and exciting Theme Nights!
Regional Challenge Finals • August 14 & 15 • Post Time 5pm
Country Night ● Saturday, August 29 ● Post Time ● 5pm
Labor Day • Monday, September 7 • Post Time 4pm
First Responders Night ● Saturday, September 19 ● Post Time ● 5pm
Quarter Horse Championships • Friday, September 25 • Post Time 5pm
Iowa Classic • Saturday, September 26 • Post Time 4pm
Visit their website for details.
*Post times are tentative and subject to change. See Racing Center on Level 4 for details.
SIZZLIN’ SUMMER CASH DRAWINGS – YOUR CHANCE AT A SHARE OF $25,000 IN CASH PRIZES
Join the action at Prairie Meadows on Wednesdays in August for your chance to win cash prizes in their $25,000 Sizzlin’ Summer Cash Drawings. Winners will be chosen each week at 7pm in the Finish Line Show Lounge. To be eligible to win, you must be a Prairie Gold Rewards member. It’s free and easy to become a member. Go to Prairie Gold Rewards on casino Level 2 to join.
HIGH HAND POKER TOURNAMENT
Prairie Meadows presents High Hand Poker Wednesdays in August at 6pm. Compete in a dynamic setting filled with energy and anticipation. See Prairie Gold Rewards for details.
AJ’S STEAKHOUSE – A MEMORABLE DINING EXPERIENCE WHERE TRADITIONS ARE MADE
- Midweek Surf & Turf Specials Wednesday & Thursdays ● 4pm – 6pm ● Dine-In Only
Indulge in a delicious Midweek Special feature at AJ’s Steakhouse! Dine in on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4pm to 6pm and enjoy one of their delicious Surf & Turf featured dinners for $35 each! Try the Shrimp & Beef Tips Fettuccine Deburgo, the 8 oz. USDA Prime Sirloin & Crab Cake, or the 8 oz. USDA Prime Sirloin & Shrimp Scampi. Reservations are recommended.
- Thursday $29 Mix & Match To-Go Special
Enjoy AJ’s Steakhouse to-go with their Thursday takeout special Mix & Match Dinner for Two for just $29. Choose two (select) entrees, including AJ’s Fried Chicken with garden slaw, steak fries, and an AJ’s House Salad, Baked Rigatoni and an AJ’s House Salad, or a Southwest Steak Salad. Available for takeout only on Thursdays from 4pm to 9pm.
Check out their menu online and call 515-957-3535 to place your order today. Not valid for dine-in.
AJ’s Steakhouse is open Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays 4pm-9pm and Fridays & Saturdays 4pm-10pm. Call 515.957.3535 to make your reservations or book online.
CAFÉ AT THE MEADOWS WEEKDAY SPECIAL
Try Café at the Meadows for a delicious weekday special! For only $14, Monday through Friday, try their Mediterranean Chicken Salad Bowl, Asian Salmon Bowl, BBQ Brisket Sandwich, or their Maryland-style Crab Cake Sandwich. To learn about the specials and more, please visit their website.
The Café at the Meadows is open Sunday – Tuesday, 7am – 8pm, Wednesday and Thursday, 7am – 2pm, and Friday and Saturday, 7am – 9pm.
2026 FINISH LINE SHOW LOUNGE ENTERTAINMENT AND TRIBUTE ACTS
Prairie Meadows stands out as a premier entertainment hub in central Iowa. The Finish Line Show Lounge comes alive every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday with a dynamic mix of performances ranging from local artists to well-known national tribute bands. Whatever your musical taste, you’ll find something that hits the right note. View the full 2026 entertainment schedule.
SAVE THE DATES: POWER-PACKED TRIBUTE SHOWS AT YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO PLAY!
- Johnny Cash Tribute: Church of Cash
Thursday, September 10, 2026 ● 7PM
Tickets On Sale Now - Queen Tribute: Queen Flash – The Ultimate Queen Tribute
Saturday, October 10, 2026 ● 7PM
Tickets On Sale Friday, August 7 - The Supremes Tribute: Supreme Girls of Motown
Saturday, November 14, 2026 ● 7PM
Tickets On Sale Friday, September 4
All shows are 21+ and held in the Finish Line Show Lounge. Tickets will be on sale through MIDWESTIX, and in the Prairie Meadows Gift Shop, while supplies last.
PRAIRIE MEADOWS GIFT SHOP
The Prairie Meadows Gift Shop features a wide variety of specialty items including stylish apparel, sunglasses from Oakley and Ray-Ban, designer fragrances, jewelry, seasonal décor, stationery, snacks, and more. Be sure to check out their Iowa Vendor Spotlight section featuring RAYGUN products.
Located by the main casino entrance, the Prairie Meadows Gift Shop is the perfect place to find something new this summer. Prairie Meadows Gift Shop is open Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 8pm, and Friday – Saturday, 11am – 10pm.
PRAIRIE MEADOWS HOTEL
Escape this summer to Prairie Meadows Hotel, where relaxing accommodations and nonstop entertainment come together in one destination. Unwind in spacious, comfortable guest rooms designed for both leisure and business travelers. The casino offers exciting gaming with hundreds of slot machines, table games, promotions, and more. Savor delicious dining, enjoy live music, and experience endless entertainment.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a business trip, or a last-minute escape, Prairie Meadows Hotel has everything you need for a memorable stay. Book your reservations today!
