Enjoy free live music, delicious dining options, the thrill of live horse racing, nonstop casino action, and a relaxing hotel stay!
2026 LIVE HORSE RACING SEASON AT PRAIRIE MEADOWS
May 2, 2026 – September 26, 2026
Prairie Meadows invites guests of all ages to kick off the 2026 Live Horse Racing Season on Saturday, May 2, with a 5 pm post time. Experience the excitement as powerful Thoroughbreds race around the one-mile track. Watch and wager trackside or at the indoor viewing area on Level 4.
Live racing runs from May 2 through September 26, with Friday and Saturday races starting at 6 pm, and Sunday and Monday races beginning at 4 pm. Each race day features trackside entertainment, a variety of food options, free admission, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. See the full details here!
DERBY DAYS CELEBRATION
Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2
Celebrate the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Prairie Meadows
Friday, May 1
- Road To Riches Swipe & Win Noon – 8pm
- Alan Jackson Tribute Featuring Doug Brewin as Alan Jackson • 7pm • Finish Line Show Lounge
Tickets on sale through Midwestix.com or in the Prairie Meadows Gift Shop, while supplies last.
Saturday, May 2
Reserve a seat at Champions, doors open at 9am. Daily Double begins serving food & beverages for purchase at noon.
- Kentucky Derby Swipe & Win • Noon – 8pm
- Hat & Bow Tie Contests • 2pm – 4pm • Winners announced at 4:30pm
- Prairie Meadows Live Racing • Post Time • 5pm
- Watch & Wager On The Kentucky Derby • Post Time • 5:57pm
- Free Live Entertainment • 9pm • Finish Line Show Lounge
Keith Wells & the Tonky Stompers, Country
- Neon Nights Swipe & Win • 9pm – 2am
See Prairie Gold Rewards for details.
TRIPLE CROWN RACE DAYS*
May 2 ● Kentucky Derby ● Prairie Meadows Post Time ● 5pm
May 16 ● Preakness Stakes ● Prairie Meadows Post Time ● 5pm
June 6 ● Belmont Stakes ● Prairie Meadows Post Time ● 5pm
SPECIAL RACE DAYS & EVENTS*
UPCOMING RACE EVENTS*
May 25 • Memorial Day • Post Time 4pm
July 3 • Fireworks • Post Time 4pm
July 4 • Independence Day • Post Time 4pm
July 10 & 11 • Festival of Racing • Post Time 6pm
August 14 & 15 • Regional Challenge • Post Time 6pm
September 7 • Labor Day • Post Time 4pm
September 25 • Quarter Horse Championships • Post Time 6pm
September 26 • Iowa Classic • Post Time 4pm
*Post times are tentative and subject to change. See Racing Center on Level 4 for details.
AJ’S STEAKHOUSE – A MEMORABLE DINING EXPERIENCE WHERE TRADITIONS ARE MADE
- Midweek Early Bird Specials Wednesday & Thursdays ● 4PM – 6PM
AJ’s Steakhouse has a midweek feature you won’t want to miss! Dine at AJ’s Steakhouse Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4PM to 6PM and try one of their delicious Early Bird featured dinners! Choose from a selection of AJ’s favorites and enjoy a special savings on delicious Early Bird menu items including select salads, steaks and seafood dishes. Reservations are recommended!
- Thursday $29 Mix & Match To-Go Special
Bring home AJ’s Steakhouse with their Thursday takeout special. Enjoy their Mix & Match Dinner for Two for just $29. Choose two (select) entrees, served with AJ’s house salad for two and dinner rolls. 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.
- Mother’s Day Dining Sunday, May 10 ● 11AM – 8PM ● Brunch 11AM – 2PM
Enjoy delicious Mother’s Day features such as Lemon Blueberry Pancakes, Classic Breakfast, Palomino Seafood Pasta, or an AJ’s favorite like their Slow-roasted Prime Rib Au Jus. Indulge in homemade desserts, perfectly prepared steaks, pasta, seafood, and more, while enjoying exceptional service. Book today, space is limited and reservations are recommended.
- Father’s Day Dining Sunday, June 21 ● 4PM – 9PM
Enjoy Father’s Day with a perfectly prepared dinner at AJ’s Steakhouse. Indulge in an AJ’s favorite or try a mouthwatering AJ’s Father’s Day special feature like the Deluxe Tomahawk For Two; 56 oz. Bone-in Ribeye served with AJ’s house salads, baked potatoes, asparagus, and includes a Stuffed Shrimp starter with mango salsa. Be sure to treat Dad to one of AJ’s homemade desserts! Reservations are recommended.
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 $13 LUNCH SPECIAL
Dine at Cafe at the Meadows for delicious lunch specials! For only $13, Monday through Friday from 11AM to 2PM, try their Sata Fe Salad, Taco Salad, Shrimp Tacos Trio or Carne Asada Street Tacos for a satisfying midday meal and excellent value! 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 is central Iowa’s top entertainment destination! Every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, the Finish Line Show Lounge hosts an incredible lineup featuring a variety of acts including talented local musicians to popular national tribute bands. No matter the type of music you are looking for, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. View the full 2026 entertainment schedule.
SAVE THE DATES: POWER-PACKED TRIBUTE SHOWS AT YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO PLAY!
- Alan Jackson Tribute: Doug Brewin as Alan Jackson
Friday, May 1, 2026 ● 7PM
Tickets On Sale Now - Neil Diamond Tribute: Steve Berry as Neil Diamond
Thursday, May 14, 2026 ● 7PM
Tickets On Sale Now - The Beatles Tribute: Paperback Writer – The Beatles Experience
Thursday, June 25, 2026 ● 7PM
Tickets On Sale Now - Dolly Parton Tribute: Karen Hester as Dolly Parton
Thursday, July 9, 2026 ● 7PM
Tickets On Sale Now - Johnny Cash Tribute: Church of Cash
Thursday, September 10, 2026 ● 7PM
Tickets On Sale Friday, July 3 - 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
At the Prairie Meadows Gift Shop, you will find a thoughtfully curated blend of everyday essentials and elevated finds in one convenient stop. Explore a refreshed selection of stylish apparel, Hobo leather handbags, sunglasses from Oakley and Ray Ban, and an array of designer fragrances. Be sure to visit the Iowa Vendor Spotlight featuring Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce, where locally made items are available for purchase.
You’ll find items like unique stationery, seasonal décor, elegant jewelry, Black Clover hats, snacks, and more. Conveniently located near the main casino entrance, the Prairie Meadows Gift Shop makes it easy to browse and shop. Prairie Meadows Gift Shop is open Sunday – Thursday, 11AM – 8PM, and Friday – Saturday, 11AM – 10PM.
PRAIRIE MEADOWS HOTEL
Enjoy an exceptional stay at Prairie Meadows Hotel, where comfort, entertainment, and upscale amenities come together seamlessly. Relax in well-appointed guest rooms designed for both leisure and business travelers. The on-site casino features a wide selection of slot machines, table games, and ongoing promotions for nonstop excitement.
Savor delicious dining options, enjoy live music, and experience dynamic entertainment all in one destination. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, business trip, or last-minute escape, Prairie Meadows Hotel offers a premier Midwest guest experience. Book your reservations today!
