At Prairie Meadows, you’ll find endless entertainment and live music, the thrill of horse racing, a variety of dining options, nonstop casino action and hotel accommodations.
STARS & STRIPES JULY 3RD WEEKEND
Looking for the best fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day? Prairie Meadows will host their annual celebration with their Stars & Stripes July 3rd Weekend. Enjoy family-friendly festivities and fun featuring live racing, outdoor music, trackside entertainment, delicious food, and the most spectacular fireworks display in central Iowa on Friday, July 3, at dusk! Visit their website to stay up to date with all the details and full line up of events at Your Favorite Place To Play!
2026 LIVE HORSE RACING SEASON AT PRAIRIE MEADOWS
NOW – SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
The live racing season takes center stage all summer long 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 DAYS & EVENTS*
July 3 • Post Time 4pm • Fireworks at Dusk
July 4 • Independence Day • Post Time 4pm
July 10 & 11 • Festival of Racing • Post Time 6pm
August 14 & 15 • Regional Challenge • Post Time 5pm
September 7 • Labor Day • Post Time 4pm
September 25 • Quarter Horse Championships • Post Time 5pm
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 Surf & Turf Specials Wednesday & Thursdays ● 4pm – 6pm ● Dine-In Only
AJ’s Steakhouse has a midweek feature you won’t want to miss! Dine in at AJ’s Steakhouse Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4pm to 6pm and indulge 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
Bring home AJ’s Steakhouse with their Thursday takeout special. Enjoy their 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 $14 LUNCH SPECIAL
Dine at Cafe at the Meadows for delicious lunch specials! For only $14, Monday through Friday from 11am to 2pm, try their Italian Sausage Hoagie with housemade chips or fries, a Summer Salad with chicken or salmon, a Single Deck Club Sandwich served with housemade chips or fries or try their “It’s All Peachy” salad with chicken or salmon. 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!
- 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
Enjoy 30% off all Hobo handbags and accessories at the Prairie Meadows Gift Shop from July 1–31. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop timeless leather handbags and accessories at an exceptional value while exploring one of the shop’s most popular brands. You’ll also find the gift shop carries a curated collection of apparel, sunglasses from Oakley and Ray-Ban, designer fragrances, jewelry, seasonal décor, stationery, snacks, and more. Additionally, be sure to check out the Iowa Vendor Spotlight section featuring locally made 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
Get away this summer with an unmatched getaway at Prairie Meadows Hotel, where comfort meets excitement in one destination. Relax in comfortable and elegant guest rooms that appeal to both leisure and business travelers. Just steps away, the casino delivers nonstop action with a wide variety of slot machines, table games, exciting promotions, and more!
Experience great dining, live music, and vibrant entertainment throughout your stay. Whether you’re planning a weekend retreat, a business trip, or a spontaneous escape, at Prairie Meadows Hotel there is something for everyone. Book your reservations today!
