Enjoy the autumn season filled with live music, delicious dining options, the final weeks of live horse racing, nonstop casino action, and the comforts of Prairie Meadows Hotel!
2026 LIVE HORSE RACING SEASON AT PRAIRIE MEADOWS
Now – September 26, 2026
Live horse racing is in the final stretch for the 2026 season at Prairie Meadows. Join the excitement in each race through September 26, 2026. Friday and Saturday races have a post time* of 5pm, and Sunday 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!
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.
FOOTBALL FRENZY CASH DRAWINGS – YOUR CHANCE AT A SHARE OF $32,000 IN CASH PRIZES
Join the action at Prairie Meadows on Wednesdays in September for your chance to win cash prizes in their $32,000 Football Frenzy 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.
GAMEDAY WATCH PARTY
Join the excitement of the Iowa State University Vs. University of Iowa football game on Saturday, September 12, with a Gameday Watch Party in the Finish Line Show Lounge at Prairie Meadows! You can also catch the game on the big screens in the Sportsbook on Casino Level 4 and on all the TVs throughout the casino. Enjoy the game with food and beverage specials available. Then stick around for live horse racing, with post time at one forty pm. It’s game day at Prairie Meadows!
NEW POKER ROOM – NOW OPEN – CASINO LEVEL 4
Sunday – Tuesday ● 10am – 2am
Wednesday – Thursday ● 10am – 4am
Friday – Saturday ● 10am – 6am
POKER TOURNAMENTS
Compete in a dynamic setting filled with energy and anticipation. Learn more about upcoming Poker Tournaments and exciting promotions. 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
Savor the flavor of a delicious Midweek Special feature at AJ’s Steakhouse! Dine in on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4pm to 6pm with 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
Include AJ’s Steakhouse to-go in your week 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 $14 SPECIAL
Café at the Meadows has weekday specials you won’t want to miss in September! For only $14, Monday through Friday, try their Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, Steakhouse Salad, Baked Ziti, or Chicken Pasta Primavera. 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
Looking for live entertainment in central Iowa? Prairie Meadows delivers with performances at the Finish Line Show Lounge every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. From hometown artists to nationally recognized tribute bands, the lineup offers a wide range of musical styles to enjoy. 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 Now - The Supremes Tribute: Supreme Girls of Motown
Saturday, November 14, 2026 ● 7PM
Tickets On Sale Now - Steve Berry Holiday Tribute: Barry Merry Christmas
Thursday, December 3, 2026 ● 7PM
Tickets On Sale Now
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 offers an extensive selection of specialty merchandise, including fashionable apparel, Oakley and Ray-Ban sunglasses, designer fragrances, jewelry, seasonal décor, stationery, snacks, and more. While you’re browsing, don’t miss the Iowa Vendor Spotlight, where you’ll find products from RAYGUN.
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
Enjoy a stay at Prairie Meadows Hotel, where comfortable accommodations and top-notch entertainment come together in one destination. Unwind in spacious guest rooms designed for both leisure and business travelers. The casino offers exciting gaming with hundreds of slot machines, table games, promotions, and more. Explore delicious dining, enjoy live music, and experience endless entertainment.
Whether you’re planning a business trip or a last-minute escape, Prairie Meadows Hotel has everything you need for a memorable stay. Book your reservations today!
