Enjoy live music, casino gaming, horse racing, dining for every taste, exciting promotions, and comfortable hotel accommodations.
2026 LIVE HORSE RACING SEASON IS AROUND THE CORNER AT PRAIRIE MEADOWS
May 2, 2026 – September 26, 2026
Prairie Meadows welcomes visitors of all ages to their 2026 Live Horse Racing Season opener on Saturday, May 2, with post time at 5pm. Watch the majestic Thoroughbreds compete on their one-mile track and feel the thunder as you view races trackside or from above the track indoors on Level 4. Prairie Meadows has live racing May 2 – September 26. Fridays & Saturdays have a 6pm post time and Sundays & Mondays have a 4pm post time. Enjoy trackside entertainment and food outlets. Enjoy free admission and a family-friendly atmosphere every race day. Check out 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 • 4pm – 5:45pm • Winners announced at 6:30pm
- 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.
- Easter Dining Sunday, April 5 ● 11AM – 7PM ● Brunch 11AM – 3PM
Hop into AJ’s Steakhouse for incredible Easter features or an AJ’s favorite. Enjoy a delicious brunch menu and traditional Easter selections including Ham, Lamb Chops, Prime Rib, irresistible desserts, and more. Your Easter gathering will be a memorable feast at AJ’s Steakhouse. Book today, space is limited and reservations are recommended.
- Mother’s Day Dining Sunday, May 10 ● 11AM – 8PM ● Brunch 11AM – 2PM
Celebrate Mother’s Day at AJ’s Steakhouse and gather for an unforgettable meal with family and friends. Enjoy delicious Mother’s Day brunch menu selections such as Lemon Blueberry Pancakes or a Classic Breakfast or try a perfectly prepared Chef’s feature like the Palomino Seafood Pasta or their Slow-roasted Prime Rib Au Jus, an AJ’s favorite. Indulge in homemade desserts, and more, while enjoying exceptional service. Book today, space is limited and 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
Cafe at the Meadows is the place to be for unbeatable lunch specials! For only $13, Monday through Friday from 11AM to 2PM, try their Asian Steak Salad, Café Spring Salad, Margarita Flatbread or Truffle Mushroom Flatbread 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
Experience top tier live entertainment at Prairie Meadows, where shows take place every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday in the Finish Line Show Lounge. Enjoy performances from skilled local musicians as well as dynamic national tribute bands. Guests enjoy the energetic and welcoming environment that has made it a favorite live music spot in central Iowa. With diverse musical styles and exciting performances featured each week, the Finish Line Show Lounge delivers a memorable evening for every music fan. View the full 2026 entertainment schedule.
SAVE THE DATES: POWER-PACKED TRIBUTE SHOWS AT YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO PLAY!
- REO Speedway Tribute: REO Survivor
Friday, April 10, 2026 ● 7PM
Tickets On Sale Now - 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 Friday, May 1 - 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 can shop a mix of everyday necessities and refined selections all in one convenient location. Browse an updated assortment of stylish clothing, Hobo leather handbags, sunglasses from Oakley and Ray-Ban, along with a wide range of designer fragrances. Be sure to check out our featured Iowa Vendor Spotlight, Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce, with local items available for purchase.
The Prairie Meadows Gift Shop also features distinctive stationery, seasonal décor, elegant jewelry, Black Clover hats, snacks, and more. Located near the main casino entrance, the Prairie Meadows Gift Shop makes it simple to stop in, browse, and leave with a new favorite find. Prairie Meadows Gift Shop is open Sunday – Thursday, 11AM – 8PM, and Friday – Saturday, 11AM – 10PM.
PRAIRIE MEADOWS HOTEL
Enjoy an exceptional getaway at Prairie Meadows Hotel, where comfort, entertainment, and refined amenities create a truly inviting experience. Unwind in comfortable guest rooms featuring upscale features designed to enhance every stay. The casino delivers continuous action with an extensive selection of slot machines, table games, and engaging promotions.
Delight in flavorful cuisine at the on-site restaurants and experience live music and energetic performances that complete the entertainment lineup. Whether you are planning a weekend retreat, traveling for business, or booking a last minute escape, Prairie Meadows offers something suited to every guest. After one visit, it is easy to see why Prairie Meadows stands among the Midwest’s leading destinations. Book your reservations today!
