Two popular festivals will return to Meadowlands Racetrack in 2026. The annual Beer Festival is scheduled for May 16, and the Summer Wine Festival for June 20. Both events combine beverage sampling with live harness racing.
Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey, has announced tickets on sale for its 2026 festivals. The Beer Festival takes place on Saturday, May 16, with doors opening for VIP ticket holders at 4 p.m. and general admission at 5 p.m. Sampling continues until 9 p.m. VIP tickets cost $70 USD and include an extra hour of access, exclusive beer samplings, music by DJ Alx, and food. General admission is $45 USD in advance or $50 USD at the door.
Attendees can watch and wager on the Preakness Stakes alongside live harness racing, which starts at 6:20 p.m. More than 60 breweries and cideries will participate, featuring local New Jersey options such as Departed Soles, Czig Meister Brewing, Seven Tribesmen, Montclair, Untied Brewing Co, Bonesaw Brewing, Ghost Hawk, and Bolero Snort. The full list and beer lineup will be available at playMeadowlands.com the week of May 11. New Jersey Craft Beer members receive a $10 USD betting voucher on the day of the event.
The Summer Wine Festival follows on Saturday, June 20, with a similar schedule: VIP entry at 4 p.m., general admission at 5 p.m., and pouring until 9 p.m. VIP tickets are $70 USD, offering an additional hour, exclusive wine samplings, DJ Alx music, and food. General admission prices match the beer festival at $45 USD advance or $50 USD at the door.
Over 30 wineries from around the world will offer tastings, including returning favorites Papi Wines with sangrias, sparkling Rose, and pink Moscato, and Voga with Prosecco, Prosecco Still, and sparkling Rose. Selections hail from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Australia, California, South Africa, and New Zealand. Both events include live harness racing and are held rain or shine at 1 Racetrack Drive. Participants must be 21 or older, with no refunds, and events are subject to issuance of New Jersey ABC permits.
