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As (May 17) marks a long legacy of celebrating equestrian culture and showcasing some of the state’s gems through traditions like the Black Eyed Susan (May 16), this year’s inaugural Preakness Festival May 10-17 bridges custom with innovation, showcasing the beauty, breadth, diversity and magic of Maryland.

From the to the , , and the , the Preakness Festival is a cultural extravaganza with both free and ticketed events for the whole family to explore and enjoy.  

This year’s festival intentionally reaches beyond equestrianism — often perceived as an elitist sport due to costs and access — and welcomes all people to participate in culturally enriching activities. 

“The Preakness Festival is not just about honoring a storied tradition, it’s about building an inclusive future,” said Maryland first lady Dawn Moore. “Featuring a series of events taking place across our great state, this festival is an invitation for all Marylanders to take part in something truly special. Together, we will create a legacy of celebration, opportunity, and economic impact that extends far beyond race day.”

For Moore, the festival was a passion project inspired by another gem in the Triple Crown: the Kentucky Derby, which she had attended along with her husband, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.

“The Derby, which is the first leg of the Triple Crown, is several days of events, and we’ve learned that there was a $400 million economic impact as a result,” “And so I said to Wes, ‘We can do this, and we can do it better in Maryland.’”

Since then, Maryland’s first lady has been determined to bring her vision to life. 

She and the governor solicited other Maryland leaders — including ; his wife Hana Pugh Scott, who also serves as co-chair with Maryland’s first lady; ; and — to help in turning her idea into a reality.

“For this to be Maryland’s decade, it must be Baltimore’s time – and the inaugural Preakness Festival is one of the ways we make it happen,” said Gov. Moore in a statement. “I want to thank the incredible partners who have come together across sectors, ideologies, and industries to create our biggest celebration yet.”

There was one partner, in particular, whose work with the Preakness Festival this year was especially significant. A son of the Northwest Baltimore area, Rubenstein, according to the first lady, had never been to Preakness.

“This is the story of many Marylanders; they haven’t necessarily been a part of this,” she explained. “And when [Rubenstein] heard our vision, he was like, ‘I’m in.’”

That’s not the only person that was immediately moved by the first lady’s festival hopes.  She said when she reached out to D-Nice – the celebrated DJ whose pandemic-days Club Quarantine kept people entertained and sane — he didn’t hesitate to join the week-long festival lineup.

“He’s bringing his friends with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to Pier 6 on Wednesday, May 14 in the Inner Harbor — Jadakiss, Too Short, Deborah Cox, Chante Moore [and more]. I mean, this is going to be the most amazing concert that Baltimore has seen yet,” she said.

Boosting Economic Opportunity 

For festival leaders the goal became about more than just expanding beyond two-day horse races, but finding ways to boost economic opportunities in Maryland, and showcase what the state has to offer.

“For generations, the Preakness has been a defining part of Baltimore’s identity, shining a spotlight on our city’s culture and resilience,” said Mayor Scott. “The Preakness Festival takes that legacy to the next level by focusing on equitable development, job creation, and long-term revitalization. This festival will uplift communities, especially in Northwest Baltimore, while embracing the spirit that makes our city truly special.”

Hasseltine also celebrated the inaugural event as a way of bringing a new fervor to the 150-year equestrian tradition while promoting economic progress.

“The Preakness Festival represents an exciting new chapter for Maryland,” said Hasseltine. “By blending tradition with innovation, we are creating an event that not only honors the legacy of the Preakness but also fuels long-term economic and cultural growth throughout the state.”

Considering what she witnessed at the Derby, the first lady shared her goals for local business owners.

“I hope that the entrepreneurs get an opportunity to partake in this $400 million potential that we have. I think we’re going to be able to get to that point.”

On WIN-TV, Moore noted it’s not too late for folks to get involved in all aspects of the festival, whether from sponsoring a co-branded event, to participating in one of the tents.

“This is all the excitement that is leading up to the Preakness Stakes starting on Friday and Saturday (May 16-17),” she said. “But our events start on May 10 in the Park Heights community.”

After a tough year for Baltimore, particularly post the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse in March 2024, promoting economic opportunity and equity is a key priority for Maryland.

“Preakness is not just about a race – it’s about believing in Baltimore again,” Gov. Moore said. “And this year, we’re investing in winners on and off the racetrack.”

Preakness Festival Fosters Unity, Builds Community 

Bringing the festival to life has not only been about partnering with power brokers and major artists, but investing in the community and fostering unity.

“We have tremendous partners and we’ve partnered with the communities that have been traditionally divested from, and they are a part of this,” the first lady said. “We’re a state that is bringing people together, and that is through leadership and that is through community.”

With 150 years of tradition, Maryland’s first lady celebrates what Preakness has brought to the state over the years.  However, she’s ready to get even more Marylanders involved.

“I think the equestrian community is such an important part of our fabric, of our economy. It employs 28,000 people. It’s a $3 billion economic industry in Maryland. And so, there is something here for everybody,” she said. “And there is nothing that we can’t do in Maryland when we come together.”

She emphasized the potential greatness that can come with the festival. 

“I hope the community just has time to be able to be together, to be able to spend with their families, to be able to spend with the people they love, to invite their cousins and their friends to come into Maryland, stay in our hotels, visit our great restaurants,” she told The Informer. 

The first lady emphasized that organizing the festival and inching closer to seeing it unfold has been a true community effort.

“I am grateful to all of our partners, to our co-chairs and volunteers. We have a tremendous volunteer base who are making this happen,” she said. “It does not happen without people coming together.”