BALTIMORE — Local leaders and officials announced Wednesday a slew of celebrations leading up to Preakness 2025.
The "Preakness Festival", spearheaded by Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore was inspired by her trip to the Kentucky Derby.
"You could really feel the Kentucky Pride, and I walked away feeling very, very inspired," she said during a press conference unveiling plans.
An effort funded by public-private partnerships, Preakness Festival is described as a slate of events taking place over the next few months, coinciding with the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes next May.
That includes a mix of free and ticketed cultural events, arts activities, and other programming at prominent locations across the state.
The Preakness Festival aims to "deliver experiences that equitably enhance economic growth, promote tourism, and inspire civic pride through collaborative work with small, minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses."
In May, ownership of Pimlico Race Course was officially transferred to the State of Maryland.
The historic agreement guarantees the Preakness Stakes remains in Baltimore, establishing Pimlico as the state's year-round home of thoroughbred racing.
Part of the agreement calls for a full renovation of Pimlico, including the racetrack, along with hotel and event space construction.
A $10 million is being invested to promote housing, job training, workforce development and other local priorities within the Park Heights community through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
"This agreement is bigger than horseracing, y'all. Were going to make sure we create winners on and off the track... Baltimore renaissance is now. Baltimore renaissance is here. And Baltimore renaissance is here to stay," said Governor Wes Moore.
