The 129th season of racing returns to Fort Erie Race Track this summer, with thoroughbred action running from May 31 through October 20.
With expanded Sunday racing alongside a full slate of special events - including a food truck festival, free concerts, and a family-friendly Canada Day celebration - the track is leaning into its history of being the foundation of Fort Erie's tourism sector. The milestone season will feature an exciting schedule of live racing events running through the summer and into the fall, showcasing top thoroughbred competition on one of Canada's most scenic and historic racetracks.
"We believe strongly in the province's Destination Niagara strategy, and this race calendar puts us in a good position to be one of Niagara's premier tourist destinations this summer," said Drew Cady, general manager of Fort Erie Race Track. "This summer, we're inviting racing enthusiasts, families, and tourists alike to experience the excitement of live thoroughbred racing in one of the most beautiful settings in Ontario."
From the family friendly fun at the Wiener Dog Races, to the pomp and circumstance of the 91st running of the historic Prince of Wales Stakes, the track's schedule is tailored to provide a full season of events that both the hardcore thoroughbred fan and the horse racing newcomer can both enjoy.
READ: Prince of Wales Stakes Moved to Labor Day in 2026
Horses will begin shipping into the track's backstretch in early April, and hit the track for spring training ahead of Opening Day, which has moved to a Sunday this year. When the gates open on May 31, the track will kick things off with its traditional twin cup races - the Summer Solstice Cup and the Sprint Into Summer Cup - alongside a farmer's market and food trucks, before closing out the night with a concert featuring The Figure Four.
Father's Day racing returns in June, followed by the Wiener Dog Races in July, the Corgi & Basset Hound Races in August, the Prince of Wales Stakes in September, and the Halloween bash, Track-O-Lantern in October.
For a full race calendar with post times, and full details on events, visit www.forterieracing.com.
