After Strong Start to Season, Exciting Racing and Entertainment Continues All Summer at Colonial Downs
Posted on July 22nd, 2025
~ Tickets now on sale for notable racing and entertainment days include the Festival of Racing (August 9), Wiener Dog Racing (August 23), and Old Dominion Derby Day (September 9) ~
NEW KENT, Va. (July 22, 2025)—Following the successful start to a season that has already seen thousands of fans visit Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack, Colonial Downs’ summer meet rolls on with exciting racing and great entertainment for families and new and returning race fans.
Colonial Downs is hosting an expanded 41-day summer schedule that will feature live racing every Wednesday through Saturday until September 13, plus a special Labor Day card on Monday, September 1.
FREE general admission will be offered nearly every race day, with General Admission for three remaining Premium Racing Events available at the fan-friendly price of just $5 and free general admission for children five and under. For an elevated guest experience on any race day, Colonial Downs offers reserved Grandstand Seats, Grandstand Box Seats, and suites, as well as indoor and dining options at the Jockey Club and the 1609 Restaurant. All tickets are now on sale at www.ColonialDowns.com.
Notable and Premium Racing Events for the rest of the season include:
Saturday, July 26—Sunrise at Colonial will allow fans to get an up-close look at training from 7-10am on the frontside of the track. Fans and families can enjoy free coffee and donuts while meeting jockeys, trainers, and horses preparing for upcoming races. This is a free event.
Saturday, August 9—More than $2.5 million in prize money will be up for grabs during the Festival of Racing—Colonial Downs’ biggest day of racing—with horses and teams from around the world competing in three high-profile graded stakes races: the Arlington Million, Beverly D, and Secretariat Stakes. Covered and indoor seats are close to selling out, but General Admission tickets are still available for just $5 (children five and under free) and limited tables remain for dining-included admission in the Colonial Downs banquet room. And because The Race Is Just The Start, the 2025 Festival of Racing will also include family friendly entertainment, a Salute to Service in honor of Virginia’s military and veteran community, and special live performances by New Kent’s own hometown star Grayson Torrance, a top contestant on Season 23 of American Idol.
Saturday, August 23—Wiener Dog Racing returns to Colonial Downs as mighty little athletes race down the track on tiny legs. This family-friendly day will also feature the legendary and historic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. Race registration is now closed and only dogs in competition may accompany their humans to the track. This is a premium racing day with tickets required and general admission available for just $5 with children five and under free.
Saturday, September 6—Old Dominion Day will feature live music from Virginia favorites The Deloreans—the ultimate ‘80s tribute band—as well as a slew of high-purse races including the $500,000 Old Dominion Derby, the $250,000 Old Dominion Oaks, the $150,000 Da Hoss Stakes, and the $150,000 Colonial Cup. This is a premium racing day with tickets required and general admission available for just $5 with children five and under free.
