2025 Canterbury Park Season Preview
It’s time to kick off the 2025 racing season at Canterbury Park! But it’s not all about the horses—you can also watch dogs, ostriches, and zebras race around the track, sing along at a concert, or attend a rodeo. Here’s your guide to all the fun Canterbury Park has on offer this summer.
2025 Horse Racing
Canterbury Park boasts the best horse racing in Minnesota, with 2025 live races running from May 24 through September 20. Races are held on select Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Wednesday and Thursday nights are a great budget-friendly option, with $5 general admission and $5 beer specials.
On Saturday nights, enjoy $2 off by-the-glass wine or book a Saturday date night package complete with a three-course dinner, bottle of wine, and clubhouse seating overlooking the track.
Bring the whole family to Sunday Pepsi Family Days, with afternoon races and family-friendly activities including face painting, pony rides, crafts, and kids race the track after the final race. Canterbury Park also has a brand-new Rainbow playground and arcade with claw machines.
2025 Special Events
Watch adorable pups race around the track at Dog Race Days. The winners of each breed-specific race held throughout the summer advance to the best in show final on Labor Day weekend.
Bulldogs—May 25
Bassets—June 22
Wiener Dogs—July 4
Toy & Miniature Doodles—August 3
Corgis—August 17
Best in Show Dog Days Championship—August 31
Canterbury Park’s summer concert series features rock and tribute acts in an intimate outdoor venue with comfortable seating, indoor restrooms, and excellent sightlines and acoustics.
The Beach Boys—May 22
Celebrating Meatloaf—June 6
Theory of a Deadman—June 13
Killer Queen—July 25
Blue Oyster Cult—July 31
Three Dog Night—August 8
Yacht Rock Revue—September 5
Battle of the Barrels—June 20
Watch top barrel racers from around the country compete against each other and the clock in a thrilling, high-speed test of precision. The event also includes kid-friendly roping games, pony rides, and crafts, plus a vendor market, live music, and mechanical bull rides.
Extreme Day—July 13
Have a wild time at Canterbury Park as camels, ostriches, and zebras dash around the track between horse races.
Ram Trucks Rodeo—July 18-20
Cheer on cowboys and cowgirls as they compete in events including bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and more. Peruse the vendor village with Western hats, boots, clothing, and jewelry. On Friday evening, stick around for the after party headlined by country singer John Morgan.
Savor an culinary-focused racing experience at this season’s Taste of Canterbury events. Tickets include race admission, craft cocktail samples, two bourbon-based cocktails, and appetizer pairings. Upcoming themes are BBQ & Bourbon (June 14), Whiskey & Wings (July 12), and Tacos & Tequila (August 16).
Casino
Canterbury Park’s casino is open around the clock daily. Try your luck at traditional table games like blackjack and baccarat. Play touchscreen blackjack on a private screen for a low-key, beginner-friendly experience. The casino is also home to the largest poker room in the Midwest and hosts daily poker tournaments.
After a day at the races, stay in Shakopee! Shakopee offers attractions including Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. It’s also conveniently located to area destinations like Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and Mystic Lake.