2026 Canterbury Park Preview
Canterbury Park is kicking off another thrilling season, with 2026 live horse racing running from May 23-September 19 on select Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Horse racing is just the beginning—here’s your guide to this year’s best deals, wacky race days, family activities, special events, and delicious eats at Canterbury Park.
Live Thoroughbred Racing
Plan a budget-friendly night at the races with $2 admission, $2 Budweiser cans, $2 Pepsi products, and $2 hot dogs. A live DJ will be spinning tunes between races, and don’t miss the quirky T-rex races.
Get lucky with a scratch off giveaway every Saturday. The first 1,000 fans get a free scratch off card loaded with wagers, Minnesota lottery tickets, free food, mystery prizes, and more. On select Saturdays, book a behind-the-scenes tour to see the stables and watch the first race from the Winner’s Circle.
Take the kids to the track for a day of family-friendly activities including face painting, pony rides, and Kids Race the Track after the day’s final race. Kids can also explore Canterbury Park’s playground and arcade, pick up free jockey trading cards, and meet jockeys at special meet and greets. New this year is the Junior Jockey Fan Club, free for kids ages 12 and under.
Whimsical Race Days
Cheer on furry companions as they scamper around the track between live horse races, with the champions of each breed-specific race day advancing to the final. Save the date for bulldogs (May 24), basset hounds (June 14), wiener dogs (July 4), beagles (August 2), and corgis (August 9), with the best in show race scheduled for Labor Day weekend (Sunday, September 6). Dog races coincide with Sunday Pepsi Family Day.
Sunday, July 12
Marvel at offbeat races featuring ostriches, camels, and zebras. The day will also offer extreme food, extreme entertainment, live horse racing, and Sunday Pepsi Family Day festivities.
Sunday, July 26
Enjoy the spectacle of unicorns and llamas sprinting around the track between horse races. In addition to Sunday Pepsi Family Day activities, there will also be meet-and-greets with the llamas.
Special Events
Friday, June 19
Watch cowgirls race the clock in a high-speed show of precision and skill. Don’t miss the pre-party with live music by the School of Rock House Band-Eden Prairie and a vendor marketplace. After the show, enjoy more live music and big air jumps by Pure Adrenaline FMX.
Kwik Trip Fireworks Spectacular
Friday, July 3
Kick off Independence Day festivities with live racing, live music by Sugar Buzz, and a fireworks show to close out the evening.
Food & Drink Festivals
Saturday, June 6
Sip your way through 100-plus craft beers, seltzers, ciders, canned cocktails, and more. Tickets include unlimited tastings, a souvenir sampling cup, and admission to live racing.
Taste of Canterbury: Tacos & Tequila
Saturday, June 27
Savor Mexican cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. Tickets include craft cocktail samples, two Don Julio tequila-based cocktails, and chef-inspired appetizers, plus admission to live racing.
Taste of Canterbury: BBQ, Bourbon & Bluegrass
Saturday, July 25
Pair barbecue and bourbon with a night at the races. Tickets include craft cocktail samples, two Maker’s Mark bourbon-based cocktails, live bluegrass music, and appetizers inspired by barbecue traditions and Southern cuisine. Live racing admission is also included.
After you’ve experienced Canterbury Park, check out Shakopee’s other attractions! Shakopee is home to Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, Mystic Lake Amphitheater, and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. It’s also conveniently located to area destinations like Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and Mystic Lake.