The 2026 live racing schedule at Parx Racing has been released and features 149 days of live racing throughout the year. The track's signature event, the $1 million BetParx Pennsylvania Derby (GI) has been set for Saturday, September 19.
The track typically operates a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday schedule throughout the year with select Friday and weekend dates. In 2026, there will be racing held on all three Triple Crown Saturdays (May 2, May 16 and June 6) as well as on Kentucky Oaks Friday (May 1). In addition, there will racing held on Saturday, July 18 for Pennsylvania Day at the Races and on Saturday, August 15 for Owner's Appreciation Day and the popular, lone Sunday card will be on Father's Day (June 21).
As in years past, there will be a three-week break in live racing the last week of July into the first two weeks of August. In 2026, there will also be a week off of racing following the Pennsylvania Derby.
Thursday racing has been added to the schedule for the month of November as well as live racing on Black Friday following Thanksgiving.
"We are looking forward to our 2026 season and appreciate the cooperation of the horsemen and women and the PTHA as we put together our schedule," said Parx COO Joe Wilson. "We are proud of the competitive product put forth by our racing office year-round and hope that the return of turf racing in 2026 will continue to enhance that."
(Editor's Note: Wilson previously told the Pennsylvania Racing Commission that Parx hopes to resume turf racing in the fall after its summer break, after the installation of a turf course in the spring. There has been no grass racing at Parx since September 2024 following issues with the course.)
The 2026 live racing schedule can be viewed here.
