Dates: November 20, 2025, to March 22, 2026

The 2026 Fair Grounds meet is where championship racing meets the unmatchable culture of New Orleans. As America’s second-oldest racetrack (dating back to 1872), Fair Grounds has a soul that newer tracks can’t replicate. It is a place where you can watch a future Kentucky Derby winner in the afternoon and eat world-class Creole cuisine in the French Quarter by sunset.

To help you plan your visit, we have curated this insider guide to Fair Grounds. It covers race-day logistics, the “Road to the Derby” schedule, dining secrets, and the critical logistics of navigating New Orleans during Carnival season.

🏇 PART 1: Partner Race Day Operations

If you are planning a visit or receive notice that your horse is racing, please contact West Point Owner Concierge Danielle Austin to review your options and coordinate your day.

Trackside Dining (Best Views of the Action)

• The Clubhouse by Messina’s: Located on the 4th floor, this is the premier dining experience. It offers tiered seating, panoramic views of the track, and an upscale buffet featuring classic New Orleans dishes. Reservations are essential, especially on big days.
• The Gentilly Grill: For a more casual “railbird” experience, this spot on the ground floor offers solid po-boys and gumbo without the formality of the clubhouse.
• Club 38: If you have VIP status or are a heavy player, this restricted-access area offers a quieter environment and complimentary food/beverage.

Standard parking and General Admission are free – except on special race days as designated below!

📅 PART 2: At the Track: Key Dates and Traditions

The Road to the Derby Fair Grounds is a critical proving ground for three-year-olds. The series of prep races here has produced numerous classic winners.

• Road to the Derby Day (January 17, 2026): Features the Lecomte Stakes, the first major step toward the Louisiana Derby.
• Louisiana Derby Preview Day (February 14, 2026): Critical Date. Features the Risen Star Stakes. Note: This falls on Mardi Gras Weekend (Endymion Saturday). The city will be electric, but logistics will be tight.
• Louisiana Derby Day (March 21, 2026): The marquee event of the meet, this is a pre-ticketed day; ticketsare required to attend. With a $1 million purse and major Kentucky Derby points on the line, this is one of the most significant racing days on the national calendar.

🍽️ PART 3: The Insider Dining Guide

New Orleans is the culinary capital of the South. While the tourist spots are fine, these are the places the horsemen actually go.

Neighborhood Favorites (Near the Track)

• Liuzza’s by the Track: Located literally across the street from the paddock. It is a dive bar with world-class food. The BBQ Shrimp Po-Boy is legendary. You will see owners, trainers, and jockeys here after the last race.
• Café Degas: A charming, open-air French bistro on Esplanade Avenue, just minutes from the track. It feels like a treehouse and offers incredible French classics.
• Ralph’s on the Park: If you want a celebratory dinner near the track, this is the spot. Located across from City Park, it offers high-end Creole cuisine in a beautiful setting.
• Santa Fe: A hidden gem on Esplanade for when you need a break from heavy Creole food. Fresh, high-quality Mexican food with a great patio.

City Classics (Worth the Drive)

• Galatoire’s: The Friday lunch here is a bucket-list event. It is loud, boozy, and timeless. Jackets are required for men.
• Dooky Chase’s: Historic Creole cooking. A cultural landmark that serves some of the best fried chicken and gumbo in the city.
• Venezia: A Mid-City Italian staple that has been feeding locals for decades. Great pizza and veal, very casual and family-friendly.

The Best Beignets?

• Cafe Du Monde: The most iconic New Orleans beignet experience; classic powdered-sugar pillows with chicory coffee. A must-try at least once.
• Café Du Monde – City Park: Same delicious beignets with much shorter lines and a relaxed outdoor setting in City Park (great before/after Fair Grounds).
• Morning Call Coffee Stand: A local favorite with traditional beignets and café au lait; less touristy and historically beloved.
• Cafe Beignet, Royal Street (and Cafe Beignet, Canal St/Cafe Beignet, Bourbon Street): Classic beignets in multiple spots; a bit thicker and less crowded than the main Café du Monde.
• Loretta’s Authentic Pralines: Not traditional beignets per se, but known for praline-filled beignets and other creative takes the locals rave about. 

🎟️ PART 4: Entertainment, Wellness, and Logistics

The “Quarter” vs. The Garden District

• French Quarter: High energy, music, tourists. Great for a first-time visitor, but can be overwhelming.
• Garden District: Quiet, historic, and filled with stunning mansions. A walk down Magazine Street offers great shopping and cafes without the Bourbon Street chaos.

Hotel Recommendations

• Hotel Monteleone: The classic choice. Home to the famous Carousel Bar, which actually rotates. It has deep ties to the racing industry and is centrally located in the Quarter.
• The Roosevelt: A Waldorf Astoria hotel. Famous for its Sazerac Bar and grand lobby. A luxury option just outside the Quarter.
• The Virgin Hotel New Orleans: A newer, trendier option in the Warehouse District. Good for partners who want a modern vibe and rooftop pool.

Logistics: The Streetcar

• The Canal Streetcar (City Park/Museum Line): Runs from downtown directly to the front gates of Fair Grounds (or a very short walk). It is a scenic and convenient way to get to the track without worrying about parking.

Explore New Orleans History and Culture

• The National WWII Museum: One of the highest-rated museums in the country, offering immersive exhibits on World War II history — a must-see for history lovers.
• Audubon Aquarium + Audubon Insectarium: Explore marine life and interactive exhibits without stepping outside. Both are great for all ages and provide a fun break from the heat or rain.
• Jamnola: An immersive, art-and-culture space celebrating New Orleans through colorful installations and music-inspired exhibits — an indoor cultural experience that feels both local and fun.
• New Orleans Museum of Art: Classic fine art in a beautifully curated space; excellent if you’re looking for a quieter cultural stop that showcases both local and international works.
• The Sazerac House: Cocktail history and tasting experience.

Outdoor Activities

• Stroll or Bike Around New Orleans City Park: One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., City Park has miles of walking/biking paths, lakes, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and plenty of open green space — ideal for a relaxed morning before or after the races. You’ll also find scenic spots like the Sculpture Garden and lakefront areas perfect for picnic moments with local bites.

• Explore Jazz & Local Culture at Jazz Fest: If your visit coincides with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Fair Grounds Race Course itself becomes an outdoor cultural hub with multiple stages, dancing, regional music (jazz, gospel, zydeco), food vendors, crafts and local artisans — essentially an outdoor celebration of Louisiana culture.
• Historic Walk Around Fairgrounds Neighborhood: The streets surrounding the track are ideal for a walking tour of classic New Orleans architecture — colorful shotguns, craftsman cottages and tree-lined blocks — plus stops at local favorites like Liuzza’s by the Track for an authentic po’boy before heading back to the races or park.
• Pedal the Lafitte Greenway: About a short ride from Fair Grounds, the Lafitte Greenway is a paved trail perfect for walking, jogging or cycling. It stretches through urban neighborhoods toward Bayou St. John and offers a peaceful, shaded corridor right in the heart of the city — great for fresh air and exploring on two wheels.
• Bayou St. John & Alcee Fortier Park Outdoor Visit: Just west of the Fair Grounds neighborhood, the historic Bayou St. John area and nearby Alcee Fortier Park are lovely outdoor spots to relax, watch kayakers pass by, or enjoy some people-watching. The bayou’s serene waterway and park benches create an especially nice break after a lively race day or festival set.

🎭 PART 5: The “Mardi Gras” Detour (or Warning)

Critical Context for 2026 Fat Tuesday is February 17, 2026. This means the Risen Star Stakes (Feb 14) falls on the biggest parade weekend of the year (Endymion/Bacchus weekend).

If you are in town for the Risen Star:

• Book Hotels Now: Inventory will be non-existent by January.
• Traffic is Real: Parades block major arteries. If you are staying downtown and trying to get to the track, give yourself double the travel time.
• The Endymion Parade: On Saturday night (Risen Star night), the massive Endymion parade rolls through Mid-City, very close to the track. It is a spectacle, but it gridlocks the area. Plan to either stay at the track for the post-race party or have a very specific exit strategy.

The “Escape” Option If the carnival chaos isn’t for you, head to The Northshore (Covington/Mandeville) across Lake Pontchartrain. It’s a 45-minute drive, offers beautiful piney woods, great restaurants (like Gallagher’s Grill), and a peaceful retreat from the city madness while still being accessible for the races.

Plan Your Trip: Whether you are chasing beads or chasing a Derby trophy, Fair Grounds is a special place. Let us know if you are coming so we can have a Sazerac ready for you!

 

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