Dates: December 12, 2025, to May 2, 2026

The 2026 Oaklawn season is officially here. Tucked into the Ouachita Mountains of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Oaklawn offers an atmosphere entirely its own—a blend of old-school southern charm, high-stakes casino energy, and some of the most competitive dirt racing on the planet. For Partners, it is the ultimate “destination” track: a town built on thermal waters, gangster history, and elite Thoroughbreds.

To help you plan your visit, we have curated this insider guide to Oaklawn in winter. It covers race day logistics, the “Derby prep” path, dining, entertainment, and the unique wellness opportunities of Hot Springs National Park.

🏇 PART 1: Partner Race Day Operations

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

Trackside Dining (Best Views of the Action) Oaklawn has significantly upgraded its culinary game in recent years. These are the top options if you would like to dine while watching the races.

• • The Bugler: Oaklawn’s new flagship fine dining experience. Located trackside with sweeping views of the finish line, it offers an upscale steak and seafood menu.
  • The Oak Room & Bar: A more traditional, members-club feel with excellent food and high-energy wagering.
  • The Carousel: Famous for its prime rib buffet and nostalgic atmosphere. If you want a classic day at the races with a guaranteed seat and hearty food, this is the spot.
  • Silks Bar & Grill: A massive sports bar vibe located inside the casino area but accessible to the track. Great for casual groups who want to watch multiple tracks simultaneously.

• The Jockey Club: typically reserved for Stakes connections, traditionally a horsemen’s dining room featuring a buffet lunch and excellent track views throughout.

Insider Tip: The Oyster Bar in the main grandstand is a hidden gem for a quick, high-quality snack. Grab a dozen fresh oysters and a cold beer without the need for a reservation, then head to the rail.

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

The Big Days Oaklawn is the premier path to the Kentucky Derby. These weekends feature massive crowds and championship racing.

• • Smarty Jones Stakes (January 3, 2026): The first stop on the Oaklawn road to the Derby.
  • Southwest Stakes (January 31, 2026): A key Grade 3 test for Derby hopefuls.
  • Rebel Stakes (Sunday, March 1, 2026): Note the Sunday date. This is a massive event and a “make or break” race for Triple Crown contenders.

• Fantasy Stakes (March 27, 2026): A Grade 2 Kentucky Oaks prep for 3-year-old fillies

• • Arkansas Derby (March 28, 2026): The crown jewel of the meet. The atmosphere rivals the Kentucky Derby, with a $1.5 million purse and a winner’s circle often occupied by future legends.
  • Apple Blossom Handicap (April 11, 2026): One of the most prestigious races in the country for fillies and mares.

• Oaklawn Handicap (April 18, 2026): A premier Grade 2 for older horses, with many runners targeting the G3 Pimlico Special on Preakness Day afterward.

Morning Ritual: Dawn at Oaklawn: 7:30-9:30am, Select Saturday mornings (typically starting in February).

• Experience: Head to the South Apron (near the first turn) for free coffee and pastries. Listen to track announcer Vic Stauffer and handicappers analyze the morning works while the horses breeze through the mist. It is widely considered one of the best morning programs in racing.

🍽️ PART 3: The Insider Dining Guide

Hot Springs is a food town with a deep history. These are the places the horsemen frequent.

• The Pancake Shop: The institution. Located on Central Avenue, it has been serving since 1940. Expect a line; it moves quickly. The apple pancakes and fresh-squeezed orange juice are non-negotiable. You will almost certainly run into a trainer or owner here.
• Kollective Coffee + Tea: A modern, organic option downtown. Great for a quick avocado toast and strong espresso before heading to the track.
• Best Cafe: A historic bistro with a great brunch. It sits right next to the Ohio Club and offers a slightly quieter start to the day than the Pancake Shop.

Team Dinner Favorites:

• 501 Prime: The most popular spot as recommended by WPT Partners! An upscale steakhouse and oyster bar that has become the “go-to” for celebratory dinners. The second-floor bar is a great spot to catch up on the day’s replays.
• The Ohio Club: Arkansas’ oldest bar. It was a hangout for Al Capone and Mae West. Great burgers, live jazz/blues, and an atmosphere you can’t manufacture. A must-visit for first-timers. (Bonus points if you can find the framed WPT win photo inside!)
• Vault: Located in an old bank building, this is a sleek, modern dining experience. Excellent cocktails and a refined menu.
• Luna Bella: Tucked away from the downtown strip, this Italian spot is a favorite among locals and horsemen who want a quiet, high-quality meal away from the tourists.
• McClard’s BBQ: If you have a car, drive a few minutes for this legendary barbecue. It’s no-frills, paper plates, and possibly the best tamales and ribs in the state.

🎟️ PART 4: Entertainment, Wellness, and Logistics

The “Spa City” Detox: Bathhouse Row Hot Springs isn’t just a name; it’s a National Park. The historic Bathhouse Row is just minutes from the track.

• The Buckstaff: The traditionalist choice. It operates exactly as it did in the early 1900s. Men on one side, women on the other, authentic thermal mineral baths.
• The Quapaw: A more modern, spa-like experience with large thermal pools that allow couples and groups to soak together.
• The Move: After a long weekend of racing and dining, book a “bath and massage” on Sunday morning before your flight. It is the ultimate reset – we recommend The Arlington Hotel and Spa.

Oaklawn Casino Resort The track is now a full resort. The casino floor is massive, but the First Turn Bar is the best spot for racing fans to hang out, watch simulcast signals, and grab a drink without navigating the slot machines.

Explore Hot Springs history in the Gangster Museum – transporting you back to the 1920’s and beyond, through the colorful history of the town.

Outdoor Time:

• Garvan Woodland Gardens: A stunning botanical garden accessible by car. The architectural “Anthony Chapel” (glass church) is world-famous.
• Hot Springs Mountain Tower: A quick drive (or hike) up the mountain behind Bathhouse Row offers panoramic views of the track and the surrounding Ouachita National Forest.

✈️ Getting There and Where to Stay

Airports:

• Clinton National Airport (LIT): Located in Little Rock, approximately 55 minutes from Hot Springs. It is an easy, scenic drive on the highway.
• Hot Springs Memorial Field (HOT): Serves private aircraft and limited regional commercial flights (Southern Airways Express).

Recommended Hotels

• The Oaklawn Hotel: The new standard. Located directly on the track property, you can watch morning workouts from your room (if you book a trackside view). It features the Astral Spa and easy access to the casino and paddock.
• The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa: The historic “Grand Dame” of Hot Springs. It anchors downtown. It’s older and has quirks, but it drips with history. The lobby bar on a Friday night is an event in itself.
• The Waters: A boutique hotel on Bathhouse Row. Modern, clean, and features a rooftop bar with great views of downtown.
• Hotel Hale: A historic bathhouse converted into a luxury boutique hotel. Very small, very exclusive, and unique.
• The Hampton Inn: A staple option located less than 10 minutes from the track, an excellent budget-friendly hotel with well appointed rooms.

Booking Note: Arkansas Derby weekend (late March) and Rebel Stakes weekend (early March) sell out months in advance. Book immediately if you plan to attend these marquee dates.

🌲 PART 5: The Nature Detour: Hot Springs National Park

Unlike Gulfstream, where the detour is Ocala, the “detour” here is the destination itself. Hot Springs is the only city located inside a National Park.

Hiking Bathhouse Row Directly behind the bathhouses are miles of hiking trails.

• The Grand Promenade: A brick-paved path running behind the bathhouses. It’s an easy, flat walk that lets you see the thermal springs steaming out of the ground.
• Goat Rock Trail: For those wanting a real hike, this trail offers incredible views of the ridges and valleys.

Crystal Mining The Ouachita Mountains are famous for quartz crystals. Several mines nearby (like Ron Coleman Mining) allow you to dig for your own crystals. It’s a surprisingly fun and distinctively “Arkansas” activity for families or groups looking for something different than the track.

Plan Your Trip: We can’t wait to see you at Oaklawn this winter. The racing is fierce, the thermal waters are relaxing, and the hospitality is unmatched. If you are planning a visit, let your West Point representative know!