What Horse Racing Can I Watch at Fair Grounds Race Course?

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans hosts world-class thoroughbred racing and bills itself as America's second-oldest track, operating since 1872. You can watch live thoroughbred racing plus themed race-day events, and for marquee dates like the Thanksgiving Classic you need to buy tickets in advance. Because the racing calendar and special events change by season, check the track's events page before you plan a visit.

The Racing Itself

The core draw is thoroughbred racing at a track that has been running since 1872 — the site describes it as "Racing America's 2nd oldest track featuring world-class thoroughbred racing." That means live horse racing is the main spectator sport here, alongside the property's slots and off-track betting locations.

If you specifically want the racing (rather than the casino floor), plan around the race calendar rather than just showing up, since race days and post times vary.

Special Race Events Worth Planning Around

The site highlights at least one marquee racing date:

• Thanksgiving Classic — promoted with a "Tickets On Sale!" banner and a direct "Buy Tickets" call to action. The copy frames it as "the thrills, the pageantry and the fun," which signals it's a ticketed, higher-demand event rather than a walk-up race day.

The practical takeaway: for named events like this, buy tickets ahead rather than assuming general admission at the gate.

Racing Combined With Themed Events

Fair Grounds pairs racing with social and seasonal programming. Examples from the events calendar include:

The Rhythm & Racing line dancing event is the clearest example of racing-plus-entertainment: an evening social event tied to the track's racing identity. The Jambalaya Jamboree Cook-Off starts at 12:55 PM, a time that lines up with a race-day afternoon, suggesting food and racing run together.

Promotions Tied to Race Days

Some giveaways are scheduled on race-day Saturdays. The Pick A Pumpkin Giveaway lets guests pick up a pumpkin to win free slot play on certain Saturdays in October, listed for Sat, October 17, 2026. Other promotions include the $127,000 Rustling Richest Giveaway and Rolling for Riches Hot Seat. These are casino-floor promotions rather than racing events, but they cluster on the same busy days.

Before You Go

• Check the calendar. The listed events carry 2026 dates, and the site notes racing and special events change — confirm current dates and post times on the events page.
• Buy tickets for named races. The Thanksgiving Classic is explicitly ticketed.
• Decide what you're there for. Racing, slots (over 600 machines), and 13 OTB & Casino locations are separate offerings on the same property.

If your goal is purely to watch thoroughbred racing, aim for a scheduled race day; if you want the fuller experience, target an event weekend like the Thanksgiving Classic or a themed evening such as Rhythm & Racing.