The Belmont Stakes is the third leg of the Triple Crown. A backyard gathering can be as simple as a pitcher of the signature cocktail, a few snacks and a comfortable place to watch the race together.
The Date and the Timing
Check NYRA’s Belmont Stakes information for the current race date, post time and broadcast details before inviting guests. Schedules can change, so plan around the confirmed time rather than assuming it will match a previous year. Ask guests to arrive early enough to settle in, choose a horse and watch the pre-race coverage together.
The Decor (Light Touch)
A green and white table runner, white carnations in a jar and a few reusable serving pieces give the table a race-day feel. A small chalkboard can show the confirmed post time and the horses in the field. Solar lights can carry the gathering into the evening; keep dependable lighting for paths and steps. Keep the walkway clear and put drinks on a stable table where guests can reach them comfortably.
Hats (Optional, Not Required)
Tell guests to come in comfortable backyard-party clothes. A summer sun hat is welcome, but nobody needs to buy a formal hat for the occasion.
The Signature Drink: Belmont Jewel
The New York Racing Association’s Belmont Jewel uses bourbon, lemonade and pomegranate juice with a lemon twist. For one drink, mix 1½ ounces bourbon, 2 ounces lemonade and 1 ounce pomegranate juice; serve over ice with lemon.
For eight drinks, combine 12 ounces bourbon, 16 ounces lemonade and 8 ounces pomegranate juice. Chill before serving. For an alcohol-free option, mix lemonade and pomegranate juice separately, topping with sparkling water to taste. Label both containers and keep the alcoholic drink out of children’s reach.
The Food
A menu of small bites lets guests visit and settle in for the race without a formal sit-down meal. Pick a few options to suit your group:
- Deviled eggs with paprika and chives, made ahead and kept chilled.
- Pimento cheese and crackers, with a small serving dish replenished from the refrigerator.
- Cut fruit and a cheese board with crackers.
- Glazed meatballs held hot in a slow cooker, or chicken sliders served in small batches.
- A peach-and-pecan dip with crackers or fruit, kept chilled if its ingredients require it.
Make cold dishes ahead and keep them chilled until serving. Bring out a little at a time so the table stays fresh throughout the party.
Discard perishable food left at room temperature for more than two hours, or more than one hour when the air is above 90°F. Keep fresh replacements chilled or hot until needed; do not simply top up a dish that has been sitting out.
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What to Buy
Start with the equipment that fills a gap in your setup. A drink dispenser, small labels and a viewing screen are useful choices if you will use them again after race day. The speaker and lights below serve a separate job; you do not need every item.
A drink dispenser for the crowd
A single one-gallon dispenser works for one drink; a pair provides separate containers for cocktails and alcohol-free drinks. Clearly label each so guests can tell them apart. A larger dispenser holds more, but glass gets heavy when filled: place it on a sturdy surface before filling, and check that the stand is secure. Allow clearance under the spigot for a glass, with napkins nearby. Keep chilled drinks cold and replenish them from the refrigerator as needed.
The Betting Pool (Even If Nobody’s Actually Betting)
Make this a free horse-pick game: once the official field is announced, write the horse names on slips and let each guest draw one from a bowl. Give a point to whoever draws the winner, or simply cheer for the horse on each slip. No entry fee or cash pot is needed, and no racing knowledge is required. Small chalkboards can show horse names or identify the food and drinks.
Which Viewing Setup Fits Your Yard
| Setup | Best for | Before the party |
|---|---|---|
| Watch indoors, then move outside | A small group or changing weather | Check the broadcast and give everyone a clear view |
| Outdoor-rated TV | A dedicated patio setup | Follow the manufacturer’s installation and weather instructions |
| Projector and portable screen | A shaded, suitable outdoor location | Check viewing conditions, stable anchoring and equipment ratings |
If the forecast is unsettled, plan an indoor viewing spot and bring the celebration outside afterward. Choose equipment intended for its setting.
What helps the race read outside
A 100-inch screen provides a portable option for a compatible projector; set it up on level ground and follow its anchoring instructions. A small Bluetooth speaker can help guests hear the commentary if it works with the selected device. Charge it before guests arrive and follow its water-exposure and charging instructions.
Light the gathering
The 27-foot solar string provides supplemental patio light without an extension cord. Maintain reliable lighting for steps and walking routes after dark. Position its solar panel where it receives the light specified in the instructions. Outdoor light clips can suit compatible clean, dry surfaces; check the clip and string-light instructions before hanging, and make sure the chosen support can bear the load.
The Day-Of Timeline
- The day before: Check the current broadcast and post time; make deviled eggs or pimento cheese and refrigerate them promptly.
- Earlier on race day: Arrange seating and the viewing area, check the lights, and prepare horse-name slips once entries are confirmed.
- Before guests arrive: Mix and chill the drinks, label the alcoholic and alcohol-free versions, and set out clean glasses and napkins.
- At serving time: Bring out small portions of cold food on ice and hold hot food at a safe temperature. Keep track of how long perishable food sits out.
- Before post time: Gather everyone where they can see and hear the coverage. Leave room afterward for a relaxed meal and conversation.
FAQ
When is the Belmont Stakes?
Check NYRA’s event information for the confirmed date and post time for the year you are hosting.
What if guests don’t know horse racing?
A free blind draw gives everyone a horse to follow. A quick explanation of the Triple Crown is enough to make the race easy to enjoy.
Can I make the drink without alcohol?
Yes. Use lemonade and pomegranate juice with sparkling water to taste. Make it in a separate container and clearly label both options.
