Black-Eyed Susan Day 2026 | Here’s what to know

Laurel (WBFF) — It’s Black-Eyed Susan Day!

The day serves as a prelude to Saturday’s 151st Preakness Stakes.

Here’s what you need to know about the day:

What’s a Black-Eyed Susan?

A plant, a horse race, and a cocktail — the big three.

The Rudbeckia hirta — the plant’s scientific name — resembles a sunflower with its bright-yellow petals. It’s the official state flower of Maryland.

The cocktail, which is consumed in great quantities every third weekend of May, is equal parts bourbon, vodka and peach schnapps. It has orange juice, sour mix, an orange slice and cherry for garnish.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – MAY 15: A detail of the Black Eyed Susan’s is shown ahead of the 146th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 15, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The horse race is for 3-year-old fillies on Friday, a prelude to the Preakness. It features six stakes that are worth $1 million in purses.

Where are the races held?

Laurel Park will serve as the site for both Black Eye-Susan Day and Preakness events.

There are a number of different fan experiences available for purchase to enjoy different aspects of race day.

For more information, you can visit the Black Eyed-Susan Day website here.