Afro Preak, a major cultural Preakness Stakes infield event, returns in 2025 with an expanded, three-day celebration from May 15 – May 17.
This is Afro Preak’s fourth year, lining up with the historic 150th running of the Preakness.
Launched in 2022 to elevate the Black experience within the Preakness Stakes, Afro Preak blends fashion, live entertainment, and culinary prowess into a community-centered celebration with both economic and cultural impact that extends long after the race is over.
This year, founders LaRian Finney and Derrick Chase have partnered with Urban Golf Weekend for the inaugural Afro Preak Golf Invitational. The first of its kind, this event is national, and aims to promote access, equity, and cultural inclusion through the sport of golf. Finney is Managing Partner at The Finn Group, and Chase is Partner at Chase Executive Holdings.
“This weekend is about redefining access,” Finney said. “By expanding Afro Preak to a full weekend and partnering with Urban Golf Weekend, we are creating a vibrant, inclusive cultural destination that delivers economic value to Baltimore’s local businesses and communities.”
The three-day schedule begins on Thursday, May 15 and runs through the big event on Saturday, May 17.
On Thursday, there will be a Welcome Reception at BLK Swan hosted by The Finn Group and Dchase Presents. The event will feature entertainment, specialty cuisine and cocktails, and a guest list that includes prominent changemakers, creatives, and influencers. The Welcome Reception takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations can be booked at Open Table by clicking here.
Then, on Friday, the inaugural Golf Invitational Presented by Urban Golf Weekend will take place. Join executives, innovators, and athletes at Pine Ridge Golf Course for a day of networking and competition. Proceeds from the invitational will benefit BTST Cares and its youth-focused golf programs that expand minority participation in the sport. Individual tickets are $325, and a foursome costs $1,200. There is also a golf clinic, which costs $225. Tickets for any of these can be purchased by clicking here.
Rounding out the three-day celebration, Saturday’s event is the centerpiece of the weekend, of course. Afro Preak at Pimlico Racecourse will offer guests a luxury infield experience with premium hospitality, top-tier entertainment, and gourmet cuisine from restaurants like Slutty Vegan, Bar Vegan, Carolina Kitchen, and Island Quizine. Hosted by VII(N) – The Seventh Estate, which was co-founded by NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony and creative strategist Asani Swann, the infield experience will also feature entertainment by DJ Quicksilva, DJ Flow, DJ P Drama, DJ Supream, and The Bearded Drummer. Tickets are $283.20 (including fees) and can be purchased by clicking here.
“AFRO PREAK is more than an event—it’s a movement,” Chase said. “The growth of this platform reflects national demand for culturally-relevant activations that uplift communities and drive pride in place. We’re honored to present this experience in Baltimore.”
In 2024, Afro Preak welcomed over 1,500 guests and enjoyed support from major support from major civic and cultural organizations including the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, and the Greater Baltimore Urban League. This year is expected to be even larger, with Finney and Chase expecting more than 2,500 guests for the cultural celebration.
AFRO PREAKNESS? Why in the world does anyone have to take something and make it only theirs . Preakness is about horse racing and not about Afro anything . It becomes annoying and actually embarrassing that my people have to continue to do these things. Look at who is doing this ? “I have arrived” My father taught me better . Be more humble . One doesn’t always have to be a show