Hoppegarten Grand Season Opening — Colorful Easter Races
Eight races on Easter Sunday, the traditional start to the racing season
About Hoppegarten Season Opening
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Season Start with Tradition
For decades, the Hoppegarten Grand Season Opening has been the most important major sporting event in Brandenburg's horse racing. On Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, the Hoppegarten Racecourse will open its season with the traditional "Colorful Easter Races." Eight races, including three Listed races, make it the most action-packed opening day of the German racing season.
Program and Highlights
Race day starts with gates opening at 9:45 AM, and the first race is at 11:15 AM. A total of eight races are scheduled:
- Altano-Rennen (3rd Race, 12:18 PM, 2,800 m) — the most important preliminary heat for the Oleander-Rennen in May. Defending champion FLATTEN THE CURVE returns as the favorite.
- Preis von Dahlwitz (6th Race, 2:00 PM) — features top gallopers, including 2025 Derby contenders DELGARDO and ZUCKERHUT.
- Other Listed races and maiden races for young gallopers.
The live broadcast begins at 10:40 AM — those who cannot attend can follow every race online.
Easter Sunday Family Program
Hoppegarten is not just about racing; it's also one of the region's largest family events. The Easter date makes this particularly evident:
- Easter egg hunt with prizes for children
- Pony rides and petting zoo
- Bouncy castle and face painting
- Live music from the BVG Orchestra (founded 1902, one of Berlin's oldest public transport orchestra)
- Diverse food offerings, including the Berlin currywurst institution Curry 36
Hoppegarten Racecourse
The Hoppegarten Racecourse in the municipality of Hoppegarten, east of Berlin (Märkisch-Oderland district), is one of Germany's oldest and most traditional racecourses. Founded in 1868, it was the social center of Berlin's equestrian scene during the imperial era and remains one of the few active racecourses in eastern Germany. The spacious park, historic grandstands, and intact racing infrastructure make every race day a visual experience.
A Race Day in Berlin's Racing Tradition
The "Colorful Easter Races" are the first of 8-10 race days per year at Hoppegarten and, simultaneously, the most popular family race day. Anyone experiencing horse racing for the first time should choose this day: the program is varied, the atmosphere is family-friendly, and the combination of high-level sport (Listed races) and a festival character (Easter egg hunt) is unique.
Hoppegarten Season Opening — edition 2026
Colorful Easter Races April 5, 2026
The traditional season opener at Hoppegarten Racecourse begins on Easter Sunday with 8 races.
Sporting Program
- 11:15 AM — First Race
- 12:18 PM — Altano-Rennen (3rd Race, 2,800 m, Listed Race, preliminary heat for the Oleander-Rennen — defending champion FLATTEN THE CURVE as favorite)
- 2:00 PM — Preis von Dahlwitz (6th Race, Listed Race with top gallopers, incl. 2025 Derby contenders DELGARDO and ZUCKERHUT)
- Total of 8 races
Family Entertainment Program
- Easter egg hunt with prizes
- Pony rides and petting zoo
- Bouncy castle
- Face painting
- Live music from the BVG Orchestra (founded 1902)
- Food offerings incl. from Curry 36
Services
- Gates open from 9:45 AM
- Parking lots open from 7:00 AM
- Live stream from 10:40 AM
Programme Hoppegarten Season Opening 2026
Program April 5, 2026 — Easter Sunday
- 7:00 AM — Parking lots open
- 9:45 AM — Gates open to the racecourse
- 10:40 AM — Live stream begins
- 11:15 AM — 1st Race — Season Opening
- 12:18 PM — 3rd Race Altano-Rennen over 2,800 m (Listed Race, defending champion FLATTEN THE CURVE)
- 2:00 PM — 6th Race Preis von Dahlwitz (Listed Race with top gallopers, Derby precursor)
- Throughout the day — 5 more races, family program: Easter egg hunt, pony rides, bouncy castle, face painting, BVG Orchestra concerts
- Conclusion in the afternoon — Award ceremonies and relaxation in the racecourse garden
Tickets available at tickets.hoppegarten.com. Live broadcast of all races online from 10:40 AM.
Highlights Hoppegarten Season Opening 2026
- First race day of the 2026 racing season
- Altano-Rennen — Listed race and Oleander preliminary heat
- Preis von Dahlwitz with top gallopers
- Family program for Easter Day
- Live music by the BVG Orchestra (founded 1902)
Prices Hoppegarten Season Opening 2026
Practical information — Hoppegarten Season Opening
Getting There
S-Bahn: S5 Berlin Hauptbahnhof → Strausberg, stop Hoppegarten (Mark). From there, a 10-minute walk to the racecourse.
Car: A10 Berliner Ring, exit Hoppegarten. Parking lots open from 7:00 AM.
Address: Galopprennbahn Hoppegarten, Goetheallee 1, 15366 Hoppegarten.
Tickets
Tickets available via tickets.hoppegarten.com/tickets/20260405 or at the on-site ticket office. Various categories (standing room, grandstand, box seat).
Times
Gates open 9:45 AM, first race 11:15 AM, live stream starts 10:40 AM.
Tip
Come in spring attire — Hoppegarten has a strong fashion tradition, comparable to British race days. A hat for Easter is not mandatory but welcome. Combine your race day with a walk through the Hoppegarten training area, where the gallopers do their morning training runs.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Hoppegarten Season Opening
Galopprennbahn Hoppegarten
Goetheallee 1, 15366 Hoppegarten