Irish Raceday Hoppegarten
Horse racing with green hats, Irish Music and Oleanderrennen
About Irish Raceday
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The biggest horse race in the Berlin surroundings
The Hoppegarten racecourse, founded in 1868 and located just 25 km east of Berlin, is one of Germany's most traditional racing venues. In the Märkisch-Oderland district, right on the eastern city limits of Berlin, Hoppegarten is accessible by S-Bahn (S5). The Irish Raceday in May is considered the most attended race day of the entire season — around 10,000 visitors are expected in 2026.
The Oleanderrennen — A classic with €130,000
The sporting centrepiece of the day is the 55th Oleanderrennen, a Group II race over 3,200 m with a prize fund of €130,000. It is one of the few long Group races in Germany and attracts stables from France, Great Britain, and Ireland annually. In addition, there are five to six other races, including the Goldene Peitsche-Trial (sprint race) and maiden races for horses competing for the first time.
Irish Theme: Guinness, Greenery, Riverdance
The surrounding atmosphere transforms the race day into an Irish family festival: Guinness and Kilkenny on tap, Irish Stew, Soda Bread, Riverdance-inspired dance performances, live music with fiddle, banjo, and bodhrán. Dressing in green sets the right tone — many guests wear shamrock pins or green hats.
Family Entertainment and Picnic Culture
On the infield, there are children's carousels, bouncy castles, pony rides — and the tradition of picnicking with blankets has been established for years. For those who prefer more elegance, tables can be reserved in the Champagne tent or box seats with full catering.
Irish Raceday — edition 2026
For years, Irish Raceday has been the most attended race day at Hoppegarten and one of seven major race days of the 2026 season. The Oleanderrennen is the sporting centrepiece: a Group II distance race that attracts significant international stables. Alongside this, the usual day's program features five to six other races and a rich supporting program with Irish Music, a Guinness bar, a children's carousel, and a picnic atmosphere on the infield.
Programme Irish Raceday 2026
Irish Raceday May 10th, 2026 — Hoppegarten Racecourse
Schedule
- 12:30 PM — Admission
- 1:50 PM — First Race
- 5–6 races spread throughout the day — Highlight: 55th Oleanderrennen (Group II, 3,200 m, €130,000 prize money)
- Approx. 5:30 PM — Last Race
Supporting Program
- Live Irish Music (Fiddle, Banjo, Bodhrán)
- Guinness and Kilkenny on tap
- Irish Street Food (Stew, Soda Bread, Fish & Chips)
- Dance performances with Irish folklore
- Children's program: Carousel, bouncy castle, pony rides
- Picnic on the infield (blankets allowed)
- Champagne bar and box service for premium guests
Tickets
- Online at tickets.hoppegarten.com
- Day tickets, family tickets, box reservations
- Recommendation: Use advance sales — Irish Raceday often sells out
Highlights Irish Raceday 2026
Prices Irish Raceday 2026
Practical information — Irish Raceday
Getting there
Galopprennbahn Hoppegarten, Goetheallee 1, 15366 Hoppegarten. S-Bahn S5 Berlin (final stop Strausberg) station Hoppegarten (Mark), then a 10-minute walk. Arriving by car: A10 (eastern Berliner Ring), exit Hoppegarten.
Times
Admission from 12:30 PM, first race at 1:50 PM. Last race around 5:30 PM, depending on the program.
Tickets
Online at tickets.hoppegarten.com. Day tickets, family tickets, box seats, and grandstand seats. Recommendation: book early, Irish Raceday is regularly the sold-out day of the season.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Irish Raceday al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Irish Raceday
Galopprennbahn Hoppegarten
Goetheallee 1, 15366 Hoppegarten