Harness Racing and Autumnfest to Draw Thousands to Shenandoah Downs This Weekend

Harness racing fans and fall festival lovers are in for a treat this Saturday as Shenandoah Downs teams up once again with the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce to bring racing excitement to the heart of the annual Autumnfest celebration, set for Saturday, October 4.

Coming off a successful weekend that featured both harness racing and the crowd-favorite wiener dog races, Shenandoah Downs is gearing up for another high-energy two-day race card, with 14 races scheduled both Saturday and Sunday.

The big draw on Saturday will be Autumnfest, a lively fall tradition held on the track’s infield grounds. The event typically draws between 3,000 and 4,000 people, offering a unique blend of entertainment, food, and community spirit—all set against the backdrop of live harness racing from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Racing fans will be glad to know that admission to the harness races remains free, with guests entering through the usual grandstand entrance. Those wanting to experience the full Autumnfest experience—including barbecue tastings, live music, local vendors, and spirited competitions—can purchase a separate festival ticket for $10 (ages 15 and up).

To make things even easier for horseplayers, a betting kiosk will be set up within the festival area, letting fans place their wagers without missing a moment of the action—or the barbecue.

And for those wanting to sample local flavors, the festival’s popular “Tasting Ticket” is back. For $35 online (or $40 at the gate), guests receive a souvenir tasting glass and unlimited samples of regional craft beers, ciders, wines, mead, and spirits. Advance tickets can be purchased through the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce at: shenandoahcountychamber.com/event-6255050.

Sunday, October 5, brings another full race card and a free fan contest to the grandstand. The “Pick the Horses” Handicapping Contest gives racegoers a shot at $500 in cash prizes. Participants can enter for free before 3:00 p.m., with the top five finishers not only splitting the prize pool but also advancing to a $2,000 Final Table showdown on Saturday, October 25.

Sunday also features budget-friendly trackside treats with $1 hot dogs and $2 canned beer, making it a perfect day for casual fans and seasoned bettors alike.

Shenandoah Downs continues to blend the best of local tradition with live racing, creating weekends filled with action, food, and community celebration. With harness racing, Autumnfest, and fan contests all rolled into one, this weekend promises to deliver for festivalgoers and race fans alike.