HOLLYWOOD CASINO AT CHARLES TOWN RACES ANNOUNCES THE 2025 CHARLES TOWN CLASSIC

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. (June xxx, 2025) – Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, a property of PENN Entertainment, today announced the 17th running of the Charles Town Classic, set for Friday, August 22, 2025. The event will take place from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m. and will include live horse racing and family-oriented activities. Admission is free and open to all ages.

Live racing begins at 5 pm. The main event will feature a $1,000,000 prize purse. In addition to racing, attendees can access various on-site offerings including food trucks, live music, a beer garden, silent auction, games, contests, a petting zoo and pony rides.

“The Charles Town Classic is a signature event for our property, and we are proud to continue this annual tradition,” said, Sean Demeule, General Manager at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. “This year’s event promises an exciting day filled with competitive racing, diverse food options, lively entertainment, and engaging activities for guests of all ages.”

Live music will begin at 6:30 p.m. with Indie rock band Susto, followed by soul artist Maggie Rose and a headline performance by Grammy winner and Texas Walk of Fame member Amanda Shires at 9 pm. These are free performances open to all ages. Some seating will be available; however guests are strongly encouraged to bring their own chairs.

The food truck lineup includes more than 15 vendors from across the region, and includes: Fuzzies Burgers, Amy & Alex’s Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee, Papas Chicken and Ribs, Strokers BBQ, Zell’s Kitchen, and Kotei Kids Shaved Ice, Zells’s Kitchen.

Hollywood Casino will also highlight several local nonprofit organizations during the event. A donation of $20,000 will be presented to West Virginia Health Initiative after the 8th race. The silent auction, featuring over 30 items, will take place from 4 – 10 pm and will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Foundation, Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County and the West Virginia Breast Health Initiative.

While general admission is free, VIP experience packages are available for purchase. The VIP Experience includes reserved, tented seating with high-top tables and couches, an all-inclusive beverage menu, and a complimentary cigar. The Skyline Terrace Buffet Experience includes a reserved dining table, buffet with a variety of entrees including prime rib, a personal television, and a welcome champagne toast. Although the Charles Town Classic is held outside and is open to all ages, any attendees entering the casino building itself must be at least 21 years of age.